New York, California, Nevada sue USDA over demand for immigration status of SNAP recipients
NEW YORK — A coalition led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by California and Nevada, has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), challenging a directive that would compel states to disclose the immigration status and other sensitive personal information of recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
The lawsuit, filed on July 26, 2025, argues that the USDA’s demand to turn over names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and immigration status of SNAP beneficiaries violates federal privacy laws and exceeds the agency’s authority. The coalition contends the order threatens not only the confidentiality of recipients but also the states' ability to administer the nutrition program without fear or interference.
“We’re fighting not just for the privacy of our residents, but for the integrity of a program that feeds millions,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. “This is
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President Marcos delivers fourth SONA amid political divisions and economic promises
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address focusing on infrastructure progress, economic recovery, and defense, while key Duterte allies and senators were notably absent amid political tensions
by AJPress
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28,
Escudero retains Senate presidency as Sotto leads minority bloc in 20th Congress
by AJPress
MANILA — The Senate of the Philippines formally convened its 20th Congress on July 28, 2025, reelecting Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as Senate President with 19 votes, reaffirming his steady leadership and cross-party appeal. Escudero, who first assumed the presidency in 2024, continues in the role as the upper chamber opens a new legislative term following the May 2025 midterm elections.
“We aim to uphold the independence of the Senate, serve as a check on power, and ensure legislation reflects the real needs of the Filipino people,” Escudero said in remarks delivered after taking his oath of office.
Estrada returns as Senate President Pro Tempore Veteran lawmaker Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada was also reelected as Senate President Pro Tempore, having held the same position during previous Congresses, including 2007, 2013, and again
SC bars impeachment case vs. VP Sara Duterte under one-year rule
2025, before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa. His speech highlighted
Escudero scraps impeachment trial
SENATE President Francis Escudero on Tuesday, July 29 confirmed that the Senate has no plans to convene as an impeachment court following a Supreme Court ruling that effectively blocks the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking at a press briefing, Escudero cited the Supreme Court’s decision, which declared the articles of impeachment against Duterte invalid due to a constitutional violation committed by the House of Representatives. Specifically, the Court said the House breached the one-year bar rule in filing its impeachment complaint, rendering the case outside the Senate’s jurisdiction.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling is final and immediately executory,” Escudero said. “Whether we like the Supreme Court’s decision or not, we might be called a banana republic (if we do not follow it).”
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The Philippine Supreme Court has declared the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, citing the one-year bar and due process violations Canadian-Filipina tennis star scores breakthrough victory in Washington
by
AJPress
MANILA — The Supreme Court on Thursday, July 25, unanimously ruled that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is unconstitutional, citing the 1987 Constitution’s one-year bar on initiating multiple impeachment proceedings against the same official.
In an en banc decision, the high
tribunal declared the articles of impeachment transmitted to the Senate earlier this year as “void and of no force and effect,” effectively halting any further legislative action against the vice president. The Court also underscored due process violations throughout the proceedings.
“The Constitution imposes a clear prohibition against initiating
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by AJPress
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ASSESSING THE SONA. Cabinet officials tackle President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s 4th State of the Nation Address at San Juan City's National Government Center on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The forum, hosted by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro (seated, left) discussed, among others, food security and economic development, environmental protection, health,
photo by Joan Bondoc
by Javier Joe ismael and red mendoza ManilaTimes.net
Leylah Fernandez wins biggest career title at DC Open
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Canadian tennis player Leylah Annie Fernandez won her first WTA 500 title on Sunday, July 27, 2025, defeating Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open. The victory marks the fourth WTA singles title of Fernandez’s career and her most prestigious tournament win to date.
President Marcos delivers fourth SONA...
PAGE 1
infrastructure progress, social programs, and economic growth under his administration while occurring amid visible political rifts within the ruling coalition.
Marcos emphasized the country’s economic recovery, declaring that the Philippines is “on track to achieve upper-middle income status,” citing stable growth projections, lower inflation, and increased foreign investments, all supported by his government’s flagship “Build Better More” program.
Key announcements included:
• Continued expansion of the Kadiwa program and establishment of food terminals to support farmers and stabilize prices.
• Extension of the free college tuition program and housing projects under the “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative.
• Investment in renewable energy projects and the exploration of nuclear power partnerships.
• Further digitalization of government services to improve efficiency.
On defense and foreign policy, Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea:
“The Filipino people will not yield,” he said, underscoring increased cooperation with regional allies and the role of international law in protecting maritime rights.
Notable absences reflect political strains
Vice President Sara Duterte, a key figure in Marcos’ 2022 campaign, was absent from the SONA. Her non-attendance follows weeks of mounting tension between the Marcos and Duterte camps, with Duterte recently voicing concerns over foreign policy and local governance autonomy.
Senators aligned with the Duterte bloc—including Bong Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Robin Padilla—also did not attend. Padilla openly cited protest against the detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court as his reason for skipping the event, emphasizing that his absence was “not personal.” Senator
Imee Marcos, the president’s older sister, was likewise absent, citing ongoing relief efforts for typhoon-affected communities as her reason.
The absences of these key senators underscore divisions that have emerged within the ruling coalition between the Marcos and Duterte factions.
Attendance of former presidents
Among living former presidents, only Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was present. Former resident Joseph “Erap” Estrada was invited but did not attend.
Looking ahead
Observers noted that the 2025 SONA served not only as a progress report but also as a political gauge ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. Marcos closed his speech with a call for unity and growth:
“We are not merely rebuilding; we are reimagining a stronger, more inclusive nation.”
The event reflected both the administration’s achievements and the evolving political landscape in the Philippines. n
Escudero scraps impeachment trial...
The Senate received the official copy of the ruling via email on July 25.
Escudero warned of the possibility of a constitutional crisis should the Senate ignore the Supreme Court’s order. “It is a question of adherence to the rule of law,” he said.
While affirming that the Senate will not take jurisdiction over the case as an impeachment court, Escudero said the matter will still be discussed among senators as a legislative body. A caucus will be held to deliberate on how to proceed within the framework of Senate rules.
“It is part of the process observed under Senate rules,” he said. “The senators will deliberate on whether to heed the Supreme Court’s directive.”
Escudero also recalled a relevant precedent: during the 2012 impeachment trial of then-chief justice Renato Corona, the Senate chose to respect a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court concerning Corona’s bank records. That decision was made through a caucus vote of 13-10 in favor of compliance with the Court’s directive.
“That was the precedent,” he said. “The Senate decided whether or not to follow the TRO in a caucus — not even in plenary.”
Sens. Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Francis Pangilinan on Monday, July 28 called on the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision invalidating the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, warning that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic checks and balances.
In a joint statement, the senators said they “respectfully disagree” with the high court’s ruling, which declared the impeachment complaint defective.
“Congress, acting in good faith and following prevailing jurisprudence, followed the law in initiating and transmitting the complaint,” the senators said.
“To retroactively apply a new definition of what it means to ‘initiate’ an impeachment case, after the fact, can be likened to changing the rules in the middle of the game. It is unfair.”
The lawmakers argued that the Court’s interpretation not only disrupts the legislative process but could also chill fu-
SC bars impeachment case vs. VP Sara...
PAGE 1
more than one impeachment proceeding within a one-year period. The present complaint violates that rule,” the decision stated, referencing Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
ture attempts to hold top officials accountable.
Not resting
Despite gaining a legal victory at the Supreme Court, the defense team of Vice President Duterte said that they are not resting due to the several cases filed against her.
In an interview with TMT Newsroom on Tuesday, Defense spokesman Michael Wesley Poa said they are prepared to answer the possible motion for reconsideration that the House of Representatives will file in the Supreme Court, as well as other cases filed against Duterte, including one in the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to the confidential funds issue.
“So as you can see, I don’t think now is the time to rest at the moment. On our end, we just keep on monitoring the developments, not just with this case but with all other cases. Then we react accordingly,” Poa said.
Poa also reiterated that Duterte has consistently maintained that she wanted to answer the allegations raised against her once the impeachment complaints were transmitted to the Senate. n
The impeachment case, filed in February 2025, marked the fourth attempt within 12 months to remove Duterte from office. Earlier complaints, although not endorsed by the House justice committee, were still considered sufficient to trigger the constitutional clock, according to the justices.
Vice President Duterte, through her legal team, earlier questioned the validity of the complaint in a formal reply filed on June 23. Her filing, titled Answer Ad Cautelam, argued that the impeachment case was not only procedurally flawed but also politically motivated and lacking in legal merit.
“These articles of impeachment are nothing but a scrap of paper,” Duterte’s camp said in its filing.
The Senate, which began preliminary steps toward forming an impeachment court in June, had already expressed concerns about the complaint’s legal standing. On June 10, senators opted to remand the articles back to the House of Representatives, pending legal clarity—a move that anticipated Thursday’s ruling.
House leaders have yet to respond formally to the Supreme Court’s decision, but legal experts note that Congress
is now barred from filing any new impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte until February 2026, based on the one-year rule.
The dismissed complaint had accused Duterte of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as education secretary. Duterte has denied all charges and said the complaint was part of a broader political effort to undermine her ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Constitutional basis: Oneyear impeachment bar
Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution provides: “No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.”
The Supreme Court clarified that this applies regardless of whether earlier complaints are dismissed or not acted upon. The initiation of a complaint—once formally filed and referred to the House Committee on Justice—activates the one-year restriction.
Legal and political implica-
tions
The Supreme Court’s ruling bars any new impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte until February 2026, unless it involves entirely new and unrelated charges. Under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution, no impeachment proceedings may be initiated more than once against the same official within a one-year period.
Legal experts view the decision as a strong affirmation of judicial oversight in the impeachment process, emphasizing the need for constitutional compliance and due process protections—even in highly politicized proceedings.
The Senate, having earlier deferred action on the case, is expected to formally archive the impeachment records in light of the Supreme Court’s declaration that the complaint is void.
This marks the first instance in Philippine legal history where the Supreme Court has struck down an impeachment complaint on constitutional grounds before it reached trial, setting a precedent for future congressional action. n
JOB HUNT. Job seekers queue up at a mega job fair at the Caloocan City Hall on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The city government said it is implementing its vision of inclusive growth and accessible livelihood opportunities for every resident, helping strengthen the city’s workforce and local economy.
PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterte
NYC Mayoral race heats up: Adams, Cuomo trade Barbs as Mamdani Holds Lead
by AJPress
NEW YORK - Tensions
in New York City's mayoral race have escalated, with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo trading sharp public attacks as they attempt to position themselves as the leading centrist challenger to progressive Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
With the November 4 general election approaching, both Adams and Cuomo are running as independents after failing to win the Democratic primary.
An unusual three-way contest
• Zohran Mamdani, 33, a democratic socialist and Queens assemblyman, secured the Democratic nomination in June, defeating Cuomo by 12 percentage points.
• Eric Adams, the sitting mayor, launched an independent reelection bid after party support dwindled amid controversies.
• Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations, is running under a newly created “Fight and Deliver” party line.
Cuomo argues that broader turnout in the general election gives him a viable
path to victory.
“The people of this city know what effective leadership looks like,” Cuomo said. “This isn’t over.”
Adams and Cuomo urge each other to drop out
Both men have called for the other to exit the race in order to avoid splitting the moderate vote.
Adams has described Cuomo as a spoiler who risks handing the mayoralty to the far left:
“This isn’t the time for vanity runs,” Adams told NY1.
“New Yorkers want leadership, not a comeback tour.”
Cuomo fired back, labeling Adams “unelectable” and referencing multiple investigations facing the mayor.
“Eric Adams cannot win a general election—he should do what’s right for the city and step aside,” Cuomo said on July 26.
Escalating personal attacks
The rhetoric has turned increasingly personal.
Adams recently brought up Cuomo’s resignation, accusing him of abandoning leadership during crisis:
“He walked away from leadership when it mattered most,” Adams said. “Now he wants a second act while undermining another Black elected official.”
Cuomo, while not directly addressing that claim, con-
tinues to position himself as the stronger candidate to face Mamdani.
Polling snapshot
• Recent polls show Mamdani as the frontrunner:
• Mamdani: 35% to 39%
• Cuomo: 21% to 29%
• Adams: 9% to 14%
• Curtis Sliwa (Republican): 12% to 16%
Prediction markets estimate Mamdani has a 72% chance of winning if the vote remains split between Adams and Cuomo.
Calls for Unity Go Unanswered
High-profile figures like billionaire Bill Ackman and civil rights leader Al Sharpton have urged Adams and Cuomo to unify behind one candidate to challenge Mamdani.
So far, neither has stepped aside.
What’s at stake
A Mamdani victory would signal a significant leftward shift in New York City’s politics, elevating a self-described democratic socialist to lead the largest city in the U.S.
Both Adams and Cuomo must now convince voters— and each other—that they are not spoilers, but credible challengers in their own right.
The outcome may depend not only on policy—but on who blinks first. n
Filipino American camper swept away in California River found dead
by AJPress
BAKERSFIELD, CA — A week-long search for a Filipino American camper who disappeared while swimming in the Kern River has ended in tragedy. Authorities confirmed on July 24 that the body found near Hobo Campground in eastern Kern County is James Ashley Bawayan, a 35-year-old surgical technician from Chino Hills, California.
Bawayan was swept away by the river’s fast-moving currents on the evening of July 12 while camping with family and friends near Black Gulch, southwest of Lake Isabella. According to relatives, the group had visited the site every summer for the past four years. Witnesses said Bawayan jumped into the river to avoid a crowded swim-
ming area, unaware of the unusually strong current. “He’s the guy that leaves you with a lasting impression. Without him, it doesn’t feel right,” a relative told reporters. Search and rescue teams
U.S. job openings slip below expectations in June
by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. job openings fell to 7.437 million in June, missing economists’ forecast of 7.5 million, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The drop from a revised 7.712 million in May signals a continued cooling in labor demand.
The job openings rate held
steady at 4.4%, while hires declined to 5.204 million from 5.465 million. The quits rateremained at 2.2%, the lowest since early 2021, and layoffs held flat at 1.527 million, showing that employers remain cautious but are not cutting jobs at elevated rates.
Economists say the data suggest the labor market is normalizing, not collapsing,
as demand softens while layoffs stay historically low. The report is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, which has signaled a need for labor market rebalancing to ease inflationary pressure. Job openings remain above pre-pandemic levels, but sectors like hospitality, health care, and finance saw the largest declines in vacancies. n
New York, California, Nevada sue USDA...
PAGE 1
a blatant attempt to weaponize a nutrition program to target immigrant communities.”
The USDA’s data-sharing directive, issued earlier this year under the Trump administration, threatens to withhold critical federal SNAP funding from states that fail to comply. The directive has sparked widespread concern among state governments and advocacy groups, who say it could have a chilling effect on eligible families seeking food assistance, particularly those in mixed-status households.
California Attorney General
Rob Bonta called the mandate “a coercive and unlawful overreach that has no place in a country committed to due process and human dignity.”
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford confirmed the state’s participation in the lawsuit, stating that the directive risks undermining trust between vulnerable communities and public institutions. “No family should have to choose between food and their privacy,” Ford said.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, seeks to block the USDA from enforcing the directive and to ensure states retain discretion over what
information is necessary to administer SNAP effectively and legally. Plaintiffs argue that the USDA's demands are not required under current federal law, and that sharing immigration data could pave the way for misuse in enforcement efforts unrelated to food assistance.
More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to meet basic nutritional needs, including children, seniors, veterans, and low-income workers. Attorneys general from additional states are expected to weigh in as the case progresses. (Inquirer.net)
scoured the area for days, assisted by volunteers and relatives. The family pleaded with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to temporarily reduce water flow from nearby Isabella Dam to aid search u PAGE 4
James Ashley Bawayan
Filipino American camper swept away...
efforts. By mid-week, the operation shifted from rescue to recovery.
On July 19, a body was discovered near Hobo Campground. The Kern County Coroner’s Office formally identified the remains as Bawayan five days later. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death.
A Life remembered Bawayan was described by friends and co-workers as generous, hardworking, and always full of life. He worked as a surgical technician at
Kaiser Permanente in Riverside and was known for his warmth and humor. He had just attended a cousin’s wedding the day before the trip.
“He brought people together,” one friend wrote on social media. “We are devastated by this loss.”
A cautionary tragedy
The Kern River is known for its treacherous conditions, especially in the summer when snowmelt and dam releases can rapidly increase water flow. More than 300 people have drowned in the Kern River since 1968, according
to local officials. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office reiterated its warning to visitors: avoid entering the river without proper safety equipment and stay clear of areas with swift currents.
Community mourning Bawayan’s family expressed deep gratitude to the volunteers, first responders, and supporters who helped in the search. Tributes have poured in from fellow healthcare workers, the Filipino American community in Southern California, and friends across the state. n
Leylah Fernandez wins biggest career...
The 22-year-old left-hander from Laval, Quebec delivered a commanding performance in the final, winning 6–1, 6–2 in just over an hour. Fernandez faced only one break point and converted four against Kalinskaya to take home the trophy.
“This is the kind of match you dream of,” Fernandez said after her win. “I played fearless tennis today.”
A grueling path to the title Fernandez’s title run included victories over some of the top players on the WTA tour:
• Second round: defeated World No. 5 and top seed Jessica Pegula
• Quarterfinals: defeated Taylor Townsend
• Semifinals: defeated World No. 4 Elena Rybakina in a marathon match lasting 3 hours and 12 minutes, with three consecutive tiebreak sets
The semifinal was one of the most physically demanding matches of Fernandez’s career. She saved a match point and ultimately triumphed 6–7 (4), 7–6 (6), 7–6 (3).
“I just tried to fight for every point,” she told reporters.
After the semifinal, Fernandez humorously credited her recovery to a burger-andfries meal from Shake Shack, saying it helped her bounce back quickly before the final.
A career milestone
With this win, Fernandez now holds four career WTA singles titles:
• Monterrey Open (2021)
• Monterrey Open (2022)
• Hong Kong Open (2023)
• DC Open (2025)
The DC Open title is her first at the WTA 500 level, a significant upgrade from her previous titles, which came at WTA 250 events. WTA 500 tournaments attract high-
er-ranked players and offer more ranking points and prize money.
Fernandez was ranked World No. 36 at the time of the victory.
Heritage and background
Fernandez was born to an Ecuadorian father, Jorge Fernandez, who also serves as her coach, and a Filipino-Canadian mother, Irene Exevea, originally from the Philippines. She has frequently spoken about how her multicultural background has shaped her work ethic and discipline.
While she plays under the Canadian flag, her Filipino heritage continues to inspire many in the global Filipino community.
North American Season Continues
Fernandez’s dominant run at the DC Open gives her significant momentum heading into the North American hardcourt swing, which includes the National Bank Open in Montreal—her hometown— and the U.S. Open in New York later this summer.
A defining moment in Fernandez’s career came at the 2021 U.S. Open, where she reached the final at just 19 years old. Along the way, she defeated three top seeds: Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, and Aryna Sabalenka, before falling to Emma Raducanu in an all-teenage championship match. n
Escudero retains Senate presidency as Sotto...
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in 2024. Nominated by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Estrada's election marks the fourth time he has held the chamber’s second-highest post—more than any other senator in history.
Joel Villanueva elected as majority leader
Senator Joel Villanueva was elected Majority Floor Leader, a key position that includes chairmanship of the influential Committee on Rules. Villanueva is expected to play a central role in managing the legislative calendar, including deliberations on the national budget and economic reform measures.
The position of Deputy Majority Leader had not yet been filled as of the chamber's opening session.
Tito Sotto leads fivemember minority
In a development signaling a seasoned and potentially assertive opposition, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III was elected as Senate Minority Leader, garnering five votes. Sotto, who previously served as Senate President from 2018 to 2022, returns to the chamber with a new mandate to lead the Senate’s minority.
Joining Sotto in the five-member bloc are Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Risa Hontiveros—a diverse lineup that spans ideological leanings from progressive to center-right. Their alignment suggests a potentially independent and critical minority poised to scrutinize administration-backed legislation.
The Deputy Minority Leader had not yet been announced at the time of the session’s opening. n
Senate unveils committee chairmanships for 20th Congress
by AJPress
MANILA — The Philippine Senate has released the official list of committee chairmanships for the 20th Congress, revealing key appointments that signal power-sharing arrangements among allies and influential returning legislators.
Below is the complete list of chairpersons as confirmed on July 29, 2025:
Key committee assignments
Senator Rodante Marcoleta
• Blue Ribbon Committee
• Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
• Accounts
• Justice and Human Rights
• Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education
• Science and Technology
Senator Imee Marcos
• Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development
• Cooperatives
• Foreign Relations
Senator Pia Cayetano
• Energy
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Ways and Means
Senator Kiko Pangilinan
• Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform
Senator Bam Aquino
• Basic Education
Senator Robin Padilla
• Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes
• Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs
• Public Information and Mass Media
Senator Erwin Tulfo
• Games and Amusement
• Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development
Senator Raffy Tulfo
• Migrant Workers
• Public Services
Senator Bong Go
• Health and Demography
• Sports
• Youth
Senator JV Ejercito
• Local Government
• Tourism
Senator Jinggoy Estrada
• National Defense and Security
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa
• Public Order and Dangerous Drugs
Senator Mark Villar
• Public Works
Senator Win Gatchalian
• Finance
Senator Camille Villar
• Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change
These committee assignments are expected to shape the Senate’s legislative priorities in the months ahead, with several senators taking on multiple high-profile roles. Analysts view the distribution as favoring administration-aligned lawmakers and experienced returnees, consolidating influence across economic, defense, and social policy areas. n
Leylah Fernandez wins her first WTA 500 title at the 2025 DC Open in Washington, D.C., defeating Anna Kalinskaya. (source @leylahannietennis instagram)
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero takes his oath as Senate President of the 20th Congress. Photo from Facebook/@officialchizescudero
FeAtures OPiniOn
The flooding imperative: Confronting an escalating crisis in the Philippines
A call for stronger national-local coordination, climate resilience, and long-term solutions
FLOODING in the Philippines has become more than a seasonal disruption—it is now a recurring national crisis with structural and humanitarian dimensions. In July alone, heavy monsoon rains intensified by Tropical Storm Co-may displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals and led to significant loss of life. For many communities, images of inundated homes, stalled transport, and emergency evacuations have become a familiar pattern rather than an anomaly.
Reports from different agencies have reflected varying tallies of casualties and missing persons during the storm—a common occurrence in unfolding disasters, where local responder data may differ from figures officially confirmed by national authorities. These differences often arise from timing, real-time updates, and the
distinct verification standards each agency employs. These events underscore a broader reality: the Philippines is consistently ranked among the most flood-prone countries globally. While climate change plays an accelerating role, the root causes also lie in decades of inadequate urban planning, insuffi
The light we carry: Remembering fireflies through stories
I REMEMBER the caimito tree adjacent to my grandmother’s house in Dapdap Norte. Its roots spilled like a tangled secret into the earth. At dusk, the air around it shimmered with fireflies, as if someone had shaken a jar of stars and set them free. My cousin and I would gather barefoot on the Bermuda grass, breathing in the scent
of wet soil and crushed leaves, faces turned upward to the small lights floating among the branches and the night sky.
In hushed tones, Lola Bebe would tell us: “Puy-ananan na sa mga engkanto (That tree is the home of engkantos),” or the supernatural beings older than memory itself. She would warn, “Ayaw tudloa ang ka-
hoy (Don’t point at the tree),” a belief that says if we point at something forbidden, our fingers could be cut off unless we bite them afterward. We nodded solemnly, half-afraid, halfthrilled, because childhood leaves space for both fear and wonder.?
On those warm nights, the world felt enchanted, and fire-
WE may seem biased but overall, President Marcos’ official trip to Washington, D.C. was very successful and, more importantly, consequential. President Donald Trump is known for placing great value on personal relationships and connections in meeting heads of state. Undoubtedly, President Marcos immediately connected as
ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
Looking at the forest and not just the trees
seen in the warm and cordial greeting of the U.S. president, starting at the entrance of the White House where the amiability and the rapport between the two leaders were immediately noticed by the reporters gathered outside the West Wing.
In the Oval Office the mood was genial – a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere during President Trump’s meetings with other world leaders – described by the
U.S. president himself as a “beautiful visit” in his Truth Social media platform. Not surprisingly, the usual suspects are criticizing the visit – choosing to ignore that it underscored the strategic alignment between the two countries and reaffirmed the mutual commitment to further strengthen the partnership in terms of defense, security and economic prosperity. The discussion also
subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.
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Babe’s Eye View
BaBe Romualdez
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maRk alden aRcenal
Point of View
cient infrastructure investment, and delays in implementing resilience measures. A geographic risk, intensified
Situated in the typhoon belt, the Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones
The flooding imperative: Confronting...
PAGE 6
annually, with about 8 making landfall. This natural exposure, once manageable through preparedness, is now compounded by the effects of climate change, which has led to stronger storms and more erratic rainfall. Scientific attribution work—from the World Weather Attribution initiative to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)—confirms that rising sea surface temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture are enhancing both typhoon intensity and monsoonal rainfall in the Philippines.
Typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana, 2009), Yolanda (Haiyan, 2013), and Ulysses (Vamco, 2020) starkly illustrated the devastating power of flood events in the Philippines— impacting millions of lives, causing thousands of deaths, and inflicting widespread economic and infrastructure damage. The July 2025 storm season underscored how even long-recognized high-risk areas—such as Metro Manila, Dagupan, and Cagayan—continue to suffer from recurring flood impacts. Despite repeated exposure and past investments, these urban and regional centers remain acutely vulnerable due to unresolved infrastructure gaps and landuse pressures.
According to the World Bank, over 60% of the country’s land area and more than 70% of its population are exposed to multiple flood risks, including flash floods, storm surges, and riverine inundations—especially in urbanized and low-lying coastal zones.
Development pressures and planning gaps
Rapid urban expansion has worsened exposure. In Metro Manila, unregulated construction and the growth of informal settlements along waterways have narrowed natural drainage paths. Simultaneously, land reclamation projects around Manila Bay have altered hydrological systems, raising concerns among scientists and environmental advocates about their long-term impact on flood management. Despite significant investments, many local government units still lack updated hazard maps, drainage maintenance protocols, and enforceable land-use plans. The 2012-initiated Metro Manila Flood Management Master Plan—and its associated multilateral project launched in 2017 with support from the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank—
has encountered persistent delays. Efforts to construct 20 new pumping stations were ultimately scaled back to four due to land acquisition challenges, right-of-way restrictions, and coordination gaps among implementing agencies. While rehabilitations and a few new stations have been completed in select zones, implementation across Metro Manila remains uneven.
Costs beyond the floodwaters
Flooding affects more than property and roads. From 2010 to 2019, climate-related disasters—including floods—resulted in approximately P463 billion in damage, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. A significant portion of that loss—amounting to over USD 9 billion—stemmed from agricultural setbacks and infrastructure disruptions, based on World Bank assessments.
Prolonged evacuations strain local capacities, and unsanitary conditions in temporary shelters elevate the risk of disease outbreaks. Case studies from flood-prone regions show that many families endure repeated losses without sufficient support, resulting in prolonged recovery cycles marked by both economic hardship and emotional stress.
Charting a way forward
The situation demands more than short-term disaster response. A shift toward proactive and sustained climate resilience planning is needed. Among the critical areas for action:
1. Integrated infrastructure planning
Upgrade flood control systems while expanding nature-based solutions—such as mangrove reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and permeable surface designs in urban centers.
2. Zoning enforcement and resettlement support
Enforce no-build zones in flood-prone areas while ensuring that relocation efforts are humane, livelihood-linked, and community-supported.
3. Empower local governments and improve disaster financing
Strengthen LGU-led risk assessments, early warning systems, and local adaptation planning through tools like CDRVAs and LCCAPs. Streamline access to financing mechanisms such as the People’s Survival Fund, which remains underutilized due to proposal requirements, technical bottlenecks, and limited institutional continuity. Disas-
ter programs must be insulated from political turnover and backed by sustained national-local collaboration, transparent metrics, and long-term support systems.
4. Regulatory oversight of reclamation and development projects
Ensure that land reclamation and construction in sensitive areas are subject to rigorous environmental impact assessments and long-term hydrological modeling.
5. Establish a national rapid response and resilience agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States serves as a centralized, fully operational disaster response agency that mobilizes resources, funding, and technical teams within hours of a declared emergency. The Philippines, by contrast, relies on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)—an inter-agency body coordinated by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). While the framework is sound, effectiveness is often limited by fragmentation and funding constraints.
Evolving the OCD into a FEMA-like operational agency would allow the government to establish permanent rapid deployment teams, pre-position relief stockpiles, and centralize logistics and authority during crises. Such a centralized response body would complement, not replace, local efforts—ensuring national-level surge support while empowering LGUs to manage localized risks. A dedicated, agile response agency—working in partnership with LGUs—could significantly improve national preparedness and recovery in an era of escalating climate threats.
A defining challenge of our time
The Philippines is not without capacity. Technical expertise exists in government and civil society. International support is available. What is often missing is policy continuity and operational enforcement—essential elements for long-term success.
The increasing frequency of flooding events should not merely be documented but anticipated. The question is no longer whether storms will come, but whether national and local institutions will be prepared to manage them— effectively, equitably, and sustainably.
Flooding is not just a consequence of nature—it is a test of governance. (AJPress)
Looking at the forest and not just...
PAGE 6
centered on enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity, energy supply resilience and critical infrastructure, all of which are important facets that would make the Philippines very viable as an investment destination.
The president’s meetings with American business executives also resulted in $21 billion worth of investment
pledges to the Philippines. One of these is Ohio-based, $15-billion health care company Bon Secours Mercy Health that is planning to invest up to $500 million for a state-of-the-art tertiary hospital in the Philippines.
BSMH president and CEO John Starcher is a personal friend of President Trump. He visited Manila early this year and had a meeting with
President Marcos, wherein he indicated plans of investing more in the Philippines. During their first in-person meeting, President Marcos and President Trump reaffirmed both nations’ ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. As we all know, the U.S. recognizes the importance of establishing deterrence in the In-
MIXED PRICE MOVEMENTS. A gas station worker attends to a client along Pearl Drive on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Fuel retailers announced mixed movements in pump prices effective July 29, with gasoline prices down by PHP0.10, diesel up by PHP0.60, and kerosene up by PHP0.40 per liter.
PNA photo by Ben Briones
DOJ: New witness in missing ‘sabungeros’ holds ‘real evidence’
by Jane Bautista Inquirer.net
MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday, July 29 said authorities are holding a new witness in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), who could bolster the testimony of whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan.
Remulla said the civilian witness not only has direct knowledge of the disappearances but also possesses concrete evidence that corroborates existing accounts.
“There is real evidence here. Aside from just a story, this witness comes with actual proof to support it,” the Department of Justice (DOJ) chief said in Filipino in a chance interview.
Also on Tuesday, Remulla personally thanked Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III—who was at the DOJ for a meeting—for relieving a service commander involved in the investigation due to alleged suspicious behavior.
“I asked General Torre to relieve a certain service commander, and it was done. So now, our path toward resolving this problem is once again clear,” he said in Filipino.
Remulla did not disclose the identity of the individual or specify their actions, but noted that the service commander was not among the police officers already facing administrative complaints in relation to the case.
“But he did something I did
not approve of. You know, trust is extremely important in this kind of process … because without trust, how can people be expected to speak out?” he said in Filipino. In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the entire government is working to resolve the case of the missing sabungeros, stressing that everyone involved—whether civilians or public officials— will be held accountable. n
The light we carry: Remembering fireflies...
PAGE 6
flies seemed to hold it together: glowing threads connecting the living and the unseen, the ordinary and the magical. Their glow was our first lesson in wonder – that even in darkness, the world was alive with hidden stories.
But slowly, almost unnoticed, they began to disappear. First, there were just fewer lights flickering beneath the caimito. Over the years, none at all. The tree stayed, but the stories started to fade from living memory into quiet, nostalgic recollections. In my search for answers beyond folklore, I read articles from National Geographic and the Firefly Conservation and Research. The causes are numerous and simple: light pollution that confuses fireflies during mating, pesticides that poison larvae before they can glow, the draining of wetlands and rice paddies where they once thrived and the gradual disappearance of native trees that provided them with sanctuary.
The caimito itself – once a living monument to myth –was eventually cut down to prevent it from falling during storms. In that act, we protected our home but lost more than just a tree; we lost a stage where childhood wonder played out, where science and
folklore briefly met under the same sky.
I wonder what I will tell children born today when they ask why I talk about summer nights lit up like lantern festivals. What will I say? Will the stories of fireflies and engkantos sound like distant fairy tales, like the tambaluslos hiding in bamboo groves or the agta smoking his pipe among pagatpat trees? Will fireflies become words pressed between the pages of children’s books, their glow surviving only in illustrations?
Yet perhaps this is also the power of stories: to rescue what the eye no longer sees, to remind us that what is lost can live on, not in fields or forests, but in memory and storytelling. When the lights vanish from the trees, I might keep them alive through bedtime stories, whispered warnings not to point at lights in the dark and folk songs that remember a world where nature itself seemed to be filled with mysteries.
But nostalgia alone cannot bring them back. Our stories must do more than mourn; they must teach respect and responsibility. Talking about fireflies is also talking about rivers that need to stay clean, fields free of poison and nights that remain dark.
Looking at the forest and not just...
7
do-Pacific region. It has also been consistent in showing its support for maintaining peace and stability in the region and upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea.
Our myths were never just about magic – they served as guides for living gently with what we don’t fully understand. Sometimes, on hot, memory-filled nights, I still search for that faint, impossible flicker in the dark. Even if my eyes see nothing, my mind fills the night with the ghost of that childhood glow, a reminder that even as they fade, fireflies left us something enduring: the belief that the world was once – and could be again – lit from within.?
And perhaps, by sharing these stories with those who come after us, we keep that light alive not just as myth, but as a quiet promise: that wonder, like memory, doesn’t have to die, even when the fireflies have gone. (Philstar.com)
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
On the question of tariffs, detractors are making all kinds of disparaging comments, claiming that we gave the shop away, so to speak, with the imposition of a 19 percent tariff on Philippine exports while the U.S. will have zero tariffs. But as we explained during my interview on dzRH radio with Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja, the 19 percent announced by the U.S. president is still subject to a number of discussions on the details to be hammered out between our economic team and U.S. Trade officials.
As for the zero tariffs on U.S. products, this will only be applied to certain sectors such as automobiles and pharmaceuticals, but not on key sectors, particularly agriculture to protect our farmers and the industry.
American consumers who will be buying the goods exported by the Philippines to the United States – and the same will also apply to all other countries.
He also clarified that the zero tariff concessions that were extended to the U.S. are strategic to the Philippines and do not include fish, seafood and agriculture products that include sugar, corn, rice, pork and chicken to protect our farmers and fisherfolk. The zero tariff will only apply to products that the Philippines does not manufacture, or only produces in minimal quantities, he further explained.
Secretary Go disclosed that the 19 percent is already one of the lowest in Southeast Asia, second only to Singapore’s 10 percent, and this is an opportunity to attract foreign direct investors to put up businesses in the Philippines and export their products to the U.S.
pines, will have to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft.
More than the “numbers” from tariffs, the Philippines and the United States have much more to offer each other in terms of strategic alignment, political goodwill and reliability as allies who share the goal of preserving regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
One big major asset that we Filipinos have always had is resiliency. So much so that we have been compared to the bamboo tree because we have the flexibility to sway where the wind blows and bend without breaking. President Marcos has time and again shown what resilience is all about, navigating challenging situations with composure and displaying quiet strength and toughness.
Mark Alden Arcenal is a licensed professional teacher with years of experience in technical and creative writing, research and data analytics. His debut chapbook “Walay Bayot Sa Langit” was released in January 2025. He has been a fellow
and is now
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go explained it very well during his press briefing in Malacañang, saying that the tariffs are universal – meaning they are imposed by the U.S. on the whole world and not just on the Philippines. He also explained that tariffs will not be paid for by Filipinos but by importers and
We are hopeful we can still reduce the tariff when negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative continue. While the reduction to the 20 percent tariff that was imposed by President Trump earlier was just one percentage point, it is worth noting that there are no conditions or deep concessions that the Philippines has to fulfill, unlike other countries. Japan, for instance, got a 15 percent tariff but will also invest $500 billion into the U.S., while Indonesia, which has 19 percent like the Philip-
But more importantly, Filipinos should have the ability to look at the forest and not just the trees – meaning we should see the big picture rather than being fixated on small details. In the case of these worldwide tariffs, we should focus on seizing the opportunities and using them to our advantage. In other words, seize the moment before the moment seizes us. (Philstar.com)
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
to,
a member of, the Bathalad Creative Writing Workshop and the Sunday Club National Writers Workshop.
JOINT INSPECTION. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon (left) and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto examine the development plans for the Ortigas Station of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) during a site inspection on Wednesday, July 30. The visit highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the national government and the Pasig local government on infrastructure progress.
PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Families of the missing sabungeros arrive at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila in this file photo taken on July 4, 2025. Inquirer.net file photo by Jesus Niño Orbeta
Doj withdraws appeal on De Lima acquittal
The DOJ has withdrawn its appeal of Leila de Lima’s acquittal in a drug case, with Prosecutor General Fadullon admitting the motion “should not have been filed,” signaling a shift in prosecutorial policy
by AJPress
MANILA — In a move signaling a rare admission of prosecutorial error, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has withdrawn its attempt to overturn the acquittal of former Senator Leila de Lima in one of her long-running drug cases. The motion for reconsideration—filed earlier this year—was rescinded on orders from Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, who acknowledged that the appeal “should not have been filed in the first place.”
The motion, which had sought to reverse a 2023 ruling by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 clearing de Lima of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, was officially withdrawn on July 22. The former senator was previously accused of allowing drug syndicates to operate in the New Bilibid Prison during her term as justice secretary—allegations she has consistently denied.
“Upon thorough review, I concluded that the motion for reconsideration was unwarranted,” Fadullon stated. “We are duty-bound to ensure that legal actions reflect both the evidence and the interest of justice.”
De Lima: A step toward justice
De Lima, who was detained for nearly seven years before being granted temporary liberty in November 2023, welcomed the development. Her lawyers called the DOJ’s action a validation of the court’s original deci-
sion to acquit.
“This development strengthens the court’s finding that the evidence was insufficient and unreliable,” said Atty. Boni Tacardon. “We thank the DOJ for reassessing its position.”
De Lima remains on trial for a third and final drug-related case—Criminal Case No. 17-166—still pending before another Muntinlupa court. Two of the government’s key witnesses in that case, former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge
Rafael Ragos and former aide Ronnie Dayan, have since recanted their testimonies, citing alleged coercion and political pressure.
“I await my full vindication,” de Lima said in a brief statement. “I thank all those who have stood by me in my fight for justice.”
Years of controversy
The former senator’s arrest in 2017 made international headlines, with human rights groups, lawmakers, and global institutions denouncing what they described as politically motivated charges. De Lima had been a prominent critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, launching Senate investigations into extrajudicial killings linked to police operations.
Her incarceration drew repeated calls for release from the United Nations, Amnesty International, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and foreign governments including the United States and members of the European Union. Shift in DOJ posture Fadullon’s directive marks
Martin Romualdez elected speaker as 20th Congress opens; Key House leadership posts filled
by AJPress
MANILA — The 20th Congress of the Philippines formally convened on July 28, ushering in a new legislative chapter under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez, a seasoned lawmaker representing Leyte’s 1st District, was elected to head the House of Representatives, signaling continuity and stability for the incoming legislative term.
a notable shift under the DOJ leadership of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who has called for “evidence-based prosecution” and the depoliticization of the justice system. Legal observers say the withdrawal may reflect a broader effort to recalibrate prosecutorial discretion following years of public and international scrutiny.
“This move could be read as a signal that the DOJ is trying to rebuild public trust and reinforce its institutional independence,” said constitutional law professor Antonio La Viña. “It also shows a recognition that mistakes must be corrected—even if belatedly.”
The DOJ has not confirmed whether similar reviews are underway for other controversial cases but emphasized that “each case must stand on its own merits.”
Toward justice and reform
Since regaining her provisional liberty in 2023 after nearly seven years in detention, de Lima and her supporters have continued to push for reforms to prevent the weaponization of the legal system.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” said former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. “Accountability must extend beyond the courtroom to those who misuse the law.”
With the DOJ’s latest decision, many see a turning point—not only for de Lima’s legal battle, but for public perception of institu-
Alongside Romualdez, the House swiftly filled key leadership positions critical for steering the chamber’s legislative agenda. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, representing Ilocos Norte’s 1st District and son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was elected as Majority Floor Leader. Marcos’s appointment reinforces the alignment between the executive branch and the majority bloc in the lower chamber.
The minority bloc selected Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan of the 4Ps party-list as Minority Floor Leader, setting the stage for constructive opposition and checks on majority initiatives. Libanan’s role is
vital in ensuring the voices of the minority are heard and legislative debates remain balanced.
Deputy leadership posts also took shape with David “Jay-Jay” Suarez of Quezon’s 2nd District named Senior Deputy Speaker. A group of Deputy Speakers, including notable legislators such as Janette Garin (Iloilo), Yasser Balindong (Lanao del Sur), and Kristine Singson-Meehan (Ilocos Sur), were appointed to assist in managing the House’s legislative and administrative workload.
The leadership lineup reflects a mix of experienced lawmakers and emerging fig-
ures, poised to tackle pressing national issues including economic recovery, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs.
The 20th Congress operates under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose administration’s legislative priorities include strengthening trade ties, improving agriculture, and enhancing public health systems.
As the session progresses, the House leadership is expected to shepherd key measures, including the national budget and reforms in critical sectors, ensuring governance aligned with national development goals. n
tional accountability in the Philippines. n
Rep. Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Partylist) in a speech during the launch of Project Transitional Justice on July 12, 2025. Contributed photo
20TH CONGRESS. The House of Representatives commences the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday morning, July 28. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
House Speaker Martin Romualdez, accompanied by his family, takes his oath of office for his re-election in the 20th Congress on July 28, 2025. Philstar.com screenshot
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Fil-Am families seek immigration advice in part 1 of picnic at the park in this Sunday’s brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy
THIS Sunday, “Citizen Pinoy” presents another inspiring edition of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” — this time from a lively Memorial Day picnic hosted by the Philippine-American Association of the Treasure Coast (Phil-Am TC) in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Following their elegant 40th Anniversary Memorial Ball, the community gathered once again the next day to celebrate Filipino heritage, family, and friendship — with music, traditional games, overflowing food, and of course, immigration questions. Phil-Am TC, founded in 1985, is a respected nonprofit organi-
zation made up of professionals, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, artists, and more from the southern counties of Florida. Their mission includes preserving Filipino culture, providing scholarships, and supporting those in need both in the U.S. and the Philippines. Events like this Memorial Day picnic bring generations together in a community setting where important questions can be asked and answered.
In Part 1 of this 2-part series, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel responds to questions from com-
munity members.
• Green card holder Rowena wants to know how she can avoid problems when returning to the U.S. after a trip to the Philippines.
• Newlyweds Shane and Carla are concerned about how Carla’s J-1 visa might affect the spousal petition already filed on her behalf.
• Pia reveals her unusual birth history — her grandparents are listed as her parents — and asks how to petition her biological mother.
• Christina, a U.S. citizen PAGE 12
PART 1 OF CITIZEN PINOY’S YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT – FILIPINO PICNIC SERIES – ANSWERS IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS FROM FIL-AM FAMILIES FROM FLORIDA. This Sunday, “Citizen Pinoy” features Part 1 of a special “Your Tanong, My Sagot” series from the Philippine-American Association of the Treasure Coast’s Filipino picnic in Port St. Lucie, Florida. After celebrating their 40th anniversary with a grand ball, the Fil-Am community gathered again the next day for food, music, and meaningful conversations – including immigration concerns shared with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. In this episode, green card holder Rowena asks how to avoid issues when returning to the U.S. from a trip to the Philippines. Shane and Carla, newly married, want to know how Carla’s J-1 visa might affect their spousal petition. Pia, whose grandparents are listed as her parents in her birth certificate, wants to know how she can petition her biological mother, while Christina, a financially challenged U.S. citizen, hopes to reunite with her children either by petition or tourist visa. Watch this informative episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Health@Heart 7,000 steps to health
PhiliP S. chua, md, FacS, FPcS
FOLLOWING various phone and smartwatch apps (Fitbits, fitness trackers, etc.), people have been focusing on taking 10,000 steps a day.
New studies showed that all we need is 7,000 steps a day to obtain the maximum benefit of reducing our risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, dementia, depression, cancer and all- (“other”) cause mortality. For seniors and those unable to do 7,000, scientists found that around 4,000 steps a day still offers more health benefits than those who do 2,000 or are less active. As animals, not vegetables, we are born with legs and endowed with the ability to be active and ambulate, a natural function that our bodily system needs to stay healthy.
And talking about physical activity, another study showed that 150 minutes (2.54 hours) one to two times a week may lower death risk by 33 whopping percent! 10-second balance test
Among seniors and those who suffer from balance problems, accidental falls are a major health concern. Each year in the United States, around 7,730 older adults die due to hip fractures, a 18-33 percent death rate globally. Can a 10-second balance test predict longevity?
“People in middle to later life who could not stand on one leg for 10 seconds had nearly twice the risk of premature death than people who reached the 10-second mark,” according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study involved 1,700 men and women, ages 51-75, without walking issues, and over a 7-year follow-up period, 123 of them died of various causes. It also showed that “failing the balance test was associated with an 84 percent higher risk of dying compared with passing the balance test.”
The instruction used in the study:
1. Place your left hand on a counter or wall for support.
2. To balance on your left leg, drop both arms at your sides and slowly place the top of your right foot on the inside of your left calf.
3. If you wobble, reach back to the counter or the wall to steady yourself.
4. Try to hold the position for 10 seconds without hand
support.
5. Then, switch to your other hand and leg and again aim for a 10-second hold.
Copper and the brain
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that one particular micronutrient, copper, may be important in maintaining cognitive function as we get older.
The study also points out that moderate dietary copper intake (approximately 1.2–1.6 mg/day) is associated with better cognitive function in older adults, particularly in processing speed and executive function. Above this amount confers no further benefits.
Foods high in copper include dark chocolate, leafy green veggies, nuts, seeds, organ meats, shellfish, beef liver, shiitake mushrooms, and potatoes.
Real harm of alcohol
If we are only watching for cancer from alcohol intake, we are missing the real harm from this toxic agent. The old rule was two drinks for men and one for women. Today, studies have shown there is no safe limit for alcohol. Even a small amount causes harm.
The panel of experts revealed in MedScape that “Because cancer develops slowly, more immediate clinical markers — such as liver function changes, cognitive effects, falls, and even motor vehicle accidents — are often better indicators of harm. Alcohol’s impact is broad, affecting cognition, safety, and daily functioning.” We have to look beyond cancer for these listed harms.
Vaccines lower dementia risk
“New evidence suggests that AS01-based vaccines, beyond their established role in preventing Shingles and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), may also reduce the risk for dementia,” according to the supportive data, published on June 25, 2025, in the journal, Vaccines, which underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date immunizations, particularly among older adults… The use of the vaccine for Shingles (Shingrix) or RSV (ARExvy) was associated with 18 percent and 29 percent lower risk for dementia. When both vaccines were used, there was a 37 percent reduction in dementia risk.” This discovery is most encouraging, and more research into the good “side effects” of vaccines is forthcoming. This could
certainly change people’s attitudes about vaccines in general.
Eating dinner early
Eating later in the evening makes blood sugar control harder for our bodies. It negatively impacts blood sugar metabolism, which is more active in the morning. Eating late at night is linked to obesity and heart disease. A twin-study from Germany “now offers fresh insight into how meal timing interacts with our internal clocks and overall health.” Here is the gist of the report: “The circadian system is a complex 24-hour timekeeping system that controls behavior and metabolism through a central clock in the brain and additional clocks in organs such as the liver and pancreas. Because of this system, our metabolism responds differently depending on when we eat, resulting in daily variations in glucose processing and hormone release after meals. Food intake itself serves as an important signal that helps align our internal clocks. Eating at times that are out of sync with the natural lightdark cycle, for example, when working night shifts, can disrupt these internal clocks and lead to adverse metabolic effects.” The study was published in the journal eBioMedicine.
Weekly shot for PD Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative illness after Alzheimer’s. There are more than 1.1 million people in the United States with PD, and each year, about 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Globally, there are 10 million people who suffer from PD, 96 percent diagnosed after age 50. These patients take multiple drugs to control their symptoms: tremors, limb stiffness, slowness in movement, balance problems, sleep disorders, potential falls, and mental health issues.
A new team of scientists in Australia has developed a weekly injectable treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, a long-acting injector implant that combines two effective drugs for PD, an alternative to multiple pills daily. This will certainly be more convenient (a more assured no-miss drug delivery) and benefit PD patients immensely. - Drug Delivery and Translational Research.
15
Sofronio Vasquez earns praise for National Anthem performance at SONA 2025
by AJPress
QUEZON CITY — Singer
Sofronio Vasquez was widely praised for his powerful and heartfelt rendition of the Philippine national anthem during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) held at the Batasang Pambansaon July 22, 2025. His performance opened the annual address delivered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., setting a solemn and patriotic tone for the high-profile event.
Vasquez’s delivery was
resonance, marking one of the most memorable moments of
Fil-Am families seek immigration advice...
PAGE 11
struggling financially, wants guidance on reuniting with her children through tourist visas or petitions.
As always, Atty. Gurfinkel breaks down complex immigration concerns into clear and practical advice.
Be sure to watch Part 1 of this Filipino picnic series in this informative “Your Tanong, My Sagot” episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/ Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
lauded across social media and by attendees for its clarity, dignity, and emotional
Photo from the Philippine Information Agency
Rowena with Atty. Gurfinkel
Christina with Atty. Gurfinkel
Pia with Atty. Gurfinkel
Newlyweds Shane and Carla, with Atty. Gurfinkel
the ceremony.
Escaping to the Hamptons: How to experience a luxury summer tradition without breaking the bank
In a world constantly in motion, the Hamptons offer a rare invitation: to pause, reflect, and simply be
by AJPress
FOR decades, the Hamptons—a string of beach towns and villages on the eastern tip of Long Island, New York— have been synonymous with East Coast wealth and summer prestige. Hollywood A-listers, hedge fund titans, and old-money dynasties retreat here every summer to unwind in sprawling estates, attend exclusive galas, and enjoy pristine beaches bordered by hydrangeas and shingled mansions.
But beneath the glossy headlines and celebrity sightings lies a quieter truth: the Hamptons are not just for the ultra-rich. With a little planning, everyday travelers can partake in this storied summer tradition and create their own version of luxury.
What Are the Hamptons, Anyway?
Located about 100 miles east of Manhattan, the Hamptons are part of Suffolk County and include towns like Southampton, East Hampton, Montauk, Amagansett, and Sag Harbor. Once rural fishing and farming communities, these seaside hamlets transformed into a cultural playground for artists, socialites, and elites in the 20th century.
The name “Hamptons” derives from the early English settlers who, in the 1640s, founded the town of Southampton—named after the port city in Hampshire, England. East Hampton soon followed. These colonial namesakes evoked a sense of refinement and English gentility, qualities that still echo through the area’s winding roads, mani-
cured hedges, and timeless seaside estates.
Today, the region balances rustic charm with cosmopolitan appeal: organic farm stands sit beside high-end art galleries; centuries-old windmills dot roads leading to vineyards, boutique shops, and acclaimed restaurants. The beaches, often protected and spacious, remain the true draw—offering sunrises over the Atlantic and spectacular sunsets over the bays.
How to Do the Hamptons on a Budget
You don’t need a seven-figure summer rental to soak in the Hamptons experience. Here’s how savvy visitors are enjoying the good life—on their terms.
Getting There
Skip the expensive car services. From New York City, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the Hampton Jitney, a popular coach bus that runs daily routes to major Hamptons towns. Off-peak weekday trips are often cheaper and less crowded.
Stay Smart
While some rentals can reach $50,000 a week, many affordable options exist. Search for guest houses, Airbnb stays in less-hyped towns like Hampton Bays or Westhampton, or budget-friendly motels in Riverhead. Sharing a house with friends or extended family can also cut costs dramatically.
Eat Well Without the Markup
Skip the celebrity restaurants and explore local farm stands, seafood shacks, and affordable eateries. Many vacationers opt to bring their own meals, turning beachside picnics into cherished gatherings filled with home-cooked comfort food and sweeping ocean views.
Budget-conscious families often pack their home-cooked favorites, adding the taste of home to the Hamptons’ coastal charm. Whether enjoyed on a beach towel or under a shaded umbrella, these shared meals become part of the memory.
What to Do Without
Spending a Fortune
Public beaches like Cooper’s Beach (Southampton), Main Beach (East Hampton), and Atlantic Avenue Beach (Amagansett) offer stunning oceanfront access. Some require paid day passes or parking permits, so plan ahead. Going early, biking in, or using rideshares can help avoid fees.
Embrace Art, History, and Nature
Visit Pollock-Krasner House, former home of artist Jackson Pollock, for a taste of creative history.
Explore LongHouse Reserve, a stunning outdoor sculpture garden.
Stroll Sag Harbor’s historic district, once a whaling port, now filled with charming shops and indie bookstores.
Hike Shadmoor State Park in Montauk for bluffs, trails, and panoramic ocean views.
Shop the Offbeat
Skip the designer boutiques and browse local farmers’ markets and artisan fairs. Many towns host weekend markets where you’ll find handcrafted soaps, baked goods, and unique souvenirs. Thrift stores in Montauk or East Hampton can also yield stylish finds at a fraction of the cost.
Luxury isn't just measured in price tags—it's found in long beach walks, fresh seafood by the dunes, and laughter shared under open skies.
For value-minded vacationers craving a refreshing getaway without the cross-country flight, the Hamptons offer an East Coast oasis—elegant, relaxed, and, with smart planning, more accessible than you might think.
A touch of whimsy in the Hamptons — This windmill-style home in Hampton Bays captures the area’s storybook charm, offering a unique coastal retreat just a few hours from New York City.
Sun-kissed and breezy, the beaches of the Hamptons offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back elegance — where the Atlantic meets East Coast serenity.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Shinnecock Bay, Hampton Bays offers a more relaxed, family-friendly side of the Hamptons — where beach days, boating, and cozy seafood spots create the perfect low-key summer escape.
Lining the quiet streets of the Hamptons, blooming hydrangeas add bursts of color and classic coastal charm — a beloved hallmark of summer in this seaside retreat.
Still shining after more than two centuries, the Montauk Point Lighthouse remains an active navigational beacon maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Operated as a museum by the Montauk Historical Society, it stands as both a maritime sentinel and a beloved symbol of the Hamptons’ storied coast.
HAVING reached the rank of Associate Professor 3, or Senior Lecturer 1, is a feat.
I began as Assistant Professorial Lecturer 2 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila's College of Mass Communications. Then later at De La Salle University in Dasmarinas, Cavite as Assistant Professorial Lecturer 4.
I moved to De La Salle Araneta University in Malabon City to teach business subjects, while also teaching at the Conrado Benitez Institute for Business Education at Philippine Women’s University in Manila.
During President Noynoy Aquino’s administration, I began teaching at Far Eastern University in Manila while pursuing my Juris Doctor degree as a sophomore at its Institute of Law, where I was privileged to learn from distinguished legal minds such as Katrina Legarda, Koko Pimentel, Dean Amado Valdez, and former COMELEC Chair Andy Bautista.
As a way of gratitude to my fellow Kapampangans, I taught in Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga. Then I was invited to teach at the University of Makati. From Associate Professor 2, I was promoted to Associate Professor 3. I taught again at Philippine Women's University-Manila in its graduate
Teaching has been my passion — Shaping minds and hearts
school teaching statistics as well as journalism subjects for the undergraduate college level.
At Mabalacat City College in Mabalacat, Pampanga, I taught international marketing, introduction to marketing, organizational management, human behavior in organization, management and organization, and economics (and maybe soon customer analytics). ***
The Dean of Mabalacat City College's Institute of Business and Computing Education is Myrna Cuento-Calma, CPA, MBA, Ph.D., FRIAcc.
She took her BS Accountancy at Philippine School of Business Administration, her MBA at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management at Pampanga State Agricultural University. She is reliable and hardworking, and has a practical hands-on approach and always perseveres to achieve the best results. She possesses excellent communication and problem-solving skills with demonstrated leadership strengths and proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment with critical deadlines.
"Poverty motivates me to work harder in achieving my dreams... Families are my inspiration in doing all the best I can in every step and possible way towards the realization of my dreams in life," she said.
She continued: "I am lucky to have been trained by mentors who are highly dignified, humble, with unquestionable integrity, and have respect for everyone regardless of status in life."
It is interesting to note that during her high school day in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan, she was the editor in chief of a school paper, The Light of Wisdom. She was a writer at Atlas Publishing during her college days.
***
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently had the honor to have dinner with Senator Katie Britt, Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. They discussed how "we can best work together to protect our homeland, essential infrastructure, and keep the most secure border in American history."
Secretary Noem is a mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher and small business entrepreneur.
***
Thanks to the 5th Dangal ng Lahi Awards held in April 2023 in Baguio Country Club at Baguio City's Camp John Hay for the Philippines’ Man of Influence and Most Outstanding Educator and Journalist of the Year recognition. In May 2023, I was honored by the 7th Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards as Asia’s Man of Influence in the Field of Education and Most Outstanding Inspiring Educator of the Year at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. I was with comedianne-singer Beverly Salviejo and veteran multi-awarded actress Elizabeth Oropesa who later treated Beverly and me in a Japanese restaurant.
***
As a child, I witnessed my aunts' passion to teach: Lucia Calzado Bendicio in Ramon Magsaysay High School in Manila; Lourdes Calzado Bendicio in Pio del Pilar Elementary School in Makati; and Pilar Bendicio De Mesa in Legarda Elementary School in Manila
(she is
in Iceland taking a vacation).
***
I was educated in Aquinas School in San Juan City, Saint Andrew's School in Paranaque City, De La Salle University-Manila, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of California-Berkeley and University of Oregon.
***
48th San Francisco Marathon 2025 has had an array of exciting events and heartwarming stories.
"We are thrilled to present an even more exhilarating and inclusive experience for the 48th San Francisco Marathon," said Lauri Abrahamsen,
Race Director. The incredible stories of the participants and the unwavering support of SF Marathon 2025 partners embody the spirit of perseverance and community that the San Francisco Marathon represents.
This year's event also shone a spotlight on remarkable individuals. Skout, an inspiring social media personality and runner, served as an official ambassador, bringing his unique blend of humor, authenticity, and dedication to mental health advocacy to the forefront. Also, acclaimed Bay Area rapper P-Lo committed to running his first full marathon, adding a new dimension of celebrity and inspiration to
the event, a celebration of athleticism, community, and the unique spirit of San Francisco.
*** Philippine President Bongbong Marcos recently made an official visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump to reaffirm the strong and enduring relationship between the Philippines and the United States.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Rogelio conStantino medina
Rogelio Constantino Medina at his alma mater, De La Salle University in Manila. San Francisco Marathon 2025.
University of Makati Associate Professor Rogelio Constantino Medina and his students with his Rizal subject's guest speaker Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta (first Filipina Miss International and former Tourism Secretary).
(From left) Rogelio Constantino Medina, comedianne-singer Beverly Salviejo and multi-awarded actress Elizabeth Oropesa in Okada Hotel during the 7th Asia-Pacific Luminaire Awards. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President Donald J. Trump at the White House.
Rogelio Constantino Medina with the late Holy Angel University President Dr. Luis Calingo (right) in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Dean Myrna Cuento-Calma of Mabalacat City College's Institute of Business and Computing Education.
US Senator Katie Britt (left) and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Retired teacher Pilar B. de Mesa on vacation in Iceland.
now
Lea Salonga on being part of ‘K-Pop
Demon Hunters’: ‘So glad to have done it’
LEA Salonga raved about being one of the voice artists featured in the hit animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” saying she is glad to have been part of it even for a minor role.
Salonga was behind the singing voice of the character of Celine, a former demon hunter who guides a new group of demon hunters.
“I sing one line but it is one line I am so glad to have done because of how huge a hit,” she exclaimed in an ABS-CBN interview with Yong Chavez last Friday, July 25.
Salonga, a BTS fan, also pointed out that even the K-pop supergroup has seen the film and has been singing songs from it.
“Does that mean that I am now officially one degree away from BTS because of this movie? I mean, it’s crazy,” she said.
“I went in to sing one line. It was literally an hour out of my day. I didn’t know what was going to come of this,” she said.
“I am happy to have given an hour out of my life for what is now the biggest animated hit on Netflix. It’s crazy. I’m so happy
to have been a very very small part of it.”
While she admitted she has yet to see the movie, Salonga said she is already finding time to do so to catch up with the BTS members.
Then speaking about her love for the septet, Salonga declared, “I will follow BTS off a cliff.” She recalled how she
instantly became a fan girl after she saw BTS member V’s face in the music video of their hit song “Dynamite.”
“I try to endeavor to listen to music that is very different from mine, and I think that is why I like ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’ as much as I do,” she added, referring to the album of BTS member RM. (Inquirer. net)
Jinkee, Manny Pacquiao visit family of son Jimuel’s rumored girlfriend
by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net
JIMUEL, the son of Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee, brought his entire family to visit his rumored girlfriend and her family in Los Angeles, California, fueling speculations of an engagement, and a bundle of joy along the way.
The visit supposedly took place following the boxing legend’s match with Texan Mario Barrios last July 20 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
On her Instagram page, Jinkee provided a glimpse of their family visit to Jimuel’s rumored girlfriend and her parents, describing the occasion as “something special.”
“Tonight deserves something special. Family dinner time. Cherishing family moments,” she captioned the post, adding the hashtags love and laughter and God is good.
The still unnamed girlfriend appeared to opt for a low profile as they are not tagged in any of the posts. Netizens, on the other hand, are speculating that Jimuel’s rumored girlfriend, who was wearing
Andres Muhlach on his growing popularity:
‘I want to make my parents proud’
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
WHILE Andres Muhlach is no stranger to the spotlight, he is still in disbelief of how much his popularity has grown.
“I don’t really see it that way. At the end of the day, I just want to do good work on whatever is presented to me,” he said on the sidelines of Jollibee’s launch where he was revealed as the endorser of its chicken sandwich with three flavors.
kids and rumored future-in-laws.
a loose mini dress in the pictures and light jacket, is pregnant.
To fuel the speculation, a video from the Facebook page of politician-businessman Chavit Singson circulated online, where Jinkee appeared to casually reveal that “she is going to become a grandmother soon.”
“Maging lola na ako. Kasal muna, mga November (I’m going to be a grandma. But wedding first, sometime November),” she told Singson and others.
Earlier this year, Jimuel sparked speculation about
Photo from Instagram/@jinkeepacquiao his new romance after he was seen holding hands with a mystery girl during a day out with his parents.
Jimuel, who is training to become a boxer like his father, has been staying in the U.S. for quite some time. He previously dated actresses Arabella del Rosario and Heaven Peralejo.
As of this writing, Jimuel has yet to publicly speak about his rumored new relationship. Meanwhile, Jinkee recently made headlines for her glamorous look during her husband’s fight against Mario Barrios.
A part of the Muhlach clan, Andres is the son of award-winning actor Aga Muhlach and Miss Universe Philippines 1994 Charlene Gonzales, and the twin brother of Atasha, who has been making waves in the entertainment industry as well. After focusing on his studies, he signed a contract with Viva Artists Agency in August 2024.
After working with his family in the sitcom “Da Pers Family,” Andres starred as the irresistible Mark Keifer Watson in the series adaptation of “Ang Mutya ng Seksyon E,” propelling him to widespread pop-
ularity. He and his “Mutya” leading lady Ashtine Olviga will reunite in the series’ second season and their first film, “Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak para kay Luna.”
“There’s a lot going on right now, and these are blessings in my life. I’m so happy that all of these are coming to fruition. I always tell my parents that I’m happy because I’m in the [midst] of what I prayed for,” he said, adding that Atasha, too, is one of the fast-food chain’s endorsers as well. “This is a full circle moment because we used to endorse as a family. Now we have our own solo campaigns.”
Touching on his close relationship with Atasha, Andres admitted that they never talked about their respective success in the limelight. “I’m really proud of Tash. She’s such a talented person. I really believe in her and I look up to her as my sister.”
“It’s a learning experience for me and Tash, but we just want to make our parents proud always,” he continued. “We never really talked about it. We
never talked about it that way. For me and Tash, we just want to make people happy. We just want to make our parents proud.
”
The actor added that “nothing has really changed” between him and his family, and that their happiness will always be his main goal. “At the end of the day, nothing has changed. I haven’t thought about the fame. I want to make my family happy.”
Despite his growing popularity, Andres said he would rather focus on taking things day by day and enjoying the moment.
“I really can’t say what I’m more inclined to do. I’m just happy that all of these are happening. Nothing has changed, really. Things [stayed] the same,” he said while recalling a recent experience with an international fan.
“There was one time when I was at the airport in Singapore, a fan from India approached me and asked, ‘Are you Kiefer?’ I was so shocked. It’s super touching. It made me happy,” he said.
7,000 steps to health
PAGE 12
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical
information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 hu-
manitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
