Filipino green card holder detained by ICE at Charlotte airport after Bahamas trip
ICE custody records show Sonny Lasquite is being heldin Georgia pending immigration proceedings, with court files noting a 2012 federal narcotics conviction
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Filipino immigrant and lawful permanent resident was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on July 28, 2025, after returning from a trip to the Bahamas, according to official records and published news reports.
The detainee, identified as Sonny Lasquite, 44, was stopped upon arrival and transferred to ICE custody. Federal records confirm that he is currently being held at Stewart
Trump’s police takeover tests limits of presidential authority in the capital
President Donald Trump’s unprecedented use of the D.C. Home Rule Act to take control of the city’s police force by removing its elected leadership from operational control has intensified legal and political debates over crime, autonomy, and presidential authority
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On August 11, 2025, President Donald Trump invoked Section 740 of the 1973 D.C. Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control, declaring a “crime emergency” in the nation’s capital. The order delegated operational control to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Trump
Marcos: Dismissal of Duterte impeachment based on procedure, not guilt
by AJPress
Trump orders new census excluding undocumented immigrants, sparking legal challenge
warnings
by AJPress
— President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Commerce to begin work on a mid-decade “highly accurate” census that would exclude undocumented immigrants from the official population count used for congressional apportionment and the allocation of federal funding. Announced Thursday via Truth Social, the plan calls for using recent federal data, including information from the 2024 presidential election, to recalculate population figures. Trump said individuals in the country without legal status “will not be counted.” By law, the decennial census counts all residents of the United States, regardless of immigration status, under Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution and the
Escudero links ‘demolition job’ to pro-impeachment solons; Puno challenges him to name names
Senate approves measure to open budget process to public by
MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday, August 12, claimed that lawmakers who support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte are behind what he called a “demolition job” against him, according to reports in Inquirer.net. Escudero told reporters that “those in favor of the impeachment” are orchestrating efforts to
by AJPress
MANILA — The Senate on Wednesday, August 13, approved Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4, a measure aimed at making the national budget process fully accessible to the public. The resolution requires livestreaming all budget deliberations, releasing a detailed matrix of changes to the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), and posting all budgetrelated documents on the official websites of both chambers of Congress.
Key provisions Under the resolution, all committee hearings, plenary debates, and bicameral conference committee meetings on the budget must be broadcast live and made available for replay. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are directed to upload documents in machine-readable formats, including agency budget proposals, committee reports, plenary journals, amendments, and the final bicam report with explanations.
or innocence
Chinese vessels collide near Scarborough Shoal; Manila condemns ‘dangerous’ maneuvers
and towing to the
aged Chinese ship but received no reply.
ON August 11, 2025, two Chinese vessels collided near Scarborough Shoal while pursuing the Philippine Coast Guard’s patrol vessel BRP Suluan, according to official PCG footage. Manila condemned what it called “dangerous maneuvers” and reaffirmed its resolve to protect Filipino fishermen amid heightened South China Sea tensions. The video shows the Chinese coast guard vessel chasing BRP Suluan at high speed before striking the
port side of a Chinese navy warship that had crossed ahead. Images show significant damage to the bow of the coast guard ship and visible dents on the navy vessel. The PCG said BRP Suluan radioed offers of medical aid, rescue,
dam-
Marcos: Dismissal of Duterte...
10, senators voted to return the case to the House to clarify constitutional issues before any proceedings could begin.
Because of the one-year bar, no new impeachment complaint can be filed against Duterte until February 2026, according to reports.
Marcos’ comments underscored that the Supreme Court ruling neither cleared Duterte of wrongdoing nor affirmed the allegations against her. The decision, he said, was strictly about whether the process followed by lawmakers complied with constitutional requirements. Duterte has not publicly responded to Marcos’ latest remarks but has previously rejected all accusations, maintaining that the impeachment was a partisan move against her. n
Continuing unemployment claims nearly...
tant
let workers
but are taking longer to bring on new
The unadjusted total of all continued weeks claimed under state and federal programs stood at 2,036,207 for the week ending July 19, slightly lower than the previous week. This figure is not a direct headcount, as it can include multiple weeks claimed by the same individual.
Economists caution that week-
ly claims data can be volatile and are often revised. Seasonal patterns in late summer can also affect the numbers, but the sustained rise in continuing claims over recent months has drawn attention as a potential sign of a cooling job market.
The claims report precedes the next round of monthly employment data, which will provide a broader view of hiring, wages, and labor force participation. If the trend in continuing claims persists while initial claims remain subdued, it could point to fewer job openings and longer job searches rather than widespread layoffs.
This report is based on official data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims release for August 7, 2025, and verified analysis from reputable economic news sources n
Escudero links ‘demolition job’ to...
discredit him, but he did not identify any individuals. As reported by Inquirer.net, he framed the matter as part of broader political maneuvering surrounding the impeachment process, which, if endorsed by the House of Representatives, would be tried in the Senate under his leadership.
Background to Escudero’s remarks
According to reports in Inquirer.net, Escudero’s allegation arose in the wake of heightened scrutiny over government flood-control projects and a campaign donation he received in 2022. He confirmed that Centerways Construction, a firm now under discussion for securing flood-control contracts, contributed P30 million to his campaign. He denied giving the company any favors or helping it obtain projects, noting that the contracts it received accounted for less than one percent of the total budget for flood-control works.
“My question is, why emphasize on that? The one percent, instead of the 99 percent?” he said, adding that the release of related audit information was timed “maliciously” to damage him politically.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said that “15 contractors cornered a large share of flood-control works” and that the government is reviewing these projects, according to The Philippine Star. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is verifying the status of the projects, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said, adding that “the bidding process has no political component”. No public authority has alleged wrongdoing by Escudero in relation to the contracts or the donation. Escudero also linked the supposed smear campaign to a broader political goal: unseating him as Senate President to pave the way for re-filing an impeachment complaint against Vice
President Duterte once the oneyear bar on such cases lapses on February 6, 2026. He accused members of the House of Representatives who back impeachment of being behind the attacks.
Puno’s challenge House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno responded to Escudero’s remarks by urging him to identify the individuals he claims are behind the supposed demolition campaign. “He should name who they are,” Puno said, according to Inquirer.net, adding that vague allegations serve little purpose without evidence.
Status of the claim
As of this report, the claim that pro-impeachment lawmakers are engaged in a coordinated smear campaign remains unsubstantiated, with no publicly presented names or documentary proof. Reviews of the flood-control projects are ongoing, and no formal findings have been issued linking any legislator to misconduct in this matter. n
Chinese vessels collide near Scarborough Shoal...
Philippine government reactions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The president reaffirmed that the Philippines will not be intimidated or deterred from defending its territorial claims, saying the country will continue its presence in contested waters to safeguard the rights of Filipino fishermen.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. described the actions of the Chinese vessels as “aggressive” and said the Philippine mission was to assist Filipino fishermen operating legally in the area. He noted the involvement of a Chinese navy ship as part of what he viewed as an escalation in China’s tactics and pledged close coordination with the PCG in responding to the incident.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
The DFA denounced what it described as “dangerous maneuvers and unlawful interference” during a Philippine mission in waters the country considers part of its exclusive
economic zone (EEZ). The department said Manila would pursue diplomatic measures consistent with the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. Beijing does not accept the ruling. Philippine Coast Guard PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela characterized the conduct of the Chinese vessels as “reckless behavior at sea” and stressed the need for all parties to follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) to prevent similar incidents.
U.S. response On August 12, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on her official X account: “PRC vessels collided into each other Aug 11 while conducting dangerous maneuvers near Scarborough Reef. We condemn this latest reckless action by China directed against vessel BRP Suluan and commend @coastguardph for their professionalism and their offer to render assistance.”
Background Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal or Huangyan Dao, lies about 120 nautical miles west of Luzon and is claimed by both the Philippines and China. The Philippines considers it part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a position supported by the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which rejected China’s expansive maritime claims. Beijing does not accept the ruling and has maintained control of the shoal since 2012. The BRP Suluan (MRRV4406) is a Parola-class multirole response vessel built in Japan for the Philippine Coast Guard. Commissioned in 2017, it is equipped for maritime law enforcement, humanitarian aid, and search-and-rescue missions, with features including a bulletproof bridge, night-vision capability, and advanced communication systems. On Aug. 11, BRP Suluan was on a resupply and support mission for Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal when the collision between the two Chinese vessels occurred. n
URBAN
Manny Pacquiao rises to no. 1 in WBC Welterweight rankings after Barrios bout
Manny Pacquiao’s spirited July 19 majority draw with champion Mario Barrios has propelled him to the WBC’s No. 1 welterweight contender spot, keeping title shot hopes alive
by AJPress
MANILA – Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, has been officially named the No. 1 contender in the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) latest welterweight rankings, keeping him firmly in the conversation for another world title shot.
The WBC’s August 8, 2025 update lists the 46-year-old Filipino icon at the top of the contender list beneath reigning champion Mario Barrios. The move comes after Pacquiao’s July 19 comeback at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where he fought Barrios to a majority draw. Judges scored the bout 114–114 on two cards and 115–113 for Barrios, allowing the champion to retain his title.
According to the updated standings, France’s Souleymane Cissokho, the WBC Silver champion, holds the No. 2 spot, followed by Mexico’s Raúl Curiel, Britain’s Conor Benn, and Lithuania’s Egidijus Kavaliauskas rounding out the top five.
The broader welterweight landscape remains in transition.
Trump orders regulators to probe “politicized or unlawful” debanking
The IBF title is vacant after Jaron “Boots” Ennis moved up to 154 pounds, while the WBA has elevated Rolando Romero to full champion status. Ring Magazine also confirmed Pacquiao’s new WBC standing and simultaneously placed Ennis at No. 1 in the junior middleweight division.
in its top ten welterweights following the Barrios draw.
Pacquiao’s latest climb marks a rapid ascent in his comeback campaign, which began after a four-year layoff and his 2024 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The Ring Magazine has also ranked him
The WBC has not yet announced its next mandatory challenger for Barrios. However, Pacquiao’s new position makes him a prime candidate for another marquee bout — possibly even a rematch — should negotiations align. n
Trump’s police takeover tests limits of...
said DEA Administrator Terry Cole would serve in an interim leadership role at MPD during the emergency.
The directive brought 800 National Guard troops and hundreds of federal agents from the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, and Park Police into the city. According to the White House, about 850 federal personnel patrolled the city on the first night, leading to 23 arrests and the seizure of six handguns. National Guard units were posted at high-profile sites such as the National Mall, while federal agents conducted patrols in neighborhoods across the city.
Although the administration cited public safety concerns, MPD’s dashboard shows violent crime down 26% year-to-date and homicides down about 11% compared with the same period in 2024. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the takeover “unsettling,”
and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb described it as “unlawful,” pointing to the downward trajectory in crime rates. Within hours of the federal order, a fatal shooting in Logan Circle became the city’s 100th homicide of the year.
Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act allows the president to assume direct control of the Metropolitan Police Department during what is deemed a public safety emergency, initially for up to 48 hours and extendable to 30 days with congressional notification; any longer requires an act of Congress. While federal law enforcement has previously assisted in D.C. during crises— such as the 1968 riots, the 2001 post-9/11 security measures, and the 2020 George Floyd protests— those deployments operated under different authorities and left the MPD under local command. Legal analysts and major outlets say Trump’s 2025 order is the first documented
use of Section 740 to remove the city’s elected leadership from operational control of its police force.
The move has triggered sharp political debate. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton condemned the action as an affront to home rule, warning it undermines the District’s democratic governance. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), however, has proposed ending D.C.’s home rule entirely and placing the District under permanent federal authority.
The executive order is set to run for the full 30-day maximum allowed without new legislation. Whether it will be extended, challenged in court, or allowed to expire remains uncertain.
For now, the operation continues—marking one of the most significant assertions of presidential authority over local law enforcement in the city’s modern history. (AJPress)
na nakalista. Upang humiling ng espesyal na akomodasyon para sa alinman sa mga pagpupulong o ng alternatibong format ng anumang nakaimprentang materyales na may kaugnayan dito,
Donald Trump on Thursday, August 7, signed an executive order directing federal banking regulators to investigate whether customers have been denied services based on political or religious beliefs. The order instructs agencies such as the Federal Reserve, FDIC and Office of the Comptrol-
ler of the Currency to review supervisory and complaint data for possible “unlawful debanking” and refer cases involving religion to the Justice Department. Institutions found to have engaged in such practices could face fines, consent decrees or other remedial actions.
The order also gives regulators 180 days to end the use of “reputational risk” as a supervisory standard, a shift that could limit their ability to discourage banks from serving certain industries or clients. Treasury is tasked with developing a governmentwide strategy to address the issue. Consumer advocates say the move could strengthen protections for individuals and businesses who believe they were denied accounts for non–risk-based reasons. Banks contend most closures stem from fraud prevention, anti–money laundering rules or sanctions compliance. n
Trump orders new census excluding...
Fourteenth Amendment. Legal experts note that the Census Act allows mid-decade counts only for funding or statistical purposes, not for redistricting or apportioning House seats. Any change to who is counted for apportionment would require congressional authorization.
The proposal mirrors Trump’s 2020 memorandum ordering the exclusion of undocumented immigrants from apportionment counts, an effort blocked by lower courts and ultimately dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court as
premature without addressing its constitutionality in Trump v. New York, 592 U.S. 125 (2020). Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin condemned the latest plan as “illegal insanity,” warning that it would undermine constitutional norms and disenfranchise immigrant communities. Civil rights advocates and state officials are preparing legal challenges, and analysts say any attempt to implement such a census for apportionment would likely be halted in the courts. Supporters argue the measure
could provide data on the citizen voting-age population to guide redistricting in Republican-led states. Critics counter that it politicizes an essential government function and could shift representation and federal resources away from states with large immigrant populations.
The Commerce Department has not released a timeline for the proposed count, and Congress has not acted on legislation to permit a mid-decade apportionment census. The next regularly scheduled decennial census will be in 2030. n
WASHINGTON — President
Postal
A former Torrance USPS letter carrier admitted to stealing checks and cards from the mail, using the funds for luxury travel and purchases she flaunted on Instagram. She faces up to 30 years in prison
by AJPress
LOS ANGELES — A South Bay woman who formerly worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS) in Torrance has pleaded guilty to stealing checks and debit and credit cards from the mail over a three-year period, then selling them to accomplices, using the illicit proceeds for luxury travel and purchases, and flaunting the cash on Instagram.
Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, of Carson, entered her plea on Monday, August 11, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. She has been in federal custody since July 1 and previously worked at the Torrance Main Post Office.
Details of the scheme
According to her plea agreement and court documents, from at least 2022 until July 2025, Magdamit stole mail containing checks, personal identifying information
(PII), and debit and credit cards. She activated stolen bank-issued cards online, used them for personal purchases, and sold some cards to her coconspirators.
Prosecutors said Magdamit also arranged for her associates to cash stolen checks, typically using counterfeit identity documents in the name of the payee. The scheme caused losses to federally insured banks and credit unions.
Search and seizure
In December 2024, federal agents searched Magdamit’s apartment and seized 133 stolen credit and debit cards, 16 U.S. Department of the Treasury checks, and a loaded, unserialized Glock-clone with a 27-round extended magazine — commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.” Investigators also found luxury goods purchased with stolen cards.
Authorities said Magdamit used stolen funds to take international trips, including to
Turks and Caicos and Aruba. She documented the lavish spending on Instagram, posting images of luxury purchases, vacations, and stacks of hundred-dollar bills.
Agents arrested Magdamit on July 1 after discovering she continued to make purchases using victims’ credit cards. A second search of her apartment that day uncovered additional stolen cards. She has agreed to forfeit a Rolex watch and other luxury items.
Sentencing and prosecution
United States District Judge John F. Walter has scheduled Magdamit’s sentencing for October 27. She faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting.
Senate approves measure to open budget...
A comparative “change matrix” will show, line by line, how provisions in the budget evolved from the House and Senate versions to the reconciled bicam version. The resolution also sets up an online channel for citizens to submit feedback and analysis on the budget. Senators push for stronger transparency Resolution sponsor Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian described the measure as a step toward a “golden age of transparency,” saying it will give the public the tools to follow how public funds are allocated. Minority Leader Sen. Vicente
III supported livestreaming all
deliberations but noted that public submissions should be vetted to ensure security and privacy.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson urged Congress to go further by disclosing the identities of lawmakers proposing budget amendments, while Sen. Loren Legarda called for publishing detailed minutes and involving civil society groups in budget review.
Addressing past budget controversies
The reforms follow years of criticism over how budget measures were finalized, with concerns about last-minute
insertions and so-called “blank items” in bicam reports. Advocates believe that opening the bicam to the public and tracking every amendment will make it easier to spot irregularities and hold decisionmakers accountable.
Implementation ahead
The Senate and House will now need to establish livestreaming systems, create searchable online archives for budget documents, and prepare the change matrix for public access. House leaders have separately pledged to adopt similar measures for the 2026 budget, including ending the use of the “small committee” for post-plenary amendments. n
Filipino green card holder detained by ICE...
Detention Center in Lumpkin,
Georgia.
Past conviction cited in reports
News outlets citing federal court documents report that a 2012 federal narcotics conviction was the basis for the detention. Court records from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York show that Lasquite was convicted in August 2012 of conspiracy involving controlled substances, received credit for time served, and was ordered to pay a $200 fine.
Legal grounds for detention Under 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B), a lawful permanent resident can be placed in removal proceedings if convicted of certain controlled substance offenses, with limited exceptions for a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana. The statute applies regardless of when the conviction occurred.
Immigration cases for detainees held at Stewart are heard before the Lumpkin Immigration Court. About Stewart Detention Center Stewart Detention Center is
one of the largest immigration detention facilities in the United States. Located in Lumpkin, Georgia, it operates under contract with ICE and holds noncitizens in civil custody while their immigration cases proceed. The facility houses individuals from various states, including those transferred after airport stops or local custody.
Current status As of August 12, 2025, ICE records show Lasquite remains in custody at Stewart Detention Center pending immigration proceedings. (AJPress)
DAteline PhiliPPines
Human skull found at Taal Lake in search for missing sabungeros
by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net
THE Department of Justice
(DOJ) on Thursday, August 7 confirmed the recovery of a human skull, jawbone with teeth and pieces of clothing from the bottom of Taal Lake, offering the strongest evidence yet in the search for 34 missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, believed to have been murdered and dumped in the lake.
The remains were found during a series of search operations from July 29 to Aug. 4, and prompted by revelations by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan that the victims were abducted and executed by an online sabong syndicate.
DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano gave a detailed breakdown of the operations, including the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to scan the lake bed in areas identified by Patidongan.
The ROV, however, was unable to yield usable footage due to sediment disturbances underwater.
A breakthrough came during the second dive on July 29 at 11:12 a.m., which lasted 41 minutes and reached a depth of 88 meters. With clear weather and water temperatures around 29
degrees Celsius, divers were able to retrieve a white sack containing the skull, jawbone and fragments of clothing, including what appeared to be a pair of underwear.
“These finds are significant,” said Clavano. “The skull, in particular, is a very good source of DNA. It was submitted immediately to the PNP (Philippine National Police) Forensic Group for analysis.” High-resolution photos of the skull and jawbone were shown during the briefing, along with images of the recovered clothing.
The discovery adds to previously confirmed findings of bone fragments — at least six of which have been identified as likely human ribs — during earlier dives in the area known as Quadrant 3, which Patidongan pinpointed as a dumping site.
The retrieval effort involved the DOJ, the Philippine Coast Guard, the PNP Maritime Group, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the National Bureau of Investigation with sonar imaging and manual diving efforts coordinated daily.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla called the latest developments “a major step forward” and reiterated that Patidongan’s
by Yoniel Acebuche Philstar.com
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has signed a new law postponing the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The polls, initially scheduled for December 2025, will now be held on the first Monday of November 2026, and every four years thereafter.
The new law, known as Republic Act No. 12232, sets the term of office for all elected barangay and SK officials to four years, from the current three years under the Local Government Code of 1991. It also says that no elective barangay official will serve for more than three consecutive terms or up to 12 years in the same position. No elective SK official, on the other hand, will serve for more than one term in the same position. "Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which the elective official was elected," the law stated.
Earlier in August, Marcos said that he would sign a bill postponing the BSKE during a media forum in Bengaluru, India.
According to him, it is the "most sensible and the most commonsense solution" to focus on the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in October this year. Meanwhile, the BSKE voter registration period ended last Aug. 10. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the purpose is to ensure voter turnout for the village and youth polls, especially among 15 to 17-year-olds. “Even if the elections don’t happen this year, at least we’ve already registered new voters,” Garcia said at that time. n
SMC’s Ang offers to clean waterways, solve flooding in Metro Manila
by MArY JoY SAlcedo Inquirer.net
MANILA — Tycoon and San Miguel Corp. president and CEO Ramon Ang has volunteered to help solve the flooding problem in Metro Manila at no cost to the government or the Filipino people.
Ang said this ahead of a press conference with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes and several Metro Manila mayors on Friday, August 8, at the San Miguel head office in Pasig City.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, and Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, as well as Las Piñas Rep. Mark Santos, attended the conference.
“I, Ramon Ang of San Miguel, am volunteering to be the first to help the whole of Metro Manila address flooding, at no cost to the people and no cost to the government,” Ang said in a mix of Filipino and English.
He added that as houses along rivers are cleared to address flooding, residents should also be provided with relocation sites.
“Let’s provide them with housing so they won’t feel they are being evicted without due consideration,” Ang said in Filipino.
MMDA chair, MM mayors welcome Ang’s offer In the press conference, MMDA chair Artes and the mayors in Metro Manila aired their support for Ang’s offer.
MMDA chair Artes specifically noted the tycoon’s commitment to build a replacement for infrastructure that will be removed along the rivers, particularly the replacement of a school that was built in the Tullahan River.
“Mr. Ang has committed that he will build a replacement school so that even if that school is demolished and the river is opened, it will still be replaced. So in advance, Mr. Ang, we thank you for your initiative and love for the country,” Artes told Ang in the press conference.
support it, like what he asked a while ago, if the local will allow him? Yes. We will welcome that,” Moreno said.
Gatchalian likewise said that the offer of Ang will be beneficial, particularly in cleaning up the wastes in the city’s esteros.
“What Sir Ang said earlier is correct; the LGU, at least, has limitations. I want to buy a payloader and additional backhoe; I will still go through the bidding process, canvassing, etc. It will take months, whereas with the help of, like San Miguel, it will arrive immediately. Every hour, their equipment will arrive,” he said. For his part, Biazon said that he will support the offer of Ang, echoing the tycoon’s remark that clearing up wastes and removing the infrastructures built along the rivers will help mitigate flooding.
testimony continues to check out.
DNA testing is ongoing to determine whether the remains match that of any of the 34 sabungeros abducted between 2021 and 2022, all allegedly involved in rigged online cockfighting operations. n
“We will do the cleaning, but without your authorization, we can’t proceed,” he said in Filipino.
The tycoon proposed that waste clogging waterways and structures, such as houses built along rivers, be removed, as they block water flow toward drains and creeks.
Meanwhile, Moreno affirmed that the local government of Manila City will support Ang’s proposal of helping mitigate the flooding in the metro.
“The sun will shine again in the city through the help of San Miguel Corporation and Mr. Ramon Ang. We are very grateful and we encourage this. We are going to
“We really should let the rivers flow. But one thing we should also look at is the outdated drainage systems all over Metro Manila. This is where the importance of having a drainage master plan not only for each local government unit, but the entire Metro Manila comes into play,” he said.
A large portion of Metro Manila was recently submerged in floodwaters due to the effect of the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, and recent tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong. n
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo
FeAtures OPiniOn
California and Texas eye mid-decade map changes
Why Filipino Americans should pay attention
DIVIDING lines on a map can tip the balance of power. In the United States, congressional districts are typically redrawn every ten years after the U.S. Census. Lately, however, some states are considering redistricting before the next census.
In Texas, Republican lawmakers introduced a new congressional map on July 30, 2025. Analysts say it may give the GOP up to five additional U.S. House seats. To stall the plan, more than 50 Democratic legislators left Texas and fled to blue states, breaking quorum and halting the redistricting vote. During this impasse, the Texas Senate approved its version of the map, but without House approval it cannot become law. Governor Greg Abbott has called for repeated special sessions and even legal action to compel the lawmakers’ return. The standoff continues as litigation under the Voting Rights Act remains pending.
Editorial
through the 2030 elections. Newsom took his message to national audiences, mockingly calling out former President Trump in all-caps social media posts, urging him to halt redistricting in red states while offering to reciprocate. He asserts voters, rather than politicians, should make that decision via a special election this November. Critics argue he is undermining voter-approved reforms. What is Gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of election district lines to engineer political advantage.
On August 14, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will hold a special election on November 4. Voters will decide a new congressional map that would temporarily replace the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Newsom frames the initiative as a defense of fair representation with, “We can’t stand back and watch this democracy disappear district by district.” If approved, the changes would stand
WHAT was GSIS thinking, investing funds in online gambling?
Indeed, Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked the right question regarding the investment decision made by GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso to pour in P1 billion of the pension fund’s resources in online gambling. Worse, it seems Veloso’s gamble tanked big time. Poor judgment!
GSIS invested in shares of DigiPlus, an online gambling operator — when the stock price was at its peak of P65.30 per share. The share price has since fallen to a low of P13.68, resulting in significant unrealized losses. It last traded at P26.90, before BSP announced restrictions on its use of e-wallets.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. There is a strong public clamor to regulate or ban online gambling. BBM has also highlighted the negative impact of online gambling on families, particularly due to its easy accessibility through technology.
In a vlog posted in July 2025, BBM lamented that many
On the Move
The term was coined in 1812 when Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts signed into law a state senate district map that was drawn to benefit his party. One of the oddly shaped districts was said to resemble a salamander. A political cartoonist combined Gerry’s name with “salamander,” and the term “gerrymander” was born. Two main tactics are packing, which concentrates voters of one group into a district to reduce their influence elsewhere, and cracking, which scatters them
Poor judgment
families are being destroyed by online gambling, especially when used irresponsibly. He emphasized that technology should be used to improve lives, not destroy families.
On the other hand, Malacañang confirmed that BBM supports proposals from the Department of Finance to impose taxes on online gambling, provided these measures are well-studied and aim to protect public welfare and address gambling addiction.
It seems that online gambling will not be banned outright like POGO because the government also needs potential revenues to help ease the very tight fiscal space now. Sorry na lang for the families that will be destroyed. Cardinal Pablo David made the evils of online gambling clear: what was once a vice confined to casinos frequented by the wealthy is now accessible 24/7 via smartphones, turning homes into private gambling dens and enabling addiction to flourish unchecked.
The Cardinal pointed out that online gambling transactions passing through digital wallets like GCash, make the issue both widespread and largely invisible. “Now, the casino is in everyone’s pocket,” the cardinal said.
PAGCOR says online gaming
outpaced traditional casinos, contributing P51.39 billion or 49 percent of total gross gaming revenue. Brick-andmortar casinos contributed 47.32 percent.
Stronger safeguards against gambling-related harm have just been announced by the BSP.
These include: strict identity verification, including biometric checks, such as facial recognition, to ensure only eligible individuals can use their funds for online gambling; daily limits on gambling-related transfers to reduce excessive financial losses; time-based restrictions on gambling payments to help curb impulsive behavior; user tools for setting personal spending caps, taking voluntary breaks or self-excluding from gambling transactions.
But if the government honestly wants to deal with addiction, as it says it does, they can just ban the use of e-wallets altogether in online gambling.
Going back to GSIS and Veloso, GSIS is not like a private sector financial entity. GSIS cannot be an accomplice for what BBM calls the destruction of families.
Veloso effectively lost money for government pensioners in the process of helping destroy u PAGE A7
thinly across multiple districts to weaken their impact. Legally, partisan gerrymanders cannot be challenged in federal courts, as ruled in Rucho v. Common Cause (2019), but maps that dilute the electoral influence of protected groups remain illegal under the Voting Rights Act, reaffirmed by
CHINA accuses President Marcos of “playing with fire.” Beijing’s reaction exposes its two-track playbook. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stuck to calibrated legalism—reasserting “one China” and warning Manila against interference—while party-aligned outlets, such as the Global Times, hurled sharper accusations, branding the India trip as meddling in a U.S.-led containment arc. But China’s swagger in the West Philippine Sea hides unusual internal strains— military purges, procurement scandals, and political jockeying—that make it less ready to escalate beyond propaganda and shadowing. Underneath Beijing’s South China Sea projection of coherence and strength, the Chinese political-military system is in unusual flux. The purges of senior People’s Liberation Army officers, procurement scandals, and visible internal policy debates have fragmented parts of the security establishment. The PLA’s Rocket Force and naval procurement arms have both faced investigations. These internal strains make China less ready to upscale its aggressive behavior beyond “acoustics”— loud warnings, propaganda blasts, and gray-zone shadowing. Mr. Marcos’ India trip, upgrading ties to a strategic partnership and linking security to trade, shows how Manila can use this pause to lock in gains. The challenge is futureproofing: weaving sovereignty defense into jobs, infrastructure, and legally binding deals that endure beyond May 2028 and survive Washington’s policy swings. With transparency at sea, deeper non-U.S. alliances, humanitarianfirst Taiwan contingencies, and sustained lawfare, the Philippines can turn a moment of Chinese befuddlement into a durable advantage—one that no single election or foreign capital
can undo.
Mr. Marcos’ trip to New Delhi was more than a courtesy call. It elevated India–Philippines relations, showcased joint naval drills in the West Philippine Sea, and signaled further defense cooperation, including possible additional BrahMos missile purchases. Mr. Marcos’ remark that the Philippines “can’t stay out” of a Taiwan conflict if it erupts—citing proximity and the large community of overseas Filipino workers—turned the visit into a regional headline.
International relations analysts saw the India leg as part of a middle-power redundancy strategy: diversifying partners to complicate Beijing’s coercion calculus while lowering reliance on any single ally, especially Washington. Indian and Philippine leaders framed it as a blend of maritime security, economic ties, and peopleto-people programs—an architecture meant to outlast individual presidencies.
IT is unfortunate that late president Manuel Luis Quezon has been reduced to a meme by schoolchildren who only remember him as the “Father of the National Language.” This meme is reinforced each year in August, when K-12 schools celebrate “Buwan ng Wika” (National Language Month). An older generation harks back to “Linggo ng Wika” (National Language Week) that fell on or around Aug. 19, Quezon’s birthday.
Quezon should be more than the name of a province or the name behind the former capital city of the Philippines. Filipinos grew up with Quezon in their wallets, an iconic face on banknotes since the Republic started issuing currency in 1951—and even earlier, in unofficial “Guerrilla Currency,” during the Japanese occupation. Quezon first appeared on the P200 banknote in 1951, and later migrated to the P20 banknote, staying for many years until he was demoted to the P20 coin in 2019. I miss the young Quezon on the orange P20 bill; the
AFTER stirring the kaldero of corruption in his fourth State of the Nation Address, it may be that President Bongbong Marcos got more than he bargained for.
Aside from being applauded by some of the suspects, PBBM ended up getting an unexpected response of support from the public as well as a mountain of expectations for the President to expose and arrest the people involved.
Hence all the questions from the media on who and when?
As in who are the immediate suspects and when will the President have them arrested and detained? Unfortunately, the President answered the question with another question.
“Don’t we have any more investigative journalists in the Philippines? That’s your job, look it up.”
We could read the president’s challenge in two ways. Either PBBM stirred the kaldero too
shiny two-tone coin doesn’t do him justice as “barya” or small change, even if P20 is the highest denomination coin in Philippine currency. There is more to Quezon than being the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth. During the dark years of the Japanese occupation, Quezon remained a symbol of resistance and hope as Commonwealth President-in-exile in Washington. Our form of government was made in his image and likeness; he shaped a young nation born from Spanish and American colonial experience into his image and likeness. What our government is today, both good and bad, has its roots in Quezon, who once declared: “I would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government ruled like heaven by Americans.” Quezon got what he wished for, and that is partly our misfortune. When I look back on my career, I have created a niche for myself in the life and works of Rizal, with basically the 25 volumes of his published writings. Much of what I write or lecture about should not be new, but then we have a national hero who wrote a lot for a nation that does not read him. I often tell people that
historians often complain when they lack data, but they also complain when they have too much of it. When I first dipped into the papers Quezon willed to the National Library of the Philippines, I envied the scholars who have mountains of Quezon documentation compared with my molehill of primary sources for Rizal. In 1971, then NLP director Serafin D. Quiason estimated the Quezon Papers to be: “about 180,008 items … that includes: the General Correspondence, 1909-1944 (20 boxes); Family Correspondence, 1918-1941 (31 boxes); correspondent’s file, 1910-1940 (14 boxes), and the Speeches, Articles, Statements, Reports, Interviews, Book file, 1908-1944 (26 boxes). In addition to these, there are the Subject File, 19071944 (110 boxes); the Duplicate File, 1910-1944 (10 boxes) and the General Miscellany, 19071944, classified and arranged chronologically, consisting of fragmentary notes, newspaper clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, addresses, invitations and so forth.” What remains of the original Quezon Papers preserved at NLP has since deteriorated due to age and our humid climate. Many u PAGE A7
early and has been found lacking or unprepared. Instead of tinimbang ka ngunit kulang, tinanong siya, hindi naman niya masagot (he was asked but he had no answer). This reminded me of a lesson from Jesus Christ in the book of Luke chapter 14, verses 28 to 32:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundations and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying ‘this fellow began to build and was not able to.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one who is coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.”
Did the president get more than he bargained for?
Perhaps that is why he challenged the members of
media to be “investigative journalists” and find the suspects. Was he indirectly telling the media he needs bullets, reasons or justification to go after the people he believes are involved?
The fact that the corrupt contractors are in bed with corrupt politicians makes the matter politically complicated for PBBM. He is not the type to rock the boat except when someone like Rodrigo Duterte insults him to his face by calling him names or if certain individuals show no fear and no respect for him or his office.
If PBBM were to go after the corrupt contractors and politicians, they could turn on him politically or personally. PBBM already has enough enemies, so much so that he does not need to add his current “allies” to his list of haters. So, the next best thing is to call in “Replacement Assassins.” For the record I am stating that term is a figure of speech. A “Replacement Assassin” is someone who exposes an enemy or wrongdoer without u PAGE 7
amBeth r oCampo
Allen v. Milligan (2023). Why Filipino Americans should pay attention The way maps are drawn can strengthen or undermine the political voice of growing communities. California is home to approximately
California and Texas eye mid-decade...
million Filipino Americans, the largest Filipino American population in the U.S., concentrated in Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and the Central Valley.
Texas has about 232,000 Filipino Americans, one of the fastest-growing Asian American groups, with communities in Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.
Keeping communities intact on the map can boost influence on key issues such as immigration, healthcare, small business support, and veterans’ benefits.
Dividing them can significantly weaken voting power. What voters can do
1. Stay informed—Follow proposed maps and legislative developments in your state.
by nick GArciA Philstar.com
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas gave e-wallet platforms 48 hours to unlink from online gambling platforms amid growing concerns about the vice.
BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan gave the order during a Senate Games and Amusement Committee hearing on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Asked why it had to be within 48 hours instead of immediately, Tangonan explained, "We gave them sufficient time, all of them... to take (the online gambling links) down, and also give adequate or prompt information to the public."
It's expected that the links will no longer be available by Sunday morning, according to the deputy governor.
ted to protecting consumers and ensuring that financial systems aren't being exploited in the name of online gambling.
Earlier this year, the BSP issued a draft circular addressing the digital marketplace operations of banks and electronic money issuers. The circular included a rule barring them from offering products or services connected to gambling activities like online casinos, online betting, and electronic gaming.
Last July, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation ordered the removal of gambling billboards and out-ofhome advertisements by Aug. 15.
chairman of FinTech Alliance Philippines, said that they're aligned with the BSP "in ensuring that access to payment channels for online licensed gaming is strictly controlled, and that all FinTech Alliance members adopt robust due diligence measures.” Their measures include enhanced due diligence of merchant accounts classified under licensed online gaming; real-time detection, monitoring, and blacklisting of illegal and unregulated platforms; and full compliance with BSP-imposed restrictions and enforcement actions on payment channels found to be violating laws.
Lawmakers have also sought to regulate the industry, with others seeking to outright ban it.
2. Speak up—Submit public comments or testify at hearings; your words become part of the
As for violators, Tangonan said, "We will also sanction the concerned (e-wallet platforms)." Tangonan assured the public that the central bank is commit-
PAGCOR's move came on the heels of FinTech Alliance Philippines, the country's largest organization of financial technology companies, announcing stricter safeguards and control mechanisms for the use of digital payment platforms for online gambling activities.
Lito Villanueva, the founding
Senators who strongly wanted to ban online gambling include Joel Villanueva, Migz Zubiri, Raffy Tulfo, and Pia Cayetano. Senators Win Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, u PAGE 8
3. Support fair maps—Engage with nonpartisan advocacy groups working for transparency and fairness. Maps may seem abstract, but they are the foundations of representation. For Filipino Americans, active engagement now is a step toward preserving voice and influence in elections for the next decade. (AJPress)
PAGE 6
Poor judgment
families through online gambling.
In fairness, it is still only a paper loss but new regulations may make it difficult for DigiPlus to recover value quickly.
The other issue against Veloso may be more defensible.
Financing Alternergy is in the national interest and part of the country’s program to develop renewable energy.
It is unlikely that GSIS will lose money on Alternergy. On the contrary, GSIS will earn a 56 percent rate of return. Alternergy’s other creditors include BPI and BDO with support from IFC and ADB. The company was vetted well.
Still, the Maharlika Investment Fund is the more appropriate government agency to invest in Alternergy because energy is one of Maharlika’s priorities. The sovereign wealth fund is also designed to take in this kind of opportunity.
Unlike DigiPlus where recovery is currently iffy, GSIS received its first annual dividend income from its Alternergy investment amounting to P118 million in December 2024.The entire amount of P1.45 billion will be repaid or redeemed at the end of seven years.
GSIS will have earned P118 million for each of the seven years at an annual dividend coupon of eight percent or a total of P826 million beyond the P1.45 billion investment.
Late last week, Alternergy’s Alabat wind power project in Quezon province received ERC clearance to connect to the Luzon Grid. The Alabat wind project is one of five projects under construction and is part of Alternergy’s bid to have a 500-megawatt renewable power capacity by 2026.
As for GSIS’s investment in Del Monte, Sen. Risa said the pension fund “has already incurred an estimated paper loss of P19.1 million, representing a 32.5 percent decline in its stake.”
The loss isn’t big as of now but it could get worse because Del Monte has filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. where it has $2.3 billion in debt and is grappling with massive write-offs.
The American operation is a subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific which in turn is controlled by NutriAsia, makers of Datu Puti vinegar, Silver Swan soy sauce, Mang Tomas lechon sauce and UFC banana ketchup.
Sen. Risa is saying that GSIS
should have bailed out of Del Monte and minimized its losses. That’s assuming there is a ready buyer.
In terms of social impact, a must in government investments, risking GSIS pensioners’ money in DigiPlus is highly questionable. I have met Yosi Tanco, the principal investor in DigiPlus and he seems low key and amiable. His principal claim to fame is STI, the school training young people in computer science, their ticket out of poverty. Yosi, at our age, should think of legacy now. He has proven beyond doubt his ability to make tons of money. He should aim to be remembered for what STI did for our youth. Not what online gambling is doing, destroying our families, as BBM puts it.
As for Wick, his rainmaker reputation has gone into his head. This humbling experience should do him some good.
(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.
*
* * Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on X @boochanco
The Quezon Papers
papers are now illegible due to fading ink or further decline of carbon copies of typewritten material. Some inks bleed on the reverse of documents, obscuring vital texts. Other inks are corrosive and burn through the brittle paper they are written on. Documents suffer from water damage, pests, and the most destructive of all—humans. A timely joint project between the University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library (BHL) and the NLP was completed in 1969, resulting in the reproduction of what was deemed most important of the archive onto 54 reels of microfilm. With the decline of microfilm copies deposited at NLP and the University of the Philippines,
some of the images are just as illegible as the degraded originals. I consulted the best microfilm copies at the BHL using their state-of-the-art readers that allow users to magnify hard-to-read texts or adjust brightness and contrast to enhance images prior to saving these on a thumb drive or sending them by email. Comparing a faded document from the Quezon Papers on the NLP website with an enhanced copy of the same from the BHL microfilm is like night and day. After visiting the NLP in 2024 to see the physical state of the Quezon Papers, Alexis Antracoli, BHL director, had the Quezon Papers digitized and turned them over last month to NLP Director Cesar Gilbert
Adriano on a 2TB drive. During the turnover, the two directors agreed to make the Quezon Papers publicly accessible on the BHL website. This initiative is doubly significant because the Quezon Papers were inscribed in the Unesco Memory of the World Register in 2011. One can only hope the Quezon Papers online will spur further research into Quezon to understand the nation he envisioned, and the nation we often fail to be. (Inquirer.net)
* * * 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. *
Comments are welcome at aocampo@ ateneo.edu
Locking in a resilient Philippine foreign...
This window of opportunity for Manila could slam shut if mishandled. A “China-fawning” president could reverse gains in sovereignty protection. The challenge is to future-proof the current sovereignty-maximizing approach, so it survives political turnover at home and policy volatility abroad. What is to be done? Lock in, not just lean in. Prioritize treaty-backed or Senate-ratified instruments— fully operationalize the Japan–Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement and keep Edca site upgrades as multiyear and multiuse hubs for humanitarian and disaster relief, not just defense. By interweaving these measures with local jobs, livelihood projects, and industry partnerships through formal agreements backed by mutually beneficial programs, the Philippines roots its maritime strategy in domestic constituencies. Make deterrence domestic. Connect security moves to
tangible benefits—ports, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy corridors—so voters see sovereignty policy as part of jobsand-prices policy, not an abstract military agenda. The Luzon Economic Corridor initiative linking US, Japan, and Philippine investments is an example. Exploit “acoustics” with transparency. If Beijing favors information operations over kinetic escalation in the near term, Manila can play this game as well. It should publish full incident records—video, AIS data, and damage forensics— within 48 hours. Inviting thirdparty observers on sensitive missions turns Chinese noise into Philippine evidence, sustaining international support. Thicken the non-U.S. lattice. Expand predictable joint patrols and coast guard interoperability with India, Japan, Australia, and Asean partners. The India–Philippines joint sail in the West Philippine Sea should become quarterly, less symbolic. Signal humanitarian primacy on Taiwan. Frame any Philippine
role around overseas Filipino worker evacuation and humanitarian assistance. This maintains public support at home and narrows Beijing’s ability to retaliate without appearing callous. Upgrade lawfare. Prepare follow-on legal cases targeting specific harassment patterns and environmental damage, with amicus briefs from multiple states. Even if slow, these cases erode the legitimacy of coercion and create a legal basis for coordinated responses.
The next five years will be decisive. The task is to weave sovereignty defense into the political, economic, and social fabric of the Philippines so tightly that it cannot be unpicked by a single election—or by the changing winds in foreign capitals. (Inquirer.net)
More than he bargained for?
connecting the action to the source.
I actually teach this in my media training seminars, especially to people who experience or encounter injustice, corruption or abuse of power in different levels of government and society but can’t risk being identified or fired.
The “Replacement Assassins” are members of media, clergy, NGOs or independent minded politicians like Mayors Belmonte, Magalong, etc., people committed to good government, justice and equality.
As far as members of the media are concerned, PBBM needs to be sure that when things begin to stink, that he has people he can trust and who have integrity and courage to investigate and charge the suspects without fear or favor.
Don’t waste the time and risk the lives of media without the necessary structure to go after the corrupt.
Even without asking, we now hear or read the inputs of Senator Ping Lacson, Mayor Benjie Magalong, Mayor Vico Sotto
as well as members of media giving PBBM tips, signposts and primers on the corruption involving flood control projects.
Last week, the chairman and president of San Miguel Corporation generously and confidently announced their willingness to step up to the challenge and expense of fixing the flooding problems in Metro Manila, etc.
Many expressed surprise with RSA’s bold statement without realizing or perhaps forgetting that San Miguel Corporation has been dredging many rivers, canals, etc. and has made “Clean Rivers” their corporate commitment.
Ramon Ang is not the type to shoot his mouth off without a plan. I would wager that if PBBM gave RSA and San Miguel a green light, they would easily and immediately be on site. That is the nature and character of Ramon Ang.
His recent bold statement was just his usual way of getting reaction and feedback to a plan already on the table. He has nothing to lose if people or government say no or suspiciously “look a gift horse in the mouth.” RSA can simply step aside with no loss of face. But those who block the offer must have a good reason, as well as be able to do what SMC can do.
Allowing San Miguel Corporation to take the lead in addressing the flooding problem will set the standard on the right way and the right solution, based on years of experience and proven positive results.
In the meantime, PBBM can put together his “A Team” and adapt the show’s catchphrase: “I love it when a plan comes together.” (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.
While people talk about the kaldero of corruption, RSA with his background on engineering, competency in technology and infrastructure development has probably done the due diligence, put together the operations manual.
* * * Email: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com
Elia Ilano to take lead role in the film “Teresa”
Award-winning young actress Elia Ilano will headline the upcoming short film “Teresa”, an official grantee of the International Children’s Peace Prize Fund. This global initiative is made possible through the efforts of State of Youth and KidsRights, a non-profit organization based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with generous support from WereldWijd voor Kinderen (WWvK).
Produced by State of Youth Manila, the film explores the theme of gender equality—a cornerstone in building a just, inclusive, and peaceful society. “Teresa” tells the inspiring story of a young girl from an underprivileged community who dreams of becoming an engineer. Gifted in science and driven by a thirst for learning, Teresa defies poverty and the societal expectations placed on girls. Instead of being discouraged, she draws strength from resilience and courage, determined to carve her own path.
Leading the cast is Elia Ilano, FAMAS Best Child Actress, Star Awards Best Child Performer, and Asia Pacific Topnotch Teen Actress of the Year 2025. Joining her are veteran actor Bodjie Pascua, singersongwriter-actress-host Ataska, newcomer Symon de Lena, theater and TV actress Malou Canzana, and character actor Richard Ubalde.
The film is written and directed by Paulo Xavier, with Sherryl Ilano as Assistant Director and Dave Ramirez as Director of Photography. It is produced by State of Youth, KidsRights, WWvK, and Elia Ilano.
“Teresa” is set to premiere in September 2025 through private screenings in schools and in various public and private institutions nationwide, aiming to spark conversations on gender equality and youth empowerment.
From a Facebook post by my former boss, Margie PensonJuico (former Chairperson of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office), I learned that her grandson Rafael Villanueva recently joined the San Francisco Marathon 2025:
“From Dinggay and Bryan’s athletic family is my first ‘apo’ who joined the San Francisco marathon and finished it. This man is my pride for all he has achieved in his young life: he is a third of my age yet his achievements pale in comparison to mine! Thank you, Lord, for giving his cousins an awesome trailblazer.” I was also delighted to learn that
niece, Aiko Kumano, joined the half marathon in San Francisco and completed it successfully. She will soon head to Australia for another marathon, with plans to join the Tokyo Marathon in March 2026 and the Boston Marathon in April 2026.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has established the Task Force on the LA28 Summer Olympics, thanking Gene Sykes, Chair of the Committee, for banning men from competing in women’s sports. “The U.S. will not let men steal trophies from women at the 2028 Olympics — and we appreciate the fairness,” President Trump said. In a significant step toward strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration, officials from Mabalacat City College recently paid a courtesy visit to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office 3.
Led by MCC President Dr. Sonny de Guzman, the delegation included Vice President for Administration Dr. Myrna Calma, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Marilyn
Arcilla, Vice President for External Affairs Ms. Jennyfer Merza, and Vice President for Research Mr. Glen Nolasco. They were warmly welcomed by CHEDRO 3 Director IV Dr. Lora L. Yusi and Education Supervisors Dr. Mary Ann Geanette Dungca-Medina and Dr. Lyra Anne Lopez-Padrid.
The visit focused on building a stronger working relationship, identifying areas for cooperation, and exploring opportunities for academic growth and development. Both parties expressed optimism about future collaborations that would benefit students and the wider community. The visit underscores Mabalacat City College’s commitment to excellence and to providing quality education through collaboration and partnerships. CHED Regional Office 3 looks forward to working closely with MCC to achieve these shared goals.
Noted Kapampangan writer, essayist, reporter, editor, columnist, and professor Danton Remoto has accepted five creative-writing
students (I am fortunate to be among them) for one-on-one online mentorship. His sessions will cover poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, and the novel, in either English or Filipino. Several of his former students have published books locally and abroad, while others have received literary awards.
Remoto previously taught English and Journalism at Ateneo de Manila University and is chairman emeritus of Ang Ladlad, the LGBT political party in the Philippines.
Finally, my thanks to my neighbor, Suzie Williamson of Overture Lane in Green Valley, California, for giving me a free ride to Safeway supermarket. She is always warm and friendly to Filipinos.
***
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
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will investigate reports that some elected officials received campaign donations from government contractors, despite existing prohibitions.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) is expected to conduct a motu proprio investigation, amid reports that a number of politicians had benefited from campaign contributions from contractors for flood control and other infrastructure projects, many of which turned out to be of substandard quality.
“Almost sure, it will be done by our PFAD,” Garcia said, referring to an investigation.
He said it does not matter if the irregular contributions were made in 2022 or in 2025 as long as they happened within a prescriptive period, which is five years.
“We can still take action because it’s within our jurisdiction,” Garcia said.
Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), Garcia said contractors for government projects are prohibited from contributing funds to candidates and political parties.
Violators face imprisonment of one to six years, among other penalties provided by law.
He declined to say whether some candidates could be held liable for violating such provision in the OEC, as there is a possibility that cases would be filed before the commission.
“If you read (the law), it would appear that it’s the contractors who are covered. Now, what
about the candidates who were given donations? I won’t issue yet any pronouncement on the matter. For now, it’s a free for all interpretation of the provision,” Garcia said.
On Senate President Francis Escudero’s admission that he received campaign contributions during the last elections, Garcia said the senator should be given the chance to explain his side.
The Comelec is still reviewing state contributions and expenditure documents submitted by candidates in the May national and local elections.
Meanwhile, a Duterte-allied senatorial candidate who lost in the last elections went to the Senate yesterday to ask the chamber to investigate alleged irregularities in the 2025 midterm elections.
Jimmy Bondoc, accompanied by lawyer Israelito Torreon, delivered a letter to Escudero requesting for an investigation.
They urged the Senate to investigate alleged poll irregularities through its Blue Ribbon committee, headed by their ally Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
They were alleging mishandling of election paraphernalia and online voting irregularities. They also claimed without presenting proof that over 17 million votes for senator were excluded from the official count.
They sought an investigation after only three of their “Duter10” senatorial slate won in the senatorial race.
Their party leader, former President Rodrigo Duterte is detained in The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity for the deaths of thousands in
@Heart
philip S. Chua, md, FaCS, FpCS Health
CURRENTLY, there is a mosquito-borne epidemic in Guangdong Province in China, with about 8,000 cases of Chikungunya viral infections (first started mid-June), reported on July 26, 2025, mostly in Foshan city, the epicenter. Other areas of the province are also affected. This is the largest outbreak in China’s history. The officials are concerned with the impact of the weather (potential typhoons and rain), which favors mosquito breeding.
The virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes; NO human-to-human transmission. The signs and symptoms include fever, rash, headache, fatigue, nausea, red eyes, and significant joint pains. These usually resolve in a week, but some may experience debilitating joint pains for months or even years. It rarely causes death.
The government has initiated and maintained “aggressive containment efforts, including widespread insecticide fogging, doorto-door inspection, and forced hospitalization for those who are infected.”
The Chikungunya infection has spread beyond China, affecting Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. This same viral infection has been reported in over 110 countries in 2025, including Africa (Senegal, Kenya), the Americas (Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru), and Europe (France and Italy).
Chikungunya is not endemic in the United States, although these two varieties of mosquitoes are present in the USA, and usually travel-associated cases enter the country. “Locally acquired cases reported in Florida were in 2019, none since,” according to the CDC. The global concern for a potential pandemic is being closely monitored worldwide.
Mosquito repellents in the form of bracelets, skin spray, cream, gels, and electronic devices are available to prevent mosquito bites for outdoor adventurers, especially for those who are traveling.
While the cases in Guangdong have plateaued, with fewer new cases in Foshan, the authorities
Viral epidemic in China
have not reduced their vigilance and containment strategies. COVID is back “Stratus,” the new XFG variant of COVID-19, is rapidly spreading across the US and in Europe. The WHO has assessed the global risk to be low, so we can relax, but also be vigilant.
Microplastics in our bodies
For the past couple of years, we have been warning people of microplastic contamination in our brains, our blood, and other vital organs. The brain appears to have the highest concentration, about 7 grams, equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon. The highest concentration is in our frontal cortex, the area responsible for the higher-order cognitive functions. And it appears no one is exempt from this contamination; all human beings on earth (and animals) have microplastics in their body.
The number one source of microplastic contamination is the atmosphere, in the air we breathe, since plastic materials are ubiquitous, especially in our homes. Bottled water is another source, where plastic bottle microplastics leach into the water. Any plastic container leaks microplastics.
For drinking water, we have purchased a 9-stage under-sink and tabletop water filtration system, with a Reverse Osmosis membrane filter, and a UVC light to kill bacteria, viruses, cysts, etc. The membrane filters out microplastics, besides harmful chemicals and other total dissolved solids (TDS).
It is recommended that we use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel housewares, especially in the kitchen, where food items are stored. For grocery items, food, and drinks, glass containers are preferred.
The various harmful effects of microplastics on human health include inflammation, oxidative stress, potential links to cardiovascular and reproductive issues, and even cancer. Microplastics can also enter the body by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. More studies are ongoing about microplastics and their definitive effects on health.
M-diet for longevity?
Gaining its popularity in the 1970s for its health benefits, the Mediterranean Diet has been studied around the globe to find out if it holds the key to longevity. MD relies on fresh whole vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and moderate amounts of oily fish,
and "appears to help with weight loss to better heart health.”
Eating meat, about the size of a deck of cards, is allowed. It has been shown that “eating plantbased meat substitutes offered no significant benefits to heart health over actual animal meat.”
In 2025, various studies have found that a “Mediterranean-type diet is linked to better brain health, better gut health, a lower risk of cancer, lower blood pressure, and even a decreased risk of chronic constipation,” according to MNT.
The broader implication is that it promotes health and maximizes the natural potential longevity of the individual.
Breakthroughs
The latest medical breakthroughs: (1) A new blood test has been developed that can detect Alzheimer’s with 90 percent accuracy, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment; (2) Advances in gene therapy offer hope for treat diseases like sickle cell anemia, and exploring potential applications for muscular dystrophy and other conditions; (3) An mRNA vaccine has shown promise in trials for pancreatic cancer, potentially reducing recurrence following surgery; (4) A new implant that stimulates the Vagus nerve may help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients; and, (5) Researchers have successfully grown a backbone using human stem cells, which could aid studies into spinal cord injuries and birth defects.”
The wonders of science and technology are mind-boggling, especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence. The world is, indeed, blessed with countless brilliant minds and talents.
* * * 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.
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award, whose past awardees included President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, Mohammad Ali, distinguished educators, and renowned scientists (Source: Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
De Lima files complaint vs prosecutors of her cases
MANILA — Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate for grave misconduct and gross ignorance of the law the state prosecutors who pursued the drug cases against her.
In a complaint to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, De Lima said she was the target of fabricated” and “politically motivated cases,” which made her endure “abuse and injustice” for over seven years at the hands of prosecutors.
She cited a “shocking and brazen move” of a 10-member panel that filed a second motion for reconsideration last month before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC), seeking to reverse her acquittal in one of the drug-related cases.
The prosecutors who lent their authority to this travesty must not be allowed to continue wielding the powers of the State with impunity. Their actions were not a simple mistake; they were a tyrannical exercise of power that cost me years
of my life and eroded the foundations of our justice system,” the complaint read.
De Lima said the drug charges against her, of which she has been acquitted, were anchored on the fabricated testimony of former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos, who later recanted his testimony.
She said the prosecutors “turned a blind eye” to this and “relentlessly pursued” her conviction despite the absence of material evidence, demonstrating a “flagrant disregard for their duty to seek truth and justice.”
“This constitutes grave misconduct. They allowed themselves to become instruments of persecution, not prosecution,” De Lima said.
De Lima was jailed in 2017 over three drug cases, which she said were trumped-up charges filed in retaliation for being a staunch critic of then president Rodrigo Duterte.
The Office of the Solicitor General filed a petition for certiorari before the Court of Appeals to void the acquittal, which was granted in April this year, with the CA remanding the case back to the RTC.
However, the RTC issued a ruling in June that affirmed the acquittal of De Lima and her former aide, Ronnie Dayan. In filing the second motion for reconsideration, the prosecution panel claimed the RTC ruling failed to comply with the CA’s directive. Man of honor
Meanwhile, the family of Ragos, who died Tuesday of cardiac arrest, wants the public to remember him as a man who defied all threats to bring the truth to light.
Ragos was thrust into the spotlight after the DOJ made him a witness in one of three drug charges against De Lima. In 2022, he retracted his entire testimony, which paved the way for De Lima’s acquittal.
Ragos’ nephew Winston said the late BuCor chief demonstrated that he was a “man of honor” committed to achieving justice despite the threats against him.
My uncle exemplified great courage to prove that the truth should always prevail, no matter what would happen to him and to his family,” Winston, who is based in California, told The STAR “Even up to the point that he would be humiliated, but at least, in his conscience, he has delivered on what is just and what is right,” he added.
Ragos claimed he was coerced by then justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to sign prepared affidavits on three occasions in 2016 and 2017 to implicate De Lima.
De Lima appointed Ragos as BuCor officer-in-charge in November 2012, a position he held for four months.
Prior to that, he was a career official who rose through the ranks of the Commission on Audit and the National Bureau of Investigation, which he served for three decades. (With reports from EJ Macababbad)
by JoSe rodel clApAno, dAphne GAlvez Philstar.com
my
Elia Ilano, lead star of “Teresa”.
Suzie Williamson with AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina
Bryan and Dinggay Villanueva’s son Rafael, a first half marathon runner in the recent San Francisco Marathon 2025
First half marathon runner Aiko Kumano.
Dr. Myrna Cuento-Calma, Mabalacat City College’s Vice President for Administration.
After the launch of Boys’ Love at Book Nook. Gene Sykes with President Trump.
ASIAN
JOURNAL
The Filipino touch that turned pistachio into gold
Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis Omamalin transformed a pistachio-knafeh chocolate bar into the viral “Dubai chocolate,” founded luxury brand Sna’ap, and continues to inspire dessert innovation worldwide
by AJPress
FROM a small kitchen in Dubai to TikTok feeds across the globe, the knafeh-inspired “Dubai chocolate” became more than a confection. It grew into a symbol of how heritage, precision, and creative risk can converge into something unforgettable. At the heart of this phenomenon is Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis Omamalin, whose work has shaped flavor while also defining a new chapter in modern dessertmaking.
The birth of a modern icon
In 2021, inside the early workspace of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, molten pistachiotahini cream was carefully piped into tempered milk chocolate shells lined with golden threads of kataifi pastry. The inspiration came from knafeh, the beloved Middle Eastern dessert layered with pastry, cream or cheese, fragrant syrup, and pistachios. The concept belonged to Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian engineer-turned-chocolatier, who sought a way to capture the spirit of knafeh in a chocolate bar. To refine the texture and flavor balance, she worked with Filipino pastry chef and consultant Nouel Catis Omamalin. His precision and creativity helped perfect what would be named “Can’t Get Knafeh of It.”
When the bar finally launched, its lush green filling, satisfying crunch, and cultural fusion set it apart from anything on the market. It first attracted local curiosity in Dubai, but the blend of flavors and textures resonated so strongly that it began to travel by word of mouth, from kitchen counters to café menus, from dinner parties to food blogs.
A viral sensation
The tipping point came in late 2023 when a TikTok video showed the bar breaking open in slow motion, revealing the molten pistachio cream inside.
The clip racked up 122 million views and transformed the phrase “Dubai chocolate” into a byword for indulgence and style. Demand surged, with 30,000 Deliveroo orders in the UK alone, supermarket sell-outs, and luxury reinterpretations in high-end patisseries from Paris to Manila.
What made it irresistible
was not only the visual drama of its bright pistachio core but also the way it blended Middle Eastern tradition with modern craftsmanship. As more people discovered it, new versions appeared, from pistachio-filled croissants in Sydney to sans rivalinspired takes in the Philippines. Many tried to imitate it, but few matched the depth of flavor and detail in the original.
The chef who helped shape it Nouel Catis Omamalin’s influence on the dessert world began long before the viral fame of the Dubai chocolate. Born in Dipolog City, he studied at New York’s French Culinary Institute and built his career in five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and airline kitchens across Asia and the Middle East. Known for blending nostalgia with innovation, he often fuses Arabic, French, Asian, and Western influences to create what he calls “heritage reimagined.” For him, every recipe tells a story, and his work on “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” combined technical precision with a narrative that connected to memory and culture. From Fix to founding Sna’ap
After his collaboration with Fix Dessert Chocolatier, Chef Nouel launched Sna’ap by Chef Nouel Catis in Dubai, guided by a philosophy of crafting legendary desserts that go beyond taste to become complete sensory experiences. Sna’ap’s signature values include small-batch production, ethically sourced ingredients, and the absence of preservatives. Each creation
carries a story, whether drawn from a cultural tradition, a childhood memory, or a global city he has visited.
The pistachio-knafeh chocolate returned under Sna’ap, and the response was overwhelming, with 3,000 bars selling out in two days. The brand is now expanding in the Philippines and preparing for international growth, with new flavors inspired by different culinary traditions joining the collection.
Luxury lives in the details
Chef Nouel approaches each dessert as a work of art, beginning with an idea and developing it through experimentation until it achieves a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and presentation. He draws from the same principles as haute couture, with vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and intricate garnishes designed to engage all the senses. In his TEDx talk, he reflects on how embracing foreign culinary cultures enriches not only the palate but also the heart.
The written legacy
In addition to his work in the kitchen, Chef Nouel authored Nouel’s Nifty Chic Baking, a 146-page collection that blends recipes with design guidance. The book celebrates cultural diversity in baking, pairing Arabic, French, and Asian influences with modern techniques. It offers accessible recipes for beginners and challenging projects for professionals, all accompanied by striking photography.
Why Dubai chocolate endures
The Dubai chocolate is not just a passing trend. It continues to inspire new desserts and interpretations, proving that when a creation resonates emotionally and culturally, it can outlast the viral moment that launched it. The original still holds its place as a benchmark for craftsmanship and storytelling in confectionery, even as others attempt to recreate it. For Chef Nouel, the measure of success lies not in how many copies exist but in the lasting joy the original brings to those who taste it.
The demand remains high, and supply is often limited. By the time you finish reading this, the latest batch may already be gone.
Graton Resort
&
Casino rolls out Lexus giveaways, $15K cash prizes; Asian Stars Eric Moo and Jimmy O. Yang Live
Multi-month campaign will include special events, activations, and attractions in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown shopping district
EVERY Saturday, August
9-September 27, join the Over $4 Million Drive Away In Luxury Giveaway for a chance to win a 2025 Lexus LX every hour!
Drawings 7PM-11PM. Plus, 25 winners of $1,000 Free Slot Play every week. Bonus: earn 5X entries on Saturdays, 3PM-7PM.
Tuesdays, August 5, 12 & 19, 2PM-7PM, is the SunSational Slot Tournament. Win up to $15,000 cash! 50 winners guaranteed at each tournament. All Graton Rewards members receive one free entry. Fortune winners will earn double the prize, and Royalty & Chairman members will receive triple!
As August rolls to September, Graton Resort & Casino keeps the excitement going with backto-back Asian superstars!
Friday, September 5 – Eric Moo Concert Erik Moo, a legendary Tai-
wanese singer, has topped the Mandopop charts since the beginning of his career. With over 40 albums in Mandarin and Cantonese, his music brings decades of heartfelt ballads and chart hits. Don’t miss the chance to see Eric Moo live, an award-winning artist celebrated across Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and beyond.
Thursday, September 11 - Jimmy O. Yang Big & Tall Tour –Second Night Added After SoldOut Show Due to popular demand, a second show has been added! The first show sold out fast—don’t miss your chance to catch him live. Jimmy O. Yang, stand-up comic and actor best known for Crazy Rich Asians, Silicon Valley, and Hulu’s upcoming Interior Chinatown, is bringing his Big & Tall comedy tour to Graton Resort & Casino for one more night only.
Tickets are selling fast! Secure yours now before they sell out at www.gratonresortcasino.com.
About Graton Resort & Casino Graton Resort & Casino, located in Rohnert Park, California, is a premier destination for entertainment, dining and gaming in Northern California. Boasting a luxurious atmosphere and worldclass amenities, Graton Resort & Casino offers guests an unparalleled experience with its diverse selection of restaurants, bars, gaming options and live entertainment venues. From thrilling gaming action to upscale dining and relaxing spa treatments, Graton Resort & Casino provides an all-encompassing retreat for visitors seeking excitement and relaxation. Resort access is limited to guests aged 21 or older. For more information, visit www. gratonresortcasino.com. (Advertising Supplement)
CLOY Star Hyun Bin makes memorable Manila landing
by AJPress
MANILA — Fans of Crash Landing on You final-
ly got the moment they had been waiting for when Hyun Bin, the actor who brought to life the stoic yet tender Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok, made his first-ever visit to the Philippines on August 8, 2025.
He “crash landed” at Solaire Resort Entertainment City as its newly appointed ambassador, met hundreds of raffle-winning fans, and experienced the kind of reception only a beloved global star can draw.
For years, viewers have watched and rewatched this breakthrough K-drama, swept up in the romance that made it a worldwide hit.
In Manila, Hyun Bin demonstrated the same understated grace, composure, and charisma of his beloved on-screen character, this time in person.
A drama that crossed borders
When Crash Landing on You premiered in December 2019, it resonated with viewers, underscoring the universal nature of love.
Playing the stoic yet tender North Korean officer Ri Jeong-hyeok, Hyun Bin delivered a performance layered with discipline, quiet humor, and emotional depth. Audiences around the world connected with him, regardless of language or culture.
During the early months of the pandemic, CLOY topped Netflix Philippines charts, offering viewers both a welcome escape from isolation with a story that brought people together. Many were drawn to Hyun Bin’s portrayal of loyalty and restraint, qualities deeply valued in Filipino culture.
The Manila moment
That enduring connection set the stage for Hyun Bin’s first visit to the country. At a fan meet attended by 500 raffle-winning guests, the energy in the room was electric. Hyun Bin took time for photos, signed memorabilia, and even attempted a few Tagalog phrases, each met with delighted applause.
Speaking to the press, he shared that the Philippines had “always been on my list” and that the reception “exceeded all expectations.” He described feeling “closer” to his Filipino fans and said he hoped to foster a “comfortable vibe” between them.
In a special sit-down interview with Martin Nievera, the “Concert King” asked what else he wanted to try aside from adobo. Hyun Bin smiled and answered, “Crispy pata,” adding that he had heard about the popular Filipino pork dish and wanted to taste it.
One highlight that quickly went viral was a playful moment when attendees teased him about his real-life romance with Son Ye-jin. Hyun Bin responded with an affectionate, slightly bashful smile, an “epic reaction” that trended across social media.
His visit also sparked memorable encounters beyond the stage. One of the most talked-about was with veteran TV icon Charo Santos, a self-confessed “Captain Ri” admirer and one of the most respected figures in Philippine entertainment.
After meeting Hyun Bin, she posted a photo with the caption: “Crash landed… right into my oppa’s smile.” The candid fangirl moment drew thousands of reactions online and showed how Hyun Bin’s appeal bridges generations, connecting both everyday
fans and celebrated industry veterans.
A real-life love story
Part of CLOY’s lasting charm is that its central romance transcended the screen.
Hyun Bin and co-star Son Ye-jin, whose on-screen chemistry captivated viewers, confirmed their real-life relationship in 2021, married in March 2022, and welcomed their first child later that year.
Their marriage and journey into parenthood have only deepened fans’ connection to them, adding a heartfelt dimension to the love story they first embraced on screen.
In Manila, Hyun Bin acknowledged how CLOY changed his life, both professionally and personally. For fans, seeing him as both an actor and a family man made his visit feel even more intimate and special.
Sincerity in the spotlight
Beyond the red carpets and stage lights, Hyun Bin’s trip was filled with simple, heartfelt moments. He tried Filipino adobo for the first time, calling it “very, very delicious and amazing,” and revealed his minimalist travel essentials: a watch, sunglasses, and a cap.
When asked during another interview to offer an advice to his younger self, he said, “Enjoy the moment… enjoy the surroundings rather than just going forward.”
Professionally, he remains focused on acting, with a new political drama, Made in Korea, set to stream on Disney+ later this year. If he ever steps into producing, he hinted, it would be for “something with a surprising plot twist.”
From Seoul to the world, with love
Whether standing in a fictional North Korean village or on the Solaire stage, Hyun Bin carries the same quiet magnetism that made Crash Landing on You a global hit.
His Manila visit was more than a promotional stop – it became a poignant moment between artist and audience, bridging language and distance. The event may have ended and the stage lights dimmed, but the bond between Hyun Bin and his Filipino fans endures until the next time their paths cross again.
Regine Velasquez reveals she and Ogie Alcasid endured “many breakups” in their early years and are now thriving in marriage
In a candid interview, Regine Velasquez reflects on the challenges she and Ogie Alcasid faced in their early relationship, sharing how they overcame repeated breakups to build a lasting marriage and a life together in the public eye
by AJPress
IN the glare of show business, some love stories are scripted for happy endings. Others earn their place in the spotlight because they survive what should have broken them.
For Regine Velasquez, the Philippines’ undisputed “Asia’s Songbird,” the early years with singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid were not a fairy tale. They were a trial by fire.
In a recent sit-down with veteran entertainment journalist Aster Amoyo on TicTALK with Aster Amoyo, Velasquez did what she rarely does: pull back the curtain on the messiness before the music.
“Ang daming beses naming naghiwalay kasi ayoko na,” she admitted. “I don’t wanna ruin their family… ‘Kawawa ang mga anak mo,’ parang gano’n.” (“We broke up many times because I didn’t want to go on. I didn’t want to ruin their family… ‘Your children will suffer,’ something like that.”)
It was a raw confession, equal parts love, guilt, and self-preservation.
The turbulence before the calm
By the time their relationship became public, Alcasid was already a household name. The two had undeniable chemistry on stage and off. Yet, in Velasquez’s telling, their connection was shadowed by public judgment and her own conscience. She chose to walk away more than once, convinced that staying would do more harm than good.
The back-and-forth lasted until Alcasid’s first marriage was annulled, a development entertainment press reported as final and executory before the couple wed. On December 22, 2010, Velasquez and Alcasid exchanged vows in Tagaytay, in a wedding attended by industry royalty and sealing a decade-long courtship.
Standing together in the present
Fifteen years later, they remain one of Philippine entertainment’s most enduring power couples. In August 2024, both publicly dismissed online rumors of a separation, with Velasquez waving off the chatter as baseless. The truth, she made clear, was that the struggles were behind them, not between them. Her recent candor in Amoyo’s interview was not a revelation of fresh trouble but a reminder of
the grit it took to get here.
Love in the spotlight Velasquez and Alcasid’s story is a study in the paradox of celebrity romance, where the most fragile bonds often play out under the harshest lights. They navigated not only the complexities of blending families but also the relentless gaze of an audience that expected harmony from two of the country’s most beloved voices.
Velasquez’s choice to speak about their past in such unvarnished terms is less about reopening old wounds than honoring the resilience it took to keep going. The woman who once walked away many times now sings a different refrain.
Because sometimes, the most romantic thing you can say is not We never fought” but “We fought for this.”
Marjorie Barretto, son Leon graduate from college
by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
MARJORIE Barretto, 51, earned admiration from her children after she finally earned a college degree—a milestone that her son Leon achieved as well in the same year.
The celebrity mom graduated with a degree in communication arts from Philippine Women’s University, as per her eldest daughter Dani Barretto’s Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
You inspire me. Congratulations, mommy! So so proud of you!” Dani wrote, showing a clip from when Marjorie received her diploma on stage.
Claudia also showed moments from Marjorie’s graduation ceremony through Instagram Stories, saying, “Mom, I’m so proud of you!
“Proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams,” the younger Barretto said of her mom’s achievement.
Leon, for his part, shared a photo of him and Marjorie in their graduation robes. Leon disclosed in the past that he had been taking up a marketing course at University of Asia and the Pacific.
Not a lot of people can say they graduated college the same year as their mom,” he said in the caption. It’s really never too late—congratulations, mom!
Truly an inspiration to my siblings and me.
9
with challenges. The family's initial attempt at an employment-based petition was denied due to the employer's inability to pay. This led to the family being placed in removal proceedings, creating a daunting and uncertain future. Despite these setbacks, their resilience and faith carried them through.
Leading U.S. Immigration
Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel prepared a long-term strategy for Julius and Amelita’s green
cards that involved long-term planning and dedication. It required son Nikko to obtain his green card and U.S. citizenship through marriage to his girlfriend, Joyce. Upon Nikko’s naturalization, he was able to petition for his parents, culminating in his parents receiving their green cards.
Julius and Amelita’s journey to legalization spanned 15 years and the use of the three P’s: Planning, Patience, and Prayer. They also had the strategic planning
of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel. But with unwavering patience, and steadfast prayer, Julius and Amelita’s dream has finally been realized. Watch this success story on an encore 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. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers
Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid Photo from Instagram/@reginevalcasid
Marjorie Barretto and her son Leon Barretto Photo from Instagram/@theleonbarretto
Hyun Bin shares a lighthearted moment on stage at Solaire Resort during his first-ever Manila visit, engaging in a warm conversation that delighted fans and media alike.
Prior to this, Marjorie was gifted with a minivan by her actress daughter Julia Barretto. The celebrity mom also earlier revealed that her youngest daughter Erich flew to the United Kingdom to pursue summer courses at the University of Oxford.
San Diego residents report sharp spikes in water bills; city probes causes and fixes
SAN DIEGO — A rising num-
ber of San Diego water customers are reporting sticker shock after opening their most recent bills, with some accounts showing unexpected increases of several hundred dollars. The City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department says the spike is largely linked to the annual sewer service charge recalculation, a process that adjusts rates based on each household’s water usage during the “winter monitoring” period — typically between November and April, when outdoor irrigation is at its lowest. That usage is then used to set the new sewer rate for the year starting in July. While the adjustment happens
every year, residents whose winter usage was higher than normal — due to leaks, extended household stays, or other factors — may see substantial jumps on their summer bills. This recalculation is separate from proposed long-term rate increases currently scheduled for a City Council public hearing on Sept. 30, 2025. If approved, those hikes would begin in January 2026 and phase in annually through 2029, potentially raising typical monthly bills by more than 50% over the next four years.
The current billing shock is not being tied to widespread meter-reading errors, though the city has faced public scrutiny in past years over incorrect
bills and customer service backlogs. Officials recommend that customers review their bill lineby-line, compare meter reads to actual usage, and file a misread request if there is a discrepancy. For those facing unusually high charges, the city offers leak adjustments for qualifying repairs and payment plans to spread out costs. Residents can check the city’s Public Utilities website for stepby-step instructions on reading their bills, understanding sewer charge calculations, and requesting account reviews. City staff say early reporting of possible issues can help resolve errors more quickly and avoid compounding charges. (AJPress)
New Special Event Parking Zone in Downtown San Diego Starts Sept. 1
SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego will launch a Special Event Parking Zone in the downtown area surrounding Petco Park on Sunday, Sept. 1, aiming to manage traffic and parking demand during major events. Under the policy, meters within roughly a half-mile of the ballpark will charge $10 per hour starting two hours before any Padres game or other event expected to draw 10,000 or more attendees, and continuing for four hours after the scheduled start time. The total enforcement period will run six hours
per event. City maps outline the affected zone as covering about 200 blocks bordered by Harbor Drive, State Street, Broadway, and Interstate 5. Approximately 400 new signs will mark the area. Vehicles displaying a valid disabled placard or license plate will remain exempt from meter fees, including during special event periods. The city also plans to extend paid parking hours citywide later in August, with meters operating no later than 10 p.m., following reforms approved by the
City Council in June. State law requires that meter revenue be reinvested in the neighborhoods where it is collected for parking, mobility, and street improvements.
In September, 17 qualifying events are scheduled in the zone, including 14 Padres home games, two sold-out Savannah Bananas games on Sept. 5–6, and a Chris Brown concert on Sept. 17. City officials are encouraging the use of public transit to avoid event-period parking charges. (AJPress)
Source: City of San Diego
Social Security adds 13 conditions to
compassionate allowances list
Program expedites disability decisions for people with severe medical conditions
WASHINGTON, D.C.
– The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 13 new medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list, expanding the program to include a total of 300 conditions that qualify for expedited disability benefit processing.
The CAL initiative fast-tracks applications for individuals with the most serious illnesses and disorders that clearly meet Social Security’s definition of disability. Since its launch, the program has approved more than 1.1 million disability claims through this accelerated process. The newly added conditions are:
• Au-Kline Syndrome
• Bilateral Anophthalmia
• Carey-Fineman-Ziter Syndrome
• Harlequin Ichthyosis – Child
• Hematopoietic Stem Cell
Transplantation
• LMNA-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
• Progressive Muscular Atrophy
• Pulmonary Amyloidosis –AL Type
• Rasmussen Encephalitis
• Thymic Carcinoma
• Turnpenny-Fry Syndrome
• WHO Grade III Meningiomas
• Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim Syndrome
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our disability programs and serve the public more effectively,” said SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “By adding these 13 conditions to the Compassionate Allowances list, we are helping more people with devastating
diagnoses to quickly receive the support they need. This is part of our broader commitment to making the disability determination process as responsive and compassionate as possible.”
When an applicant files for disability benefits, Social Security gathers medical records to determine eligibility. Through the Health IT program, the agency can securely receive electronic medical records from healthcare providers—when available—allowing adjudicators to make faster, more accurate decisions.
For the complete CAL list and more information on the initiative, visit www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances. Details about the Health IT program are available at www.ssa.gov/hit. People may apply for disability benefits online at www.ssa. gov.
Chula Vista Expands Homeless Encampment Cleanup in Collaboration with Caltrans
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann has announced the city is actively working with Caltrans to expand its Homeless Outreach Team’s (HOT) authority to clean up encampments on freeway ramps—a responsibility previously limited to state crews. The initiative covers areas including Interstates 5, 805, and State Route 54, all under Caltrans jurisdiction.
McCann emphasized that the city can “no longer accept homeless encampments that are unsanitary, creating criminal activity and drug use.” The goal is to improve public safety, address sanitation concerns, and enhance overall quality of life along busy corridors.
In recent discussions with Caltrans District 11 Director Ann
Fox, McCann stressed the need to “cut through the bureaucracy” and expedite cleanup operations. As the next step, the city will submit a permit application to Caltrans and hopes to begin cleanup work within the next six months. One priority location is the I-5 northbound at the Palomar Street exit, where tents have lined the roadside for months. This local effort mirrors San Diego’s approach. Just last month, San Diego finalized a one-year pilot agreement allowing city crews and law enforcement to clear encampments along downtown-area freeways. Caltrans is reimbursing up to $400,000 to cover cleanup costs and shelter offers.
Residents currently living in
these areas expressed uncertainty about their future. In one account, a woman, identified only as Anyssa, said she has been living near the freeway due to perceived safety and convenience—citing fewer police interventions and avoiding dangerous areas like riverbeds. She also noted that no outreach team members have approached her yet, though she hopes to access housing.
Mayor McCann responded that Chula Vista’s HOT staff have been consistently offering beds and services to those in
of those currently displaced.
The Hub now connects San Diegans to homelessness services virtually
SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) and the Downtown San Diego Partnership (DSDP) have launched The Hub, a new virtual and in-person access point that connects people experiencing homelessness with services more quickly and with fewer barriers.
Accessible by calling 2-1-1 or through walk-in hours at the San Diego Central Library (5th floor, Monday–Saturday, 1–3
p.m.), The Hub replaces the former Homelessness Response Center and offers streamlined intake, triage, and referrals to housing, diversion, and outreach programs. Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are accommodated as capacity allows. The Hub is city-funded, overseen by SDHC, and operated by the DSDP Foundation under a one-year agreement at roughly $500,000 annually. It was re-
branded and relocated in July as part of a broader effort to improve access to resources. The original Homelessness Response Center opened in 2018; its previous site at 1401 Imperial Ave. is slated to be redeveloped into 164 affordable homes in partnership with Father Joe’s Villages. How to access services: Call 2-1-1 for a referral, or visit the Central Library location during service hours. (AJPress)
Source: City of San Diego
San Diego County probation launches healthcare unit to improve youth services
SAN DIEGO – The San Diego County Probation Department has created an Integrated Healthcare Services Unit to strengthen medical and behavioral health care for youth in detention and clients under supervision.
Leadership
The unit is led by Dr. Lou Gilleran, a retired U.S. Navy Medical Officer and former County medical director, and Michael Kelley, MSN, who oversees healthcare operations, policy, and stakeholder coordination.
Improved Care Model
The department has contracted a single provider for both physical and behavioral health services in detention facilities to streamline care. It has also applied for a special clinic designation to bill for services such as case management, labs, durable medical equip-
ment, and medications.
A comprehensive electronic health record system is being implemented to enhance documentation, data tracking, billing, and oversight.
CalAIM Reentry Services
The unit will coordinate the rollout of California’s Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative, part of Medi-Cal reform, which allows eligible youth to receive covered health services up to 90 days before release—a shift from prior rules suspending Medicaid during incarceration. The aim is to stabilize health needs, ensure “warm handoffs” to community providers, and improve continuity of care.
Reinvestment in Youth Programs
Savings and reimbursement from Medi-Cal are expected to fund reentry-focused programs,
including vocational and rehabilitative projects such as a new music production studio.
Statements
Chief Probation Officer Tamika Nelson said the initiative will address health disparities and support successful reentry. Dr. Gilleran emphasized stronger oversight and continuity of care, while Kelley highlighted individualized health assessments and better transitions to community services.
Significance By consolidating services, aligning with state healthcare policy, and focusing on pre-release planning, the new unit is designed to advance healthcare equity and long-term outcomes for justice-involved youth. (AJPress)
