Trump’s war on mail-in ballots meets the limits of law
WAshiNgtoN— standing before cameras on August 18, President Donald J. trump vowed to “end mail-in ballots and get rid of these machines” before the 2026 midterms. the promise drew cheers from supporters, but within hours constitutional lawyers and election officials reminded the nation that a president cannot simply outlaw mail voting with the stroke of a pen. the announcement did not come in isolation. Back in march, trump signed executive order 14248, formally titled Preserving and Protecting the integrity of American elections. the order seeks to tighten the rules of the game—requiring proof of citizenship on federal registration forms, banning ballots that arrive after election Day, and forcing a new round of certifications for voting machines. even then, parts of the order were almost immediately blocked by federal courts. The legal fight the constitution grants states the power to run their own elections, with congress hold-
USCIS adds ‘anti-Americanism’ to immigration screening in discretionary cases
WAshiNgtoN, D.c — U.s. immigration authorities have introduced a new layer of scrutiny for certain applicants, directing officers to treat evidence of “anti-American” activity as a heavily negative factor when deciding whether to grant immigration benefits. on August 19, 2025, the U.s citizenship and immigration services (Uscis) announced it has updated its Policy manual to make “anti-American” ideologies or conduct an “overwhelmingly negative” factor in cases that require the agency to exercise discretion. the guidance took effect immediately and applies to both pending and new applications. What the policy covers the update applies to a wide range of immigration requests that require discretionary judgment. these include applications for adjustment of status, or green cards, as well as requests to extend or change certain non-
by AJPress
renews focus on Maguindanao massacre
constitutional conflicts.
Escudero confirms rollout senate President francis “chiz” escudero said the senate will revive its mandatory random Drug testing (mrDt)program this congress. the chamber signed an agreement with the east Avenue medical center in march 2025 to conduct the tests, which will cover senators, officials, and employees. escudero noted that
Supreme Court affirms acquittal of Datu Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan Sr. in the Maguindanao massacre case, as families of 58 victims continue to seek full justice by
mANiLA – the supreme court has affirmed the acquittal of Datu Akmad “tato” Ampatuan sr., a son-in-law of the late clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan sr., in connection with the 2009 maguindanao massacre, the Philippines’ deadliest elec-
Tulfo: Anti-dynasty bills face uphill battle as many lawmakers are relatives
by AJPress
tion-related attack that claimed 58 lives, including 32 journalists.
in a ruling promulgated on January 27, 2025 and released publicly this week, the court’s first Division stressed that mere agreement with a criminal plan absent an overt act is not enough to establish conu PAGE A2
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto alleges Discayas’ interviews with Korina Sanchez, Julius Babao were paid; journalists deny claim SC ruling on Ampatuan kin
AJPress
mANiLA — senator erwin
tulfo on tuesday, August 19 said legislation against political dynasties will remain difficult to pass because many lawmakers in congress are themselves members of political families.
tulfo made the remarks during the August 19 hearing of the senate committee on electoral reforms and People’s Participation. he noted that while the 1987 constitution prohibits political dynasties, it requires congress to pass an enabling law to define and enforce the ban. to date, no nation-
mANiLA — conflicting statements between Philippine officials and the country’s ambassador to Washington have fueled uncertainty over the status of an American extradition request for detained televangelist Apollo c Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus christ (KoJc).
Philippine Ambassador to the United states Jose manuel “Babe” romualdez told reporters that the U.s. government transmitted extradition documents in June 2025 and that the papers were already with the Department of Justice (DoJ). however,
both the DoJ and the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) denied receiving any such request. DoJ spokesperson mico clavano emphasized that all extradition requests must first pass through the DfA before reaching the DoJ. DfA officials likewise said they had not received the papers.
the U.s. Department of Justice has not issued a press release on the matter and declined to comment when asked by Philippine media. No public statement from the U.s embassy in manila has appeared in major outlets as of August 22, 2025, and no official filings or court documents have
PAsig mayor Vico sotto called out veteran journalists who interviewed contractors entering politics, supposedly in exchange for millions of pesos, amid the hot topic of corruption in flood control projects. in a facebook post on Aug. 21, sotto shared screenshots of curlee and sarah Discaya being interviewed by Korina sanchez and Julius Babao in their respective programs. the Discayas are linked with companies that have projects with the Department of
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto
Inquirer.net photo
SC ruling on Ampatuan kin renews focus on...
spiracy. the justices further emphasized that the constitutional safeguard against double jeopardy makes an acquittal final and unassailable, unless issued with grave abuse of discretion. the decision leaves intact the earlier acquittals issued by the Quezon city regional trial court in 2019 and affirmed by the court of Appeals in 2021. the 2009 massacre on November 23, 2009, a convoy of journalists, lawyers, and family members of then-Buluan Vice mayor esmael “toto” mangudadatu was ambushed in Ampatuan town, maguindanao, while traveling to file his gubernatorial candidacy. fifty-eight people were killed, among them 32 journalists, making it the single deadliest attack on media workers in history. in the immediate aftermath, then-President gloria macapagal-Arroyo placed maguindanao under a state of emergencyand declared martial law from December 4 to 12, 2009, as government forces moved against the powerful clan. trial and Partial Justice
After a marathon decade-long trial at camp Bagong Diwa in taguig, the Quezon city rtc (Branch 221) on December 19, 2019 handed down convictions against Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., Zaldy Ampatuan, and 26 others, sentencing them to reclusión perpetua without parole for 57 counts of murder. the court also acquitted several accused, including Datu Akmad “tato” Ampatuan sr. and Datu sajid islam Ampatuan, for lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt. in the case of journalist reynaldo “Bebot” momay, the court acquitted all accused because his body was never recovered.
As of late 2024, appeals of the 2019 convictions remain pending at the court of Appeals, prompting victims’ families and press-freedom advocates to describe the outcome as “partial justice.”
Where Are the Ampatuans
Now?
• Andal Ampatuan Sr. – The clan patriarch died on July 17, 2015 while on trial, after suffering a heart attack and falling
Timeline: The Maguindanao massacre case
• Nov. 23, 2009 – 58 killed, including 32 journalists, in an ambush in Ampatuan town, maguindanao.
• Nov. 24, 2009 – state of emergency declared in maguindanao, cotabato city, and sultan Kudarat
• Dec. 4–12, 2009 – martial law briefly imposed in maguindanao.
• July 17, 2015 – clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan sr. dies while on trial.
• Dec. 19, 2019 – rtc convicts Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., Zaldy Ampatuan, and 26 others of 57 counts of murder; acquits Sajid islam and tato Ampatuan; all accused acquitted in the case of journalist reynaldo momay (body never recovered).
• Nov. 2023 – Andal Jr. convicted of 21 counts of graft, sentenced to up to 210 years.
• 2023 – sandiganbayan affirms arrest orders against sajid islam Ampatuan after failure to surrender in graft cases.
• Oct. 2024 – sajid islam Ampatuan convicted again, sentenced to reclusión perpetua and perpetual disqualification from office for misuse of farm-to-market road funds.
• Jan. 27, 2025 – supreme court affirms the acquittal of Datu Akmad “tato” Ampatuan sr.; decision released publicly in August 2025.
• May 2025 – Prince sufri Ampatuan elected mayor and Bongbong Ampatuan elected Vice mayor of Datu hoffer Ampatuan.
into a coma.
• Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. – convicted in 2019 of 57 counts of murder and sentenced to reclusión perpetua without parole; he remains detained at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). in November 2023, he was also convicted of 21 counts of graft, with sentences totaling up to 210 years, though these run alongside his existing life terms.
• Zaldy Ampatuan – Convicted in 2019 alongside Andal Jr. and serving reclusión perpetua at the NBP.
• Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan – Acquitted in the massacre case, but has since been convicted in multiple sandiganbayan rulings between 2019 and 2024 for graft, malversation, and falsification of public documents tied to what court filings described as “ghost projects.” in 2023, the court affirmed arrest orders after he failed to surrender. in october 2024, he was convicted again for misuse of farm-tomarket road funds, sentenced to reclusión perpetua and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
• Datu Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan sr. – Acquitted by the rtc in 2019; his acquittal was affirmed by the court of Appeals
in 2021 and by the supreme court in 2025.
• Next Generation – The Ampatuan family continues to hold elective posts in maguindanao.
As of the 2025 elections, official results show Prince sufri Norabbie m. Ampatuan as mayor of Datu hoffer Ampatuan, Bai Bongbong m. Ampatuan as Vice mayor, and Bai Nor-Aila Kristina m. Ampatuan-samama as a municipal councilor. significance of the 2025 ruling the supreme court’s decision clarifies two points of law:
• Conspiracy doctrine – Criminal liability cannot be based on acquiescence or words of approval alone; an overt act in furtherance of the crime is required.
• Finality of acquittal – A judgment of acquittal, once final, cannot be overturned due to the safeguard against double jeopardy.
families of the 58 victims have long maintained that the struggle for full accountability continues, given that appeals remain pending. separately, recent sandiganbayan convictions in graft cases involving members of the clan underscore how its role in maguindanao politics and governance remains under public scrutiny. n
‘Flooded gates of corruption’: Senate...
marcos Jr., who warned that the most serious cases could amount to economic sabotage.
DpWh confirmation and Senate allegations
Appearing before the senate on Aug. 19, DPWh secretary manuel Bonoan admitted that reports from the field suggest some projects in Bulacan may not exist at all. “in all honesty… I think so,” Bonoan told senators when pressed on whether ghost projects were real.
During the same hearing, senate President Pro tempore Jinggoy estrada specifically named Wawao Builders, owned by mark Allan Arevalo, in connection with suspected ghost projects in calumpit, hagonoy, and malolos. estrada said the company’s projects in Bulacan may only be “the tip of the iceberg” and pressed DPWh for clarification.
committee chair sen. rodante marcoleta also cited Wawao Builders as a major contractor flagged by the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” portal and DPWh records. the data showed the firm was awarded 85 projects in Bulacan worth about P5.97 billion since 2022 and more than P9 billion nationwide. these contracts are now under review by both the senate and coA.
palace portal triggers public scrutiny
the controversy erupted after marcos launched the Sumbong sa Pangulo” portal on Aug. 11 to crowdsource reports of irregularities. he disclosed that of P545 billion in flood-control allocations between 2022 and 2025, about P100 billion—or one-fifth—went to just 15 contractors.
the president also pointed to thousands of projects listed with vague descriptions and several with identical contract prices across provinces, patterns he called “highly questionable.” the portal logged more than 1,100 citizen complaints within its first three days.
COA fraud audit in Bulacan on Aug. 19, coA chair gamaliel cordoba confirmed that the agency’s fraud Audit office had retrieved key documents to begin its special audit of Bulacan flood-control projects from 2022 to 2025. the audit will determine whether projects exist, whether contracts followed procurement rules, and whether disbursements match actual work.
Any findings of irregularities could be referred to the office of the ombudsman or the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.
BIR opens tax investigation on Aug. 22, the Bureau of internal revenue (Bir) announced that it will examine whether flood-control contractors properly declared income and paid taxes. officials said tax audits will run parallel to coA’s project validation, adding another layer of accountability.
Marcos calls it “economic sabotage”
During a surprise inspection in Bulacan this week, marcos visited a river wall reported as completed in government documents but found unfinished on the ground. he called the anomaly “economic sabotage” and warned that those responsible could face the gravest penalties under Philippine law.
Senators warn of systemic leakages in the senate, several lawmakers presented varying perspectives on the scale of corruption tied to flood-control projects. senator Panfilo Lacson, in a privilege speech he titled flooded gates of corruption,” said his office had prepared case studies indicating that the problem was far-reaching rather than isolated. he claimed that in many instances, only about 40 percent of project funds were actually implemented, while up to 60 percent was siphoned off through what he described as kickbacks under “pass-through” arrangements.
senator Joseph Victor ejercito questioned the apparent mismatch between project allocations and the needs of floodprone communities, raising doubts about why areas not vulnerable to flooding received disproportionately large shares of the budget. meanwhile, senator imee marcos pointed to contractors who appeared to rent their high-tier licenses to smaller builders, calling the practice a structural flaw that enabled ghost or substandard projects to pass through the system.
finally, senator Bam Aquino underscored the social costs of corruption by suggesting that eliminating ghost projects could free up billions in funds for classrooms and other essential needs, stressing that every peso lost to fraud deprives students and teachers of critical resources.
Other red flags
Beyond Bulacan, attention has also turned to mg samidan construction and Development corp., which declared only P250,000 in paid-up capital but was still awarded around P5.02 billion in flood-control projects nationwide between 2022 and 2025, according to ABs-cBN and inquirer. At least seven of those contracts, spread across Abra, Benguet, and mountain Province, carried the identical amount of P96.5 million, a pricing pattern flagged in the senate as suspicious. DPWh officials defended the figures as based on standard cost estimates, but senators have questioned whether such uniformity points to deeper irregularities.
Continuing local works
Senate hearings and subpoenas the senate Blue ribbon committee, chaired by sen. rodante marcoleta, opened hearings on Aug. 19 under the banner “Philippines Under Water.” only seven of the 15 contractors identified by malacañang attended, prompting subpoenas for the rest.
senators highlighted reports of ghost projects in flood-prone areas of Bulacan despite billions allocated for mitigation works.
senate President Pro tempore Jinggoy estrada echoed these concerns, describing the suspected ghost projects in Bulacan as “just the tip of the iceberg” and warning of potentially deeper anomalies that may involve collusion between contractors and officials.
senator erwin tulfo branded the flood-control program a “grand robbery,” alleging that as much as 20 to 25 percent of contract values were being taken as kickbacks, leaving only 30 to 40 percent for actual construction.
Despite the controversy, some projects are moving forward. in Bukidnon, DPWh reported that a P95.5 million river dike and drainage system in malaybalay city is being fast-tracked under a presidential directive to bolster local flood defenses. the results of coA’s fraud audit in Bulacan are expected to determine whether the investigation broadens to other provinces where similar complaints have been raised. subpoenaed contractors will be required to explain their role before the senate, while the Bir conducts its own tax compliance checks. With President marcos warning that the most serious anomalies may amount to economic sabotage, the flood-control program, one of the government’s largest budget items, now faces an intensity of public and institutional scrutiny unseen in recent years. n
Senate pushes forward on drug-testing program...
more than 2,300 individuals underwent testing between 2018 and 2020, providing a precedent for the initiative.
Senators lead by example several senators have already acted:
• Migz Zubiri: Announced on August 16 that his entire office would undergo testing; on August 18 he and 35 staff members submitted urine samples for marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, opium, and cocaine.
• Joel Villanueva: Reiterated support for workplace testing and said he is prepared to participate.
• Raffy Tulfo: On August 19, he and 54 staff members completed drug tests. tulfo pledged a zero-tolerance policy—removing any staff who test positive— and vowed to resign if he himself does. he is also preparing a bill to institutionalize random testing for incumbent officials.
• Imee Marcos: On August 20, marcos underwent a five-panel drug test with 38 staff and security aides. she required her team to participate, saying officials must lead by example.
• Loren Legarda: Ordered mandatory testing for her staff and reinforced office rules against illegal drugs, vaping, alcohol, and gambling.
• Kiko Pangilinan: Said he has no objection to being tested himself but will not require testing for his staff.
• Tito Sotto: Initiated the push with a formal letter to escudero, citing the need to restore mrDt following reports of drug use in the senate.
Marijuana allegation sparked push the campaign followed an incident report from the office of the sergeant-at-Arms, which cited alleged marijuana use on the fifth floor of the senate building. the report named actress Nadia montenegro, then a staffer for sen. robin Padilla. montenegro denied the allegation, saying she only carried a vape device. she later resigned, a move confirmed by Padilla’s office. the matter remains under internal review.
padilla’s annual testing bill separately, sen. robin Padilla filed senate Bill No. 1200, the Drug-free government Act, seeking annual mandatory drug tests for all elected and appointed officials, including the President. the bill prescribes hair-follicle testing as the initial screen, with urine confirmation for positive cases. it also proposes voluntary random tests for candidates within 90 days before elections. Public officials who test positive would face administrative sanctions under existing law.
Padilla’s office defended the proposal after malacañang branded it unconstitutional, urging that it be debated on the senate floor.
Palace holds firm malacañang Press offi-
cer claire castro reiterated that only random, suspicionless testing has been upheld as constitutional. the 2008 supreme court decision in social Justice society v. Dangerous Drugs Board struck down universal mandatory testing for political candidates and accused persons, but allowed random workplace testing for employees and students. the Palace warned that Padilla’s proposal for universal annual testing would likely be struck down for violating the right to privacy.
Legal and political crossroads • The Senate’s MRDT program under escudero is consistent with constitutional limits and is scheduled for launch.
• Tulfo’s forthcoming bill seeks to extend random testing to incumbents but avoids including candidates, aligning with jurisprudence.
• Padilla’s SB 1200 faces strong constitutional objections, with the Palace invoking the 2008 supreme court ruling. With escudero moving to enforce institutional testing and senators like Zubiri, Tulfo, Marcos, Legarda, Villanueva, Pangilinan, and sotto publicly participating or endorsing the initiative, the senate has shown rare unity on the issue. the broader debate, however, remains unsettled: how far can lawmakers extend drug testing for public officials without infringing on constitutional rights? n
Tulfo: Anti-dynasty bills face uphill battle as...
wide measure has been enacted.
A constitutional gap
Article ii section 26 of the constitution states: “the state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” the supreme court has ruled that the clause is non-self-executing, meaning it cannot be enforced without legislation from congress.
pending bills in the Senate
At least three anti-dynasty bills are currently filed:
• Senate Bill No. 18 by Senator robinhood Padilla
• Senate Bill No. 35 by Senator Panfilo Lacson
• Senate Bill No. 285 by Senator francis Pangilinan
each proposal outlines restrictions on the relatives of incumbent officials but all remain at the
committee stage. there are, however, limited anti-dynasty rules already in place. the sangguniang Kabataan reform Act of 2016disqualifies sK candidates related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to sitting officials. the Bangsamoro electoral code also bars close relatives from running in the same territory. commission on elections chair george garcia told senators this week that a second-degree restriction could serve as a workable national benchmark.
Dynasties dominate public office independent studies support tulfo’s claim that many elected officials belong to dynasties:
• About 70 percent of House members have dynastic ties, according to earlier congressional analyses.
• A 2024 Philippine Center for investigative Journalism audit found 87 percent of provincial governors came from political families.
• Researchers describe the growth of “fat dynasties,” where multiple relatives hold positions at the same time. this dominance underscores the political challenge: passing an anti-dynasty law would require many legislators to limit their own families’ participation in elections.
Tulfo’s position
tulfo has previously stated he would resign if an anti-dynasty law were passed and would call on his relatives in office to do the same. his latest remarks echo his consistent view that such legislation is unlikely to prosper without broad political will. n
Trump’s war on mail-in ballots meets the...
ing authority to set nationwide rules by law. No such power is given to the presidency. that distinction has already shaped the fate of trump’s order.
A federal judge in Washington, D.c., temporarily stopped the election Assistance commission from enforcing proof-of-citizenship requirements. meanwhile, in mississippi, the fifth circuit struck down the state’s practice of counting ballots that arrived up to five days after election Day, ruling it violated federal law. the ruling could ripple outward, but it does not automatically bind the rest of the country.
Trump’s claims and the re-
cord At rallies and in interviews, trump has called mail-in ballots a gateway to fraud and even suggested that the United states stands alone in using them. Both assertions are unsupported. federal investigators under his own administration in 2020 found no widespread fraud, and academic studies since then have shown that mail voting does not give either political party an advantage. Around the world, democracies from germany to Australia routinely allow citizens to vote by post. the president has also invoked former President Jimmy carter, suggesting carter opposed mail voting. in truth, carter endorsed
expanding the practice in 2020, calling it essential during the pandemic. And in a twist often noted by critics, trump himself has used mail-in voting in florida multiple times.
politics within the GOp even as trump rails against the practice, the republican National committee has spent years urging its voters to embrace it through campaigns like Bank Your Vote and swamp the Vote UsA. Party strategists worry that continued attacks from the top could undercut those efforts. in 2024, nearly a third of American voters cast ballots by mail, an enduring share that no campaign can afford to ignore.
A broader struggle over trust the clash over mail-in voting is not just a legal or partisan battle; it has become a test of confidence in democracy itself. supporters see trump’s executive order as a safeguard, while critics view it as an overreach that risks suppressing legitimate votes. the courts will likely have the final say on how far the White house can go, but the larger question, whether voters trust the process, may be harder to settle. for now, trump’s vow to end mail voting stands more as political rallying cry than enforceable law. the mechanics of American elections remain, as they have since the nation’s founding, in the hands of the states and, ultimately, the courts that referee disputes. (AJPress)
CA Governor Newsom signs bill for November vote on redistricting plan to counter Texas
by AJPress
sAcrAmeNto — governor
gavin Newsom has signed legislation calling a November 4 special election on a new congressional map that could add up to five Democratic seats, a direct counter to republican-led redistricting in texas.
Legislature approves measure the package cleared the Assembly on a 57–20 vote and the senate by 30–8, largely along party lines. Newsom signed the measure within hours, framing it as a defense of democracy. “this is a reaction to an assault on our democracy in texas,” he said, pledging to campaign for the proposal across the state.
Proposition 50: What’s on the ballot the measure, officially titled Proposition 50, temporarily suspends california’s independent redistricting commission until after the 2030 census. it would allow a Legislature-backed map to be used in the 2026, 2028, and 2030congressional elections before the commission regains authority. Analysts project the plan could deliver up to five additional Democratic-leaning seats, offsetting texas’ newly adopted map expected to yield five goP seats.
National context and Texas trigger texas republicans, with the backing of President Donald trump, advanced a mid-decade redistricting plan designed to ex-
pand their house majority. california Democrats say their own plan is a counterweight to ensure representation remains balanced at the national level.
Reactions former President Barack obama endorsed Newsom’s move, describing it as a “smart, measured approach” during a Democratic fundraising event. republicans, however, denounced the measure as partisan overreach that undermines california’s voter-approved redistricting commission, with Assembly minority Leader James gallagher warning that the strategy “burns it all down” by abandoning the state’s model of independent mapping.
Legal and procedural challenges
republican lawmakers have filed lawsuits arguing that the fast-tracked process bypasses public-comment requirements and strips voters of protections.
While the california supreme court declined to block the measure, further challenges could move into federal courts if voters approve the new map.
county election officials are preparing for the added costs of the special statewide ballot, which the state has pledged to reimburse. What’s at stake the November vote will determine whether california replaces its independent commission’s map with a Legislature-backed
8/23/25 cNs-3958235# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
U.S. President Donald Trump Whitehouse.gov file photo
plan. if approved, Democrats could gain multiple seats in the house, reshaping the national balance. n
USCIS adds ‘anti-Americanism’ to immigration...
immigrant visas, such as f and m student visas. it also covers specific categories of employment authorization under federal regulations, national interest waivers for employment-based petitions, and certain eB-5 immigrant investor cases. in addition, Uscis said the policy will be applied in its expanded social media vetting, where officers will review online activity for signs of what the agency describes as “anti-American” conduct.
Legal basis the agency referenced section 313(a) of the immigration and Nationality Act (iNA), a statute in place for decades that bars naturalization for individuals who advocate the overthrow of the U.s. government, support totalitarian forms of rule, or are affiliated with groups that teach such doctrines. the policy does not create a new law but guides
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID
LAcmtA will receive Bids/ Proposals for oP130990(2) - orange Line modular office Unit 12’ x 40’ - North hollywood station.Bids must be submitted to bids@metro.net by the Bid deadline.
A Virtual Pre-Bid conference will be held on tuesday, August 19, 2025, 10:00 a.m. instructions for attending the conference are provided in the solicitation Documents. All Bids must be submitted to LAcmtA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/cm Department, on or before 11:00 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday, september 17, 2025, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. each Bid must be sealed and marked ifB No. oP130990(2). for a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email John Platt at plattj@metro.net.
8/23/25
cNs-3958246#
AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
officers in how to weigh such activity when exercising discretion.
Naturalization review separately, on August 15, 2025, Uscis issued a memorandum on naturalization cases, requiring a more “rigorous, holistic, and comprehensive” evaluation of good moral character. While statutory bars remain unchanged, this directive signaled closer scrutiny of applicants’ conduct and affiliations during the citizenship process.
Implications Under the new guidance, applicants who have promoted or supported anti-American views, including on social media, may face denials even if they otherwise meet the baseline eligibility requirements for a benefit. Uscis emphasized that immigration benefits are “a privilege, not a right.”
Reactions immigration lawyers and advocates note that while the pol-
icy draws on existing law, the term “anti-Americanism” is not precisely defined in the manual. critics warn this could lead to subjective interpretations and raise free-speech concerns. supporters argue the update strengthens national security by ensuring individuals hostile to U.s. values cannot gain discretionary immigration relief. What this means going forward immigrants seeking to live, work, or invest in the United states now face explicit “anti-Americanism” screening in Uscis discretionary adjudications. the directive does not alter statutory grounds of eligibility but signals a significant tightening of administrative vetting, with its scope, especially in expanded social media monitoring, still unfolding as officers implement the policy.
(AJPress)
Conflicting claims cloud...
been made public. A legal saga across two continents the controversy surrounding Quiboloy’s possible extradition is the latest chapter in a legal battle that has spanned several years. it began in November 2021, when a federal grand jury in california indicted the Davao-based preacher and several associates on charges of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and financial crimes. U.s. prosecutors alleged that underage girls and women were coerced into sexual acts under the guise of religious obedience, while followers sent to the United states were compelled to solicit donations under exploitative conditions. By february 2022, the fBi placed Quiboloy on its “most Wanted” list, calling for the public’s help in locating him. in the Philippines, scrutiny deepened between 2023 and 2024, when local cases tied to allegations of child and sex trafficking proceeded through the courts, while senate hearings probed reports of abuse within the KoJc the courts further tightened the pressure in July 2025, when the regional trial court in Pasig city denied Quiboloy’s petition for bail, ensuring that he would remain in detention as proceedings continued. the international dimension resurfaced in August 2025, when Ambassador romualdez stated
that extradition documents had been transmitted by Washington. But with the DoJ and DfA both denying receipt, and with the U.s government maintaining public silence, the episode has highlighted the sensitive intersection of law, diplomacy, and politics. Diplomatic and legal procedures ahead for now, the extradition request remains in limbo. Under Philippine law, any U.s. request must pass through the DfA before review by the DoJ and eventual referral to the courts. Without a confirmed paper trail, questions persist over whether the process has formally begun. Until then, Quiboloy’s fate will continue to be shaped not only by court rulings in manila but also by the delicate choreography of U.s.–Philippine relations. n
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto alleges Discayas’...
cayas, "Ano yung naging gateway para gumanda ang buhay ninyo," and they responded, "Noong nag-DPWH kami." in sanchez's interview, which can no longer be found on official channels, she can be seen in front of the Discayas' car collection.
"With these interviews again going viral, let’s look at it from a different angle," sotto said. "Bago tanggapin ng mga kilalang journalists ang alok para mag-interview ng Contractor na Pumapasok sa Politika, hindi ba nila naisip na, 'Uy teka, ba’t kaya handa ’to magbigay ng 10 million* para lang magpa-interview sa akin?? in a footnote, sotto noted that the P10 million is "not an exact figure," but told readers, "pero alam nyo na." the mayor said he knows for a fact that there are "many good, honest people" in the media who are "disappointed, if not angered" at such practices "which undermine the integrity of their profession." in the context of his post, while "maybe they didn’t do anything technically 'illegal,'" sotto said at the very least it should be considered "shameful and violative of the spirit of their code of ethics.
Puwede silang magtago sa grey areas: 'Hindi naman journalism ito… more of lifestyle lang… kailangan kasi ng sponsor…' pero ’wag na tayong maglokohan," he said.
They rose to national prominence as broadcast journalists/ news personalities; puhunan [dapat] nila ang kanilang reputasyon at kredibilidad," sotto said without explicitly mentioning the names of sanchez and Babao.
[A]t sa ganitong kalakaran, ito rin ang reputasyon at kredibilidad na pinahihiram nila sa mga corrupt kapalit ng (dollar banknote emoji)," he added.
sotto reminded the public that corruption is systemic, as it "permeates into every sector of society, not just government."
But we can slowly but surely break this cycle if more and more of us consistently do our part, wherever we are and whatever are position may be, one step at a time," he added.
in the comments section, sotto said he's not trying to make enemies, but opined that the issue must be talked about.
"Nagkataon malakas ako nung halalan pero kung sa iba nila ginawa to? Baka wala na. Anyway. Kayo na po ang bahala sa 'kin," he said.
'Slanderous,' 'constitutes cyber libel' hours after sotto's post went viral, sanchez's team, through a statement obtained by The Philippine STAR, decried his post, saying it's slanderous and constitutes cyber libel.
"The platforms Korina Interviews and Rated Korina both take pride in its standards in storytelling and production. Both shows are multi awarded by credible award giving bodies through the years," they said, adding sanchez "has her esteemed place in the industry for very sturdy reasons.
they pointed out that subjects and topics for their shows are chosen based on public interest and a story to tell.
"
[B]ashing or criticizing or slandering other personalities or businesses is strictly disallowed.
Third, subjects simply tell their lifestory. This is no investigative piece," they said, adding that the shows have featured "many, many personalities," including politicians like sotto's relatives sen. tito sotto, cousins Quezon city Vice mayor gian sotto and mtrcB chief Lala sotto.
The same have been the content of several other magazine shows and interviews of many hosts from all the networks," they said.
sanchez's team pointed out that in the case of the Discayas, their rags-to-riches story is "their story." While the feature in itself was never intended to be investigative but simply a success story, should there have been anything untrue about what they claimed after airing last year, it was and is up to the accuser to point this out," they said. "And we will air it if verified. they also noted that sanchez only found out she was interviewing a Pasig mayoralty candidate on the day itself," and that she wasn't in contact with the Discayas for the interview. they claimed reaching out to sotto "a few times" since his second term, while also informing his mother coney reyes about the Discayas interview, "but you had always declined requests for an interview. When this interview was conducted it was well before campaign period, aired in November 2024 and January 2025," they said.
sanchez's team pointed out that there are payments for certain businesses (such as that of the Discayas), products, personalities, companies, or politicians akin to advertisements, which go to the network with an official receipt issued to the client. But in the case of that particular interview with the Disacayas, they said, "There is no such thing as a P10 million placement for an interview."
It is irresponsible to even say such, to say the least," they told sotto. "As your malice is posted on Facebook and publicly besmirches the reputation of Ms. Sanchez, this clearly constitutes cyber libel.
To insinuate that our show is irresponsible in that we only air what is paid for is slanderous."
Who are we to presume our interviewees as evil with no basis or evidence long before they come into controversy?" they added.
the team also asked sotto rhetorical questions like, "Are we also to presume you are guilty of overpricing the construction of government buildings just because your opponent thinks so?" and "Are we to automatically deduce you are grandstanding at the expense of others because this is your last term and are planning to run for higher office?"
Only someone of inferior intellect and juvenile reasoning if not someone utterly deluded and un-Christian would publicly make
such conclusions," they said. they reminded sotto that just because he won last elections, "this does not put you in a position of authority over editorial prerogative nor does it give you license to cast doubt against the integrity of seasoned journalists only because they interviewed your opponent (who did not say anything against you in said shows) and that you refuse to be interviewed." sanchez's team noted that the Discayas "are not allowed to use the interview video they are propagating and their attention shall be legally called on this matter." their interviews with everyone who ran for office have also been taken down right after elections.
"We hope your issues have been clarified and we will be happy to entertain any more of your confusions," they added. "While we recognize free speech and the platforms with which we express opinions, there is also such a thing as thoughtful restraint that benefits truth and fairness. We all claim to be CHRISTIAN, after all.
The STAR has taken down its post containing the statement of sanchez's team at the latter's behest. her programs' publicist explained that what he originally sent to The STAR was "an unofficial draft" and that he will share an updated one soon.
'A lifestyle feature, not a news report' for his part, Babao—speaking to entertainment news website PeP.ph—pointed out that his interview was a lifestyle feature and not a news report.
Unang-una, ang interview na 'yan ay hindi isang news report. Ito ay lifestyle feature para sa YT channel ko na naglalabas ng mga inspiring success stories," he said. “At the time and month in 2024 when the interview was made, it was a profile feature of a couple who rose from rags to riches because of their different business ventures. he also denied that there's P10 million "involved" in the interview.
Babao pointed out that the vlog aimed to inspire people to become successful if they would work hard.
Very interesting kasi ang ragsto-riches story nila," he said.
he also argued that at the time, there was no news yet of sarah running for Pasig mayor. moreover, the flood control project issue wasn't making waves yet at the time.
Ang nais lang nila noon ay mashare ang kanilang success story sa publiko,” he said. President ferdinand "Bongbong" marcos Jr., during his fourth state of the Nation Address on July 28, firmly called out government officials who allegedly commit corruption, particularly in flood control projects, in light of the recent heavy rains and flooding.
Last Aug. 11, marcos shared a list of the top DPWh contractors with the most flood control projects, which included the Discayas' companies.
sotto, talking about the president's move, took a swipe at the Discayas and detailed the "6 stages of corruption" in such projects. n
Veteran
Televangelist Apollo Quiboloy Inquirer.net file photo
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NINOY DAY. A wreath from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines stands at the statue of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino at the People Power Monument at the corner of EDSA and White Plains Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, August 21. In his message for the 42nd death anniversary of the late senator, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to draw lessons from history as a guide for leadership and citizenship, underscoring peace and unity.
PNA photo by Ben Briones
DAteline PhiliPPines
Ayala Land, ABS-CBN seal P6.24B Mother Ignacia property deal
by AJPress
QUEZON CITY — Ayala
Land, inc. (ALi) and ABs-cBN corporation have completed the sale of most of ABs-cBN’s iconic mother ignacia headquarters, signing the Deeds of Absolute sale on August 20, 2025. the transaction, valued at P6.24 billion, covers up to 30,000 square meters of the 44,027.30-square-meter property, equivalent to about 68% of the site.
The terms of the deal
According to regulatory disclosures, the sale price will be payable in installments over 10 years. Proceeds will be used by ABs-cBN to partially pay and service outstanding bank loans. the deal was first announced in february 2025 through a memorandum of Agreement, which was subject to regulatory clearances including from the Philippine competition commission.
What ABS-CBN retains
ABs-cBN will keep 14,027.30 sq m of the property, where it will consolidate its offices and broadcast operationswithin the eLJ communications center and adjoining facilities. the network has begun preparations to streamline its operations within this retained campus, citing efficiency and cost management.
Ayala Land’s plans
ALi has indicated it is masterplanning a mixed-use development for the three-hectare
tract it acquired. While details have yet to be released, the developer has described the project as a “unique development” aligned with its portfolio of integrated estates across metro manila.
Timeline of events
• February 27–28, 2025: ABs-cBN and ALi sign the memorandum of Agreement, disclosing the P6.24-billion transaction for 30,000 sq m, subject to conditions.
• August 20, 2025: The parties execute the Deeds of Absolute sale, officially consummating the transaction after regulatory approvals were satisfied.
From broadcast symbol to redevelopment asset the mother ignacia property has long been a symbol of ABs-
cBN’s broadcast presence. the deal underscores the network’s efforts to unlock asset values and address financial obligations, while still maintaining a central base of operations. for Ayala Land, the acquisition adds a valuable redevelopment site in Quezon city, positioned for a future mixed-use project that could reshape the area. With the signing of the deeds, the mother ignacia deal is now closed. ABs-cBN will continue to operate from a smaller, consolidated campus, while Ayala Land prepares to redevelop the acquired parcel into a new commercial landmark. this report is based on verified filings with the Philippine stock exchange and contemporaneous reports from various Philippine media outlets. n
Senate completes CA delegation; 3 minority senators secure seats
by AJPress
mANiLA — the senate has finalized its 12-member representation in the commission on Appointments (cA), ensuring that three seats are held by the minority bloc: risa hontiveros, Loren Legarda, and Juan miguel
“Migz” Zubiri. Their inclusion followed a week of negotiations and debate over how the slots should be divided between majority and minority senators. on August 18, the chamber first confirmed nine senators from the majority to the cA. the initial group included ronald “Bato” dela rosa, JV ejercito, Jinggoy estrada, christopher “Bong” go, rodante marcoleta, imee marcos, raffy tulfo, Joel
Villanueva, and mark Villar. the senate noted that this was “subject to the caveat” that the minority’s seats would still be filled later in the week. the allocation of seats became contentious, with majority Leader Joel Villanueva initially pushing for an 80–20 splitthat would have left the minority with only two seats. minority Leader Vicente “tito” sotto iii countered, arguing for stronger representation. to resolve the impasse, sen. Alan Peter cayetano withdrew his bid for a seat, paving the way for three minority senators to be accommodated.
With the selections finalized, the senate’s cA delegation now includes: Dela rosa, ejercito, estrada, go, marcoleta, marcos,
tulfo, Villanueva, Villar, hontiveros, Legarda, and Zubiri. Under the constitution, senate President francis “chiz” escudero automatically sits as ex officio chair of the commission.
Broader implications the cA, a 25-member constitutional body composed of the senate President, 12 senators, and 12 house members, has the authority to confirm or reject presidential appointments, including cabinet officials, ambassadors, and senior military officers. the inclusion of three minority senators strengthens the chamber’s balance, ensuring that confirmation hearings will reflect a wider range of views and more robust deliberations. n
Fortun: DNA retrieval from remains found in Taal Lake still possible
by Jane Bautista Inquirer.net
mANiLA — the country’s top forensic pathologist said on Wednesday that a forensic examination of the skeletal remains retrieved by authorities from taal Lake was still possible even as the Philippine National Police earlier said the task would be difficult.
speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Dr. raquel fortun, the chair of the University of the Philippines manila (UPm) pathology department, also welcomed the plan of the Department of Justice (DoJ) to turn over the remains to her team. the bones were retrieved by divers from the lake after a whistleblower claimed that these belonged to some of the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) who were kidnapped and killed.
“You don’t just give up or dismiss it like that. I don’t know when they (PNP) said it was no longer possible—so is that a limitation of their laboratory? Then we can try other laboratories. As for the procedure, [we can do] mitochondrial DNA, which would still be useful even if the remains are already degraded,” fortun said.
she explained that the procedure should begin with a physical examination and proper documentation of the retrieved items.
While DNA testing is one way to establish identity, fortun said they could also determine sex through skeletal features such as the skull or pelvis and examine dental records if teeth are present.
Incorrect handling fortun earlier criticized the way authorities handled the retrieval operations in taal Lake, Batangas, that began in late July, when sacks of bones were opened and their contents scat-
The search and retrieval operations conducted in Taal Lake for the missing “sabungeros” have yielded skeletal remains and clothing items, among others. They now require more advanced forensic technology and expertise to determine if indeed they are connected to the four-year-old case.
tered. What should be done is just take the sack, number it as Sack No. 1, and mark where it was recovered. Personally, I would have brought it to the laboratory without opening it and just X-ray[ed] what’s inside. A basic question, for instance, is whether it is human or not; you can already see that on X-ray,” she said. earlier this month, DoJ spokesperson mico clavano said they sought the assistance of the UP forensic pathology and anthropology departments, as well as the Japanese government, in examining the remains as part of the government’s ongoing investigation into the missing sabungeros case. this was after the PNP admitted it could not extract DNA profiles from the bones due to contamination. clavano said Justice secretary Jesus crispin remulla believed DNA samples could still be retrieved, particularly from the recovered teeth and hair strands,
prompting the DoJ to turn to fortun and the Japanese government. the government launched search and retrieval operations in taal Lake based on a tip from a whistleblower and accused Julie “Dondon” Patidongan. Patidongan, who also faces kidnapping charges, alleged that the missing sabungeros were abducted, strangled to death, and dumped in the lake by a group of police officers allegedly acting on the orders of gambling tycoon charlie “Atong” Ang. on Wednesday, Patidongan and his coaccused in the disappearance of the cockfighting enthusiasts at the manila Arena in 2022 appeared before the manila regional trial court Branch 185 for the continuation of their trial. the hearing lasted less than half an hour, with court staffers saying that it was merely an entry of appearance for one of the counsels. the next hearing is set for sept. 23. n
Nadia Montenegro resigns as Padilla’s political affairs officer following alleged marijuana use at Senate
by Nick Garcia Philstar.com
NADiA montenegro has resigned as the political affairs officer of sen. robin Padilla following allegations that she smoked marijuana inside the senate premises.
"today, we receive the written explanation and letter of resignation of ms. Nadia montenegro. her resignation has been accepted," read the letter dated monday, Aug. 18. it was signed by Atty. rudolf Philip Jurado, chief of staff of Padilla's office.
montenegro has been on leave since Aug. 13, Jurado previously said. she was named in a senate incident report filed by the office of the sergeant-At-Arms.
According to the report, montenegro was the only person in the area when one of sen. Ping Lacson’s staffers noticed a strong odor resembling marijuana coming from the ladies’ restroom. the staffer informed security personnel, Victor Patelo, who then filed the incident report.
When approached, montenegro denied it but admitted to owning a vape, which she said might have caused the unusual odor.
the osAA then submitted the report to Padilla, requesting his "appropriate action."
Padilla requested an investigation, and Jurado, initially declining to name montenegro, asked the alleged perpetrator to submit a written explanation within five days.
Jurado clarified that he did not go to the osAA because Padilla was summoned. instead, he went there for their office's internal investigation. staffers from both osAA and Padilla's office, however, had no memory of the incident.
the osAA said it will forward the report to senate President chiz escudero. it also announced that they will continue implementing random drug testing among senate employees, which, Jurado said, Padilla's office finds no issue with. he also asked montenegro to do a drug test, though the actress was reportedly in talks with a lawyer at the time. n
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and
will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. oP133094. A virtual Public Bid opening is scheduled for thursday, october 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pt for a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email John Platt at plattj@ metro.net.
8/23/25
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ABS-CBN network headquarters in Quezon City.
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South China Sea tensions test Manila’s defense diplomacy
Can the Philippines rely on defense diplomacy to safeguard its people and sovereignty, without escalating tensions in the region?
The South China Sea has long been a crucible of power politics, where law, geography, and geopolitics intersect. For the Philippines, it is also a test of whether defense diplomacy, defined as the use of military partnerships, dialogues, and cooperative measures, can safeguard sovereignty without pushing the country closer to confrontation.
President ferdinand marcos Jr.’s recent remarks on taiwan highlight this challenge. While in india, he said the Philippines could not remain uninvolved if conflict erupted, citing the duty to protect filipino nationals there. china’s foreign ministry criticized the comments as “playing with fire.” marcos later clarified that his remarks had been misinterpreted and framed them as a humanitarian responsibility, noting the presence of more than 100,000 filipinos in taiwan.
Editorial
the risks extend beyond rhetoric. Video released by the Philippine coast guard shows a china coast guard vessel and a chinese navy destroyer colliding while maneuvering near a Philippine patrol boat close to scarborough shoal. the incident was widely reported and underscored the hazards of maritime encounters in contested waters. shortly
eVerY time a scandal erupts, a pothole deepens, or a karaoke machine drowns out a barangay meeting, someone inevitably resurrects manuel Quezon’s most quoted line: “i prefer a government run like hell by filipinos to a government run like heaven by Americans.” cue the cackling chorus: “Well, Quezon got his wish!” But let’s be clear—that’s not wit. that’s historical malpractice. What Quezon actually said was: “i prefer a government run like hell by filipinos to a government run like heaven by Americans. Because, however bad a filipino government might be, we can always change it.” that second sentence isn’t a footnote—it’s the thesis. Quezon wasn’t romanticizing dysfunction. he was affirming democracy. he was saying, in essence, what gandhi would echo a decade later after the Amritsar massacre: “mr. Kinnoch, i beg you to accept that there is no people on earth who would not prefer their own bad government
afterward, the United states deployed two warships near the shoal, which American officials described as consistent with maritime safety operations. these developments underline how quickly such situations can escalate. international law supports the Philippines. the 2016 arbitral tribunal convened under the United Nations convention on the Law of the sea (UNcLos) rejected china’s expansive nine-dash line claim and affirmed manila’s rights within its exclusive economic zone. Beijing does not accept the ruling, but the award is final and legally binding under UNcLos. Legal victories alone, however, do not enforce themselves, which makes presence, preparedness, and partnerships strategically significant. here, the concept of statecraft is central. state-
No, Quezon didn’t wish for hell—he wished for Filipinos who could change it
to the good government of an alien power.”
What india’s father of the Nation was saying is that no people on earth should prefer the benevolent rule of outsiders over the flawed but self-determined rule of their own. it wasn’t a call for chaos—it was a call for accountability. And yet, even if our own president manuel Quezon influenced india’s counterpart a decade later, we’ve twisted Quezon’s words into a punchline, as if he were endorsing corruption, incompetence, or karaoke-fueled governance.
Worse, we’ve ignored the deeper irony: since 1946, we’ve been less “run by filipinos” than run by filipinos trying very hard to be Americans.
We revived the Americanization movement. We enshrined english as the language of progress. We built a society where being filipino was something to be apologized for, not celebrated. in the process, we didn’t just lose our accent—we lost our authorship.
instead of building an ethnic economy rooted in our own stories, products, and culture, we outsourced our identity. We became a nation of individuals, not filipinos—people driven by self-gain and narcissism, not national purpose. And when those individuals plunder the country, they become, in effect, aliens. citizenship is not just a passport—it’s a promise. Break it, and you forfeit the right to claim the nation you betrayed. so no, Quezon didn’t get his wish. he wished for a government led by filipinos who not only knew how to be filipino, but aspired to it—who lived it in mind, word, and deed. sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino: sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa. he wished for a country that could make mistakes, yes—but also learn from them. A country that could fall, but rise again. A country that could be run like hell, but choose heaven. And that choice requires more
Beyond the White Church: Disrupting Racism, Rebuilding Faith Community (Sacra
Commentary
enrique de la Cruz
Sage, 2025) by Doug Cunningham
The following book review, submitted by Enrique de la Cruz, Ph.D., offers both an academic and personal reflection on Beyond the White Church: Disrupting Racism, Rebuilding Faith Community (Sacra Sage, 2025) by Rev. Doug Cunningham. In his review, Dr. de la Cruz positions the book not only as a memoir of faith and love but also as a critical exploration of race, privilege, and the ongoing struggle for justice within the church.
BeYoND the White church is about Doug cunningham’s personal and faith-inspired journey as an ordained United methodist church pastor and missionary. it
begins as a love story and continues on as a devotional memoir to the principles of justice, diversity, and the author’s struggles against white supremacy and white privilege within a white church. the love story begins when cunningham, a 2nd-year student at Pacific school of religion (Psr), meets a new student from the Philippines, rebecca, a Deaconess. At Psr, as a caucasian person of faith, cunningham recounts his journey from being initially unaware of his privileged status as a white person to his growing awareness of social justice issues. first, through his exposure to ideas by professors like fr. Daniel Berrigan and speakers invited on campus like Daniel ellsberg. And most importantly, through African American classmates like Don matthews, who makes him conscious of his white privilege: “As ethnic students, we’re constantly fighting racism…”.
craft is the art of managing national interests through diplomacy, defense, economics, and law. for the Philippines, this means invoking the arbitral award to anchor sovereignty, maintaining economic ties with china, working with allies for defense, and engaging AseAN to reduce tensions.
statecraft is not only about hard power; it is also about balance, timing, and foresight. Within this broader statecraft, defense diplomacy is a vital tool. Defense diplomacy refers to the use of military relationships
Before the pandemic, the biggest portion of our jobless were those who got up to junior high school; now, it’s those who have gone to college. in January 2020, the Philippine statistics Authority reported that workers who reached or completed junior high school made up 39.5 percent of the unemployed (28.7 percent of whom finished grade 10). college-educated workers made up 36.9 percent (26.9 percent of whom graduated). June 2025 data show that more than half of our unemployed went to college (50.4 percent, 38.2 percent having graduated). While the total unemployed workers went down by nearly half a million from 2.39 million in January 2020 to 1.95 million in June 2025 (good news), our college-educated jobless actually swelled by 100,000 (bad news). it’s enough to make a senior high school graduate think twice about pursuing college. technical-vocational graduates, who only make up 3.8 percent of the unemployed, actually stand a better chance at gainful employment. for every tech-voc gradu-
ate who is jobless, there are four who are college-educated. social Weather stations survey data on joblessness uphold the same observation. their latest jobs survey showed college graduates and those with post-graduate education making up the single largest portion (22 percent) of those who reported having no job. Junior high school graduates accounted for 21 percent, elementary school graduates 20 percent, and those who didn’t complete elementary grades comprised only 9 percent—suggesting that the easiest jobs to come by are low-level ones requiring little education. there’s more. in the job fairs conducted by the Department of Labor and employment, only a tiny fraction of the available jobs gets filled, and only one in six job applicants gets hired. DoLe’s last Labor Day job fairs nationwide saw a total of 261,581 local and overseas jobs being offered, exceeding the jobseekers (numbering 37,279) six-to-one. top vacancies were in the manufacturing, retail, accommodation, business process outsourcing, and financial/insurance industries for production operators,
salesclerks, call center representatives, service crew, and microfinance officers. But only 5,780 (15.5 percent, or fewer than one in six applicants) were readily hired, while only 2.2 percent were filled, or fewer than one for every 45 available jobs. these were mostly for low-level positions: cashier, service crew, bagger, sales associate, clerk, production crew, loan officer, store clerks, and teachers of english as a second language (esL teacher). We clearly don’t lack jobs; we just don’t have the right people for them. there’s more anecdotal evidence of our glaring jobs-skills mismatch. in a past study, my research team encountered a large industrial firm in Batangas that needed dozens of engineers for its expansion but couldn’t find suitable recruits. A government agency needed dozens of specialists in a particular field, but among numerous applicants, it found only two who were qualified. And we all recall the mad rush to nursing schools that happened in past years, and the equally mad rush of colleges and universities to offer nursing u PAGE A7
meanwhile, his bonds with rebecca grow stronger, and when rebecca completes her studies and returns to the Philippines, cunningham follows in pursuit through a United methodist mission internship, a 3-year program that enables immersion. this is fortuitous. As cunningham prepares for this assignment, he learns that the Philippines is a country whose U.s. colonial occupation was rationalized through America’s white supremacist ideology of manifest Destiny.
During this internship they get married, and cunningham gets a taste of filipino stereotypes about Americans. in the waning days of the marcos dictatorship, he even experiences a Philippine-style protest demonstration that includes water cannons, tear gas, and being fired upon with rubber bullets. A trip to the Bataan export Processing Zone, an industrial area devot
babe romualdez
DesPite the global economic uncertainty brought about by the imposition of tariffs by the United states – which many countries are still trying to figure out how to navigate similar to what we are doing – i, like many who have been in business, believe that there is always a silver lining in any difficult or challenging situation. this positive perspective was bolstered during the four-day U.s.-AseAN Business council (UsABc) Business mission to the Philippines led by Ambassador ted osius. UsABc brought their largest ever business delegation composed of some of the biggest companies in the United states, engaging with the administration’s economic team, senior officials across key government agencies, legislators, business leaders and other major stakeholders.
During the UsABc
In business, there’s always a silver lining
engagement with the Department of foreign Affairs where i joined secretary tess Lazaro and U.s Ambassador to the Philippines maryKay carlson as resource persons, Ambassador osius reiterated the group’s continuing confidence in the Philippines’ growth story, and shared the excitement of U.s. companies about opportunities and the possibilities that exist in the Philippines on various sectors that include technology, defense, artificial intelligence, food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and digitalization. our companies are committed. they’re here because they believe in the future of the Philippines. they’re investing because they believe that the Philippines is headed towards the right direction,” Ambassador osius said, adding that fortune 500 companies have been investing in the Philippines for a long time because they found that it was “the most hospitable place to get going.”
Ambassador osius also cited government reforms such as the “ease of doing business” that he noted has “improved remarkably,” adding that “the government’s commitment to resolving problems is really unmatched in the region.” the UsABc also organized an Aerospace, Defense and security (ADs) mission to the Philippines composed of more than 20 companies recognized as leaders across the defense and security sectors, among them Armscor global Defense inc., the biggest firearms manufacturer in the Philippines. the business mission comes at a very opportune time as President marcos’ meeting with President Donald trump reaffirmed the ironclad alliance between the U.s. and the Philippines as vital to peace and security in the indo-Pacific region while advancing closer economic ties, including supply chain cooperation.
Cielito F. Habito
ManilaTimes.net photo
Babe’s Eye View
South China Sea tensions test...
vention rather than aggression. it can include joint exercises, training exchanges, intelligence-sharing, and the creation of crisis hotlines at sea. its purpose is to build trust with partners, deter aggression, and keep communication channels open during emergencies. other states have adopted this approach. During the cold War, smaller european countries relied on NAto not to provoke conflict but to avoid isolation. in southeast Asia, singapore developed a wide network of security ties to balance great powers while retaining flexibility. for the Philippines, defense diplomacy must function as both shield and signal: demonstrating resolve
in protecting sovereignty while affirming intent to preserve regional stability. every step involves trade-offs. stronger alliances may deter threats but risk being perceived as containment. Defending fishing rights asserts sovereignty but increases the chance of confrontation. security cooperation inevitably intersects with economic dependence on china. the questions before manila are pressing. how far should the Philippines go in defending navigation and fishing rights? What balance of alliances and dialogue best secures long-term interests? can taiwan contingency planning be explained as humanitarian necessity rather than provocation? Where is the line between
deterrence that protects and deterrence that provokes?
geography denies the Philippines the luxury of detachment. history shows, however, that smaller states can endure and even thrive by combining legal clarity, strong alliances, and pragmatic diplomacy. Defense diplomacy, carefully practiced as part of broader statecraft, may yet offer manila a narrow but necessary path: to assert sovereignty without isolation, to deter without escalation, and to protect its people in turbulent waters.
Philippine statecraft will be judged not by extremes, but by its capacity to protect sovereignty while preventing conflict. (AJPress)
No, Quezon didn’t wish for hell...
than ballots. it requires a cultural reckoning.
Let’s stop exporting our people and start inviting the world to rediscover the Philippines— not as a tropical escape, but as a cultural epic with multiple golden ages. A designated land— Lupang hinirang—of patriots, geniuses, martyrs, artists, and soldiers of independence who redirected the global gaze toward our shores, and maritime ancestors who turned the tide of history with courage, brilliance, and conviction.
Let’s make our past our passport—to prosperity, to pride, and
Beyond the White Church: Disrupting Racism...
PAGE A6
ed to processing Philippine goods for export, reveals how cheap Philippine goods often result from the exploitation of workers. their plight is illustrated by workers living in dormitories and working in shifts, who often share a bed by sleeping in turns. cunningham’s immersion in a society rife with social unrest and social justice issues, along with his marriage to rebecca, a progressive Deaconess, would provide a faith-based moral perspective from which his subsequent assignments would be viewed. During assignments as a pastor in predominantly white congregations, cunningham sought to create a more open church. in most cases, he felt resistance from the white leadership of these congregations. these experiences inspired cunningham to envision a church that would be welcoming of everyone while committed to fighting injustice and racism. this led him to start a new church—New Day church (NDc)—in the Bronx which “connects with god in an authentic relationship that was transforming our lives”; crosses “boundaries of race, class, sexual
orientation, gender and age”; and confronts “injustice with the compassion and abundance of god.” in effect, the NDc seeks to create a community where everyone is welcome and challenged to cross boundaries of race, gender, and sexual orientation. in addition, the NDc also sought to develop leadership and empower its members through meaningful involvement in the many aspects of church life and worship. one notable example is the sharing of preaching duties, a function that is normally reserved for the pastor only. in addition to conducting worship services and promoting faith-based fellowship, the NDc was also involved in organizing around community issues. one notable success story is NDc’s partnership with the Kingsbridge redevelopment Alliance (KArA), which forced the city to revise its development plans for Kingsbridge Armory to include jobs that provide a living wage rather than just minimum wage. the establishment of the NDc was a resounding success and provided a model and a compass heading for the Umc. But cunningham soon finds out that es-
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.
Eliseo Art Silva is a Filipino artist based in Los Angeles and Manila whose murals and paintings reclaim history, elevate diasporic narratives, and ignite civic dialogue. Best known for the Filipino American Mural in LA and the Talang Gabay Gateway to Filipinotown, Silva fuses myth, scholarship, and activism to restore Filipino identity and authorship to the heart of national and global discourse.
to our rightful place in history, finally told in our own voice. Because the problem isn’t that our leaders are filipino. the problem is they forgot how to be. Quezon’s real wish was for a Philippines run by filipinos who love the Philippines—not just in sentiment, but in stewardship. Not just in slogans, but in systems. he said: “You are Filipinos. The Philippines are your country, and the only country God has given you. You must keep it for yourselves, for your children, and for your children’s children, until the world is no more.” that’s not a wish. that’s a charge. Let’s stop misquoting Quezon—and start fulfilling him. * *
In business, there’s always a silver...
the core message that i wanted to convey to the business delegation was simple: economic strength is the foundation of strategic strength.
When U.s. companies invest in the Philippines, we are not only talking about returns on capital –it’s about returns on the alliance, because a stronger Philippine economy means a more capable and reliable defense partner for the United states. it’s as basic as that. And as i have said on many occasions, economic and defense security are inextricably linked; essentially two sides of the same coin. the strength of our alliance is not just determined by the depth and frequency of our defense and security engagements. for our alliance to be strong politically, it must also be strong economically,” secretary Lazaro said. the strategic location of the Philippines – sitting at the heart of the indo-Pacific – makes it an ideal hub for trade and security. And at a time when America is diversifying supply chains and rethinking its global strategy, the Philippines is a natural choice and a strategic necessity. During the open session with members of the media, the tariffs issue was raised. But as secretary Lazaro pointed out, the situation “encourages intra-AseAN trade,” with a lot
of discussions evolving within AseAN on how to expand and increase intra-AseAN trade. the recent trip of President marcos to india is also a very clear indication that we are looking at other markets outside of the U.s. – which is what other countries are also doing. having said that, we are reaching out to other countries not only within our region but in europe and other areas to make up for the exports to the U.s. that may no longer be competitive in price because of the tariffs.
Admittedly, the planned 100 percent increase on chips and electronic products is very disturbing, to say the least, as this would impact a lot of companies not only in the Philippines but across Asia-Pacific. Which is why we are working with the semiconductor industry to see how they can navigate this development.
talks are also ongoing with U.s. trade officials, the U.s chamber of commerce, the semiconductor Association in the United states and Washington, D.c. and of course, the U.s.AseAN Business council. We are counting on the continued support of the U.s. private sector to help the Philippines engage with President trump as we seek mutually beneficial opportunities to foster closer economic cooperation. After all, the
UsABc delegates are not only investors, but also trusted voices in Washington – so i called on them to convey this message to the U.s. government: every U.s dollar invested in the Philippines strengthens America’s position in the indo-Pacific.
U.s. investments create jobs, provide opportunities to transfer skills and reinforce an ally like the Philippines that shares the security goals of the United states. so where do we start? on infrastructure and logistics that serve trade and naval readiness; on energy projects that secure reliable power for both industry and defense; on technology and cybersecurity that protect commercial and military assets; and on defense industrial partnerships that keep American equipment ready in the region. Prosperity and security have become inseparable – and it makes a lot of sense for the U.s and the Philippines to invest together, grow together and stand together. in the end, one has to remember that “politics makes the headlines, but business makes the bottom line.”
(Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
When skills don’t match...
courses. soon, there was a glut of nursing graduates, and they ended up being the ones actually paying hospitals to gain the needed work experience to bolster their credentials. many ended up working in call centers or in totally unrelated jobs. in the same study, we came across another mismatch that’s even harder to fix. human resource officers indicated that they often sought in recruits qualities that were not so much technical skills learned from stem courses (science, technology, engineering, and math), but more of “soft” skills. these include motivation, analytical ability, creativity, resourcefulness, honesty, the ability to
tablishing a reformed church, an organization that serves a local community or a New York borough, is simpler and easier than reforming an organization with a national reach. introducing reforms to sensitize the Umc to white privilege turns out to be a much more difficult struggle, even at the diocese level. the later chapters of his book paint glimpses of this. one such is the resistance of white congregations to having a Black pastor. Another is the resistance of the church hierarchy itself to meaningfully address issues of equity and racism. An example that cunningham sketches out in detail is when the New York Annual conference chapter of Black methodists for church renewal (Bmcr) released an open letter that laid out steps to combat racism in the church in 2020. A couple of years after its release, cunningham’s efforts to follow up on the open letter lead him to observe to a church official: “We are more concerned about the comfort of white moderates and conservatives than equity for Black pastors and churches,” and he concludes that “prioritizing white comfort over racial equity takes a heavy toll. i mourn the dozens of creative, effective, and committed pastors who have left local church ministry because of this inequity and harm.” these are weighty observations made towards the end of his memoirs. White privilege, it seems, is a very comfortable knapsack, which many caucasian Americans, even in faith-based communities, are loath to give up. cunningham’s journey from a privileged white person to a person devoted to the struggle against white privilege within a white church is a compelling read, especially for those who struggle with similar issues within their faith-based communities. it is noteworthy how cunningham draws inspiration for his themes, stories, and perspectives from the gospel, using passages to frame his stories or synthesize their lessons. in memoir form, rev. cunningham continues to preach in an engaging and inspiring way that keeps the pages turning.
* * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not
work in teams, communication and presentation skills, and the like—things not normally taught in schools but gained from family and community experience and basic education. these are even harder to find. As to hard skills, our neighbors are way ahead of us. indonesia and Vietnam reportedly produce 140,000 and 100,000 engineers yearly, respectively. We graduate 50,000 engineers yearly, but only about half of them pass the licensure exam. We have a problem on the supply side, but there’s a lingering problem on the demand side as well, because we can’t attract enough investors in manufacturing industries that will employ more of those engineers. this is unfortunate because it’s in manufacturing where labor productivity is highest and job quality is superior. What’s the implied homework? one, we need industry and academe to talk more and coordinate better. two, we need to fix the long-standing issues that deter job-creating investments by both filipinos and foreigners alike. Neither is easy, but the first is a bit easier. As for the second, i’m not holding my breath. (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.
* * * cielito.habito@gmail.com
ALWAYS READY. The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office works double time as Tropical Depression Isang affects Metro Manila on Friday (Aug. 22, 2025). Flooding was reported in Manila, Makati and Pasay cities, and some areas in the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela).
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Is Your Business Ready for Unexpected Challenges?
In an unpredictable world, businesses must be prepared to face unexpected challenges, such as natural disasters or economic shifts. The ability to adapt quickly is crucial for maintaining resilience and ensuring long-term success. We sat down with JPMorganChase, and they shared some immediate and long-term actions businesses can take to navigate disruptions:
1. First assess, communicate and activate your plan
In the event of a disruption, quickly assess the situation and communicate with your team and customers. Transparency is key to maintaining trust and managing expectations. Implement pre-established contingency plans to ensure business continuity, which might include remote work arrangements, temporary relocation, or alternative supply chain routes. Leveraging technology will help maintain operations, including cloud-based solutions and communication platforms that can help keep your team connected and your business running, even when physical locations are impacted.
2. Embrace flexibility and focus on customer needs
Foster a culture of agility within your organization by encouraging employees to propose innovative solutions and adapt to new roles as needed. Diversifying your supplier base and investing in supply chain visibility to identify potential vulnerabilities to address will help your business pivot quickly in response to future disruptions. And remember to remain attentive to changes in consumer behavior and preferences and adapt your offerings and support to meet their needs.
3. Invest in Employee Development through training and supporting well-being
Providing employees with the training and resources
they need to adapt to new technologies and processes and building a versatile workforce will create a team that’s capable of addressing future challenges. Also prioritize employee well-being during times of disruption, by offering support and resources to help them manage stress and maintain productivity.
4. Plan for the long term
Review and update your business plan on a regular basis to reflect changing circumstances and always have a backup plan to account for potential disruptions. You can also help build a cushion by establishing some financial reserves needed during challenging times.
Adapting business strategies in response to disruption requires a proactive and flexible approach. By taking immediate actions to address crises and implementing long-term strategies to build resilience, businesses can thrive in the face of unexpected challenges.
For more information on navigating business disruptions and available resources, visit chase.com/ businessbanking.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third-party products, services, or other content.
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