Unions say ending school “protected areas” fuels fear of immigration arrests, keeping many students from attending class
WAshiNGtoN — the nation’s two largest teachers unions have filed suit against the trump administration, arguing that its rollback of restrictions on immigration arrests near schools is driving students away from classrooms. the National education Association and the American federation of teachers submitted their complaint in federal court on Wednesday. they contend that the Department of homeland security’s (Dhs) decision in January to rescind “protected areas” guidance— rules that once limited enforcement around schools, churches, and hospitals— violates administrative law and harms children. Fear in classrooms
educators say the new rules are discouraging immigrant parents from bringing children to school. the lawsuit cites examples, including the arrest of a parent near an oregon pre-
California weighs new EV rebates as federal tax credits and HOV perks end
Federal EV tax credits end Sept. 30, 2025, as California considers new rebates and braces for carpool lane access ending Oct. 1
sAcrAmeNto — With the federal electric vehicle (eV) tax credits set to expire on september 30, 2025, california officials are signaling they may step in with a state-funded rebate program to maintain affordability and sustain the state’s clean-transportation push. Federal credits expiring the $7,500 new eV credit and $4,000 used eV credit—cornerstones of the federal clean-vehicle incentive structure—will lapse at the end of september under provisions of the one Big Beautiful Bill Act.” the internal revenue service has confirmed the deadline, with
Marcos forms independent commission to probe flood-control
by AJPress
by AJPress
the hAGUe — the international criminal court (icc) has postponed the sept. 23, 2025 confirmation-of-charges hearing for former Philippine President rodrigo roa Duterte, granting a limited delay to evaluate whether the 80-year-old is medically fit to participate in proceedings.
the decision, issued by the icc’s Pre-trial chamber, follows a motion from Duterte’s defense team filed in August. his lawyers claimed he is suffering from cognitive
GUADALAJArA, mexico — filipina tennis sensation Alex eala captured her first WtA singles title at the 2025 Guadalajara 125 open, defeating hungary’s Panna Udvardy in the final with a score of 1–6, 7–5, 6–3. eala becomes the first filipino to win a WtA singles championship. A career breakthrough Buoyed by her Guadalajara triumph, eala rose to World No. 61 in the latest WtA rankings, jumping 14 spots from 75th. her
by AJPress
deterioration that affects memory, reasoning, orientation, and executive function, impairing his ability to follow proceedings and assist in his defense. Large portions of the filing remain redacted, and no definitive diagnosis has been disclosed. the chamber emphasized that the suspension would last only for the time strictly necessary to complete an assessment of his condition.
Duterte was arrested in march 2025 on allegations of crimes against humanity tied to thousands of deaths during his anti-drug
mANiLA — A former assistant district engineer from the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) has alleged that two sitting senators received kickbacks from multimillion-peso flood-control projects in Bulacan, a claim both lawmakers have strongly denied as part of widening corruption inquiries into government infrastructure spending.
Brice ericson hernandez, who previously served as deputy district engineer of DPWh’s Bulacan 1st engineering District, testified under oath before the house committee on infrastructure on monday, september 8. he urged lawmakers not to return him to the senate for questioning, citing safety concerns after making accusations implicating senators Jinggoy estrada and Joel Villan-
Discaya couple’s testimony before the Senate links lawmakers and DPWH officials to alleged 25 percent kickbacks in flood-control projects. Their bid for witness protection falters as questions of credibility and legal exposure mount
in
mANiLA — senator Vicente tito” sotto iii officially returned as President of the Philippine senate on monday, september 8, replacing senator francis “chiz” escudero in an unopposed leadership transition during the plenary session. the change began when senator Juan miguel “migz” Zubiri moved to declare the senate presidency vacant, a motion that carried no objections. Zubiri then nominated sotto, who was elected without contest. the senate later confirmed that 15 senators joined
the new majority bloc under sotto’s leadership. “I hold no grudges. I hold no ill feelings,” escudero said, thanking colleagues for the trust placed in him during his tenure. sotto, who previously served as senate President from 2018 to 2022, expressed gratitude for the renewed confidence and pledged to protect the senate’s integrity. he noted that the leadership shift was driven by the need to preserve the chamber’s independence, saying he and four other senators had informed escudero beforehand about the resolution supporting
mANiLA — contractor-spouses Pacifico “curlee” and cezarah “sarah” Discaya remain in the spotlight as the Philippine senate investigates alleged anomalies in government flood-control projects, following their bombshell testimony that linked lawmakers and officials of the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) to multimillion-peso kickbacks.
a nationally televised hearing, the couple alleged that at least 17 members of the house of representa-
Marcos forms independent...
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to hold hearings, subpoena documents, and recommend cases for prosecution before the office of the ombudsman or the Department of Justice. the commission may also recommend preventive suspensions, contractor blacklisting, and asset freezes linked to questionable projects. members have not yet been named.
Billions under review, lives at risk flood control projects have consumed about P545 billion in government funds in recent years. Despite the heavy spending, many communities remain vulnerable to typhoons and monsoon floods. misuse of funds in this sector is not just a financial scandal but also a matter of public safety for residents repeatedly displaced by disasters. the commission on Audit (coA) has already flagged at least P341 million worth of projects as overpriced, substandard, or non-existent. the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) has said it will file non-bailable charges against those responsible and has suspended bidding for new locally funded flood projects until reforms are in place. Push for transparency the order comes after weeks of highly publicized congressional hearings where lawmakers and contractors were accused of kickbacks and collusion. those implicated have denied wrongdoing, but public anger has grown amid testimonies about overpricing and “ghost” works. to address the issue, eo 94 requires the ici to provide monthly progress reports to the office of the President and publish updates for the public.
Why an independent commission marcos turned to an independent body instead of leaving the review solely to existing agencies for several reasons. Public trust has been shaken, with accusations involving contractors, lawmakers, and even government offices. By forming a separate
panel, the administration hopes to assure citizens that the probe will not be seen as a partisan effort. the scope of the investigation spans three presidencies, making it important to avoid the perception that it targets only one administration. the commission also has broader authority than typical oversight committees, including the power to recommend prosecutions, request asset freezes, and call for preventive suspensions. Another key feature is transparency. eo 94 obliges the panel to issue monthly public reports, ensuring the public remains informed. With billions of pesos already spent and flood risks still threatening communities, the government needed a body focused solely on this matter, free from competing workloads. Commission’s first tasks the immediate priorities include naming the commissioners and consolidating findings already submitted by coA and congress. observers note the probe is unusual because it spans multiple presidencies, signaling an attempt to establish accountability that rises above political lines. how far the inquiry progresses, and whether it results in prosecutions or long-term reforms, will be closely watched in the months ahead. n
Former DPWH engineer links senators to...
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ueva in the alleged misuse of public works funds.
The allegations hernandez claimed that estrada and Villanueva received 30 percent commissions from contracts awarded for flood-control projects in Bulacan. According to his testimony, estrada allegedly benefited from P355 million worth of projects, while Villanueva was tied to P600 million in contracts in 2023.
he presented photographs of neatly stacked bundles of money, which he said were routinely prepared for distribution to beneficiaries, including elected officials. hernandez described the sight of large piles of cash at the district office as “normal” practice. however, aside from
his testimony and the photos, no documentary proof was presented to directly link the money to the senators.
Responses from the senators senator Jinggoy estrada strongly denounced the allegations as a big lie and announced he would file a lawsuit against hernandez for linking him to the alleged kickback scheme. he also questioned the engineer’s credibility, noting that he had never met hernandez, and invited him to take a lie detector test alongside him to prove the truthfulness of his claims.
senator Joel Villanueva likewise dismissed the accusations, insisting he has evidence to clear his name. he emphasized his commitment to integrity, stating he would not dishonor his par-
ents’ legacy with corrupt acts. Neither senator has been formally charged as of this report. Investigations widen the scandal has already led to the resignation of the Public Works secretary and pushed President ferdinand marcos Jr. to create an independent commission for infrastructure (ici) tasked with investigating alleged anomalies in flood-control projects spanning multiple administrations. marcos also ordered a freeze on next year’s flood-control budgetpending a full audit. on september 11, DPWh confirmed that it has filed criminal complaints against more than 20 personnel and contractors linked to the Bulacan anomalies. many u PAGE A4
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo
Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder, shot dead at Utah Valley University
by AJPress
orem, Utah — conservative activist and media host charlie Kirk was shot and killed on september 10, 2025, while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University. he was 31. Authorities confirmed his death at timpanogos regional hospital, where he was pronounced after being struck by a single rifle round during his appearance on the “American comeback tour”.
A targeted shooting officials said the gunman fired from an elevated position about 200 yards away from the outdoor stage. A high-powered rifle was recovered near the scene. Utah Gov. spencer cox condemned the act as a “political assassination.” two individuals were detained for questioning but later released. the suspected gunman remains at large as state police, federal agents, and the fBi continue a nationwide manhunt.
Who he was
Born october 14, 1993, in the chicago suburbs, Kirk briefly attended harper college before
leaving to launch turning Point UsA (tPUsA) in 2012. the 501(c) (3) nonprofit became a major conservative campus network. he later founded turning Point Action, a 501(c)(4) political advocacy group focused on elections and voter turnout.
Kirk also hosted the charlie Kirk show on the salem radio Network and built one of the most influential conservative youth media platforms. he was a close ally of President Donald trump, who credited him with mobilizing young voters during the 2024 campaign.
Controversies and influence
Kirk was a polarizing figure in U.s. politics. in 2021, his political arm promoted buses to the Jan. 6 rally in Washington, D.c though the group later condemned political violence and denied organizing the march to the capitol, the move drew widespread criticism.
fact-checkers also flagged a number of Kirk’s claims on elections and coViD-19 policies as inaccurate. Despite such controversies, his influence within conservative circles grew, with turning Point entities developing
multimillion-dollar budgets and wide reach among young activists.
National reaction and investigation
Kirk’s death drew swift responses across the political spectrum. President trump ordered flags flown at half-staff and described him as a “tireless defender of America’s youth and values.” other leaders condemned the violence and urged calm.
As of thursday evening, no suspect had been publicly named. investigators appealed for public assistance, requesting video or witness accounts from the area, and pledged transparency as the investigation continues.
Kirk is survived by his wife, erika frantzve Kirk, and their two young children.
A life cut short Kirk’s killing underscores the vulnerability of public figures in a deeply polarized political climate. his rise from a suburban chicago student to one of the most visible conservative activists in America left a lasting mark on republican youth politics — a legacy cut short by violence. n
California weighs new EV rebates as...
limited transition relief for buyers who execute binding contracts by sept. 30, even if delivery occurs later.
California’s response
california’s clean Vehicle rebate Project (cVrP), which for years offered state-level rebates, closed in 2023 and is no longer accepting applications.
But Governor Gavin Newsom previously pledged to revive incentives if Washington walked away from federal support.
the california Air resources Board (cArB) has recently held Light-Duty Vehicle Purchase incentives workgroupsand, in an Aug. 19, 2025 report to the Governor, recommended consistent funding for new rebates and market-deployment incentives. the california energy commission (cec) has also proposed subsidies and purchase rebates as part of its long-term ZeV strategy. these ideas remain propos-
als, not yet law. in the meantime, other targeted programs, including clean cars 4 All for low-income households and utility-backed charging rebates, continue on a limited basis depending on funding availability.
Separate but related: carpool lane perk ending Another popular benefit for eV drivers will also vanish next month. Beginning october 1, 2025, california’s eV drivers will no longer enjoy automatic access to high-occupancy vehicle (hoV) and carpool lanes, following a federal sunset of the long-standing clean-air decal program. state officials have criticized the move, warning it could undermine eV adoption by stripping away a non-monetary incentive that has been in place for more than two decades. What this means for consumers for california buyers, the next
few weeks are decisive. those who sign a contract before the september 30 deadline may still qualify for federal credits, even if delivery comes later. But once the month ends, the purchase incentives that made eVs more affordable at the federal level will disappear. At the same time, the hoV sticker that allowed electric cars to bypass traffic in carpool lanes will expire on october 1, taking with it a perk that helped drive early adoption. state officials insist new rebate programs are on the horizon, but for now, they remain in the planning stage. The future of EV incentives it is accurate that federal eV tax credits will end this month, and that california is actively exploring its own rebates. however, no new statewide rebate program has been enacted to date. eV buyers should weigh their options quickly, knowing that both financial and lifestyle incentives are about to shift. (AJPress)
ICC postpones ex-Pres. Duterte hearing...
campaign, both as president and earlier as Davao city mayor. independent estimates of the death toll range widely—from more than 6,000 killings documented in official statistics to as high as 30,000 cited by human rights organizations. the confir-
mation-of-charges hearing, now delayed, is a key step in determining whether the case will advance to trial.
Questions of fitness to stand trial are rare in international criminal proceedings. Defendants must be able to understand charges, follow the courtroom
Alex Eala makes history with...
career-high singles ranking is No. 56, achieved earlier this year. earlier in 2025, she also became the first filipina to reach a WtA tour final at the eastbourne open, where she finished runner-up.
Tournament details & prize money the Guadalajara 125 open is a WtA 125-level event held at the Panamerican tennis center from september 1–6, 2025, on outdoor hard courts. the tournament offered a total prize pool of $115,000, with eala earning $15,500 as champion and Udvardy receiving $8,400 as runner-up.
About Panna Udvardy Udvardy, who tested eala in the final, was ranked No. 134 during the tournament. the hungarian owns one WtA 125 singles title and one doubles crown in her career.
Continuing the momentum in São Paulo eala is now competing in the são Paulo open, a WtA 250 event in Brazil, where she is seeded third. she has already advanced to the quarterfinals after back-to-back wins, and will face indonesia’s Janice tjen for a spot in the semifinals.
A strong run in são Paulo could propel her closer to matching or surpassing her career-high ranking of No. 56 and further solidify her place among the world’s rising tennis stars.
Historic win for the Philippines eala’s Guadalajara victory remains a landmark for Philippine tennis. she is the first filipino ever to secure a WtA singles title, an achievement that underscores her talent, determination, and growing maturity on the global stage.
Presidential recognition President ferdinand marcos Jr. praised eala’s accomplishment, saying:
“History has been written by Alex Eala as she becomes the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title. Congratulations, Alex Eala! Your victory is a victory for the whole country. We will do everything we can to have more Filipino athletes follow in these footsteps and show the world the galling and heart of the Filipino.” his message reflected national pride and highlighted the inspiration eala brings to the next generation of filipino athletes. n
process, and engage meaningfully with counsel. While courts occasionally order medical evaluations, findings of permanent unfitness are exceptional. in 2023, for instance, rwandan genocide suspect félicien Kabuga was ruled unfit due to dementia—a case seen as unusual in global practice. for now, the icc has not ruled Duterte unfit. the court has only granted a postponement to allow medical assessments. A new hearing date has not been announced. observers are awaiting the chamber’s eventual ruling on Duterte’s legal capacity and whether the proceedings will move forward. n
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Tito Sotto leads slim majority as...
the transition.
Leadership reshuffle Alongside sotto’s return, the chamber elected senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as senate President Pro tempore, replacing senator Jinggoy estrada. Zubiri assumed the role of majority Leader, succeeding Joel Villanueva.
Why the change happened
According to an anonymous senate source quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer escudero lost the post partly because colleagues believed he stalled the impeach-
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
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LAcmtA will receive bids for oP135665 - iN-roADWAY WArNiNG LiGhts mAitANice serViceat the 9th floor receptionist Desk, Vendor/contract management Department, one Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, cA 90012. A Virtual Pre-Bid conference will be held on thursday, september 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time this project is a small Business enterprise (sBe) set-Aside contract. to participate in this ifB, bidders must be sBe certified with LAcmtA prior to proposal due date. for information on the set-Aside program, visit: https://business. metro.net/webcenter/portal/ VendorPortal/pages_home/ smallbusinesstools/smallbusinessprimeprogram All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LAcmtA, via email to bids@metro.net on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday, october 15, 2025, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. oP135665. 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 Juana ortiz Delgado at ortizdelgadoj@metro.net.
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ment trial of Vice President sara Duterte. the same report cited frustrations over stalled investigations into alleged flood-control irregularities and debates on charter change. however, the supreme court ruled on July 25, 2025 that the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte was unconstitutional, complicating any senate timetable for a trial. this provides context to claims that escudero “stalled” the proceedings. sotto later remarked that escudero may have been “caught by surprise” by the speed of the transition, though he added that a group of senators had met with him in advance.
Malacañang’s response President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. downplayed concerns that the senate shake-up could derail his administration’s agenda, saying he sees “no problem” with the chamber’s legislative work. he emphasized that the transition was part of the senate’s internal dynamics.
A slim majority and intensifying scrutiny senate President Pro tempore
Lacson has since warned that the new senate majority is slim, leaving the leadership bloc vulnerable to another internal challenge. this underscores the fragile balance within the chamber despite the smooth handover. meanwhile, the senate continues to confront allegations of corruption tied to flood-control projects. Witnesses have testified in Blue ribbon hearings that kickbacks were allegedly demanded by public works officials and legislators. the leadership change comes as public calls for accountability over these projects grow louder.
Shaping the Senate’s next chapter the senate, the upper house of the Philippine congress, plays a critical role in shaping laws, reviewing budgets, and providing oversight. With sotto’s return, observers say the chamber is poised to steer the 20th congress with renewed emphasis on discipline, experience, and accountability. the leadership transition proceeded without objections on the floor, a rarity in Philippine politics. n
Former DPWH engineer links...
A2
of these cases, including graft, corruption, and malversation, are classified as non-bailable under Philippine law. Public outrage, fueled by widely shared images of cash bundles, has mobilized civic groups, religious leaders, and citizens to demand accountability through the government’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo portal. Lawmakers have also proposed tapping private inspectors to audit government projects and prevent future “ghost” works. Safeguards and context the case against estrada and Villanueva rests entirely on hernandez’s sworn testimony and
the photos of cash bundles he presented. No contracts, receipts, or other documents have been produced to corroborate his claims. Both senators have categorically denied involvement, with estrada vowing to sue hernandez and Villanueva pledging to present evidence of his innocence. At the same time, DPWh’s september 11 filing of criminal complaints against more than 20 officials and contractors, coupled with the creation of the ici and the suspension of flood-control funding, show that the government is moving to address systemic irregularities beyond the testimonies of a single witness. n
Discayas testimony shakes Senate hearings...
tives and several DPWh personnel demanded kickbacks of up to 25 percent of contract values. they claimed to have kept logs detailing dates and locations of payments, though no such documents have yet been produced. those named in the hearings have strongly denied any wrongdoing and have questioned the credibility of the allegations.
Discayas’ bid for witness protection falters the Discayas offered to turn state witnesses, hoping to avoid prosecution and gain protection from possible retaliation. their bid has faced resistance at the highest levels of government.
senate President Vicente tito” sotto iii refused to endorse their inclusion in the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program, pointing to inconsistencies between their testimonies before the senate and the house, their failure to return alleged illicit funds, and doubts about whether the couple could truly be considered anything less than “most guilty.”
Justice secretary Jesus crispin remulla voiced similar concerns, stressing that the couple
had not been fully forthcoming. he emphasized that admission into the witness protection program requires a complete and truthful account of one’s role in the scheme. for now, the DoJ has yet to make a final decision on the Discayas’ eligibility, leaving their fate as either protected insiders or accused participants hanging in the balance.
Legal exposure
While they press for protection, the couple also faces the prospect of prosecution. the office of the ombudsman has already named sarah Discaya, along with a DPWh cashier, as respondents in a graft case tied to flood-control projects. the DPWh has confirmed that additional complaints have been filed against other contractors and personnel suspected of involvement in the anomalies.
Legal experts caution that the Discayas’ situation is precarious. Under Philippine law, state witnesses must not be the “most guilty,” and their testimony must be indispensable to securing convictions. Unless the couple can meet those strict requirements and provide full, corroborated accounts, they risk losing the
chance at immunity and instead facing charges of graft, malversation, or even plunder. Political fallout and denials the hearings have also intensified political tensions. Among those linked by the Discayas was speaker martin romualdez, whom they alleged benefited through intermediaries. romualdez and others flatly denied the accusations. meanwhile, a former DPWh engineer told the house of representatives that senators Jinggoy estrada and Joel Villanueva had accepted kickbacks from Bulacan projects. Both lawmakers immediately rejected the claims.
Senate to weigh Discaya testimony as DOJ decides on state-witness bid the senate Blue ribbon committee is expected to continue hearings to scrutinize the Discayas’ claims and determine whether their testimony can be backed by independent evidence. At the same time, the DoJ’s decision on their state-witness status will be pivotal. it could either strengthen the probe with insider testimony or leave the couple exposed to prosecution as accused participants. n
Teachers unions sue Trump over...
school and immigration encounters close to campuses in Los Angeles. Union leaders argue the policy has “chilled attendance and engagement” and disrupted the learning environment. Students should not have to choose between their education and their family’s safety,” the filing states.
DHS stance the administration has defended the move as restoring “flexibility” to enforcement. Dhs confirmed it rescinded the Biden-era policy on January 21, 2025, saying agents may now carry out operations in or near schools if approved by supervisors. An agency spokesperson said the government “retains discretion to act where public safety
requires” but added that arrests inside classrooms remain rare.
Wider legal battles the teachers unions are not alone. faith groups have filed a separate challenge after ice agents conducted operations near churches following the policy shift. A reuters report noted a maryland case led by Quaker organizations seeking to reinstate restrictions on worship spaces.
in addition, a federal court has temporarily blocked portions of the policy, ordering Dhs to follow stricter warrant rules when operating inside houses of worship.
What changed the rescinded rules, first issued in 2021, had expanded on a long-standing “sensitive locations” policy discouraging immigration enforcement near
schools, clinics, and churches. teachers say the rollback has revived fear in immigrant communities and undermined years of work to build trust with families.
According to the lawsuit, some students have stopped attending class regularly, though no national attendance data has yet been presented.
The stakes Union leaders want the court to order Dhs to reinstate protections around schools. “children cannot learn when they are living in fear,” Aft President randi Weingarten said. the outcome will determine whether schools once again become formally recognized as off-limits for most immigration enforcement — or remain subject to the current policy of caseby-case discretion. (AJPress)
PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG
iBiNiGAY Dito ANG PAUNAWA na ang Lupon ng mga superbisor ng county ng san Diego ay magsasagawa ng isang pampublikong pagdinig sa Pagsasaayos ng Boundary ng Grupo ng sponsor ng Komunidad ng Warner springs gaya ng sumusunod: imPormAsYoN sA PAGDiNiG: Petsa: oktubre 1, 2025 oras: 9:00 a.m.
Lokasyon: county Administration center, 1600 Pacific highway, room 310, san Diego, california 92101
APLiKANte: county ng san Diego (mGA) NUmero NG ProYeKto/KAso: PDs2025-PoD-25-008
LoKAsYoN:Ang Warner springs community sponsor Group ay matatagpuan sa hilagang-silangang bahagi ng hindi pinamamahalaang lugar ng county ng san Diego, sa kahabaan ng state route 79, timog ng riverside county, at silangan ng Palomar mountain. Ang lugar ay binubuo ng 179 na milya kuwadrado.
PAGLALArAN NG ProYeKto: ito ay kahilingan para sa Lupon ng mga superbisor na isaalang-alang ang pagpapatibay ng isang resolusyon na umaayon sa hangganan ng Warner springs community sponsor Group (csG). Ang pagbabago ay magpapalawak sa hangganan ng csG para isama ang katabing Lupain ng reserbasyon ng Los coyotes. sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay sa pagbabagong ito, ang mga residenteng nakatira sa reserbasyon ay magiging karapat-dapat na italaga sa Warner springs csG advisory board.
KAtAYUAN NG KAPALiGirAN: Ang iminungkahing pagsasaayos ng hangganan ng Warner springs community sponsor Group ay hindi napapailalim sa california environmental Quality Act (ceQA) sa ilalim ng seksyon 15378(b)(5) ng mga Alituntunin ng ceQA ng estado dahil ang iminungkahing aksyon ay hindi isang proyekto. Ang pagsasaayos ng hangganan sa sponsor Group ay hindi pisikal na makakaapekto sa kapaligiran o sa kalalabasan ng anumang proyekto sa hinaharap. Ang mga indibidwal na proyekto ay kailangan pa ring dumaan sa pagsusuri ng ceQA habang iminumungkahi ang mga ito.
coNtAct NG KAWANi: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto, makipag-ugnayan sa manager ng proyekto: timothy Vertino; (858) 505-6677; PDs.LongrangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov
PAKiKiLAhoK NG PUBLiKo:Ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay maaaring lumahok sa pulong nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa mga regulasyong ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita sa website ng Lupon ng mga superbisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa.html#watch. Kung mayroon kang anumang tanong, makipag-ugnayan sa clerk ng Lupon sa (619) 531-5434 o publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov.
tULoNG PArA sA mGA tAoNG mAY KAPANsANAN: Available ang mga agenda at talaan sa mga alternatibong format kapag hiniling. makipag-ugnayan sa sekretarya ng pagdinig sa (619) 5174193 para sa mga tanong o para humiling ng tirahan na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan. Ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng mga tagasalin ng sign language ay dapat makipag-ugnayan sa coordinator ng countywide ADA title ii sa (619) 531-4908. sa abot ng makatwirang posible, ang mga kahilingan para sa akomodasyon o tulong ay dapat na isumite nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang pagpupulong para maisagawa ang mga pagsasaayos. Ang isang lugar sa harap ng mga silid ng pagdinig ay maaaring italaga para sa mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng paggamit ng wheelchair o iba pang naa-access na mga aparato.
tANDAAN: Para sa dagdag na impormasyon tungkol sa Availability ng Kawani para sa Ulat, mga Alituntunin ng tagapagsalita, at Pangkalahatang Pamamaraan sa Pagdinig, suriin ang impormasyon sa Pampublikong Pagdinig ng county ng san Diego na matatagpuan sa website ng Lupon ng mga superbisor: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa.html.
tANDAAN: Kung hahamunin mo ang aksyon na maaaring gawin sa panukalang ito sa korte, maaari kang limitado sa pagsusulong lamang ng mga isyung isinusulong mo o ng ibang tao sa pampublikong pagdinig sa itaas, o sa nakasulat na sulat na inihatid sa Katawan ng Pagdinig sa o bago ang pagdinig. maaaring limitahan o ipataw ng mga Panuntunan ng Lupong Pagdinig ang mga kinakailangan sa pagsusumite ng naturang nakasulat na sagutan.
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Photo courtesy of the Senate of the Philippines (Social Media Unit)
DAteline PhiliPPines
Senate’s new nine-member minority bloc forms after leadership shake-up
by AJPress
mANiLA — A nine-member minority bloc posed for a group photo at the senate on tuesday, september 9, marking one of the largest minority lineups in recent senate history. the move came just a day after senator Vicente “tito” sotto iii was elected senate President, replacing senator francis “chiz” escudero in a swift leadership change during the september 8 plenary session.
Membership of the bloc the minority bloc is com-
posed of senator Alan Peter cayetano, former senate president escudero, former majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and senators Bong Go, rodante marcoleta, imee marcos, robin Padilla, Jinggoy estrada, and ronald “Bato” dela rosa. the group’s official photo was released by the office of senator cayetano and circulated by the Philippine News Agency. Leadership role senator Jinggoy estrada confirmed that cayetano would serve as the leader of the minority. subsequent reports also indicated
that marcoleta had been tapped as Deputy minority Leader, solidifying the group’s internal leadership structure. Context of the shake-up sotto’s return to the senate presidency reshuffled the chamber’s balance of power. fifteen senators aligned themselves with the new majority bloc, effectively pushing the nine lawmakers into the minority. observers noted that the size of the bloc highlights deeper fissures within the chamber, making it one of the largest minorities in a 24-member senate. n
LTO suspends licenses of alleged ‘BGC Boys’ as Senate probe widens
The LTO suspended the licenses of five DPWH engineers tagged as the BGC Boys,” or Bulacan Group of Contractors, while Sen. Panfilo Lacson alleged links to casino losses and contractors in the flood-control probe
by AJPress
mANiLA — the Land transpor-
tation office (Lto) has ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of the driver’s licenses of five Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) engineers tagged in the so-called “BGc Boys,” a group that lawmakers allege is tied to anomalous flood-control projects and large casino losses. the suspended engineers were identified as henry Alcantara, Brice hernandez, Jaypee mendoza, edrick san Diego, and Arjay Domasig. the Lto cited possible violations of republic Act 10930 and section 31 of republic Act 4136 involving misrepresentation and the use of falsified identities. each has been summoned to explain, with hearings set to determine if penalties will include revocation of licenses and criminal referrals.
Lto officials also disclosed that verification checks found no legitimate licenses under the aliases reportedly used by some of the engineers to gain entry into casinos. Authorities warned that proven use of false documents could lead to perpetual disqualification from driving and separate criminal charges.
Lacson’s allegations
senate President Pro tempore
Panfilo Lacson earlier presented casino records in plenary showing about P950 million in gross gambling losses linked to the engineers. he clarified that “BGc” in this context does not mean Bonifacio Global city, but rather the “Bulacan Group of contractors”—a circle of DPWh engineers and contractors allegedly notorious in casino circles.
Lacson urged regulators to freeze assets pending possible money-laundering charges, stressing that the sums in play mirrored irregularities uncovered in flood-control contracts. in the same series of speeches, Lacson also connected former DPWh secretary manuel Bonoan to a contractor business in Pampanga. the allegation remains under review and has not been adjudicated in court.
Wider net of investigation the controversy has already prompted calls for immigration lookout bulletins covering Bonoan, local officials, and executives of mBB Global, as congressional and executive agencies broaden their inquiries.
Verified vs. alleged the Lto’s suspension order and summons are confirmed administrative actions. Allegations of P950 million in casino losses, money-laundering, and contrac-
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
LAcmtA will receive proposals for Ps133480 - DBe and sBe Program technical support services at the 9th floor receptionist Desk, Vendor/contract management Department, one Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, cA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on friday, september 19, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at one Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, cA 90012, Virtual meeting: online. this project is a small Business enterprise (sBe) set-Aside contract. to participate in this rfP, proposers must be sBe certified with LAcmtA prior to proposal due date. for information on the set-Aside Program, visit: https:// business.metro.net/webcenter/ portal/VendorPortal/pages_ home/smallbusinesstools/smallbusinessprimeprogram
All proposals must be received on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific time on tuesday, october 14, 2025 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of manchi Yi. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. 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 manchi Yi at yim@metro.net.
9/13/25 cNs-3966131# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (LACMTA)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
LAcmtA will receive proposals for Ps126782 - expressLanes electrical infrastructure on-call maintenanceat the 9th floor receptionist Desk, Vendor/contract management Department, one Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, cA 90012.
A Virtual Pre-Proposal conference will be held on thursday, september 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m Pacific time this project is a small Business enterprise (sBe) set-Aside contract. to participate in this rfP, proposers must be sBe certified with LAcmtA prior to proposal due date. for information on the set-Aside Program, visit: https://business.metro.net/ webcenter/portal/VendorPortal/ pages_home/smallbusinesstools/ smallbusinessprimeprogram
All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific time on thursday, october 16, 2025 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Gabriel Anaya. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. Ps126782. 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 Gabriel Anaya at AnayaG@metro.net 9/13/25 cNs-3966153# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
tor links were raised by Lacson in official senate proceedings and remain under investigation.
All named individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in proper judicial or administrative forums. n
The Senate’s new nine-member minority bloc poses for a photo on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. From left: Senators Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Francis Escudero. Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
ALL IN. A presentation by Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday names a group of public works engineers allegedly known for their gambling and lavish lifestyles: (from left) Edrick San Diego, Jaypee Mendoza, Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Arjay Domasig. Inquirer.net photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta
CANONIZATION. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world attend the canonization of two new saints, Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlos Acutis,
officiated by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, September 7. In his homily, the Pope proclaimed Frassati and Acutis as the Church’s newest saints, saying they “are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces.” Photo by Alona Cochon
OPiniOn FeAtures
The Senate saga: A mirror of wealth and misplaced priorities
In the latest Senate hearings on corruption, one question echoes across time: How much money is enough? John D. Rockefeller, the wealthiest man of the early 20th century, was once asked the same. His reply, “Just a little bit more,” has often been read as greed. But Rockefeller’s remark was more ironic than literal. He was exposing the futility of thinking that wealth could ever satisfy the human heart. True fulfillment, he hinted, comes not from accumulation but from meaning, love, and service.
that misunderstood wisdom feels painfully apt for today’s Philippines. At the center of senate testimony, the Discaya couple, major contractors of public works projects, allegedly amassed 40 luxury cars, a collection proudly displayed in lifestyle spreads. in a telling display of excess, they whimsically bought a rolls-royce simply because it came with a built-in umbrella. elsewhere, a DPWh employee in Bulacan flaunts a red ferrari, its glossy shine a cruel contrast to the murky floodwaters engulfing his province. these are not just indulgences. they are symbols of a broken system. each car, each frivolous purchase, each ostentatious display of wealth is built on the foundation of public money intended for drainage, dikes, bridges, and flood defenses that remain incomplete or poorly built. And while the privileged few expand their garages, ordinary filipinos are left to expand their resilience: trudging through waist-deep waters, exposing themselves to leptospirosis and dengue, and watching helplessly
CTalk
Cito Beltran
PLAY with fire and you’ll get burned.
the same can be said with politics or public office. While people talk about the power, the perks and the profit, one unfortunate incident, a mishandled event or poor choice of words can torch you. Jesus christ himself was well aware of the dangers.
After feeding the five thousand, people wanted to put Jesus in charge. “Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he departed again to the mountain by himself alone.” – John 6:15. Jesus clearly knew better.
As a result of the scandalous flood control scams and ghost projects, many have found themselves under public scrutiny, especially local officials, congressmen and senators.
Among them are individuals who were “men of the word” or having a religious background. But now they are suspected of being involved or having a part in the public works scam. if not thievery, they are hound-
Editorial
as yet another storm erodes their dignity and security. the irony is sharp. A rollsroyce umbrella is celebrated as a status trinket, while countless filipinos cannot afford the most basic protection against the rain. A ferrari is paraded in Bulacan, while jeepneys sputter through submerged highways. A garage of 40 cars sits pristine, while families are forced to dry their few possessions on rooftops after the floods recede. these contrasts do not simply offend sensibilities. they indict a culture of governance where wealth is flaunted while responsibility is abandoned. symbols matter. in societies struggling against inequality, symbols become shorthand for what is valued and what is betrayed. A garage of 40 cars is not just a personal collection. it is a signal to the public that corruption pays. A rolls-royce umbrella is not just whimsy. it is mockery to those who must fashion tarps into makeshift roofs. A ferrari in a
Men of the word to men of the world
ed for their transformation from humble shepherds and defenders of the faith into defenders of the lifestyle of the rich in congress, engaging in name calling and pride-filled disrespect for their political enemies or critics. confessions of regret have been posted by christians online who pinned their trust and hope that by electing “godly men,” they can influence and change the culture of politics. Unfortunately, recent events and a cascade of scandalous claims and videos online have awakened supporters that these “men of the word” have become full-fledge politicians and “men of the world,” reflected by their materialism, sanctimonious conduct if not belligerent behavior. the spirit of humility has departed from them, their love for God’s word has been replaced by their own words and agenda, the gentle nature they once had replaced by a fierce, combative and accusing spirit. As voters repent over their choice, church elders need to institutionalize accountability, critical thinking of the flesh versus the word and future proof the believers’ faith regarding “men of the
world” because disappointment breeds contempt and disbelief and then God gets blamed.
* * * it is bad enough that we have to chase after corrupt contractors who stole us blind and sank our towns and cities, now we are confronted by politicians washing their hands of any guilt, justifying their opulent lifestyle, while performing as prosecutors, judges and jury in the greatest robbery in Philippine history! the dramatics is sickening!
Under the current climate of doubt and suspicions aimed at politicians, specifically legislators, why, i ask, must the task of investigating and prosecution be extended to members of congress and the senate.
Are they deaf, so self-righteous or simply insensitive that they dismiss delicadeza and the need to inhibit congress under such circumstances? instead, they jump right in with sanctimonious indignation and cite their duty to investigate in aid of legislation.
What new laws do we need against plunder, graft and corruption? We already have them all! if we fail to get real justice, fail
Marcos metamorphosis: Anti-corruption hero?
VANcoUVer — Just over a decade ago, a prized opportunity presented itself: a chance to write for arguably the world’s most prestigious publication on international affairs. following an interview with the foreign Affairs magazine, i proposed to submit an essay on the legacy of then outgoing President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino iii i was determined to ensure that a filipino perspective was better reflected in influential global policy circles. What made writing for foreign Affairs even more special was that no less than former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. had been the last filipino to have written for the influential publication. in a trenchant essay in 1968, titled “What’s Wrong with the Philippines?” Ninoy Aquino
dispelled any illusions about the supposed economic miracle under the marcos dictatorship. After almost two decades of rapid economic growth, which made manila the successful candidate to host the Asian Development Bank, the Philippines was already on a downward spiral.
“Beneath the outpourings of self-serving government data, hidden underneath the trappings of the good life in the big cities, there remains a depressed and dispirited people,” Ninoy Aquino warned, describing a Gatsbyesque world of imeldific luxury and prestige projects masking “great disparities and chronic inequities of Filipino society.” for Ninoy Aquino, his home country was already a land of “traumatic contrasts,” where “a few are spectacularly rich while the masses remain abjectly poor.” Against the backdrop of a “[g]leaming suburbia” and “the squalor of slums,” he bemoaned how “freedom and its blessings are a reality for a minority and an illusion for the many.” half a century later, here i was, writing about similar conditions despite his son’s best
Passing the torch of memory: 9/11 and the Filipino American story
NeaRly twenty five years have passed since September 11, 2001, and yet its shadow still stretches across american life. For many young people, the attacks are a chapter in a history book, not a memory. They were born into a world already reshaped by that day. The question for us, especially as Filipino americans, is how to carry forward the lessons of 9/11 so they do not fade into abstraction.
on that morning, nearly 3,000 people were killed. Among them were 20 filipinos and filipino Americans: professionals in the twin towers, airline passengers, and immigrants whose hard work helped sustain families in the Philippines. their names are etched in the stone of the 9/11 memorial in New York. they may not be familiar to many in our community today, but they should be. each one is a reminder that filipinos were not only present on 9/11, but also part of its story of sacrifice and resilience. in the days and months that followed, filipino nurses, caregivers, and volunteers in New York and New Jersey helped tend to the injured and console the grieving. the spirit of bayanihan, that deep cultural instinct to help one another in times of crisis, found expression in hospital wards, in community centers, and in simple acts of compassion. ours was not just a story of loss, it was also a story of service. today, the challenge is to ensure that the memory of 9/11 speaks to a generation that never knew the world before it. museums and memorials preserve artifacts and testimonies. schools introduce lesson plans that teach not just the facts of the attacks but
Editorial
the values revealed in the response: courage, unity, and civic duty. each september, the National Day of service transforms remembrance into action, urging Americans to honor the fallen by volunteering in their communities. the work of memory does not rest with institutions alone. it is our task, as families, as communities, and as a diaspora, to keep alive the names of the filipinos we lost and to remind our children what those lives stood for. to “never forget” is more than an annual slogan. it is a call to embody resilience, compassion, and solidarity in our own time. the filipino American story of 9/11 is not only about tragedy. it is about belonging to a nation at its most vulnerable, and about responding with the quiet strength that defines us. As the 25th anniversary approaches, passing the torch of memory means ensuring that our community’s sacrifices and contributions are not overlooked. it means teaching our children that history is not only to be remembered, but also to be lived in the choices we make to serve, to unite, and to stand with one another. (AJPress)
efforts. in “Noynoy Stumbles: How Aquino Lost His Way,” i pierced through shallow macroeconomic indicators by warning of “[l]ack of inclusive growth and excessive delays in big-ticket infrastructure projects” as well as the general failing of his anti-corruption campaign, which primarily targeted political opponents while leaving his most controversial allies unscathed. in an ironic twist of history, President ferdinand marcos Jr. has now assumed the anti-corruption mantle. he kicked off this surreal phase in his tenure during this year’s state of the Nation Address, during which he openly warned corrupt officials in cahoots with contractors to moderate their greed: “Mahiya naman kayo!” mr. marcos’ task is even more difficult than Noynoy Aquino’s. to begin with, the P10 billion pork barrel corruption scandal during the Noynoy Aquino administration pales in comparison to the nearly $10 billion flood control scandal hounding the current establishment. moreu PAGE A7
The Long View Bonfire of the
the radical critique is based on exposing internal contradictions, knots so impossible to untie, they require violence to cut through. this is what mao Zedong meant when he famously said, “A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained, and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.” Yet, the temporary, and sooner, rather than later, ultimately tyrannical nature of revolutions and the regimes they establish is why mahatma Gandhi asserted that, “Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.” in renaissance florence, the cynicism, ruthlessness, and luxury of the medici led to their overthrow and the creation of a regime of pious simplicity under the inspiration of a friar named Girolamo savonarola. through his preaching and the coercion of
his followers, the florentines were either inspired or threatened to make a gigantic pile of the causes of sin: playing cards, dice, and luxuries, which were set on fire— the Bonfire of the Vanities. What followed was the institution of a religious police and the eventual overthrow of savonarola, and the return of the medicis to power. What, then, is to be done when the many are angered and disgusted by the few? this is a debate taking place all over—in the real world and virtually, that is, online. this is a dividing line between militants and reformers, neither of whom is inclined to be polite about their feelings about the status quo. You have Anakbayan applauding the throwing of mud and the spraying of graffiti on the gates of notorious contractors; you have Akbayan mounting noise barrages outside similar premises. What is most interesting is the defensiveness of quite a few proponents of demonstrating in real life the violent feelings so freely expressed by many more online. hardly anyone is left who feels squeamish about violent language aimed at anyone and everyone considered to be in cahoots when it comes to crooked contracts. But far too many, it
Vanities
turns out, have reservations about vandalism in the name of justice. if there is a line no one recognizes until after the fact— when someone or something, has already irrevocably crossed that line, causing a public convulsion—there is another line, which, when crossed, reacts against the initial upheaval people found so liberating. then a backlash takes place. i have pointed out an instance of this backlash that dates back to 2001, when the sight of urban insurrection permanently alienated the middle class from believing in people power. this was the underlying realization behind the effective appeal to maintain the status quo in the messaging of the post-Garci years of the Gloria macapagal Arroyo administration: “They are all the same,” “Who will you put in place instead,” and “It’s time to end the chaos.” it marked the decline of the old middle class born in the magsaysay years, and the rise of a new middle class free from the civic-minded influence of traditional churches, clubs, and schools. the majority may have decided to live with it, but hardly anyone loved it. this was the verdict on the Arroyo years and
u PAGE A7
Prune the branch: Abolish Congress
Commentary
Cito Beltran
BAcK in the time of ferdinand marcos sr., a young student of politics allegedly asked fm why he closed the legislative branch of government, particularly congress, knowing that it was the fountain of political support for him.
According to that student, who is now a veteran politician, President marcos sr. said that congressmen had become unwieldy, corrupt and constantly up to no good. the term used was “puro na sila tarantado” (they had turned into troublemakers). there is some truth to the claim, given that it was the era of warlords, where the term “Guns, Goons and Gold” emerged as a definition of how to become a politician and the Philippines was called the “Wild, Wild West of
Asia.” how true the statement alluded to fm is can no longer be fact-checked. But it is interesting to note that in english, the term “tarantado” is described as someone stupid, foolish or “shameless.”
fifty years later, a younger President ferdinand marcos Jr. repeated the same term “shameless” or “walang hiya” at the podium of the house of representatives and the audience inexplicably applauded.
After 50 years, the house of representatives no longer represents the interest of the people who elected them. the house has been embroiled in charges of corruption, political dynasties, using taxpayers’ money to further their stay in office.
Last monday, the revelations of the Discaya couple regarding who received commissions or pay-offs from their public works projects included several congressmen. the Discaya revelation also showed that members of congress got the biggest cut, amounting to as much as 25 per-
cent of the budgeted funds. the “confession” is just the tip of the iceberg, considering there are 15 contractors who cornered the majority of flood control projects nationwide. Blue ribbon investigation also confirmed what Baguio city mayor Benjie magalong has been saying all along. congressmen are involved in appointing who becomes the district engineer in their congressional district in order to influence if not corner projects and “commissions” or “donations” to the congressman. for all their “investigations in aid of legislation,” congress has not achieved any real game changing effect or impact upon the sins and imperfections in Philippine society. in the end it is the PNP, NBi, DoJ and the sandiganbayan that ultimately goes after the criminals, not congress. instead, congressmen have weaponized their power to impeach, weaponized their power to hold people in contempt and to detain any uncooperative individual who pricks their ego or resists u PAGE A7
Manuel l. Quezon iii
Marcos metamorphosis: Anti-corruption...
over, a president named “ferdinand marcos” doesn’t necessarily inspire an anti-corruption image. the current president’s “off-brand” good governance initiative, however, confronts an even more daunting challenge: the time element. While Noynoy Aquino began his anti-corruption initiative during his early years in office, when he enjoyed high approval ratings and immense political capital, mr. marcos kicked off his own good governance drive from a relatively precarious state. With the current president entering his legacy years, he risks alienating key allies, who could defect to the resurgent Duterte camp, which has been shamelessly weaponizing recrudescent public outrage over corruption. Never mind that all available data, as well as public testimony by the Discayas, show that the notorious contractors’ “good times” really started during the previous administration. According to a detailed study by the Philippine center for investigative Journalism, at least one of the Discaya companies (st. Gerrard construction) bagged a whopping P12-billion project between July 2016 and December 2017. the public spats between malacañang and the house of representatives, led by the President’s first cousin, could further erode marcos Jr.’s political base, if not pave the way for a hostile takeover by pro-Duterte elements in congress. having rolled the
Prune
dice, however, he can’t afford what frantz fanon described as an “ersatz struggle,” namely, a performative show of force sans substance. heads should roll, and accountability begins at home. the marcos Jr. administration will have to investigate its own departments, and, crucially, ensure proper accountability lest we risk an “indonesia-like” situation amid escalating popular anger at systemic corruption. Not to mention, accountability for ill-gotten wealth from the past. there is a reason why the great German sociologist max Weber warned a
century ago against “the naiveté of believing that from good comes only good and from evil only evil.”
A true statesman “put[s] his hand on the wheel of history” by “slow “drilling of hard boards” beyond empty rhetoric. the alternative, Weber warned, is political chaos. (Inquirer.net)
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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.
* * *
richard.heydarian@inquirer.net
the branch: Abolish...
their bullying. in the last congress, they intimidated resource persons, used subpoenas and the threat of detention to force cooperation. in the present congress, they snarl and bare teeth at fellow legislators. i agree with many filipinos who believe that it is time to abolish the house of representatives as it exists and functions today. the Philippines already has more laws than it can apply or enforce. it is not the job or domain of congress to act like investigators, state prosecutors, judges or jury or hijack state funds. stop trespassing into the domain of the Judicial branch and highjacking development projects! in terms of cost/benefit analysis, congress produces very little good but eats up billions of pesos that would be better spent on public health, housing, education or law enforcement and national security without giving undeserved credit to congressmen.
Why should we continue to allow congress to arrogantly brag that they have the power to control the purse strings? that was supposed to be a form of check
and balance, not cheques and imbalance leading to corruption. it is about time the filipino people rewrote the rules!
Worst of all, the credibility, integrity of congress is at its lowest. When political alliances, ideologies, personal ambition and corruption distort the very purpose of the institution, it is time to dissolve or abolish the house of representatives.
the marcos sr. legacy has shown that laws and directives can be done more effectively through Presidential Decrees or PDs as well as through executive orders. if legislators are needed, let’s keep the senate. twenty-four senators are easier to deal with than 200+ “troublemakers.”
Whether through referendum, citizens forcing the issue, the supreme court intervening or an Act of God, people all over the country are concerned, disturbed, fearful that unless “we clean house,” the nation may fall into chaos or military intervention.
Word has gone around that members of the uniformed services are bothered and unhappy over the conduct of the investigations at the senate. the fear is, whatever conclusion the leg-
ABISO SA PUBLIKO
islative branch makes about the public works scandal, it will be dismissed as nothing but a zarzuela or a circus.
Yes, there are still a few good men and women in congress, but that is not reason enough to perpetuate a branch that deserves to be completely amputated.
Now would be a good time to start right-sizing government in terms of budgets, departments, offices and personnel. for starters, PBBm could impose a 20 percent reduction of funding for the graft-ridden departments and agencies instead of making the funds available to Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. sounds drastic or impossible you might say, but with 30 percent to 80 percent of project funding is stolen, we might as well reduce the amount that can be stolen at the source. enough is enough. tama na –Sobra na sila! (Philstar.com)
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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: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com
AWTORIDAD SA PABAHAY NG COUNTY NG SAN DIEGO
MULING PAGSASAPOSISYON SA PAMPUBLIKONG PABAHAY RAD/SECTION
18 SMALL PHA BLEND CONVERSION
iniaabiso na ang Lupon ng mga Komisyoner ng Awtoridad sa Pabahay ng county ng san Diego (housing Authority of the county of san Diego, hAcsD) ay magdaraos ng pampublikong pagdinig sa Nobyembre 5, 2025, nang 9:00 am sa room 310 ng county Administration center, 1600 Pacific highway, san Diego, cA. Puwedeng dinggin ang testimonya ng publiko tungkol sa panukalang muling Pagsasaposisyon sa Pampublikong Pabahay sa pamamagitan ng Programa ng Demostrasyon ng tulong sa Pag-upa (rental Assistance Demonstration, rAD) ng hUD, na isinama sa isang aksiyon ng Pag-dispose ng section 18, sa ilalim ng rAD/section 18 small PhA Blend conversion. Puwedeng dinggin ang testimonya ng publiko tungkol sa panukalang muling Pagsasaposisyon sa Pampublikong Pabahay sa pamamagitan ng rAD/section 18 small PhA Blend conversion ng hUD. sa pamamagitan ng pag-convert ng Ahensiya ng Pampublikong Pabahay (Public housing Agency, PhA), mapagaganda at mapepreserba ng hAcsD ang abot-kayang pabahay kapag pinalitan ang platform mula sa Public housing papunta sa section 8 Project-Based Voucher. Kasali sa conversion ang 121 yunit na matatagpuan sa apat na site sa Lungsod ng chula Vista. Dorothy street manor, 778 Dorothy st., chula Vista, cA 91911; L street manor Apartments, 584 "L" st., chula Vista, cA 91911; melrose manor Apartments, 1678 melrose Avenue, chula Vista, cA 91911; at town center manor, 434 f st., chula Vista, cA 91910. sa pamamagitan ng rAD/section 18 blend, maiko-convert ng maliliit na PhA ang 10 porsiyento ng mga yunit sa ilalim ng rAD at 90 porsiyento ng mga yunit sa ilalim ng section 18, na magbibigay ng higit na flexibility sa mga opsiyon sa pagpopondo at pag-develop, habang napananatili ang pagiging abot-kaya sa loob ng mahabang panahon at proteksiyon ng pabahay para sa mga residente. sa halip na personal na pagdalo, ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay lubos na hinihikayat na isumite ang kanilang mga komento bago ang pagpupulong tungkol sa panukalang muling Pagsasaposisyon sa Pampublikong Pabahay sa ilalim ng rAD/section 18 small PhA Blend conversion sa pamamagitan ng e-mail sa hAcsDBoArDs hhsA@sDcoUNtY.cA.GoV Ang lahat ng komentong isusumite ay ipadadala sa mga miyembro ng Lupon ng mga Komisyoner at sa Punong Administratibong opisyal para sa kanilang pagsasaalang-alang. tatatanggapin ang mga komento hanggang sa katapusan ng pulong. simula setyembre 19, 2025, maaakses kaagad ang mga sanggunian at pansuportang dokumento sa www.sdhcd.org at maaaring suriin ang mga ito sa mga sumusunod na lokasyon:
county of san Diego melrose manor Apartments
housing and community Development services 1678 melrose Ave., Apt.13
3989 ruffin road chula Vista, cA 91911 san Diego, cA 92123
town center manor Apartments L st. manor Apartments
434 f st., Apt. 101 584 L st., Apt. f chula Vista, cA 91911 chula Vista, cA 91911
Dorothy st. manor Apartments
778 Dorothy st., Apt. A chula Vista, cA 91911
housing and community Development services
Website: www.sdhcd.org
maaaring isumite ang mga nakasulat na komento bago ang pampublikong pagdinig at sa loob ng
araw na panahon ng pagkokomento na magtatapos sa Nobyembre 5, 2025, sa: county of san Diego
The Senate saga: A mirror of wealth...
flood-prone province is not just vanity. it is a mirror of how deeply skewed our moral compass has become. the senate probes, though often criticized as political theater, serve as a vital reckoning. they remind us that public office is not a personal Atm but a sacred trust. every peso stolen is not just a figure in a ledger. it is a meal withheld, a road unpaved,
a hospital unequipped. the moral emptiness of “just a little bit more” becomes glaring when juxtaposed with the lives lost or endangered by substandard projects.
rockefeller understood that wealth, left unchecked, is never enough. the question is whether our leaders and contractors can grasp the same lesson. true wealth lies in building a society where families can
walk safely down their streets, where children can reach school without wading through diseaseinfested floods, where progress is measured not by luxury but by dignity. Until then,
Men of the word to men of...
to expose those guilty of conspiracy, graft and corruption, then we are all doomed to suffer the impunity of the corrupt.
the President called them –mga walang hiya. Unfortunately, name calling, social media bashing and lightning rallies and graffiti are momentary release of anger and indignation amounting to nothing.
At the moment, the youth are leading the way in confronting the suspects and the suspected, similar to the “25 January revolution” in egypt, tiananmen protests, the pro-democracy movement in hong Kong. more recently, people on social media have made reference to the indonesian protests against housing perks for elected officials. Now we have copycat attacks against the accused. having been on the receiving end of People Power in 1986, PBBm should realize that unlike the activism of the past, there are no real heroes or leaders to guide,
direct or control the civil unrest and protests today. there are no influencers from the church, political icons have been selective in their engagements and even the so-called Left have been in bed with suspected politicians. While this may weaken any movement, it can also make it highly combustible and uncontrollable. the last thing President Bongbong marcos needs is for someone to manipulate emotions against him or his administration.
PBBm needs to do more. he has to clean house without fear or favor for relatives, friends or political allies. the worst thing is to be accused of doing nothing substantial against the contractors, cong. tractors, DPWh officials, etc.
the efforts of DPWh secretary Vince Dizon to investigate and prosecute the guilty under the DPWh are highly commendable. however, it comes across as an unintentional act of contain-
ment or compartmentalizing the problem, limiting it to DPWh officials and contractors. What about the “others?” in the interest of truth, justice and fair play, filipinos need to see and know if legislators, local government officials, brokers and bankers really had a part in the biggest robbery of Philippine history. filipinos can no longer be counted on to be long-suffering or mapag-pasensya or forgiving. Not when the President himself has called the guilty shameless and showed the filipino people examples of ghost projects. once you open Pandora’s box or let the genie out of the bottle, there is no going back.
should lead the charge or
ing chased by
Bonfire of the Vanities
found a momentary revival of idealism in 2010, which then died—not exactly on the muddy grounds of mamasapano but in the alienation of the public from then President Benigno Aquino iii, when his reasons for not immediately being on hand to receive the coffins of the fallen ended 30 years of solidarity with the people. it gave cover for the substitution of people power with the revival of the comforting notion of a strongman, which formed the bulwark of support for the Dutertes. if randy David once observed that the middle class doesn’t believe in elections, and instead yearns for coups, now you can understand, in
hindsight, why 2016 was an election trumpeted as a coup by ballot box. our inability to change the rules of the game means we are all stuck reliving the disappointments of the past—that feeling of being sickened when the usual crooked suspects end up proving themselves still more capable of demonstrating greater brazenness, greed, and cynicism than anyone thought possible in an already depraved past. it takes 10 years, the same period it takes to achieve lasting change, except nothing changes, so the only thing that can change is the modus operandi of the usual suspects. When it happens, it ends the dominance of the old group of hungry mosquitoes and the election of their replacement—a new gang of even hungrier ones, to paraphrase the late manila mayor Arsenio Lacson. that being the case, it may be why fewer and fewer are willing to burn the house down—or generations are becoming more conservative, which is something researchers are starting to discuss. (Inquirer.net)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo
Church leaders set ‘A Trillion Peso March’ on EDSA, September 21
by Mary Joy Salcedo Inquirer.net
mANiLA — church leaders are setting up a protest at the epifanio de los santos Avenue (eDsA) on september 21 to condemn the corruption in the flood control projects across the country. in a statement on friday, september 12, the church Leaders council for National transformation advised filipinos to wear white shirts in joining the protest, dubbed “A trillion Peso march.” the protest’s date, september 21, marks the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial Law under the regime of former President ferdinand marcos sr., who was ousted through the 1986 People Power revolution in eDsA. the march will begin at 2 p.m. “We, members of the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation together with oth-
er church organizations, are united in prayer and calling for strong condemnation against the blatant and blatant corruption that is destroying our country’s flood control projects,” the church leaders council said in a statement written in filipino.
the church group lamented reports that billions of pesos were being squandered due to “ghost” and “substandard” flood control projects stemming from corruption.
This kind of corruption is not just theft but a major sin that is destroying our country,” the church Leaders council for National transformation emphasized.
The families who lost their homes in the flood, the farmers whose crops drowned, and the children who lost their future are the real victims,” it pointed out.
‘Stand vs corruption’ in the same statement, the church Leaders council for National transformation called on all filipinos—priests, laypeople,
leaders, and ordinary citizens— to unite in fighting against all forms of corruption. Let us demand accountability, transparent and honest government, and leaders with integrity. The Bible reminds us: ‘Let justice roll down like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream’ (Amos 5:24),” the church leaders council said. “With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can become a people that prioritizes the good of all and not just the interests of a few. May the Lord who drove out the merchants from the Temple be the one to cleanse our people. Let us act together, with unity and with hope,” it added. only this friday, thousands of students from the University of the Philippines walked out of their classes and gathered in front of Palma hall, along with various progressive groups, to protest against anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects. n
Atong Ang says he has evidence vs sabungeros case whistleblower
by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net
mANiLA — Business tycoon
Atong Ang said on Wednesday, september 10 that he had evidence against the whistleblower who tagged him as the alleged mastermind of the case of the missing sabungeros, or cockfighting aficionados.
Ang’s spokesperson, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, made the pronouncement as they welcomed the start of the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) preliminary investigation on the case of the missing sabungeros.
“We welcome the opportunity to respond frontally to the accusations which have since been shrouded in innuendo and unsubstantiated claims by a Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who, by evidence we have unearthed in the meantime, appears to have had motive to and is the one responsible for the disappearances,” Villareal said.
Ang was implicated in the case after being identified by whistleblower Patidongan as the
mastermind behind the disappearance of the sabungeros. Patidongan was also the same whistleblower who made the harrowing claim that all the missing sabungeros had been killed and buried beneath taal Lake in Batangas. According to Ang in the statement, Patidongan pinned the blame on his superiors and benefactors as it was the “easy way out of his impending imprisonment.”
“I challenge Dondon to stop hiding behind Secretary [Jesus Crispin] Remulla and to prove his accusations with evidence,” Ang said in filipino in the same statement. He should also prepare for and take responsibility for the consequences of his actions,” he added. the pronouncement came after the DoJ earlier announced the issuance of subpoenas against the 60 individuals implicated in the case, which includes Ang. n
South Korea cancels support for flagship Marcos bridge project
by criStina chi Philstar.com
mANiLA — south Korean President Lee Jae-myung has halted proceedings for a multi-billion development loan for a bridge project in the Philippines after it was revealed the loan had been revived under political pressure despite being initially rejected over its risk for corruption. the suspension came a day after south Korean investigative outlet hankyoreh 21 reported that a Korean lawmaker now embroiled in a political funds scandal had pressured the country's finance minister to approve the loan, overturning the ministry of economy and finance's rejection of the project in february 2024. It has been ordered to immediately stop proceedings for the business in question that has been identified as a fraudulent business," Lee wrote on facebook in Korean.
The most fortunate thing is that the business has not yet been completed, so business expenses such as supporting the Foreign Economic Cooperation Fund have not been spent." the south Korean president’s order to halt proceedings for the bridge project follows the south Korean government’s earlier decision not to support the project in february 2024 due to corruption concerns linked to a local filipino contractor with a history of faulty construction and graft in similar projects.
the project in question is formally called the "Pang-agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (PBBm Bridges)", and its implementing agencies are the Department of Agrarian and reform and the Department of Public Works and highways.
to finance the project, the Philippines' Department of finance in 2023 originally sought a $439-million (approximately P25 billion) loan from Korea’s economic Development cooperation fund (eDcf) to build 350 permanent steel bridges across the Philippines by 2028. the total project cost was pegged by the government at P28.24 billion.
the ministry of economy and finance rejected the loan application in february 2024, citing concerns about the project being prone to corruption and its "low probability of success," according
to the hankyoreh 21 investigation published monday.
the ministry formally notified the Philippine government in April 2024 that it would not support the project, but later backed the project following pressure from lawmaker People Power Party representative Kweon seong-dong directed at then-finance minister choi sang-mok, according to hankyoreh 21. the Korean export-import Bank re-commissioned a feasibility study in october 2024, reducing the project scope from 350 bridges to 70 and the budget from $510 million to $80–100 million (approximately P4.5 to P5.7 billion), according to the report.
the Department of finance on Wednesday released a statement saying there is no P28 billion oDA loan between south Korea and the Philippines.
"With regard to the supposed PHP 28 billion official development assistance (ODA) loan between South Korea and the Philippines, the Department of Finance categorically clarifies that no such loan exists," it said. "Nevertheless, we reaffirm to our bilateral partners that the Philippine government will match their trust and confidence with full transparency and accountability."
(The South Korean Embassy in Manila has yet to respond to questions as of posting. We will update this article with their response.) Corruption concerns, unusual process
According to the report, the ministry's rejection was driven by corruption concerns involving a local Philippine company participating as a consultant for the project. the company — unnamed in hankyoreh's report — reportedly had a history of poor construction and corruption in similar bridge projects. this includes a 1996 project to install 200 bridges that sparked controversy over highpriced deliveries and poor construction, with some bridges built that were not connected to roads and were, therefore, unusable. the investigative report also detailed how the project itself went through an unusual application process. the Philippine government submitted the loan application without prior consultation between governments, which hankyoreh 21 reported is typically required for eDcf applications.
Philippine officials, specifically "the secretary of Agrarian reform and the Vice minister," visited south Korea in December 2023 to meet with economy and finance ministry officials and lawmakers, including representative Kim hak-yong of the People Power Party, according to hankyoreh's report. During meetings, Philippine officials said they wanted Korean companies to participate in the project. the Philippine conglomerate Lcs Group — whose president and chairman is Luis chavit singson — was also set to participate, according to the report. the ministry held meetings with Korean companies operating in the Philippines in December 2023 to identify interested parties, but no companies expressed interest, the investigation found.
Low probability of success south Korean officials earlier concluded the project had low success probability primarily due to the difficulty of managing 350 separate construction sites, according to hankyoreh 21. the report cited the challenge of obtaining permits from multiple local governments and the Philippines' inadequate road and transportation infrastructure management system as additional factors.
"The high cost of obtaining separate permits from each local government was cited as a factor lowering the project's chances of success," the investigative report stated.
Even if all these processes were completed, the Philippines' inadequate road and transportation infrastructure management system would likely hinder the project's successful implementation," it added.
the south Korean president praised the media investigation in his facebook post, saying: "I express my deepest gratitude to the courage and efforts of the media for spreading the truth and ensuring the people's right to know through this investigative report. the Korean lawmaker implicated in the investigative report — Kweon seong-dong — has been ordered arrested for allegedly receiving $72,000 in illegal political funds from the Unification church, a controversial religious organization, in violation of south Korea's political funding laws, according to a report by the Yonhap News Agency. n
Charlie “Atong” Ang Inquirer.net file photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta
Do I need to file for a domestic violence restraining order?
Barrister’s Corner
atty. Kenneth urSua reyeS
HAS your spouse or significant other abused you and or your minor children? If so, then you may seek protection by filing for a domestic violence restraining order in court against the abuser. If you are seeking protection from abuse perpetrated by your spouse or partner towards you and or your children, you may apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. This can be filed on an emergency basis (Ex Parte) if you need immediate protection. This is usually filed using form DV-100, DV-101, DV-109, DV-110, CLETS-001, along with an extensive declaration and supporting evidence. The court will make a decision whether to grant you an emergency restraining order protection. Whether or not the court grants the emergency restraining order protection, the court will set a trial for your DVRO. The papers will have to be personally served on the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence at least 5 court days or more prior to the trial. The respondent will then have an opportunity to file a response, declaration, and evidence in opposition to your allegation. At the DVRO trial, both parties will have the opportunity to testify, present witnesses, and introduce evidence.
Under California law, “domestic violence” is defined broadly to include a pattern of abusive behavior used by one intimate partner against another to gain or maintain power and control. It’s not limited to physical violence and encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviors. Here are the main types of abuse recognized under California’s domestic violence statutes:
Physical abuse
This is the most visible form of abuse and involves intentional physical harm or injury. This includes Hitting, slapping, punch-
ing, kicking, biting, shoving, or choking, Pushing, grabbing, or restraining, using weapons or objects to inflict harm, depriving someone of necessary medical care, Physical intimidation or threats of physical harm.
Emotional or psychological abuse
This type of abuse aims to control and manipulate someone’s emotions and sense of self-worth. It can be just as damaging as physical abuse and includes:
1. Verbal abuse: Insults, name-calling, yelling, criticizing, and belittling.
2. Intimidation: Threats of harm, destroying property, stalking, and displaying weapons.
3. Isolation: Controlling who someone sees, where they go, and what they do.
4. Humiliation: Publicly embarrassing someone, making them feel ashamed or worthless.
5. Mind games and manipulation: Gaslighting, twisting reality, and making someone doubt their own perceptions.
Sexual abuse
This involves any unwanted sexual contact or activity without consent. It includes rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, pressuring someone into unwanted sexual acts, withholding sex as a form of control, sexual exploitation or degradation.
Financial abuse
This type of abuse involves controlling someone’s finances and limiting their access to resources. It includes controlling all the finances and not allowing someone access to money, preventing someone from getting or keeping a job, exploiting someone’s financial resources , forcing someone to sign financial documents against their will, running up debt in someone else’s name.
Stalking
This involves a pattern of unwanted attention, harassment, or contact that causes fear or emotional distress. It includes following or spying on someone, repeatedly contacting someone against their wishes, sending unwanted gifts or messages, monitoring someone’s online activity such as Instagram or Facebook, threatening someone
or their loved ones.
Domestic violence is usually a pattern of multiple abusive behaviors used to exert power and control. A single incident can be serious, but it’s important to recognize the overall pattern. Many forms of abuse involve coercive control, which is a pattern of acts designed to take away someone’s liberty and independence. This can include isolating someone, regulating their daily behavior, and monitoring their activities. All forms of domestic violence can have severe emotional, psychological, and physical consequences for victims.
In addition to a restraining order, you may also ask for child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and attorney’s fee order within the domestic violence restraining order application.
The evidentiary burden of proof in court is a preponderance of the evidence. It means that it is more likely than not that a fact is true.
* * *
Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
* * *
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH U. REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
EMPLOYMENT
Health @Heart
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
IN the United States, the new changes in the policies for COVID-19 vaccines brought on by Health Secretary Robert J. Kennedy, Jr., have created misunderstanding and confusion among the American people and even among Filipinos. His aim is noble. He wants to apply purely scientific indication (rationale) for prescribing the vaccine, and not simply vaccinate everyone, which would protect some people from the occasional complication of the vaccine, and also save money for the government.
In my opinion, he is disregarding a couple of medical truths. A healthy person is not totally immune to COVID-19 or the flu, or other viral infections.
“Healthy” is not enough
There is no question about the benefits conferred by the COVID-19 vaccine. I am an avid proponent of vaccines in general. This vaccine has saved billions of lives around the world over the past 4-5 years. About 98-99 percent of those who died during the height of the pandemic were unvaccinated. Some of them were without comorbidities, described as “healthy.”
From 2020 to 2022, there were 15,243 deaths of children ages 1-17. So even some healthy ones, who were unvaccinated, got infected and died from COVID-19 then. Being healthy is not enough protection.
A grave mistake
In this pandemic, where the “most deadly” Delta strain of COVID-19 was at its height globally in June 2021, and killed over 1000 persons EACH day in the United States alone, including a number of so-called “healthy” individuals, among them 15,243 children ages 1 to 17,” it would be a grave mistake, from my medical perspective, to deny prescription and insurance coverage for vaccination for healthy individuals, including children, who want to be vaccinated. These mRNA vaccines are truly wonderful, conferring health-and life-saving benefits, greatly outweighing the 30 or greater percentage risk of death and complications from COVID-19 infection, compared
COVID-19 vax confusion
to the potential side-effects and rare deaths from the vaccines, which are a fraction of one percent. Some of them were not even directly caused by the vaccine itself.
Unvaccinated individuals (including healthy ones) are more likely to harbor the virus and more certainly spread it compared to vaccinated persons.
Vaccinated individuals could also be carriers, but to a much lesser extent, and their infectivity is significantly lower and ends faster. Even the healthy ones could benefit from the vaccines, also protecting the people around them.
Medical-historical facts
(1) Epidemiologically speaking, to maximize prevention of transmission, infection, hospitalization, and deaths, everyone (except those with medical contraindication) should be vaccinated. This is plain common sense. One does not have to be an Einstein to discern this.
(2) If less than 99+ percent, the vaccination rate has to be at least 80 percent for the nation to have herd immunity. At this rate, there will still be infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, but much lower than what the 55 percent vaccination rate in December 2022 did to the United States, where the latest death count from COVID-19 today is so far 1,226,358.
(3) This is unacceptable, but will be repeated, if we do the same “politically correct and expedient” strategy for future pandemics (47-57 percent likely in the next 25 years), straying away from strict epidemiologic principles, cowardly refusing to mandate vaccination and strict implementation (with penalty) for those who do not comply with CDC guidelines for mitigating spread of the infection. (The USA has laws mandating treatment and restriction of movements for those with active tuberculosis, which is not even as rapidly transmissible and deadly as COVID-19.) As citizens and fellowmen, we must, as a society and a nation, be compassionate and just to our more vulnerable fellowmen and children.
(3) Those who refuse vaccination have the right to do so, but must self-quarantine (isolate) themselves at home, to prevent them from spreading the virus, until the pandemic has subsided to a more controlled status. This
is our “collateral responsibility” for exercising our civil right to refuse the vaccines. We cannot enjoy our “freedom to choose to refuse” the vaccines, and still roam around spreading the virus and potentially kill people, especially those seniors or children with co-morbidities or who are immunosuppressed, without collateral responsibility and justice. Privileges and rights come with duties and responsibilities. (4) Epidemiologically, federal mandates, although unpopular, will help save millions of lives if properly implemented. More than 2/3 (about 860,000) of the almost 1.3 million Americans who died from COVID-19 would have been saved, had federal mandates been enforced. George Washington, during the Revolutionary War in 1777, went against Congress and mandated mass inoculation against smallpox for the members of his Continental Army, when the viral infection was killing more soldiers than British bullets. Had he not done so wisely and bravely, we could have lost that war and still be under British rule today.
Access to the vaccine
The new policy under Secretary Kennedy: (1) Getting COVID-19 vaccine now requires a prescription; (2) Only those adults and children with co-morbidities would be eligible and will be covered by their Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance; (3) Healthy individuals, including children (6 months – 17 years old) are “no longer recommended” to get the COVID-19 vaccines. They could still get vaccinated, under a physician’s supervision, but this would be an out-of-pocket expense. While I totally support Secretary Kennedy’s MAHA programs of removing all dangerous food additives and chemicals, recommending exercise and healthy diet, with less salt, less highheat grilling/cooking, pointing out the dangers of processed meats/veggies, illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and targeting the cause of autism to prevent it, etc., I beg to disagree with his implied reasoning that healthy people do not need the protection of the vaccine. Statistics in the past have already shown that healthy people, including children, have died from COVID-19. I rest my case. * * *
What you need to know about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
THE 2025 reconciliation bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is now law. It changes eligibility rules for important programs like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and health plans through the Affordable Care Act. The Q&As below explain what’s changing, when it starts, and what you need to do to stay informed and keep your benefits.
<Q1> What is the biggest change in this new law?
• Many “able-bodied” adults of working age will new need to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. (See Question 3 for specific age groups.)
• The state will redetermine your eligibility every 6 months, not just once a year, so you will need to report your work regularly for both Medicaid and SNAP.
<Q2> When will these changes happen?
The changes are not happening right away, but they are coming.
• Some states may begin the new rules as early as late 2025.
• All states must have the new rules in place by early 2027.
• The exact start date depends on your state, since each state sets up its own system.
TIP: Watch your mail starting in late 2025 for letters from your state explaining when the changes will take effect for you.
<Q3> Who will be most affected? Will I lose benefits?
Not everyone will lose benefits, but some people will need to take extra steps to keep them. Just meeting income limits may not be enough if you're in a group required to work.
A life defined by matters of the heart
Pastor’s Notes
HAVE you seen street robots delivering food? What about those driverless cars? Have you taken a ride in one? Friends, we live in an era of robots, artificial intelligence, and algorithms. ChatGPT, the most famous AI assistant, has become widely used among scientists, professors, businesspeople, office workers, students, digital creators, and ordinary individuals. I’m sure many of you are already using it.
But does AI have all the answers to our woes and worries? Can it address every question we ask?
Can AI fulfill the soul’s longing and capture every human expression?
I hope you would say “no.” While artificial intelligence can help us work faster and more efficiently, it cannot fully encapsulate the human spirit.
No artificial intelligence can replicate human connection and sharing of hearts. Life Defined By Matters of the Heart Furthermore, intelligence, be it human or artificial, must be used to promote the dignity of every person. The late Pope Francis and our current pope, Leo XIV view it as a tool for human flourishing, to enhance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and benefit the common good, particularly for the most vulnerable.
But human intelligence and its product, artificial intelligence, have their limits. We cannot rely entirely on them. We also need divine intelligence. Here lies the wisdom of the Scripture Reading last Sunday from the Book of Wisdom. The thoughts of mortals are miserable, the book tells us, which means human intelligence has its limitations. We’re fools if we rely solely on it.
• SNAP: The 80-hour work rule now includes adults ages 55 - 64, not just 18 - 54, and there will be fewer exemptions. If you meet your state’s rules, you can keep your benefits. If you can’t meet the 80-hour rule, check right away to see if you qualify for an exemption.
<Q4> Who is exempt from the new work rules?
Not everyone will have to meet the new work rules.
• Medicaid exemptions often include people who are pregnant, have disabilities, or are caring for children or dependents.
• SNAP exemptions are fewer. Only parents with children under age 14 are exempt. Some
• Medicaid: Adults ages 1964 must meet the 80-hour work rule unless they qualify for an exemption. States will check eligibility every 6 months. If you miss a form or deadline, you could lose coverage even if you still qualify.
groups that used to be exemptsuch as certain veterans, people experiencing homelessness, or young adults leaving foster care - may no longer be automatically exempt.
The exemptions vary by state. Each state decides who qualifies. Check with your local Social Services Office to find out if you’re exempt. NEED HELP? Call our NAPCA Multilingual Helpline if you need assistance in locating the nearest office.
<Q5> What you should do now?
• Update your contact information with your state Medicaid or SNAP office.
• Open and read all mail from your state, especially starting in late 2025.
• Check if you qualify for an
exemption if you cannot meet the new work requirements.
If you have questions about public benefits, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call our Helpline at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800683-7427, (Cantonese) 1-800582-4218, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336 Email: askNAPCA@napca.org
Mail: NAPCA Helpline, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101
Established in 1979, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated empowering older adults through advocacy and access to resources essential to their well-being and independence, regardless of language or culture.
Broadcast Journalist Audrey Dones Gorriceta Honored
Broadcast journalist Audrey Dones Gorriceta of Sword
TV’s Kamay na Bakal has been named Remarkable Host/Anchor in the Philippines at the 3rd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers 2025, organized by La Visual Corporation and SIRBISU Channel.
The award recognizes Audrey’s outstanding contributions to the media industry and his rare ability to connect with audiences. With professionalism, charisma, and insightful storytelling, he has become one of the country’s most trusted voices on television.
“My heartfelt thanks to La Visual Corporation and SIRBISU Channel for this recognition,” Audrey said, noting that he looks forward to celebrating the achievement at the Newport Arts Theater in Pasay City on September 30, 2025.
Audrey’s path to success was far from straightforward. A Fine Arts student after high school, he shifted to Hotel and Restaurant Management at his mother’s urging. While in HRM, he discovered his gift for public speaking—a turning point that led him to become a professional boxing ring announcer.
His stage presence soon caught the attention of a PTV4 director. Competing with 300 applicants, Audrey’s dedication and passion landed him a coveted reporter role despite his lack of formal journalism training. While working, he pursued and completed a degree in Broadcasting at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
Today, more than a decade later, Audrey is a household name, admired for his fairness, credibility, and ability to engage viewers. His career reflects not just talent but also his deep sense of responsibility to inform and uplift the public.
Pet Corner Meet Bruno, a four-year-old Shih Tzu owned by Desiree Tibay Dungo. Affectionate, playful, and outgoing, Bruno is a loyal house
companion who never hides his joy at being reunited with loved ones.
Community Spotlight: Consul General Priscilla Zanoria
Warm thanks to Philippine Honorary Consul General Maria Priscilla Zanoria in Reykjavik, Iceland, for extending her care to my aunt, Pilar Bendicio De Mesa, a retired public school teacher from Legarda Elementary School and recipient of an Outstanding Manila Teacher Award.
A graduate of the University of the Visayas and the University of Iceland (civil engineering), Consul General Zanoria has been a gracious host to Filipinos in Iceland. She personally organized a birthday celebration for my aunt and toured her around the country’s scenic spots—churches, fishing villages, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.
“Without my best friend Lucita Mendoza and Consul General Zanoria, I would not have experienced Iceland, a
very beautiful country. She has been very supportive and accommodating,” De Mesa shared.
Additional Highlights
•Breakfast at Springboard Café (España, Manila): Security guard Leonimar Camus, baristas Dominic Masanque and Maru Bautista, and chef Chicco Uriarte gave exceptional service. At night, the café often transforms into a study hub for University of Santo Tomas students.
•UC Berkeley Journalism
Appointment: Veteran journalist Monica Campbell has been named permanent director of the California Local News Fellowship, the country’s largest publicly funded journalism initiative. Campbell, who has decades of reporting and editorial experience, will guide the program after serving as editor and mentor to its fellows.
•Pampanga Encounter: At Mabalacat City College, I was warmly greeted by utility employees Olivia Samson Cocjin and Rica
Abacial (celebrating her birthday on September 26) during the Meet and Greet event with new MCC President Dr. Sonny de Guzman. •Visit to Manila City Hall: I recently visited the office of Mayor Isko Moreno, whom I first met years ago in Makati and later interviewed in San Francisco. At City Hall, I was introduced by secretary Jed Raul Maderazo to information officer E-jhay Talagtag, a fellow La Sallian. Later, I was captivated by the heartfelt singing of Sharon Quintero of Manila’s tourism staff during a Kasalang Bayan ceremony. By chance, I also stepped into a press conference on the city’s floodcontrol controversy. (I hope to sit down with Mayor Isko Moreno for a separate interview soon.)
Artificial intelligence is a product of human intelligence. Thank God for people who have been gifted with intelligence to create it. However, even human intelligence has its limit. For life is not all about the mind; it is about the heart also—perhaps even more important oftentimes than the mind.
It was Pope Francis who said, “A smile we elicited by telling a joke, a picture we sketched in the light of a window, the first game of soccer we played with a rag ball, the worms we collected in a shoebox, a flower pressed in the pages of a book, our concern for a fledgling bird fallen from its nest, a wish we made in plucking a daisy—these little things, ordinary in themselves yet extraordinary for us, can never be captured by algorithms. The fork, the joke, the window, the ball, the shoebox, the book, the bird, the flower: all of these live on as precious memories kept deep in our hearts.”
In our Second Reading last Sunday, St. Paul talks about the primacy of the heart in human relationships. In his letter to Philemon, we hear him embracing Onesimus not as a slave anymore, but as a son. He tells the slave owner Philemon, “I, Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment. I am sending him, my own heart, back to you.” St. Paul talks from the heart and shares his own heart to Philemon. Paul exemplifies how we should treat one another, especially those on the margins of society. We must treat everyone as brothers and sisters in Christ. Robots and algorithms do not possess the hearts to show us love and compassion. Only we human beings can make others feel truly valued.
We need God’s Spirit. We need God’s wisdom. We need God’s actions in the world. And we need his wisdom through the Words of the Scriptures and the testimonies of men and women, like St. Paul, Mother Teresa, and our new young saints, St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati to guide us how to live our lives well here on earth. We need God’s wisdom to navigate the challenges of life and deal with the mysteries of the human condition. It’s why we gather at Mass, Sunday after Sunday, to make this profession of faith: we need God, we need faith, we need one another’s faith to inspire us, we need prayers, we need hearts full of love for God and other people. We need to hear the Scriptures, to hear the promises of God the Father for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The Gospel last Sunday urges us to commit ourselves to putting God and His ways above all things, including human and artificial intelligence. “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” These words of Jesus must be understood hyperbolically. They cannot be taken literally. Through these words, Jesus is commanding us to put God at the center of every human effort and enterprise, to bring God’s heart—his love, mercy, and compassion—in every relationship to fellow human beings and all of God’s creation. In light of the words of St. Paul to Philemon, we cannot afford to be heartless individuals, nor can we be a heartless society or nation.
In Christ’s love and mercy, Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas
* * * 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.
* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Trust in God’s timing
AFTER last month’s article on sowing and reaping, I heard from several readers who shared their stories and asked an honest question: “I’ve sown, I’ve given, I’ve done my best to live by faith—so why am I still waiting on the harvest?”
If that’s you, I understand. Waiting is hard. We live in a world of instant results, and patience doesn’t come naturally to most of us. But here’s the truth I’ve learned over and over again: God never forgets a seed sown.
I remember a season when I had given faithfully, yet my finances were stretched thin. Bills were coming due, and on paper, there simply wasn’t enough. I had a choice—panic and hold back, or trust God’s promise that what is sown in faith will always produce a harvest. I chose to stand. And sure enough, provision came in unexpected ways: a client referral I hadn’t anticipated, a business opportunity that opened at just the right time. Those moments reminded me that while the harvest doesn’t always show up quickly, it always shows up faithfully.
Think about a farmer. He doesn’t plant on Monday and expect a harvest by Friday. He knows seeds need time, care, and the right season to bear fruit. It’s the same for us. When we sow—whether through generosity, encouragement, service, or prayer—there’s often a season where nothing seems to be happening. But beneath the surface, God is nurturing what you’ve planted. That waiting season isn’t wasted. It’s where our trust deepens, our patience grows, and our
faith gets exercised. And while it may not look like progress, it’s preparation. The roots are spreading so the fruit can last.
I’ve seen this principle play out countless times, both in finances and in life. Sometimes I gave when it didn’t make sense, and the return showed up years later when I needed it most. Other times, provision came suddenly and creatively in ways I never could have arranged myself. Each time, God reminded me of one simple truth: He is faithful, and He never forgets a seed sown in faith.
So if you’ve been planting and still waiting, don’t grow weary. Don’t let delay convince you that your seed is lost. Keep sowing. Keep speaking God’s promises over your life. Keep trusting the Lord of the harvest.
Your due season may not appear neatly on your calendar, but it will arrive exactly when God intends. And when it does, you’ll look back and realize the waiting was not wasted—it was part of the process. Friend, your harvest is closer than you think.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 Kathy Current is
Broadcast journalist Audrey Dones Gorriceta of Sword TV’s Kamay na Bakal show and news anchor of PTV’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno took a selfie with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Director Monica Campbell of the California Local News Fellowship.
(From left) Mabalacat City College’s utility staffers Rica Abacial and Olivia Cocjin with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina at the MCC Cultural Hall.
Pilar B. De Mesa (left) with teaching colleague Lucita Mendoza in a shopping mall in Reykjavik. Retired teacher Pilar de Mesa enjoys her catch in a fishing ground in Iceland.
Consul General Maria Priscilla Zanoria (left) treats retired teacher Pilar Bendicio De Mesa of Legarda Elementary School during the latter’s birthday.
At Springboard Cafe on Espana in Manila: (from left) security guard Leonimar Camus, baristas Dominic Masanque and Maru Bautista, chef Chicco Uriarte and Asian Journal News columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Manila’s tourism staff Sharon Quintero (left) with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
reverenD roDel G. BalaGtaS
Marvin Agustin: From matinee idol to master of the kitchen
Marvin Agustin’s journey from matinee idol to chefpreneur reflects grit and passion as he continues to expand his thriving restaurant ventures
by AJPress
— For many Filipinos, Marvin Agustin once defined an era of teen dramas and romantic comedies. Away from the screen, he has steadily built a career as one of the country’s most visible chefpreneurs, turning his passion for food into a diverse portfolio of restaurants and culinary ventures.
From Tia Maria’s to stardom
As the youngest sibling, Marvin often helped with kitchen chores, lessons that taught him patience and discipline early on. While working at Tia Maria’s as a waiter and kitchen helper in 1995, a talent scout noticed him and opened the door to show business. By 1996, he was part of Star Magic Batch 2, launching a career that made him a household name.
Even at the height of fame, he never lost sight of his food dream. His guiding principle, “Walang makakatalo sa taong ayaw magpatalo” (No one can defeat a person who refuses to quit), remains at the heart of his story.
The Jolina years: A taste of pop culture Marvin’s fame soared when he was paired with Jolina Magdangal in one of the most beloved love teams of the 1990s. Their partnership began in Gimik (1996) and continued through a string of box-office hits such as Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo! (1998) and Hey Babe! (1999). On television, they headlined Labs Ko Si Babe (1999–2000), one of ABS-CBN’s longest-running primetime series with 333 episodes. For a generation of fans, Marvin and Jolina embodied the joy and innocence of young love onscreen.
The rise of a chefpreneur
In the mid-2000s, Marvin pursued formal culinary training at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM). That decision marked a turning point. He began co-founding restaurants that grew into a lasting culinary portfolio. Among his active ventures are SumoSam, a pioneer in Japanese-American cuisine, and John & Yoko, a modern take on cosmopolitan Japanese dining. He built Marciano’s, offering Italian-American flavors, and Mr. Kurosawa, known for Japanese-European fusion. He also coowns Oyster Boy, a seafood dining favorite, and Cafe Ten Titas, which celebrates Filipino homestyle food. His pioneering cart venture, Ricecapades, brought rice-based meals to the fast-paced market. Later, he added Johnny Chow, a playful Chinese fusion concept, and most recently Mr. Monk Dimsum, a growing chain that serves handcrafted dimsum and roast specialties in Eastwood Mall and Shangri-La Plaza.
Reinventing amid crisis
The pandemic in 2020 posed a serious test for the restaurant industry, but Marvin adapted quickly. He launched Secret Kitchen, a cloud kitchen that delivered a variety of dishes, and expanded into baking with banana bread, carrot
cake, and pastries. During this period, he perfected his cochinillo, or roast suckling pig, starting with holiday orders in December 2020 and scaling up to hundreds of sales each month by 2021.
In 2023, he opened Cochi Bistro in Bonifacio Global City, highlighting his signature cochinillo. That same year, he introduced Tango Tandoor, a modern Indian restobar in BGC created in collaboration with London-based chefs.
Marvin’s kitchen and beyond Marvin also runs Marvin’s Kitchen, a bakeshop and reseller-driven venture that offers ensaymadas, breads, pastries, and bottled goods. Through delivery and a growing reseller network, it has expanded his reach into households and community gatherings, showing how his culinary vision now extends beyond
traditional restaurants.
A steady second act
From his early days waiting tables to the height of his fame with Jolina Magdangal, Marvin Agustin has carried with him a dream that eventually took shape in the kitchen. His restaurants, from SumoSam to Mr. Monk Dimsum, and his more recent ventures like Secret Kitchen, Cochi Bistro, Tango Tandoor, and Marvin’s Kitchen, reflect his ability to adapt, to take risks, and to pursue passion with persistence.
Marvin Agustin’s story reminds us that there is always room for a second act. His path from waiter to actor to restaurateur shows that perseverance and passion can open doors in unexpected places. In choosing the kitchen as his stage, he has found not just another career but a lasting source of fulfillment.
Bruno Mars, Rose’s ‘APT’ wins Song of the Year at 2025 VMAs
by JaN milo Severo Philstar.com
BRUNO Mars and Rose's hit song "APT" won the Song of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards 2025.
Rose accepted the award while Bruno was not present at the ceremony.
In her acceptance speech, Rose dedicated the win to her younger self.
Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe this. Thank you so much. I prepared something ’cause I didn’t want to mess this up, and I feel like this is a really big moment for myself and a lot of other people. And so, if you don’t mind me, I’ll speed through this, hopefully," she said.
"First of all, Bruno, I know that you’re watching... Oh, my God...
First of all, thank you so much, Bruno. I can’t believe this. I’m gonna call you up after, so I'll say everything. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me build this world together. I’m really, really
forever grateful for you, and our friendship, and everything.
"Someone asked me the other day what my fear in life was, and I was quite shocked at my own response. I had no idea how deeply personal this journey had been for me. I told them I feared that somewhere along the way, this journey of pursuing my dreams, I might hit a wall and possibly disappoint my 16-year-old self, who grew up always an oddball among society, that wished someday she, too, could be herself and equally pursue her dreams just as well as anyone else I saw on television.
"Twelve years later, I dedicate this award to my 16-year-old self, who dreamed, and to all those who have watched me grow into the artist that I am today and placed their dreams in me to make this change. Every single one of you has put me here, and now I believe there is no impostor in the world when MTV has given me this award here at the VMAs. This is a really big moment
for 16-year-old me and anyone else who has dreamed of being accepted equally for their hard work." Rose said that she proudly accepted the award because it came from hard work and discipline. She also thanked the "amazingly talented" songwriters and producers who believed in her and helped her dreams come true.
Again, Bruno, my absolute idol and incredible teacher, I love you so much," she added. Rose said that she hoped that other Blackpink members are proud of her.
I hope you’re proud. Blackpink members Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa... And certainly, last but not least — hmm, this is heavy — as my therapist tells me to do every day, I’d like to thank myself for not giving up, even in the toughest of times. And always remember, you’ve got you.
"Thank you MTV for this award, and thank you everyone for loving “APT.” Thank you so much. This means so much to me."
Bruno Mars and Rosé of Blackpink
Rosé via Instagram
SPECIAL RESIDENT RETIREE VISA (SRRV) HOLDERS
NOW ENJOY EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT
THE PHILIPPINE Consulate General in Los Angeles proudly hosted the launch of “PRA x PAL SRRV Program” on 27 August 2025 at the Consulate General’s Community Hall.
The Philippine Retirement Authority, in partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL), announced that holders of the Philippines’ Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) are now entitled to an exclusive discount on PAL flights (5% for economy class fares/ 8% for business class fares) originating from U.S. gateways and vice-versa.
Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz delivered the welcome remarks and he proudly noted that this partnership was conceptualized in Los Angeles, during PRA’s first visit in 2024.
Mr. Mervin Magbuhat, Division Chief of PRA’s Marketing Department briefed the community about the details and updates in the PRA’s SRRV program. Mr. Jomito Torres, PAL OIC and Area Manager for Sales, outlined PAL’s exclusive incentive offer for SRRV holders. This is the first collaboration between the PRA and PAL and both parties are optimistic that this partnership will continue to expand.
The SRRV is a special visa-type open to all nationalities, including former Filipinos, which allows the holder to retire in the Philippines, subject to meeting various requirements. The management and implementation of the SRRV program is handled by the Philippine Retirement Authority, a government agency
FROM PAL
attached to the Philippines’ Department of Tourism.
The program launch was attended by nearly one hundred members of the FilipinoAmerican community representing various organizations, chambers of commerce, assisted living and senior care companies, local government and media partners. The event was also livestreamed via Post’s official Facebook page and can be viewed at https:// fb.watch/BUbTlP3QPh/ .
“Triple Treat” Show Brings Star Power to The Noypitz Long Beach
The Noypitz Long Beach
throbbed with energy on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as the muchanticipated “Triple Treat” show brought together three powerhouse performers: Mark Mabasa, Robin Nievera, and the Philippines’ Prince of R&B, Kris Lawrence.
Produced by Patricia DulayRoy and directed by Vic Perez, the evening was more than a concert. It was a seamless blend of music, pageantry, comedy, and community that left audiences both entertained and inspired. Miss and Mister Philippines USA 2025 titleholders, finalists, and delegates set the tone with a vibrant showcase of talent. Mister Philippines USA 2025 Ambassador AJ Curtis electrified the crowd with a Michael Jackson dance tribute, followed by EJ Neri, Jonathan Ferraer, Bryan Matel, Xena Arboleda, and Monique. Their vocals and stage presence drew cheers, adding glamour and
youthful energy while spotlighting community pride.
The mood shifted when comedian Bo Carnation took the stage with quick wit and playful banter. He later invited Mister Philippines USA 2025 Alvin Villarosa, Lemuel Abelita, Adam Ullah, Zac Furtado, and Lawrence Gibbs to join him in a lively dance routine that quickly became one of the night’s highlights. For Mark Mabasa, the show marked a milestone: his first outing as a featured headliner. He delivered with warmth and sincerity, telling the audience, “It’s fun and at the same time I feel honored and blessed to be sharing the stage with these talented artists.” One of his most moving moments came when the crowd sang along. “That was always the goal, to see the people having fun,” he said. Mabasa later paired with Xena Arboleda for a duet that captured the collaborative spirit of the evening.
Robin Nievera followed with a soulful acoustic set that shifted the mood into a more intimate groove. Mabasa returned for another round before teaming with Kris Lawrence in a dynamic duet. Lawrence then closed with two solo numbers that showed why he remains one of the Philippines’ premier R&B voices,
smooth, commanding, and deeply engaging.
The event drew notable guests including Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles Adelio Cruz, Miss Philippines USA CEO and Founder Lou Razon, Diana Lua of Tang & Java, and Marlou Colina of MC Aesthetics. They joined a strong turnout of Miss and Mister Philippines USA delegates and members of the Filipino-American community from Los Angeles and Nevada.
Sponsors who helped bring the evening to life included Miss Philippines USA, Astoria, North Peninsula, MC Aesthetics, Elena’s Original Lapid Chicharon, Storytellers, Mommy D of Las Vegas, Miss G, Hunt Enterprises, Red Tex Services, and GML Tax Services, along with individual supporters Jennifer Kho and JA Legacy Production. With the creative leadership of Patricia Dulay-Roy and direction by Vic Perez, “Triple Treat” became more than a showcase of established talent. It was a launchpad for a firsttime headliner, a stage for rising stars, and a celebration of artistry that reaffirmed the pride and vibrancy of the Filipino-American community.
Michael V teases Sarah Discaya impersonation in ‘Bubble Gang’
MICHAEL V appeared to give in to the call of the netizens for him to impersonate controversial contractor Sarah Discaya after he shared a teaser that seemingly showed him in character.
Known for his comedic skits and parodies, Michael V shared on Facebook a video of himself dressed up similar to the controversial DPWH contractor, with his back to the camera.
“Hmm [thinking emoji],” wrote Michael V in his caption, adding a bag full of money and balance scale emojis before the “Bubble Gang” title card showed alongside the date Sept. 14, 6:10 pm.
The video, which was originally posted on the “Bubble Gang” Facebook page, was accompanied by the caption, “Hindi pa tapos ang hearing (the hearing is not over).”
Michael V did not specifically name Discaya in his post, but “Bubble Gang” co-star Paolo Contis seemingly confirmed the impersonation after he shared a selfie with him while fully dressed as Discaya.
In the selfie seen on Contis’ Instagram story on Sept. 8, Michael V recreated Discaya’s look with a white coat over a gray plaid blouse that she wore when she first appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Sept. 1 regarding the investigation of anomalous flood control projects.
He completed the look with
a chin-length wig and a tiny mole on the side of his nose. He also carried a long blue umbrella, referencing Discaya’s claim at the Senate inquiry that she bought a P42-million Rolls-Royce because of the free umbrella.
Michael V previously piqued the interest of the public, citing the comedian-actor’s uncanny resemblance to Discaya, and he has since been urged to create a parody version of the contractor, especially as the latter has been very visible lately due to the ongoing Senate investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, which supposedly awarded high-ticket contracts to individuals with endorsement from some government officials. Discaya and her husband Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya are among those facing investigation and public scrutiny after they acquired more than P30 billion in government flood control contracts over a threeyear period.
She dropped a bombshell on Monday by naming several congressmen and DPWH officials who allegedly solicited funds from them before their construction projects could be implemented.
Meanwhile, Michael V earned praise last year after he tweaked P-pop girl group BINI’s hit song Salamin, Salamin” relating it with societal issues such as extrajudicial killings and sexual abuse.
AJ Curtis Photo by Mic Diaz
Bo Carnation Photo by Mic Diaz
Bryan Matel
Photo by Mic Diaz
Mark Mabasa
Photo by Mic Diaz Robin Nievera
Photo by Mic Diaz
Jonathan Ferraer Photo by Mic Diaz EJ Neri Photo by Mic Diaz
Kris Lawrence Photo by Mic Diaz
Miss and Mister Philippines USA with Robin Mark and Kris
Photo by Robert Ryan
FILIPINO American Alliance of Seniors (FAAS), A Non-
Chino Hills
Center located at14250 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, California.
urtesy Call on Consul Cruz before the program launch. (Clockwise from L-R) Mr. Gerry O. Panga, Mr. Ricky Panis, Mr. Jomito Torres, Ms. Catherine Guino, Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon, Mr. Mervin A. Magbuhat, Mr. Vernon N. Viloria, and Ms. Alyanna D. Dela Cruz Clockwise from L-R) Mr. Gerry O. Panga, Mr. Ricky Panis, Mr. Jomito Torres, Ms. Catherine Guino, ABCA Executive, Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, Mr. Edward Peregrino, Mr. Mervin A. Magbuhat, Mr. Vernon N. Viloria, and Ms. Alyanna D. Dela Cruz
Consul General Cruz with the panel of resource speakers (L-R) Mr. Magbuhat, Mr. Torres, and Mr. Panga.
Consul General Cruz delivers his opening remarks to a full Community Hall.
PHILCONGENLA officers with PRA, PAL, PDOT-LA, Ayalaland, Ms.Ellen Samson (seated 3rd from left) and Girl Band 4th Impact.
Michael V and Paolo Contis
Michael V (left) and Sarah Discaya. Photos from Instagram/@paolo_contis/Inquirer File Photo
How Labubu became a global craze LUCKY MONSTER?
A monster success in business and pop culture
by AJPress
WHAT started as a quirky designer toy has become a $600 million business for Pop Mart, turning Labubu into a global phenomenon. Created by Hong Kong–Belgian artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is the star of Pop Mart’s wildly successful blindbox model, which taps into consumer excitement through mystery and surprise.
Labubu first appeared in 2015 as part of Lung’s The Monsters series, inspired by Nordic folklore. With its large ears, sharp teeth, and mischievous grin, Labubu quickly became the standout character. In 2019, Lung partnered with Pop Mart, bringing Labubu into mass production through the blind-box system and propelling the toy into international markets.
By 2025, the numbers speak volumes. In the first half of the year, Labubu-related products generated $418 million in global sales, helping Pop Mart grow revenues by more than 200% year-on-year. The company is on track to hit $4.18 billion in revenue for the year, with Labubu accounting for more than 30% of sales.
From global craze to Filipino cultural icon
The toy’s international breakthrough set the stage for its unique embrace in Filipino culture. In 2024, Labubu gained global visibility when BLACKPINK’s Lisa was photographed with a Labubu keychain. Soon after, stars like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Naomi Osaka were seen with Labubu, solidifying its crossover into fashion and lifestyle.
At the 2025 US Open, Osaka’s Labubu collection earned significant airtime. Each match, she brought out a uniquely customized, crystal-encrusted Labubu plush to honor tennis legends. Fans adored “Billie Jean Bling,” a sparkling tribute to Billie Jean King, along with others like Arthur Flashe for Arthur Ashe, Althea Glitterson for Althea Gibson, and Andre Swagassi for Andre Agassi. These dazzling creations, nicknamed her “Lablingblings,” blended tennis history with playful pop culture, further cementing Labubu’s place in the global spotlight.
Filipinos gave it a distinct twist, transforming Labubu from a collectible into a modern-day anting-anting. Celebrities such as Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Anne Curtis, Kathryn Bernardo, and Vice Ganda showcased their collections, turning the toy into a status accessory. Everyday Filipinos began carrying it as a lucky charm, blending traditional beliefs with global pop culture.
This evolution, from international craze to Filipino cultural icon, shows how Filipinos are adept at taking global trends and infusing them with local meaning and heritage.
Popular for all ages
Unlike many collectible fads, Labubu resonates across generations. Children and teens are drawn to the thrill of blindbox unboxings. Young adults and professionals embrace it as part of the growing “kidult” movement, where toys double as art and lifestyle statements. Celebrities and influencers elevate Labubu as a fashion accessory, styling it on luxury bags or displaying oversized plush versions. Middle-aged women, particularly Filipinos, carry Labubu into casinos or keep it as a modern talisman for luck.
This broad reach has turned
Labubu into more than a toy. It is now a cultural artifact, functioning as both a collectible and a symbol of personal identity. Filipinos embrace labubu: from casinos to fashion Among Filipino communities, Labubu has become deeply embedded in everyday rituals. In casinos across Manila, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and California, Labubu often appears alongside rosaries, red strings, and other traditional good-luck charms. Many middle-aged Filipino women bring their Labubu with them to slot machines or baccarat tables, treating the toy
JESSICA Sanchez is one step closer to the “America’s Got Talent” finals as she secured a spot in the semifinals after being voted by U.S. viewers.
The Filipino-American singer aced the quarterfinals, belting out her rendition of Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” while eight months into her pregnancy. Her inclusion in the next round was announced on Sept. 3 after the results of the voting were turned in.
Oh, my gosh. I’m on cloud nine right now. Thank you so much everybody, I appreciate it,” Sanchez said, earning cheers from show judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, Mel B and Howie Mandel.
Cowell even noted how Sanchez possesses “something special” in her, adding that she is “the one to beat” in the competition.
The show management also congratulated Sanchez on her feat through its Instagram page on Thursday, Sept. 4.
From AGT Season 1 to the AGT semifinals! Jessica Sanchez is back and better than ever!” it exclaimed. “Congrats on an unforgettable quarterfinals performance!”
During the audition round, Sanchez earned a golden buzzer from Vergara with the former’s performance of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.”
This season marked Sanchez’s comeback to “America’s Got Talent” as she already joined the reality competition during its first season, where she finished as one of the semifinalists. (nquirer.net)
as a source of confidence and fortune.
Beyond casinos, Labubu has also been embraced as a fashion statement, clipped to handbags or displayed in curated collections. This dual role, both lucky charm and status accessory, captures how Filipinos blend tradition, style, and community identity in one playful yet meaningful object.
Labubu’s global impact and future
Labubu’s blend of cuteness and edge, scarcity-driven blindbox model, and social media virality have made it a global cultural force. Rare editions resell for thousands of dollars, while Pop Mart continues to expand its presence with over 570 stores worldwide and plans for new collaborations and even animated content.
Challenges remain. Counterfeit Labubus, sometimes called “Lafufu,” have flooded markets, while regulators in China have raised concerns about blindbox buying mechanics. Yet Pop Mart’s strong growth trajectory and Labubu’s sustained cultural relevance suggest the craze is far from over.
Labubu as a modern icon
From Milan fashion runways to Philippine casinos, Labubu has evolved from a niche collectible to a modern icon embraced by all ages. Its international rise set the stage, but in Filipino hands, it has become something more—a modern-day anting-anting, a blend of superstition, fashion, and identity.
With its jagged grin and playful spirit, the little monster proves a toy can be more than play, it can hold meaning and even the quirkiest objects can reflect identity and values.
Marian Rivera
Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera
Annabelle Rama
Photo from Facebook/@iloveruffag
Photo from Instagram/@popmart
Heart Evangelista
Photo from Facebook/@HeartEvangelistaEscudero
Jessica Sanchez Photo from Instagram/@@agtauditions
Angel Aquino falls victim to deepfake porn: ‘It’s nauseous’
by maila ager Inquirer.net
IT was just a few day when actress Angel Aquino learned from a friend that there was a deepfake video using her face.
At first, she said, she felt ill, nauseated, confused and stunned.
“Then, it was disgust and anger for being violated as a person in a revolting and humiliating way,” Aquino on Thursday told the Senate committee on women looking into the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to proliferate deepfake pornography.
“I mean, I think any one of us—if we saw our own face in a porn video—I don’t know how you’d feel, but it’s really disrespectful and violating. You don’t even know what to feel. You don’t know who to talk to about it,” she said.
But thanks to the staff of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, head of the women panel, who reached out to her.
To be a victim of this deepfake video was “dehumanizing,” according to the actress.
“It was digital assault – one that leaves no bruises on the skin, but strips away one’s dignity in the most obscene manner imaginable,” she said.
“We all know how it is to build a name, to gain credibility and earn respect from our family, our colleagues, our community. But this vile manipulation is still a non-consensual act of a sexual nature using my face, my identity, my integrity,” Aquino said.
And she is not the only one violated here, she stressed.
Citing information from the office of the senator, Aquino noted that there are also other “personalities in the limelight who have become victims of this grave assault” but they don’t know about it yet.
“The thought of our images being abused, subject of a despicable act that is nothing to the perpetrator but a mere carnal entertainment is horrifying,” she said.
“So how about other innocent, unsuspecting women and girls who may not have the voice, influence or platform to fight back? How are we all protected?” she asked.
The actress then urged au-
thorities to act fast and punish the perpetrators, including those who share and repost these deepfake materials, as well as the websites that host them and the platforms that “turn a blind eye while it spreads.”
“Those who make money out of this, accountability must be total because the damage multiplies with every click, every share, every view,” Aquino said.
“Let this not just be a discussion. Let this result to strong, enforceable law,” she said, “I came forward today because this has to stop. I want to help protect our women and children, and effectively put an end to this. The effects of these deepfakes can be catastrophic to the rights of women and girls and our own integrity, our autonomy, and our choice.”
Queen Hera, a content creator and businesswoman, also recounted in the hearing how her daughter fell victim to deepfake pornography.
As a content creator, she said she usually posts photos and videos of herself and her daughter.
“And one day, someone sent me a DM on Instagram saying that my daughter had been seen on the dark web. When I checked, I saw the image myself. It was edited, yes—but her face had been superimposed onto a man’s private part,” she said.
“So as a mother, that was incredibly heartbreaking for me. I felt helpless at that time, knowing that nothing seemed safe anymore—not even online. Even if your posts are completely innocent, they’re not safe from people who might see them,” the content creator added.
Kris Aquino undergoes new surgical procedures, reveals new object of affection
by JeSSica aNN evaNgeliSta Inquirer.net
AFTER she shared that she was out of the hospital following a more aggressive treatment for her 11 autoimmune diseases due to an alarming blood test, Kris Aquino is set to undergo two more surgical procedures as she asked for prayers for the surgeons who will operate on her.
Aquino took to Instagram on Tuesday night, Sept. 9, to share a monochrome close-up photo of a medical port implanted in her chest while she provided the latest update on her condition.
“Pwede bang makiusap ulit?
(May I request again?) Alam ko ang kulit ko na (I know I’m insistent already) but at 9 AM tomorrow I will be brought down for the first of 2 surgical procedures.
Please pray for my surgeons and cardio-interventionists, all the residents and fellows, all the nurses and all the staff in the OR, and the Cardio OR. I thank the Holy Spirit and the birthday girl Mama Mary for keeping my Survival Instinct Sharp,” she wrote. Old love, new love The Queen of All Media then reflected that so much has happened since her last hospitalization, including someone special reaching out to her again after breaking her heart, relating this to the happenings of feng shui on a Ghost Month.
“Someone I loved and broke my heart because he left me when my health issues were getting worse. I don’t know how he knew where to find me, but about 10 days ago he surprised me, he said he want-
ed to see how I was and a few days after via text he apologized several times. We know why we aren’t meant for each other because mine is a lifelong battle; autoimmune has no cure, his fulfillment comes from working with communities and going all over the Philippines,” the actress reflected.
Since she disclosed her autoimmune diseases and sought treatment in the U.S. in 2022, Aquino has since been in a relationship with former DILG Sec. Mel Sarmiento, with whom she got engaged to; Batangas Gov. Mark Leviste; and her doctor, Mike Padlan.
Despite experiencing heartache in the past, Aquino seemed to hint that she was beginning to get to know someone again, although she did not name the individual and did not elaborate if it’s purely romantic or just platonic.
“God has a plan. Recently I got to know a doctor who I can describe as brilliant, brave, and very reliable, plus he has good skin and great hair. He brings knowledge and genuine wisdom, plus he shares the same Chinese Astrological sign as my dad and mom. I shared my personal life but with no names because that’s how it will be,” she explained. Aquino ended her post by reiterating her prayer request, stating, “Please pray for all those doing their best to keep Bimb and Kuya Josh’s mama strong enough to start her physical therapy.”
The former “Kris TV” host earlier dismissed rumors of her death through her close friend Dindo Balares.
AFTER the social outrage over Korina Sanchez’s interview with controversial couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya, the public now appears to be training its sights on the family of actor-politician Arjo Atayde and their supposed lavish lifestyle.
One particular instance was Korina’s 2022 interview with actress-producer Sylvia Sanchez, Atayde’s mother, wherein the latter showed the family’s beachfront property and other assets such a yacht, and a jetski.
The original video is no longer visible on the YouTube channel of Sanchez’s show, “Rated Korina,” but several netizens managed to re-upload a clip of the interview on social media.
The attention on Atayde came about after he was named by the Discayas as one of the government officials who allegedly solicited funds from them to be able to proceed with big-ticket construction projects awarded to them by the Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH).
Atayde is a two-term congressman representing the first district of Quezon City. He has since denied the Discayas’ allegations stated during the Senate blue ribbon inquiry on Monday.
But critics did not stop at the Senate hearing. Aside from Korina’s interview, another one by Karen Davila also resurfaced on social media, wherein the veteran actress could be seen showing around their new Mediterranean-inspired mansion, while also discussing another property within their subdivision.
Sylvia has yet to comment on the resurfaced video, though her daughter Gela earlier came to the defense of her brother, saying their lifestyle and travels were not had using government funds but through the fruits of their hard work.
The screen veteran founded Nathan Studios, a film production outfit that has released various internationally acclaimed movies, such as Arjo’s “The Bagman” and “Topakk,” as well
as produced live events and concerts. On the other hand, her husband, Art Atayde owned several businesses and lucrative investments.
Korina, Saint of Exposés Inadvertently, Korina’s interview got praises from netizens, saying the “lowkey flexing” on her show exposed certain individuals’ alleged corruption. Reacting to the resurfaced video, Korina said there has to be “solid proof” before the public should make a certain judgment about the controversy hounding Arjo. Kailangan naman ng katibayan muna bago tayo maniwala (We need proof before we can believe such claims),” she said in response. Aside from the Ataydes, Korina’s past interview with the
Discayas has also resurfaced on social media, as it featured the contractors’ building property in Pasig, numerous luxury vehicles, and other properties.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier bared that 15 private contractors failed to deliver their flood-control projects awarded to them by the DPWH, causing the spate of massive flooding in Metro Manila and provinces, paving the way for the investigation by both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Public
Sylvia Sanchez and Korina Sanchez
Photo from Instagram/@korina
Sylvia Sanchez and Gela Atayde with Karen Davila Screengrab from Karen Davila’s YouTube channel
Ms. Angel Aquino and Queen Hera
Photo from Instagram/@hontiverosrisa
Actress Angel Aquino faces Senate probe into the use of AI technology to proliferate deepfake pornography. Screengrab from Senate YouTube channel
Kris Aquino with James (left) and Josh (right) Photo from her Instagram page
