We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online! SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2025
Volume 19 - No.37 • 16 Pages
Teachers unions sue over Trump immigration policy, say fear is keeping students out of school
Teachers unions are suing the Trump administration over the end of “protected areas,” arguing that fear of immigration arrests near schools is keeping students home
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, includ-
MANILA – Government contractors Sarah and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II have ignited a political storm after accusing members of the House of Representatives and officials of the Department of Public Works and High-
ways (DPWH) of demanding kickbacks from flood-control projects.
The couple testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Sept. 8, alleging that lawmakers and DPWH personnel sought commissions of 10% to 25% in exchange for facilitating or approving contracts. They said they documented dates and locations of alleged pay-
Tito Sotto returns as PH Senate President, replacing Chiz Escudero
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III was sworn in as Senate President, replacing Chiz Escudero in a smooth, unopposed leadership transition.
by AJPress
MANILA — Senator Vicente
“Tito” Sotto III returned as President of the Philippine Senate on Monday, September 8, succeeding Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero in a seamless and unopposed transition of leadership during the plenary session. The Philippine Senate, the
Former DPWH engineer links senators
to Bulacan flood-control
scandal
Brice Ericson Hernandez, who previously served as deputy district engineer of DPWH in Bulacan, alleges senators took kickbacks in Bulacan flood-control projects; Estrada vows lawsuit, Villanueva denies involvement
by
AJPress
offs but did not present evidence at the hearing, citing safety concerns. The Discayas clarified that no senators were implicated in their initial testimony.
Lawmakers named push back House Speaker Martin Romualdez denounced the allegations as “false, malicious,
Guadalajara 125 Open
by AJPress
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala captured her first WTA singles crown on September 7, 2025, after outlasting Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in a dramatic three-set final at the Guadalajara 125 Open.
The 20-year-old Eala rallied from a one-set deficit and ultimately prevailed 1–6, 7–5, 6–3 to seal the milestone victory at the Panamerican Tennis Center.
A Career Breakthrough Eala, currently ranked World No. 75, is the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title. Earlier u PAGE 2
DOJ issues subpoenas vs suspects in ‘missing sabungeros’ case
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, September 10, said it has already issued subpoenas against the suspects in the case of the missing sabungeros or cockfighting aficionados.
According to DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano, the department began issuing subpoenas on Tuesday.
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 before the House
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 u PAGE 2
“Their subpoenas have been issued from the preliminary report given by the NPS (National Prosecution Service) as against the 59 or 60 respondents in the case of the missing sabungeros,” said Clavano in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.
“Because there are a lot of them and we usually serve that personally, the service is still ongoing,” he added.
Clavano then said that the service of the sub-
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III
Discaya flood-control kickback...
PAGE 1
and name-dropping meant to smear his integrity.” He and other allies vowed to pursue legal remedies, including possible defamation or perjury charges.
Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus “Budoy” Madrona confirmed visiting the Discayas but insisted the purpose was “to request for the donation sa simbahan” (a church contribution). He stressed that no flood-control projects in his district were connected to the scandal and pledged to resign if proven otherwise.
Other lawmakers also rejected the claims:
• Rep. Roman Romulo said he only chaired committee meetings, with no role in project awards.
• Rep. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro noted he was not yet in office when the contracts were awarded.
Rep. Florida Robes announced she would file a libel case against the Discayas.
• Rep. Jojo Ang (Uswag Ilonggo) likewise denied any wrongdoing, rejecting suggestions he profited from public works funds.
Actor and Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde also denied the accusations. His wife, television host Maine Mendoza, publicly defended him, calling the allegations “baseless” and “napaka-unfair” (very unfair). She urged the public not to direct hate or harassment at their family.
Expanding fallout
The scandal has widened beyond the House, with the Discayas also naming former Presidential Assistant for the
Former DPWH engineer links senators...
PAGE 1
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 Villanueva in the alleged misuse of public works funds.
Visayas Terence Calatrava. Their testimony has placed additional pressure on Congress, especially after the mention of Speaker Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Civil society groups and religious leaders have called for accountability, restitution of stolen funds, and reforms in public contracting.
Official and Institutional responses
• DPWH officials implicated have denied wrongdoing.
The Department of Budget and Management has begun reviewing the eligibility of Discaya-linked firms for future procurement.
• President Marcos described the revelations as “horrible” and pledged to establish an independent commission to investigate.
• The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is weighing whether the Discayas should be placed under witness protection. An ex-DPWH executive was cited in contempt for refusing to cooperate.
• The House of Representatives has reopened its own inquiry into anomalous flood-control projects, running parallel to the Senate probe.
Investigations Continue
The allegations remain unproven, and all lawmakers and officials named have categorically denied involvement. The controversy has intensified calls for transparency in government infrastructure spending and highlighted the deep political sensitivities surrounding congressional projects.
Both the Senate probe and the Palace’s promised commission are expected to determine whether the Discayas’ claims will result in formal charges—or be dismissed as unsubstantiated name-dropping.
Editor’s Note: This report is based on sworn Senate testimony, lawmakers’ official statements, and verified news sources as of Sept. 9, 2025. Allegations remain subject to investigation, and no court or independent body has yet ruled on their veracity. n
The allegations Hernandez claimed that Estrada and Villanueva received 30% commissions from contracts awarded for flood-control projects in Bulacan. According to his sworn statement, Estrada allegedly benefited from P355 million worth of projects, while Villanueva was tied to P600 million in contracts in 2023.
He testified that cash was physically delivered by drivers linked to DPWH, and presented photographs of neatly stacked bundles of
money, which he said were routinely prepared for distribution to beneficiaries, including elected officials. He described the sight of large piles of cash at the district office as “normal” practice. However, aside from his sworn testimony and the photos, no documentary proof was presented to directly link the money to specific lawmakers.
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 challenged the credibility of the former DPWH official, 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 parents’ 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 while freezing next year’s flood-control budget pending a full audit. Public outrage, fueled by widely shared images of cash bundles, has mobilized civic groups, religious leaders, and citizens to demand transparency and accountability through the government’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo” portal. n
Alex Eala Makes History with First WTA Title...
this year, she also became the first Filipina to reach a WTA Tour final at the Eastbourne Open, where she finished runner-up.
The Guadalajara championship is part of the WTA 125 circuit, a tier just below the main WTA Tour. The tournament carried a total prize purse of $115,000, with Eala earning $15,500 as champion and Udvardy receiving $8,400 as runner-up.
About Panna Udvardy Udvardy, who pushed Eala
to three sets, entered the tournament ranked No. 134 in the world. She has also collected one WTA 125 singles title and one doubles title in her career.
Historic Win for the Philippines
Eala’s triumph is a landmark for Philippine tennis. She became the first Filipino ever to secure a WTA singles title, showcasing her skill, determination, and mental toughness throughout the tournament.
Presidential Recognition
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Eala on her PAGE 1
historic achievement, stating:
“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.”
The statement reflects national pride in Eala’s accomplishment and highlights her role in inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes. n
Tito Sotto returns as PH Senate President...
PAGE 1
upper chamber of the country’s bicameral Congress, is tasked with crafting national legislation, reviewing budgets, and providing oversight of government programs. The Senate President serves as the chamber’s presiding officer, guiding legislative priorities and managing plenary sessions.
The leadership shift began when Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri moved to declare the Senate presidency vacant. The motion faced no objections, paving the way for Sotto’s nomination and election. Reports indicate that 15 senatorshad publicly expressed support for his return.
“I hold no grudges. I hold
no ill feelings,” said Escudero, thanking colleagues for their trust and service during his tenure.
Sotto, who previously held the Senate presidency from 2018 to 2022, expressed gratitude for the renewed confidence and promised to continue pursuing legislative efficiency, oversight, and accountability.
Alongside the presidency change, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was elected Senate President Pro Tempore, replacing Senator Jinggoy Estrada, while Zubiri assumed the role of Majority Leader, succeeding Joel Villanueva. This leadership team is now positioned to guide the Senate through the 20th Congress and tackle key national issues. Observers say the change reflects the chamber’s desire for experienced, steady leadership amid ongoing debates on public infrastructure, governance, and legislative priorities. Sotto’s previous tenure is noted for disciplined management of Senate proceedings and emphasis on transparency and legislative oversight. The transition concluded without controversy, demonstrating the Senate’s capacity for orderly change. With Sotto back at the helm, the upper chamber moves forward under leadership familiar with both the institution and its role in shaping Philippine national policy.
(AJPress)
JUSTICE DEMANDED. Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon points to case documents filed against 20 past and current DPWH officials and employees, as well as private contractors, before the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. The charges are in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Contractors Sarah and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya II testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Sept. 8, 2025, where they accused several lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways officials of soliciting kickbacks from flood-control projects. Photo from Senate of the Philippines (Social Media Unit)
Without immigration, U.S. population could shrink within a decade
CBO projects deaths will outnumber births by 2031 as aging accelerates
by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
The United States could begin losing population as early as 2031 if immigration were to stop, according to new federal projections. The forecast highlights how dependent the nation’s demographic future has become on people moving to the country from abroad.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in its updated long-term outlook, projects that deaths will outnumber births starting in 2031, two years earlier than previously estimated. That turning point—known as natural decrease—reflects both persistently low fertility rates and the rapid aging of the Baby Boomer generation. Without immigration to fill the gap,
the U.S. population would begin to contract in the early 2030s.
Recent census data show how immigration already drives growth. Between 2023 and 2024, net international migration accounted for about 84 percent of the nation’s population gains, while births contributed only modestly. Federal health data recorded 3.62 million births in 2024, a 1 percent rise from the prior year, but still far below the level needed to offset rising deaths.
The CBO now estimates the U.S. population will reach about 367 million by 2055, a downward revision from its earlier projection of 372 million. The lower figure reflects not only fewer expected immigrants but also fertility rates that remain well below
replacement levels. These demographic trends carry far-reaching implications. A shrinking population would reshape the labor market, strain programs like Social Security and Medicare, and heighten demand for caregivers as the country grows older. If immigration continues at historical levels, the U.S. will still expand, albeit slowly. But if inflows are sharply curtailed, overall contraction could begin within the next decade.
Although long-range projections come with uncertainty, the direction is consistent across federal data: natural increase is no longer enough to sustain population growth. Immigration has become the decisive factor determining whether the United States expands or begins to shrink. n
Foreigners can now lease land in the Philippines for up to 99 years
by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — Foreign investors seeking to do business in the Philippines can now lease land for up to a century.
In a new law signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., foreign investors can now lease land for up to 99 years — an additional 49 years from what the law previously allowed.
“The aggregate period of the lease contract shall not exceed 99 years; provided that upon the recommendation of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) or other relevant government agencies, the President of the Philippines may impose a shorter lease period for investors engaged in vital services or industries considered as critical infrastructure,” the Republic Act 12252 stated.
The new law amends the Investors' Lease Act, extending the time that a foreign investor may lease land. Shorter leases may also be granted in the interest of national security or other purposes.
The amendment outlines the requirements foreign investors must meet when entering a lease contract, including an approved investment project under the
Teachers unions sue over Trump immigration...
PAGE 1
ing the arrest of a parent near an Oregon preschool 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 case-by-case discretion. (AJPress)
DOJ issues subpoenas vs suspects...
poenas are expected to be finished within Wednesday, September 10.
The suspects included business tycoon Atong Ang, and actress Gretchen Barretto — both of whom were identified
Foreign Investments Act of 1991, a technical description of the property and other necessary documents.
The lease contract can be terminated if the foreign investor fails to commence with their intended investment project within three years of signing the contract.
The law does not appear to specify the exact maximum duration for which a foreign investor can extend their lease, nor how many times the lease can be renewed.
Philstar.com has sought clarification from the Palace and will update the story upon receiving a response.
For foreigners who are leasing land in the Philippines without making an investment, the prevailing
rules under Presidential Decree 471 will apply, which limits lease terms for aliens to a maximum of 25 years.
Contracts that violate this law may be subject to penalties ranging from a fine of P1 million to P10 million or imprisonment from six months to six years, depending on the court's decision.
Under the 1987 Constitution, foreigners are prohibited from owning land in the Philippines. Only Filipinos or corporations at least 60% owned by Filipinos are permitted to own land.
Leasing land has been allowed as an alternative, but the lease term is limited to 50 years, with a one-time renewal option for an additional 25 years. n
by whistleblower Julie Patidongan to be involved in the case.
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. Meanwhile, it was on August 29 when the DOJ confirmed that it has already issued an immigration lookout bulletin order against the suspects in the case. (Inquirer.net/Zacarian Sarao)
Photos show an aerial shot of Quezon City on February 10, 2024. Michael Varcas /The Philippine STAR
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 Mar-
coleta 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
Jobless rate climbs to 5.3% in July 2025
by JEAN MANGALUZ Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippine unemployment rate spiked to 5.3% in July 2025 from 3.7% last June, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday, September 10.
This means that 2.59 million people were unemployed as of July 2025.
Meanwhile, the employment rate decreased to 94.7% in July this year from 96.3% last June. The PSA said that this puts the number of employed persons at 46.05 million.
Underemployment, or those who are employed but are in need of more income, also increased in July 2025, rising from 12.1% to 14.6%.
“In terms of magnitude, 6.80 million of the 46.05 million employed individuals expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional job, or to have a new job with longer hours of work in July 2025,” the PSA said in its report.
The large majority of the country’s employed pool are wage and salary workers,
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 Transportation 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
comprising 68.7% of working persons. Self-employed persons account for 24.7%, unpaid family workers for 4.0% and employers in their own family businesses at 2.6%.
Most of the employed persons in the country also came from the service sector, according to the PSA. Service workers represented 62.8%, followed by industry at 18.7% and agriculture at 18.5%.
Several subsectors saw large annual increases in the number of employed persons:
• Administrative and support service activities (up by 296,000)
• Transportation and storage (up by 208,000)
• Human health and social work activities (up by 169,000)
• Manufacturing (up by 109,000)
• Education (up by 96,000) Meanwhile, several subsectors also incurred major losses in employees:
• Agriculture and forestry (down by 1.38 million)
• Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (down by 897,000)
• Fishing and aquaculture (down by 173,000)
Construction (down by 147,000)
• Accommodation and food service activities (down by 69,000). n
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 ₱950 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 contractor 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
One-day registration process extended to foreign firms – SEC
by RICHMOND MERCURIO Philstar.com
MANILA — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has allowed corporations with foreign equity seeking to incorporate in the country to register their businesses in just one day.
The commission said it has expanded the list of companies that may register through the One Day Submission and Electronic Registration of Companies (OneSEC) Zuper Easy Registration Online facility to include corporations with foreign equity.
The move forms part of the SEC’s continuing efforts to further streamline the registration process and improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines.
“Streamlining the company registration process for foreign entities is a crucial component of our thrust to improve the ease of doing business in the country,” SEC chairperson Francis Lim said.
“By expanding the cover-
age of OneSEC to foreign entities, we want to send a strong signal to the international business community that the Philippines is open for business and hopefully encourage them to set up shop here,” he said.
The SEC has already registered a total of 145 foreign corporations during the first half. The number is expected to increase with the implementation of the faster registration process.
OneSEC was launched in 2021 as a subsystem of the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company or eSPARC, which utilizes pre-filled application forms to speed up the registration process.
Through the system, the SEC said that applicants could complete the company registration process in as fast as one minute and 14 seconds, from the start of the application to the receipt of a digital certificate of incorporation.
One-person corporations
and regular corporations with two to 15 incorporators, board of directors and stockholders are eligible to register via the “pass through” system.
The SEC has also recently expanded the industry classifications allowed to register through the system to 81 from 33.
Last June, the commission issued a memorandum circular, reducing the rates for corporate data requests by half.
The SEC likewise implemented strict timelines in the processing of applications for permits, licenses and registrations as well as adopted a “deemed approved” policy if the commission fails to observe its own review timelines.
Micro, small and medium enterprises, meanwhile, were given a 20-percent discount in registration fees to encourage them to incorporate, as well as a discount of up to 50 percent in the filing fee for firms that aim to enter the capital market. 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 / Wilnard Bacelonia / Senate of the Philippines.
Workers with proper safety harness maintain balance atop steel frames of a billboard being constructed along EDSA in Quezon City on Aug. 23, 2025.The STAR / Edd Gumban
FeAtures OPiniOn
The Senate saga: A mirror of wealth and misplaced priorities Passing the Torch of Memory: 9/11 and the Filipino American Story
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
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 thou-
floodwaters engulfing his province.
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.
Editorial Editorial
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
Men of the word to men of the world
sand, 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.
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
Bonfire of the Vanities
perate, kind, courteous, restrained, and magnanimous.
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 hounded for their transformation from humble shepherds and defenders of the faith into defenders of the lifestyle of the rich in Con-
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 tem-
ROGER
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
Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.
Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.
Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements
LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of
7
Manuel l. Quezon III
The Long View
PAGE 7
CIto Beltran CTalk
Passing the Torch of Memory: 9/11...
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 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 volun-
teering 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)
Men of the word to men of the world...
6
gress, 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 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
The Senate saga: A mirror of wealth...
doned.
PAGE 6
resilience: trudging through waist-deep waters, exposing themselves to leptospirosis and dengue, and watching helplessly as yet another storm erodes their dignity and security.
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 containment 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. PBBM should lead the charge or risk being chased by mad dogs. (Philstar.com)
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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 aban-
PAGE 6
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 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 disease-infested floods, where progress is measured not by luxury but by dignity. Until then, the symbols will remain. A garage of 40 cars. A Rolls-Royce umbrella. A Ferrari in Bulacan. These are not the emblems of progress. They are the tombstones of public trust. (AJPress)
Bonfire of the Vanities...
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 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 in-
stance 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 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)
* * *
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: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @mlq3
Mayor Vico Sotto urges calm as public outcry grows over Discaya construction allegations
Social media movement
against
the Discaya
family’s ostentatious lifestyle gains momentum after Mayor Vico Sotto calls out alleged pay-for-play media schemes, reinforcing calls for accountability and institutional reform
by AJPress
PASIG CITY — Pasig City
Mayor Vico Sotto urged calm and lawful action following a protest outside St. Gerrard Construction, a company owned by the Discaya family.
On Thursday, demonstrators—including flood victims and activist groups—threw mud and vandalized the company’s gates, expressing outrage over alleged corruption and substandard work in government flood control projects linked to the Discayas. Spray-painted slogans labeled the family as “thieves,” highlighting public frustration with perceived pay-for-play practices.
Mayor Sotto stressed the importance of peaceful advocacy, telling the public, “Let’s not resort to violence.” He assured that the local government is coordinating with
national agencies to ensure accountability. “There are no shortcuts,” he added, calling on citizens to pursue justice through lawful means.
The social media movement against the Discaya family’s ostentatious lifestyle gained renewed momentum after Mayor Sotto publicly called out alleged pay-forplay practices by certain media personalities. The spotlight included Sarah Discaya, a former political rival in the 2025 Pasig mayoral race, whose campaign and business dealings have drawn scrutiny. These developments intensified public demand for accountability and institutional reform, with Sotto’s advocacy serving as a catalyst for heightened civic engagement and closer examination of entrenched power networks. Investigations show that two of the Discaya family’s
firms, Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corporation, are among 15 companies that secured substantial portions of the government’s flood control budget, raising questions about monopolistic practices and the quality of infrastructure delivered.
Adding to scrutiny, the Bureau of Customs has seized 28 luxury vehicles linked to the Discayas, following earlier confiscation of 12 luxury cars during a separate office search. These actions have intensified public focus on the family’s business dealings and alleged corruption.
Mayor Sotto’s call for lawful advocacy comes at a time of heightened civic attention, underscoring the need for transparent investigations, accountability, and institutional reform. n
South Korea cancels support for flagship Marcos bridge project
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
with a history of faulty construction and graft in similar projects.
to Hankyoreh 21.
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
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
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
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Aug. 14, 2025. Photo from Facebook/Bongbong Marcos
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 multimil-
lion-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 halfstaff and described him as a “tireless defender of America’s youth and values.” Other leaders condemned the violence and urged calm.
As of Thursday, September 11 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
South Korea cancels support for flagship...
8
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 high-priced 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 obtain-
ing 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 Seongdong — 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
No witness protection for Discayas; Pasay jail for ex-DPWH exec
by MarC Jayson Cayabyab Philstar.com
MANILA — Senate President Vicente Sotto III has left unsigned a letter drafted by former Blue Ribbon committee chair Sen. Rodante Marcoleta requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to place contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
Sotto said Marcoleta’s letter was addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“Spouses Discaya are owners of St. Gerrard Construction, and have testified extensively and will continue to testify on more relevant information in the motu proprio inquiry in aid of legislation on ‘The Philippines Under Water’ and Privilege Speech of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson entitled ‘Flooded Gates of Corruption,’ if required,” Marcoleta said in his letter dated Sept. 8.
“Considering the necessity of the Spouses Discayas’ testimony and the reported threats to their and their family’s personal safety and security, the Committee respectfully requests that Spouses Discaya be granted protection as a witness in legislative investigation, in full compliance with the requisites under the law,” he added.
Sotto did not provide a reason for not signing the letter.
Rep. Terry Ridon said the Discayas cannot qualify as state witnesses and may even be charged with plunder, as they are “among the most guilty” in the multibillion-peso flood control project anomaly.
“As I have mentioned before, they can be charged with plunder, and the evidence itself will be their sworn affidavit where they themselves admitted their involvement in the corruption,” he said.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV said they are still discussing the Discaya couple’s offer.
But he said that based on the couple’s statement, “it appears that from the start they’ve been in collusion with other contractors and politicians before the start of projects. That way, they’re also co-conspirators.”
Pasay jail for ex-DE
Meanwhile, after staying overnight at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at Camp Crame, sacked public works assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez was ordered transferred on Wednesday, September 10 to the Pasay City Jail where he will stay for an unspecified period after being cited in contempt
Marcos forms super body to probe into all current, past public works
by Dexter Cabalza Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has created the independent super body, which will investigate, not only corruption in flood control projects, but all infrastructure works of the national government over the years.
Marcos issued on Thursday, September 11 Executive Order No. 94, creating the three-member Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), composed of a chair and two members.
Malacañang has yet to announce the members comprising the ad hoc fact-finding commission.
According to the EO, the members will be persons of “proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.”
The ICI will also have a secretariat to provide technical and administrative support to the ICI.
by the Senate investigating corruption in flood control projects.
Senators arrived at the consensus after former Blue Ribbon committee chair Marcoleta took issue with Senate President Sotto’s order last Tuesday to have the former public works official moved to Camp Crame.
Sotto said he had to defer to the request of Speaker Martin Romualdez for a Camp Crame detention for Hernandez, supposedly due to threats to his life after he linked Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva to the flood control project anomalies.
But Marcoleta said it is the Senate which has custody over Hernandez whom the Blue Ribbon committee – which the senator then chaired – cited in contempt for not admitting using fake IDs to gamble in casinos. Hernandez and other corrupt district engineers allegedly laundered their kickbacks at casinos.
After a heated floor debate between Sotto and Marcoleta, the senators suspended session and met in a caucus where they agreed to detain Hernandez at a detention facility nearest to the Senate. (With reports of Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Mark Ernest Villeza, Daphne Galvez, Evelyn Macairan)
investigate all infrastructure projects implemented during the first three years of the Marcos administration from 2022 to 2025, but all public works in the past.
“The ICI shall prioritize the investigation of flood control and other infrastructure projects within the last 10 years from effectivity of this order,” the EO states.
The EO did not explicitly mention that the investigation shall cover only the projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways. This means that infrastructure projects of other agencies will also be reviewed.
tice (DOJ) the admission of a person as a state witness. It may also endorse before the DOJ the application of a person to be admitted into the Witness Protection program.
The independent commission also has the power to obtain books, records, contracts, bank statements and other documents pertinent to its investigation, upon request to proper authorities, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Assets seizures, HDOs
This will be headed by an executive director to be appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the ICI.
The executive director, under the control and supervision of the ICI chair, shall execute and administer the policies and decisions of the body and manage its day-today operations.
Motu proprio
“The Administration is firmly committed to maintain honesty and integrity in public service, and will take decisive measures to repress and hold accountable government officials and employees, and any other individual, who engage in graft, corrupt practices, or other acts that undermine the national interest and betray the people’s trust,” Marcos said in EO 94.
As a recommendatory body, the ICI will, acting on complaint or motu proprio (by its own), “hear, investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information, against all government officials and employees, and any other individual, involved in anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds in the planning, financing, and implementation of government flood control and other infrastructure projects nationwide.”
The body will not only
Based on the findings of the ICI probe, it will recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil and administrative cases or actions against those responsible to the appropriate disciplinary, prosecutorial and administrative bodies, such as the Office of the President (OP), Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
The EO has a sunset provision, stating that the ICI will be abolished “upon the accomplishment of the purposes for which it was created or unless sooner dissolved by the president.”
The ICI has a range of powers to recommend actions to compel different government agencies to act.
It will conduct hearings, take testimony as well as receive, gather, review and evaluate evidence, reports and information on matters within its power to investigate.
Subpoena powers
As earlier revealed by the president, the ICI has the power to issue subpoenas for attendance of witnesses and production of documents necessary for its fact-finding and investigation activities.
“Any government official or personnel who delays or refuses, without adequate cause, to comply with a subpoena issued by the ICI, or who, appearing before the ICI, refuses to take oath or affirmation, shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action, without prejudice to any criminal liability,” the EO states.
The ICI may recommend to the Department of Jus-
The ICI is also authorized to recommend or request appropriate authorities or the proper courts, the issuance of a hold departure order or other remedies to monitor or prohibit the travel abroad, or to compel the return from abroad, of any public official or employee or any other individual, under probe by the independent commission.
It may also recommend to or request from the Anti–Money Laundering Council and other authorities the freezing or seizure of assets, funds, deposits and properties reasonably believed to be connected to anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects pending investigation.
The ICI also has the authority to recommend to the appropriate authorities the immediate preventive suspension of any public official or employee as the ICI may find necessary to prevent tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses during its investigation.
The president ordered the DOJ, including the National Bureau of Investigation and National Prosecution Service, as well as the DPWH, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police and all departments, bureaus, agencies and offices in the Executive Branch to extend full assistance and cooperation to the ICI.
“Failure or refusal to extend such assistance or cooperation for no valid or justifiable reason or adequate cause shall constitute a ground for disciplinary action against the concerned official or personnel, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations,” the EO states.
Curlee Discaya takes his oath at the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing with his wife Sarah on September 8, 2025. Jesse Bustos
Lucky monster? How Labubu became a global craze
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 blind-box 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-onyear. 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 U.S. 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 blind-box 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 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 blind-box 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 blind-box 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.
Photos from Facebook/@popmart
Photos from Facebook/@popmart
Kris Aquino undergoes new surgical procedures, reveals new object of affection Jessica Sanchez ‘on cloud nine’ after entering ‘America’s Got Talent’ semifinals
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
Aquino
Josh
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 wanted 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
13
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
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)
Jessica Sanchez
Photo from Instagram/@@agtauditions
Kris
with James (left) and
(right) Photo from her Instagram page.
Benson
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
MANILA — 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 co-owns 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
DISCAYA CLAIMS
Korina Sanchez, Karen Davila’s interviews with Arjo Atayde’s mom resurface
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
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
PAGE 12
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.
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 outrage also spilled over to the kin of the contractors and government officials who supposedly flaunt their wealth on social media, alleging that public funds were used to finance their lavish way of living.
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.
From learning to bake at home to perfecting the golden crisp of cochinillo, Marvin turned a season of uncertainty into a creative rebirth. Today, these experiments stand at the heart of a new chapter in his chefpreneur journey.
Photos from Instagram/@marvinagustin
Sylvia Sanchez and Korina Sanchez Photo from Instagram/@korina
Sylvia Sanchez and Gela Atayde with Karen Davila Screengrab from Karen Davila’s YouTube channel
Health@Heart COVID-19 vax confusion
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 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 high-heat 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.
* * *
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.
* * *
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.
Trust in God’s timing
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 a mortgage advisor, financial coach, and author of Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way, where she blends biblical wisdom with practical tools for financial freedom. *
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.
* * *
Kathy Current is a financial coach, mortgage advisor, and author of Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way, where she combines over three decades of financial experience with timeless biblical wisdom. Kathy addresses real-life questions about God and money, helping readers find freedom and purpose in their financial lives.
Marvin Agustin: From matinee idol to...
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.
The
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.
From the flavors of COCHI, to the creative plates at Kondwi, and the cakes and pastries of Marvin’s Kitchen, each dish tells the story of Marvin Agustin’s passion for food. Born from experimentation, these creations now carry into his thriving restaurant ventures.
Broadcast Journalist Audrey Dones Gorriceta Honored
rogelIo ConStantIno MeDIna My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
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-yearold 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 flood-control controversy. (I hope to sit
down with Mayor Isko Moreno for a separate interview soon.)
PAGE 14
illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints
* * *
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash
of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Broadcast journalist Audrey Dones Gorriceta of Sword TV's Kamay na Bakal show and news anchor of PTV's Rise and Shine Pilipinas.
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.
(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.
Retired teacher Pilar de Mesa enjoys her catch in a fishing ground in Iceland.
Pilar B. De Mesa (left) with teaching colleague Lucita Mendoza in a shopping mall in Reykjavik.
Consul General Maria Priscilla Zanoria (left) treats retired teacher Pilar Bendicio De Mesa of Legarda Elementary School during the latter's birthday.
Director Monica Campbell of the California Local News Fellowship.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno took a selfie with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Manila's tourism staff Sharon Quintero (left) with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
