OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2026
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Volume 37 - No. 44 • 16 Pages
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Early voting hits record 48 million as Filipina charged with control of Congress hangs in balance illegal voting in Nevada DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
as DOJ details cases against 48 noncitizens
California's redrawn congressional districts and Filipino American candidates across the country draw attention ahead of November 3 elections by AJPress
Three other Filipino nationals previously charged in California are included in nationwide announcement
WASHINGTON — Nearly 48 million Americans have voted ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, setting a record for early participation in a
Prosecutors defend evidence in disputed P818M Duterte wealth case
LAS VEGAS — A Filipina accused of voting illegally in Nevada's 2024 general election is among 48 noncitizens facing federal election-related charges across five states, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Jullie Ann Sumalinog Moore, 44, a Filipino national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was charged with one misdemeanor count of voting by an alien, federal prosecutors announced October 23. Her case was subsequently included in a broader Justice Department announcement issued October 26. u PAGE 4
Catholic voters closely divided ahead of US midterms, Pew survey finds White and Hispanic Catholics differ sharply in House preferences; Trump’s approval among Catholics has fallen since early 2025 WASHINGTON — Catholic registered voters were nearly evenly divided between the two major parties in a Pew Research Center survey ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with White and Hispanic Catholics expressing markedly different preferences for candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. u PAGE 4
House prosecutors say Duterte’s own financial disclosures support the wealth allegations against her by AJPress
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the inaugural session of the first elected Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City on October 30, 2026. PCO Photo
by AJPress
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned Vince Dizon to the Department of Transportation and installed Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez as public works secretary this week, placing Lopez in charge of reviewing thousands of infrastructure proposals in the House-approved 2027 budget. Senate finance committee chair JV Ejercito on Friday, October 30, gave the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) until November 3 to submit supporting documents and justifications for 6,271 projects identified in the House versi-
The Palm Desert native and Hungary’s Fanny Stollár defeated the top seeds for Krawczyk’s 14th WTA Tour-level doubles title.
NINGBO, China — Desirae Krawczyk and Hungary’s Fanny Stollár won the BNB Ningbo Open doubles title Sunday, defeating top seeds Cristina Bucșa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez, 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 10-6. The teams split the first two sets before Krawczyk and Stollár took the deciding match tiebreak. The
MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutors on Friday, Oct. 30, defended the financial evidence behind allegations of nearly P818 million in unexplained wealth involving Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, saying the figures were based largely on their own financial declarations and official records. Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, the House’s lead prosecutor, maintained that the evidence supporting the remaining impeachment charge came from information provided by Duterte herself, even as a new national survey showed more Filipinos doubted than believed the allegations. “Numbers do not lie,” Luistro said, expressing confidence in the prosecution’s findings despite public skepticism reflected in the survey. The prosecution’s case draws on Duterte’s stateu PAGE 4
New PH public works chief takes on 2027 project review Ex-Philippine public works on but absent from the executive branch’s original spending proposal. Ejercito said projects that fail to meet the documentary requirements could be removed from the Senate’s version of the budget. The deadline followed a meeting among Ejercito, Lopez and Dizon. Both Cabinet officials committed to applying the project-screening requirements, according to Ejercito’s office. Marcos announced the Cabinet reassignment on October 26. Malacañang said Dizon would focus on improving daily commutes and accelerating major transportatiu PAGE 3
Filipino American Krawczyk Dolores Huerta, labor leader wins Ningbo doubles title who helped build United
by AJPress
congressional election as voters prepare to determine control of Congress and choose governors, u PAGE 2
title was also Krawczyk’s 14th at the WTA Tour level and her second of the 2026 season, following a win in Charleston with Caty McNally. Krawczyk, who represents the United States, is of Filipino and Polish descent. Her mother, Maria, is Filipina, and her father, Teddy, is Polish. Both came to the United States before she was born in Palm Desert, California, in 1994. u PAGE 3
Farm Workers, dies at 96
Her organizing helped unite Mexican American and Filipino workers in the campaign for better wages and labor protections. by AJPress Dolores Huerta, the labor organizer whose boycotts, contract negotiations and political advocacy helped build the United Farm Workers, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 96, her family announced.
Her family said she died at home. A family spokesman identified the cause as cancer. The family requested privacy and said plans to commemorate her life would follow. Huerta’s career spanned the struggle for farmworker conu PAGE 4
official details alleged kickback schemes involving lawmakers Former undersecretary Roberto Bernardo tells anti-graft court that Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson had no known payment arrangement; says he had no direct project dealings with former House Speaker Martin Romualdez by AJPress
MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo described alleged commission arrangements tied to government infrastructure projects during testimony Thursday, October 29, identifying several current and former lawmakers while saying Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson had no such arrangement known to him. Testifying during a bail hearing for former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Bernardo said he knew of no member of the House of Representatives who had been offered a share of project funds and declined it. Asked by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno whether any project proponents had refused kickbacks, Bernardo
replied: “Only Sen. Lacson did not have any commitment.” His answer concerned transactions within his knowledge. It did not establish that other lawmakers had accepted improper payments. In a statement released Friday, Lacson said he had never requested or accepted special project allocations, leadership funds, bribes or lobbying payments. Bernardo, who is cooperating with prosecutors, described what he called “commitment fees” negotiated in connection with infrastructure allocations. He alleged that the practice extended beyond flood-control projects and dated to at least 2002, when he was a district engineer. He said project proponents could include lawmakers, local officials and private individuals. u PAGE 3
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Early voting hits record 48 million as control of... PAGE 1 state lawmakers and local officials across the country. The University of Florida's Election Lab recorded approximately 47.9 million early ballots by midday Friday, October 30, exceeding the 45.9 million cast before Election Day in the entire 2022 midterm election. The figures include early in-person voting and returned mail ballots. The elections will decide all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats, including two special elections, and 36 governorships. Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, holding 53 Senate seats compared with 45 Democrats and two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to secure a Senate majority. The results will determine
the balance of legislative power during the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term, affecting federal spending, immigration, health care and congressional oversight. Early voting has increased considerably in several states with competitive Senate contests. Texas recorded more than 6.3 million early ballots through Wednesday, October 28, approximately 50 percent above the comparable point in 2022. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico for the Senate seat held by John Cornyn, who lost the Republican nomination. In North Carolina, former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper faces Republican Michael Whatley for the seat being vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis. Mich-
igan's open Senate contest features Democrat Abdul El-Sayed against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers. Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins is seeking reelection against Democrat Troy Jackson, while Ohio Republican Sen. Jon Husted faces former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Other closely followed contests include Alaska, where Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faces former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola; Iowa, where Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson faces Democrat Josh Turek; and Kansas, where Republican Sen. Roger Marshall faces Democrat Adam Hamilton. Georgia, where Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff faces Republican Rep. Mike Collins, surpassed its 2022 midterm record for early in-person voting Thursday. Election researchers caution that early participation
does not establish which party will benefit. Changes in voting procedures and the timing of mail-ballot returns can affect comparisons between elections, while party registration does not indicate how individuals voted. California's congressional races take on national significance California is playing an important role in the contest for control of the House following voter approval of Proposition 50 in November 2025. The measure established revised congressional boundaries for the 2026 elections, changing several Republican-held districts and creating new electoral configurations across the state. Representatives elected under those boundaries will begin serving in January 2027. A USC Dornsife survey released Friday found Democratic
candidates leading in four congressional districts examined under the new map. In the 48th District, which covers portions of San Diego and Riverside counties, Democratic San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert led Republican San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, 48 percent to 40 percent. The survey was conducted October 22–28 among 474 voters who had already voted or indicated they were likely to vote. Its margin of error was 4.5 percentage points. Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, who currently holds the seat, is not seeking reelection. In the Central Valley's 22nd District, Democratic educator Randy Villegas led Republican incumbent David Valadao, 52 percent to 41 percent, in the same survey. The district's sample had a margin of error of 5.2 percentage points. The polling reflects voter preferences during the survey period and does not establish the election results. Southern California's 40th District presents an unusual contest between two Republican incumbents, Ken Calvert and Young Kim, who are competing for the same seat following redistricting. In Orange County's 45th District, Democratic Rep. Derek Tran faces Republican Chuong Vo, a retired police officer and former Cerritos city councilmember. Tran narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel in 2024. California voters will also elect a successor to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection. Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former U.S. health and human services secretary and California attorney general, faces Republican Steve Hilton, a former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron. Their campaigns have emphasized the cost of living, housing, energy prices, taxation and state economic policy. Becerra has proposed measures intended to restrain certain household expenses, including utility and insurance costs. Hilton has advocated reductions in taxes and regulations, along with changes to state energy policies. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass faces City Councilmember Nithya Raman in a runoff following the June primary. Housing affordability, homelessness, public services and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games have figured prominently in the contest. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna is also seeking reelection against former Sheriff Alex Villanueva, whom he defeated in 2022. Filipino American candidates compete for congressional, state and local offices Filipino American candidates from both major political parties are seeking seats in Congress, state legislatures and local governments, including several contests in Southern California. In the 44th Congressional District, which includes communities in southern Los Angeles County, Republican Genevieve Angel is challenging Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán. Angel, a health care professional and businesswoman who identifies as Filipina-Latin American, immigrated from the Philippines and has lived in Southern California for nearly three decades. In Northern California's 8th District, Republican Rudy Recile, a retired U.S. Army major whose mother immigrated from the Philippines, faces Democratic Rep. John Garamendi. Recile previously challenged Garamendi in the 2022 and 2024 congressional elections. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat and the first Filipino American to serve as the state's chief law enforcement officer, is seeking another term against Republican Michael Gates, a former Huntington Beach city attorney. Born in Quezon City, Philippines, Bonta was appointed attorney general in 2021 and elected to a full term the following year. Democratic Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, the first Filipina elected to the California Legislature, is seeking reelection in the 52nd Assembly District against Republican Andrea Lee Anderson. Her district includes communities in northeastern and central Los Angeles, including Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Highland
Park, Silver Lake and portions of Glendale. In the 67th Assembly District, which spans portions of Los Angeles and Orange counties, Democrat Mark Pulido faces Republican Paulo Morales for the seat being vacated by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, who is ineligible to seek reelection because of term limits. Pulido, a Cerritos city councilmember and former mayor, previously served on the ABC Unified School District Board of Education. The district includes Artesia, Cerritos, Buena Park, Cypress and neighboring communities. Filipino American candidates are also seeking positions in Southern California's nonpartisan municipal and school board elections. In Carson, incumbent Councilmember Arleen Bocatija Rojas, a retired Los Angeles Police Department officer, is seeking reelection in District 4 against John Hollaway. Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso is also running for another term, as are West Covina Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado and Mayor Pro Tem Ollie Cantos in their respective council districts. In Culver City, school board President Stephanie Loredo is seeking reelection to the Culver City Unified School District Board of Education. In San Diego County, National City Councilmember Ditas Yamane is running for another term in District 3 against Jerry Cano and Edward Nieto. Yamane, a longtime community advocate and former president of the National City Chamber of Commerce, previously founded the Mabuhay Foundation. Filipino American candidates on ballots in other states Filipino American political participation extends beyond California, with candidates seeking congressional and legislative offices in Virginia, Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska, Georgia and North Carolina. In Virginia, Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott is seeking another term representing the state's 3rd Congressional District. Scott, whose maternal grandfather was Filipino, became the first person of Filipino ancestry elected as a voting member of the U.S. House in 1992. In Virginia's 8th District, Republican Tony Sabio, whose father is Filipino and mother is Puerto Rican, is challenging Democratic Rep. Don Beyer. Sabio previously served in the U.S. Navy, Secret Service and Central Intelligence Agency. In Nevada, Democratic Assemblymember Erica Mosca is seeking reelection in Clark County's 14th Assembly District without a general-election opponent. Mosca became the first Filipina elected to the Nevada Legislature in 2022. Hawaii also has several Filipino American legislative candidates. Democratic state Sen. Joy San Buenaventura faces Libertarian Frederick Fogel in Senate District 2, while Democratic candidate Rachele Lamosao, whose parents immigrated from the Philippines, faces Republican Elijah Pierick in Senate District 19. Republican Tess Abalos is challenging Democratic state Rep. Ikaika Hussey in Hawaii's 29th House District, which includes communities in Kalihi on Oahu. Democratic state Rep. Greggor Ilagan, who was born in Misamis Occidental in the Philippines, faces Republican Zak Wittenhagen in Hawaii's 4th House District. In Alaska, Democratic state Rep. Genevieve Mina, the daughter of Filipino immigrants, is running unopposed in Anchorage's 19th House District. Georgia Democratic state Rep. Marvin Lim, who immigrated from the Philippines as a child, is also unopposed in his reelection bid for the 98th House District in Gwinnett County. In North Carolina, Democratic state Rep. Maria Cervania faces Republican Bruce Forster in the 41st House District. Cervania became the first Filipino American elected to the North Carolina General Assembly in 2022. In California, additional in-person voting locations open Saturday, October 31, ahead of Tuesday's election. Polls will be open statewide from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3. Mail ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by county election offices by November 10 to qualify for counting. n
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ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2026
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NBI chief plans to seek transfer of Paolo Duterte libel complaints by AJPress
Photo courtesy of WTA
Filipino American Krawczyk wins Ningbo... PAGE 1
Her father introduced her to tennis. Krawczyk has said he learned the game after moving to the Palm Springs area and began taking her to the courts when she was young. She later served as a ball kid at the Indian Wells tournament, watching professional players from courtside. She stayed in the region for college, playing four seasons at Arizona State University from 2013 to 2016. She earned All-American honors in singles as a senior and graduated in 2017 with a degree
in family and human development. She reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 7 in August 2024. At ASU, she defeated the nation’s No. 1 player in consecutive seasons. Krawczyk has said she hopes to work with children or coach after her playing career. Krawczyk has won four Grand Slam mixed doubles titles: Wimbledon in 2021 and 2022, and Roland Garros and the U.S. Open in 2021. She represented the United States in women’s doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her Filipino family connection reaches Filipina tennis player Alexandra Eala. Krawczyk has described her mother as an enthusiastic Eala fan who has attended the player’s matches. Krawczyk’s mother attended Eala’s matches in New York and Dubai and offered to make pancit and lumpia for her. Krawczyk recounted the story on a podcast she co-hosts. Krawczyk and Eala were recently listed as a doubles team at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, but their entry was withdrawn before they competed. n
Ex-Philippine public works official details... PAGE 1 He also described alleged “parking fees” of 3 to 5 percent for allowing infrastructure projects to be funded in congressional districts other than those initially allotted the money. Under questioning by Romualdez’s lawyers, Bernardo said he had never personally negotiated project allocations or kickbacks with the former speaker. He confirmed that his six affidavits and two judicial affidavits did not identify Romualdez as a project proponent or describe him asking for payments. Romualdez, a congressman from Leyte, has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to a plunder charge alleging approximately P7.4 billion in proceeds from infrastructure projects. The Sandiganbayan Third Division is hearing his application for bail. Bernardo’s account of his own dealings did not resolve the accusations against Romualdez.
Bernardo separately alleged that projects associated with former senators Nancy Binay and Grace Poe carried commitment rates of 12 to 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively. Binay, now mayor of Makati, and Poe have denied involvement in kickback arrangements. He placed alleged rates connected to suspended Sen. Jinggoy Estrada at 18 to 25 percent. Estrada has rejected Bernardo’s account, citing inconsistencies in his affidavits and denying that Bernardo delivered money to him. Bernardo also described an alleged five-percent share of P500 million in project funds allotted to Carlo Aguilar, whom he identified as a cousin of Sen. Mark Villar, a former public works secretary. Villar has denied allegations that he received kickbacks. During cross-examination, Bernardo acknowledged receiving financial benefits from certain proj-
ect transactions, describing some as “balato,” or gratuities. In separate proceedings before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, Bernardo has accused Estrada of receiving P573 million through four alleged payments between 2024 and 2025. Estrada denies the accusation and is contesting the evidence in his bail hearing. On Thursday, Bernardo’s former aide, Vergel Niño Garcia, testified that he delivered 12 boxes to the Artiaga Building in San Juan City in November 2024 and briefly saw Estrada inside. Garcia acknowledged that he did not know what the boxes contained and took no photographs or videos. Former DPWH regional director Gerard Opulencia testified that some projects allegedly involved additional payments of 5 to 10 percent to public works personnel. The Fifth Division is scheduled to resume Estrada’s bail hearing November 4. n
MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said he would seek to move criminal libel and cyberlibel complaints filed against him by Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte out of the city prosecutor’s office, citing a possible conflict of interest. Matibag said October 26 he planned to request the inhibition of City Prosecutor Jhopee Salvador Avanceña, seek a suspension of proceedings and ask the Department of Justice to transfer the complaints to its National Prosecution Service. He said Avanceña was a first cousin of Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña, longtime partner of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The relationship has not been independently confirmed, and no finding of bias has been reported. Matibag said a transfer would address concerns about impartiality. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said a transfer would require justification and the justice
secretary’s approval. No decision on Matibag’s proposed request was confirmed as of October 29. Paolo Duterte filed the complaints October 23 with city prosecutors against Matibag, dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and GMA Network executives and journalists over a September 25 broadcast of 24 Oras. The respondents identified by Duterte’s office include network chairman Felipe Gozon, chief executive Gilberto Duavit Jr., and anchors Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales and Emil Sumangil. Gracioso, a former security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, alleged that he delivered suitcases of cash on Velasco’s instructions: P100 million to Paolo Duterte, more than P2 billion to Vice President Sara Duterte and P1 billion to former President Rodrigo Duterte. The allegations remain unverified. Paolo Duterte denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money; Sara Duterte and Velasco also rejected the claims. Duterte’s lawyer, Peter Paul Danao, criticized the network’s handling of the report and said his
client sought P10 million each in moral and exemplary damages. GMA said October 23 that it had not received the complaint and would comment after reviewing it. Matibag said the NBI inquiry into Gracioso’s account was continuing. The bureau said an initial polygraph examination concerned Gracioso’s identity and relationships; a second found no deception indicated concerning his affidavit. Neither test independently establishes that the alleged deliveries occurred. n
New PH public works chief... PAGE 1 on projects, while Lopez would strengthen internal safeguards at the DPWH and make reforms introduced under Dizon permanent. Dizon took charge of the DPWH in September 2025, after the departure of Manuel Bonoan during the controversy over alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. Lopez had been serving as acting transportation secretary. The Senate review has identified differences between the executive proposal and the House-approved spending bill. Ejercito said the number of DPWH projects increased from 11,420 to 16,244, a net gain of 4,824. A separate comparison identified 6,271 projects introduced in the House version that were not in the original proposal. At an October 26 committee consultation, Ejercito reported that supporting documents had been submitted to the Senate for only 1,418 of the 16,244 projects. The panel flagged approximately P266 billion in pro-
posed infrastructure allocations for additional examination. A missing submission does not establish that a project is fictitious or unlawful. House leaders have defended the amendments, saying proposed projects were validated by implementing agencies and must meet technical requirements before implementation. Lopez said the DPWH would check feasibility studies, master plans and coordination with local governments. On October 29, business and civil society organizations called for fuller disclosure of budget additions and the technical basis for proposed infrastructure spending. In a separate October 27 turnover, Dizon gave Lopez envelopes containing complaints and investigative records involving department employees. Dizon said more than 80 personnel had been removed from their posts during his tenure. Lopez said he would review the pending matters before deciding whether further disciplinary action was warranted. n
Simula Pebrero 1, 2027, bababa mula $9 tungo sa $8 bawat paglabag ang processing fee ng Metro ExpressLanes para sa mga Pay-As-You-Go Notice of Toll Evasion Violations. Samantala, tataas_mula $16 tungo sa $17 bawat paglabag ang multa para sa hindi nabayarang toll (Past Due Toll Evasion penalty). Mananatili namang hindi magbabago sa $30 bawat paglabag ang multa para sa delingkuwenteng hindi pagbabayad ng toll (Delinquent Toll Evasion penalty). Pakitandaan na nadaragdagan ang kabuuang bayarin at multa sa bawat susunod na yugto ng pagpapatupad ng mga hakbang laban sa paglabag sa pagbabayad ng toll.ll. Kinakailangan ang mga pagbabagong ito upang matiyak na sapat ang mga bayarin sa ilalim ng programang Pay-AsYou-Go upang mabayaran ang mga gastos sa pagproseso ng mga paglabag na saklaw nito, alinsunod sa Fee Adjustment Policy na inaprubahan ng Metro Board noong Hunyo 2023. Layunin ng programang Metro ExpressLanes PayAs-You-Go na gawing mas madaling magamit ng mga motorista ang ExpressLanes sa pamamagitan ng pagpapababa sa gastos sa paggamit ng mga naturang lane nang walang FasTrak. Nag-iisyu ng Pay-As-You-Go Notice of Toll Evasion Violations sa mga sasakyang gumagamit ng Metro ExpressLanes nang walang balidong FasTrak® account. Para sa higit pang impormasyon, bisitahin ang aming website sa metroexpresslanes. net. 10/31/26 CNS-4089551# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
Election Season is here! Are you ready to vote? You can vote starting October 1! Don’t wait until the last minute. If you haven’t registered, you can do it online in 5 minutes. Got your ballot in the mail already? Return it today at an Official Ballot Drop Box.
VISIT PLAN.LAVOTE.GOV OR TEXT PLAN TO 528683 TO MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE EARLY
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From the Front Page
ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2026
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Filipina charged with illegal voting in Nevada... Catholic voters closely divided ahead of US... PAGE 1
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada, Moore allegedly voted on or about November 2, 2024, in an election that included contests for president, vice president and members of Congress. The general election was held November 5, 2024. The November 2 date cited by prosecutors refers to when Moore allegedly voted. Federal authorities have not publicly identified the Nevada county where the alleged voting occurred or specified how she cast her ballot. Under federal law, noncitizens generally are prohibited from voting in elections for federal office. Lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green card holders, are authorized to reside permanently in the United States but do not acquire federal voting rights through their immigration status. Moore faces a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both if convicted. At the time the charge was announced,
prosecutors said an initial court appearance had not been scheduled. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Sigal Chattah, first assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada, said federal authorities would investigate and prosecute violations of election laws involving noncitizen voting. Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar said his office had fulfilled its legal obligations in cooperating with federal investigators. The Nevada attorney general's office also confirmed its cooperation, while maintaining that there was no evidence of widespread, systemic voter fraud. Three other Filipinos charged in California Moore is among four Filipino nationals identified in the Justice Department's nationwide announcement. The three others, Giezell Viduya Adawag of Vacaville, José Probitsado Amaro of National City and Pamele Arbués Line of Escondido, face separate federal election-related charges in California. Their cas-
es were previously reported by Asian Journal in its October 23 edition. Federal charges span five states The Justice Department's October 26 announcement identified 28 defendants in California, nine in Pennsylvania, six in Florida, four in New York and one in Nevada. The allegations vary by case and include voting by noncitizens in federal elections, false claims of U.S. citizenship during voter registration and false statements in naturalization proceedings. Some defendants face misdemeanor charges, while others have been charged with felony offenses. Most of those charged were identified as lawful permanent residents. One defendant in Pennsylvania was described by prosecutors as residing in the United States unlawfully. The nationwide announcement consolidated cases previously disclosed by federal prosecutors, including the California charges announced October 19 and Moore's Nevada case announced October 23. (AJPress)
PAGE 1
In the September 28–October 4 survey, 42% of Catholic registered voters said they would support the Democratic candidate in their congressional district if the election were held at that time, while 39% chose the Republican. The remaining 19% favored another candidate or were unsure. Pew published the religious-group findings on October 13. The three-point difference does not establish a clear partisan preference among Catholics as a whole. The division becomes more pronounced when respondents are examined by race and ethnicity. Among White Catholic registered voters, 50% preferred Republican House candidates and 32% Democrats. Hispanic Catholic voters showed the reverse pattern: 59% favored Democrats and 19% Republicans. The survey also found reduced approval of President Donald Trump among Catholic adults. Thirty percent approved of his job performance, while 67% disapproved. His approval among Catholic adults had stood
at 47% in January and February 2025, near the start of his second term. In the latest survey, 39% of White Catholic adults and 18% of Hispanic Catholic adults approved of Trump's performance. Those approval figures cover Catholic adults generally, whereas the congressional-preference figures cover registered voters. The findings provide a different snapshot from the 2024 presidential election, when Trump received 55% of the Catholic vote against 43% for Kamala Harris, according to Pew's analysis of validated voters. Presidential election results and intentions in House races involve different electorates and contests and cannot establish whether individual voters have changed their party preferences. Religious affiliation also corresponded with differences elsewhere in the survey. White evangelical Protestant registered voters preferred Republican House candidates by 73% to 12%, while Black Protestant voters favored Democrats by 74% to 6%. Among all registered vot-
ers surveyed, 44% favored Democrats and 36% Republicans. For Asian American registered voters, a separate Pew analysis of the same survey found 56% support for Democratic House candidates and 16% for Republicans. That estimate was limited to English-speaking Asian respondents and was not separately reported for Filipino Americans or Asian American Catholics. Pew surveyed 5,062 U.S. adults, including 3,917 registered voters. Its reported margin of sampling error of plus or minus 1.6 percentage points applies to the full adult sample, not specifically to Catholic voters. The results measure preferences at the time of the survey, not votes cast. In an October 14 statement, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called on Catholics to “put their faith before politics” and assess public officials by their actions. The bishops' conference says it does not endorse or oppose political candidates. (AJPress)
Prosecutors defend evidence... PAGE 1 ments of assets, liabilities and net worth, known as SALNs, along with tax returns, bank records and corporate filings involving her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. Although prosecutors say the underlying financial figures originated in disclosures made by the couple, some documents were obtained directly from banks and government agencies through subpoenas issued by the Senate impeachment court. The records formed the basis of a forensic accounting report by Alexander Cabrera, who testified in October that his examination identified approximately P817.87 million in allegedly undeclared assets and income involving Duterte and Carpio between 2022 and 2025. His calculations included bank balances, personal and real properties, income discrepancies and financial interests in companies associated with the couple. During cross-examination, Cabrera acknowledged that prosecutors supplied the documents he examined and that he had not obtained additional financial records directly from Duterte or Carpio. The defense questioned his methodology, the completeness of the records and the treatment of corporate assets. Duterte’s lawyers also argued that cash holdings could have been included under other personal properties in her asset declarations. In a separate development Thursday, House prosecution spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said approximately P463 million in alleged unexplained wealth would remain even if amounts attributed to companies associated with the couple were excluded. The revised prosecution calcu-
lation consists of approximately P207.7 million in allegedly undeclared bank balances, P143.5 million in other assets and properties, and P111.85 million in allegedly undeclared income. The figures remain disputed prosecution estimates, not judicial findings of wrongdoing. Duterte has denied the allegations. The financial dispute comes as a Social Weather Stations survey released Oct. 28 found that 38 percent of Filipino adults did not believe the unexplained wealth accusation, compared with 25 percent who believed it. The survey also found 47 percent satisfied with the fairness of the defense’s handling of the impeachment proceedings, compared with 30 percent satisfied with the prosecution. Meanwhile, 78 percent considered it important for Duterte to testify personally. Conducted Sept. 21-27 among 1,500 adults nationwide, the survey preceded Cabrera’s October testimony and the prosecution’s withdrawal of three impeachment articles on Oct. 13. The remaining Article II concerns alleged unexplained wealth, incomplete asset disclosures and prohibited business interests. Duterte’s defense opposed the withdrawal of the other charges, arguing that allegations already presented publicly should have been addressed through the trial. The prosecution has submitted its formal offer of evidence, which the defense may challenge before the impeachment court decides which exhibits to admit. Duterte’s lawyers are scheduled to begin presenting their evidence when the Senate impeachment court resumes proceedings Nov. 9. n
Dolores Huerta, labor leader... PAGE 1 tracts in California, campaigns to register voters and efforts to bring more women into public office. Her work helped sustain an alliance of Mexican American and Filipino laborers whose organizing changed working conditions in the state’s agricultural fields. That alliance took shape during the Delano grape strike. Filipino workers affiliated with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee began the walkout on Sept. 8, 1965, under leaders including Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, Benjamin Gines and Pete Velasco. The National Farm Workers Association, which Huerta and César Chávez had helped establish in 1962, voted to join the strike on Sept. 16. The two organizations merged in 1966 as the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, which became the United Farm Workers union in 1972. Huerta helped organize consumer boycotts and negotiate agreements with growers. By 1970, the campaign had secured grape-industry contracts that raised wages and provided health benefits, drinking water, field toilets and protections against dangerous pesticides. Her legislative advocacy also contributed to California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975. The law extended collective bargaining protections to farmworkers, who had been excluded from the federal National Labor Relations Act, and established a state board to oversee those rights. Born Dolores Clara Fernández on April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico, Huerta grew up in Stockton, California. She trained as a teacher and taught farm-
workers’ children before turning to community organizing. She later expanded her work through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, supporting voter registration, training local organizers and encouraging women to seek public office. President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. In March 2026, Huerta publicly accused Chávez of sexually abusing her during the 1960s. In a written statement, she described one encounter in which she said she was pressured into sex and another in which she said she was forced against her will. She said she had remained silent out of concern that disclosure would damage the farmworker movement. In response to the allegations, Chávez’s family issued a statement expressing support for those who came forward and commending their courage. Chávez died in 1993. Huerta continued making public appearances in her final year. In June, she addressed the Texas Democratic convention at age 96, urging participants to organize voters, work she had pursued since her early years as a community activist. n
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Genevieve Angel draws on health care Marcos pledges to defend career in California congressional race Philippine peso after record low Filipino American Republican outlines commitments to fiscal responsibility, health care reform, public safety and education in 44th District bid. by AJPress LOS ANGELES — Republican Genevieve Angel, a Filipino American family nurse practitioner and health care executive, is seeking California’s 44th Congressional District seat in the Nov. 3 election. She faces Democratic incumbent Nanette Diaz Barragán and has made affordability, public safety, health care and immigration the central issues of her campaign. Angel says her commitment to public service centers on fiscal responsibility, health care reform, safer communities and greater freedom in education. She says these priorities reflect her professional experience and concern that housing, medical expenses, rising utility bills and other household costs are making it harder for families to get ahead. After moving from Manila, Angel settled in Lakewood, where she has lived for nearly three decades. She identifies herself as a mother and small-business owner. Her biography lists a nursing degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1992, a master's in business administration in 2007 and graduate nurse practitioner training completed in 2025. She also reports two years of law studies and management work in hospitals and health plans.
The district includes Carson, Lynwood, South Gate, Paramount, Huntington Park, Florence-Graham, West Carson and portions of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Lakewood is outside the new boundaries approved under Proposition 50. Voters will elect a representative for the redrawn district on Nov. 3, with service beginning in January 2027. Angel received 25,276 votes in the June primary. Her health care proposals call for lower out-of-pocket costs, easier access to treatment and more scrutiny of government payments. She supports retaining Medicare and Medicaid while proposing work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients. She maintains that tighter audits and reduced administrative costs could help preserve federal benefits. On housing and taxes, Angel supports tax incentives for construction, lower federal spending and fewer regulatory conditions attached to federal housing grants. She opposes higher taxes on higher-income households and advocates limiting spending on some social programs while protecting Social Security and Medicare. Angel favors stronger border enforcement and legal immigration pathways giving greater weight to occupational skills. She opposes sanctuary-city policies, supports gun ownership rights
and favors privacy restrictions on police surveillance technology acquired using federal funds. She says abortion should be permitted in cases of rape, incest or threats to the mother's life, while opposing a federal abortion ban and taxpayer funding for abortion providers. She also backs expanded domestic oil production and nuclear energy. Angel attributes her beliefs in democratic government and self-reliance to her parents' reported involvement in Manila politics. “We have never asked for handouts; we ask only for opportunity,” she said. On growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers, she favors allowing operators to generate their own power, saying this could limit pressure on local utility bills. n
Castro remains Palace press officer as PCO reviews senior appointments
to attached agencies, including by AJPress state-run broadcasters and the Philippine Information Agency. “Usec. Claire is a treasure in MANILA — Claire Castro will remain Palace press officer de- this government,” Cayetano told spite submitting a courtesy res- reporters, praising her ability to ignation as the Presidential Com- explain President Ferdinand Marmunications Office (PCO) reviews cos Jr.’s policies. He expressed senior appointments under acting support for Castro’s direct responses to criticism while calling Secretary Lino Cayetano. Cayetano said the agency’s un- for Palace briefings that offer fulldersecretaries and assistant sec- er explanations of government deretaries had submitted courtesy cisions. Cabinet officials could be resignations to give the incoming invited to answer questions about leadership an opportunity to eval- matters within their departments. The PCO subsequently anuate personnel. The submissions do not automatically remove nounced that Castro would asofficials from their posts, he said, sume another role while continuand decisions would be made ing as Palace press officer, but gradually to avoid disrupting op- it did not identify her additional erations. The review also extends responsibilities.
Castro also submitted a courtesy resignation in July 2025, after Dave Gomez became PCO chief, but was retained. Cayetano succeeded Gomez after the Commission on Appointments bypassed Gomez’s appointment. A former Taguig City mayor and general manager of state-run People’s Television Network, Cayetano took his oath of office in October. Beyond the personnel review, Cayetano has proposed expanding direct engagement with journalists, universities and barangays, complementing digital communications with community visits and more opportunities for the public to ask questions about government programs. n
Sandiganbayan rejects bids to remove two justices in Revilla flood control case by AJPress MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has rejected separate attempts by former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and government prosecutors to remove two justices from the panel hearing a malversation case involving an allegedly fictitious flood control project in Bulacan. In an October 22 resolution released the following day, the anti-graft court’s Third Division upheld its refusal to remove division chair Karl Miranda, whom Revilla accused of bias after he dissented from a July decision granting bail. The court said Revilla presented no new evidence establishing prejudice. His lawyers cited the fact that Miranda’s brother, Buenaventura Miranda, represented former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, a prosecution witness. They also questioned
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID LACMTA will receive Bids/ Proposals for MA146190 EGR COOLER KITS electronically via bids.@metro.net. A Pre-Bid conference will not be held. All Bids must be submitted to LACMTA, as per the IFB solicitation packet on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at which time bids will be electronically opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. MA146190. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Marc Margoni at margonim@metro.net. 10/31/26 CNS-4089766# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
remarks by the justice concerning good conduct time allowances. The court maintained that impartiality must be assessed from the perspective of a reasonable, informed observer, rather than solely from the accused’s perception. On October 26, the court also announced its rejection of Ombudsman prosecutors’ request to disqualify Justice Ronald Moreno, one of the two members who voted to grant Revilla bail. Prosecutors argued that Moreno’s questioning of their witnesses was unfair and suggested prejudgment. The court said Moreno had sought to clarify testimony and assess credibility. Revilla opposed the prosecutors’ motion, maintaining that Moreno’s questions had been taken out of context. The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents, along with
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive proposals for FS135771 - FSP Light Duty Tow Service - GP Lanes and ExpressLanes RFP Solicitationvia emails to bids@metro.net. This project is open to all vendors. All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA, and must be submitted electronically via email to bids@metro.net, on or before 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, November 23, 2026; refer to the RFP document for more information. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. For a copy of the Proposal specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business. metro.net or for further information email Gabriel Anaya at AnayaG@metro.net. 10/31/26 CNS-4089958# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
related graft charges, in January. Prosecutors allege that approximately P76.9 million was improperly disbursed for a P92.8-million project in Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi, that was never built. They also allege falsification of project documents. Revilla denies involvement. The Third Division granted Revilla bail in a 2-1 vote on July 31 after finding that prosecutors had not established strong evidence of his guilt sufficient to deny bail. He posted a P1-million cash bond. That decision was not an acquittal. Revilla and co-accused Jaypee Mendoza separately requested permission on October 21 to file demurrers to evidence, seeking dismissal for insufficient prosecution evidence. No ruling on those requests was verified through October 29. n
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID LACMTA will receive Bids for OP143876(2) - Plumbing Vacuum System Repair and Maintenance Services via email to bids@metro.net. This project is open to Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE). All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA, and must be submitted electronically via email to bids@metro. net, on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, December 8, 2026; refer to the IFB document for bid opening information. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned to the Bidder unopened. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Lance Duran at duranl@metro.net. 10/31/26 CNS-4091245# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
Currency closes at P63.74 per dollar as higher prices strain households by AJPress MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 30, 2026: The Philippine peso strengthened Friday, days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to defend the currency following a record low, although import costs and inflation continue to squeeze household budgets. The peso closed at P63.74 against the U.S. dollar, up 11 centavos from Thursday's P63.85, according to foreign exchange market figures. It had fallen to a record closing low of P64.17 on Tuesday. “Don't panic,” Marcos told reporters Wednesday at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. He said the government's policy was to defend the peso “as hard as we possibly can,” citing foreign exchange reserves and attributing the currency's weakness partly to
rising global oil prices and a stronger dollar. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which independently conducts monetary policy, reported $99.5 billion in reserves at the end of September, enough to cover 6.2 months of imports, services and primary income payments. The figure was down from $104.8 billion in August. The BSP raised its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point to 5.5% at its October policy meeting to counter inflation. Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said the increase was not intended to defend a specific exchange rate, distinguishing the central bank's price-stability mandate from Marcos' assurances. Consumer prices rose 7.2% in September from a year earlier, compared with 6.1% in August, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Food inflation reached
6.8%, while rice prices increased 20.3% and transport prices 14.6%. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday that the administration was coordinating with the BSP and continuing fuel subsidies for transport operators and assistance for vulnerable households. The Department of Trade and Industry was asking manufacturers to maintain prices of essential goods. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort linked Friday's recovery partly to Marcos' assurances and possible conversions of overseas Filipino remittances for the Undas holiday weekend. A weaker peso increases the peso value of dollar remittances but also makes imported fuel and goods costlier. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has warned that higher costs for imported coal, diesel and liquefied natural gas could add pressure to electricity bills. n
PAUNAWA NG HALALAN ANG PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na ang isang Pangkalahatang Halalang Munisipal ay gaganapin sa Lunsod ng Cerritos sa Martes, Marso 2, 2027, para sa mga sumusunod na Opisyal at (mga) Panukala: Para sa (2) Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lunsod (Buong panahon ng panunungkulan na apat na taon)
Panukala (Measure) L: Pagbabago ng petsa ng pangkalahatang halalan sa munisipyo at mga kaugnay na pag amyenda Dapat bang amyendahan ang Karta ng Lungsod ng Cerritos upang ilipat ang itinatag na pangkalahatang petsa ng halalan sa munisipyo sa Nobyembre ng bawat taon na may pantay na bilang, na pagsasamahin sa pangkalahatang halalan sa buong Estado, na magsisimula sa Martes, Nobyembre 7, 2028; at upang isaayos ang petsa ng taunang pagpili ng Alkalde at petsa ng pagsisimula ng termino ng Miyembro ng Konseho, upang umayon sa bagong schedule ng halalan na ito, at gumawa ng mga naaayon na mga pag amyenda na may kaugnayan dito?
OO
HINDI
Ang panahon ng pangmungkahi para sa mga katungkulang ito ay magsisimula sa Lunes, Nobyembre 9, 2026 at magsasara sa Biyernes, Disyembre 4, 2026 sa 5 ng hapon/ gabi. Ang mga appointment ay kinakailangan sa Biyernes. Kung ang mga papel ng pangmungkahi para sa nanunungkulang opisyal ng lunsod ay hindi naiharap bago lumampas ang Biyernes, Disyembre 4, 2026 (ang ika-88 araw bago ang halalan)(o Biyernes, Disyembre 4, 2026 kung ang tanggapan ng lunsod ay sarado sa Biyernes Disyembre 4, 2026) ang mga botante ay may hanggang ika-83 araw bago ang halalan, Miyerkules, Disyembre 9, 2026, upang mangmungkahi ng mga kandidato na iba sa (mga) tao na mga nanunungkulan sa ika-88 araw bago ang halalan, para sa inihahalal na katungkulan ng nanunungkulang iyon. Ang pagpapalawig na ito ay hindi angkop kung walang nanunungkulan na karapat-dapat ihalal. Kung wala o iisang tao lamang ang iminungkahi para sa isang inihahalal na katungkulan, ang paghirang sa inihahalal na katungkulan ay maaaring gawin gaya ng nakasaad sa § 10229, Kodigo sa mga Halalan ng Estado ng California. Ang mga lugar ng botohan ay mananatiling bukas mula ika-7 ng umaga hanggang ika-8 ng gabi. /S/Cynthia Nava, Kalihim ng Lungsod/Opisyal ng Halalan
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Opinion
Features
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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Election integrity requires more than suspicion AS Americans prepare for the November 3 midterm elections, disputes over voter eligibility have become part of a larger contest over the authority to administer elections, the reliability of government records and the limits of federal intervention. The questions extend well beyond any one state. Since 2025, the Justice Department has sued 30 states and Washington, D.C., seeking access to voter-registration information. State officials have contested some requests on legal and privacy grounds, while federal authorities maintain that access is needed to enforce laws governing accurate voter rolls. Courts have dismissed many of the initial lawsuits, with appeals continuing in several cases. The disagreements are not simply about whether voter lists should be accurate. They concern who may inspect sensitive personal data, under what authority, and what action can follow when a record raises questions about a person's eligibility. In a separate enforcement effort, the Justice Department announced on October 26 that 48 noncitizens had been charged with election-related offenses in Pennsylvania, California, Florida, New York and Nevada. The allegations include unlawful voting and false claims of citizenship. Such offenses merit investigation and prosecution when supported by evidence. But
an accusation is not a conviction, and individual cases cannot establish how widespread unlawful voting may be across the country. Recent disputes over ballots illustrate the consequences of moving from investigation to immediate intervention. In Washington state, federal prosecutors asked election officials to set aside ballots associated with more than 400 people whose citizenship they questioned. State officials raised concerns about the reliability of the information and the timing of the request. In California, the department sought emergency relief involving more than 20,000 statewide voter records flagged as possibly belonging to noncitizens. On October 28, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter denied the request for a temporary restraining order. He found that the government had not justified the extraordinary intervention it sought in an election already underway and raised concerns about state authority, the underlying evidence and the potential loss of lawful votes. The Justice Department appealed. The ruling leaves existing ballot procedures in place unless a higher court orders
Editorial
babe’s eye view Babe Romualdez
THE recent hullabaloo over Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remarks has understandably stirred strong reactions among Filipinos. Any suggestion that military superiority gives one country the right to intimidate another deserves a firm response. But after the statements have been issued and the headlines have faded, the more important question remains: What are we doing to protect our country and secure the peace? For me, the answer is clear. We must stay the course. Uphold the arbitral award, strengthen our defense capabilities, deepen cooperation with our allies and partners, and maintain diplomatic dialogue with China. These practical responsibilities require continuity, discipline and national resolve – regardless of the controversy occupying the news on any given day. Let us also be accurate about what the ambassador said. He reportedly said China “may easily win” if it chose to use force. He then added: “But no, we will not choose force and we love peace.” The first statement understandably raised alarm. The second
Ctalk Cito Beltran
A friend asked me if I knew an LGU that has a wish list or pending project where all the studies and paperwork have been done and simply needed a funding source. I said I didn’t know of any, but I knew something that he and his friends can get into – help thousands of Filipinos per area and eventually give a guaranteed ROI or return on investment. As an example, I pointed out the thousands of dialysis centers that have popped up like mushrooms all over the Philippines. There was a time when dialysis outside a hospital was illegal, if not unimaginable. Then there are all the small two-room clinics and laboratory centers in busy residential areas. In Barrio Kapitolyo, there are four medical laboratory services within 50 to 500 meters of each other, while seven pharmacies
Action speaks louder than words provides an assurance that China is expected to honor through its conduct. Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro conveyed our government’s strong objection directly to the ambassador. That is an appropriate exercise of diplomacy. We should make our position unmistakable while keeping our attention on the larger task of defending Philippine interests. An exchange of angry statements, however satisfying to some, cannot substitute for a coherent national strategy. First, we stand firmly by the July 2016 arbitral award. Issued by a tribunal constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the ruling is final and binding on the Philippines and China. It rejected claims to historic rights exceeding the limits permitted by the Convention and upheld important Philippine sovereign rights. To explain its significance accurately: The tribunal did not decide sovereignty over land territory or delimit a maritime boundary. Its findings nevertheless provide a vital legal foundation for defending our maritime entitlements. We strengthen our position when we insist on precisely what international law provides, and con-
otherwise; it neither establishes everyone's eligibility nor ends the lawsuit. California's case is one proceeding in a national dispute, not a verdict on all federal enforcement efforts. Courts must assess particular evidence, statutes and requested remedies. A criminal investigation, a demand for voter data and an order to withhold ballots are different government actions. Each requires its own legal
The Long View
sistently apply those principles in our actions. Many countries support the award because the issues extend beyond our shores. Maritime rules protect international commerce and give smaller states a means of defending their rights. We should continue building that support through diplomacy, ensuring that respect for the award remains part of the international conversation. Legal clarity becomes more consequential when countries sustain their commitment to it. Second, we must continue the AFP modernization. A country responsible for an extensive archipelago needs credible capabilities to monitor its waters, protect its people and respond to threats. Maritime surveillance, coastal defense, reliable communications and capable ships and aircraft all deserve sustained attention, matched by the training necessary to use them effectively. Modernization also means maintenance, spare parts and sufficient resources for personnel. Equipment that cannot be sustained will not provide lasting security. Every defense peso must be spent responsibly, with procurement guided by operau PAGE 10
What would you wish for? and drug stores are within walking distance of each other. Why not invest in small or medium size hospital facilities that can provide affordable rooms and care for paying clients instead of their having to pay “ransom” in a big private hospital in order to be released when they get well. Many middle-class Filipinos want to, or need to, migrate to public hospitals, but the Philippines has a severe shortage of mid-price hospitals that have available rooms. Government hospitals have enough modern equipment in order to run tests but not enough rooms. The doctors in public hospitals are generally on the same level of expertise and often are the same doctors you see in private hospitals, but public hospitals simply do not have enough beds or rooms. Getting hospitalized in the Philippines is like booking a trip on a commercial airline. Airlines have categorized passenger accommodation or sections as First Class, Business Class, Premium
ManilaTimes.net photo
Economy and Economy. The same can now be said about hospitals and health care in the Philippines. The people who go to private hospitals are generally the rich or A&B class or the unfortunate folks who were rushed to the nearest but most expensive private hospital. From what I’ve learned, the separation between First Class and Business Class hospitalization is if you get the presidential suite, the executive suite versus a regular suite or a private room. But the decision is not entirely yours to make. I know of several instances when hospitals will size you up, who your attending physicians are or what your family name and address is. From there they sell you the lame claim, “We currently don’t have any regular rooms available, but we could put you in a suite or even the executive suite.” Between desperation and ego, I know of people who agreed, thinking they’re only spending more on the room but not realizing that those rooms come with a u PAGE 9
Manuel L. Quezon III IN 1987, the framers of our Constitution, preferring idealism over practicality, decided we would have a multiparty democracy. This was supposed to be better than the two-party system we had prior to the dictatorship, which, according to its critics, wasn’t much of a party system in the first place. As it turned out, neither was the multiparty system put in its place—which I’ve argued for years—is actually a one-party state. That’s because in decreeing a multiparty system, the framers of our Constitution retained the presidency, while denying it the political foundation needed by any presidency, which is a clear majority mandate. Instead, we’ve had insecure administrations buying stability by means of bribery: call it pork barrel, call it patronage, call it whatever you want. Elected by a minority, able to depend on essentially fly-bynight temporary party vehicles, presidents look to the senators, congressmen, and governors and offer them a chance to feed at the trough in exchange for
WITH DUE RESPECT
Artemio V. Panganiban RECALL that during my appearance as amicus curiae in the Senate Impeachment Court, I explained how to tackle—in lay language—the legalistic ways of interpreting the constitutional provision: “two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.” I emphasized in that forum that the lay equivalent of the legalese could be summed up in two words: truth and fairness. My column last Monday also used these two words to determine guilt in contempt of court vis-àvis free speech. TODAY, I STRESS THE SAME TWO WORDS to explain a recent Supreme Court decision. Verily, in life insurance contracts in which the benefits accrue after death, the law demands from both the insurer and the insured the highest degree of truth and fairness, absolutely free from any concealment or deception, however slight. For this reason, a contract of
justification. The federal government has a legitimate interest in enforcing election laws. States and localities bear primary responsibility for conducting elections, subject to federal constitutional and statutory requirements. Neither interest gives officials a license to disregard the other. Reliable records, appropriate notice and estabu PAGE 9
The second time around their support. There’s no other way. Also in their wisdom, the framers of the Constitution decreed that the basic unit of government—the barangay—would be nonpolitical. So the grassroots are off-limits to the parties; they have evolved to be political manananggal: political torsos floating above the basic political units, and it’s no wonder they are essentially parasites because they are incapable of being organic. Back in 2009, an Indonesian once told me the reason they go through the added trouble and expense of a runoff election is precisely related to the Philippines. Only five years earlier, in 2004, Indonesians had directly elected their president for the first time, or 69 years after Filipinos first directly elected their own chief executive. According to the Indonesian, after they restored democracy, they looked at our country as an example to study. First, they assumed, as most Filipinos do, that the presidential system is the best suited, historically and culturally, to their population and ours; but also, they believed the Philippines’ lack of a majority president since 1987 has caused too many problems—which a runoff could reduce.
I have been a strong believer in instituting runoff elections if, in the future, we decide to retain the multiparty system instead of returning to the two-party system (but I think we are inclined to two parties, basically defined as the one in power and the one that wants to be in power, and so is forced to propose an alternative). The recent example of Brazil’s Lula snatching victory from the jaws of defeat is instructive. Let’s not forget that when he sought a fourth term, Lula lost. By 2.2 million votes. It was a loss that had been expected: he was old, tired, and had accumulated his fair share of scandals and thus, caused disappointment. What was unexpected was that Lula turned that loss into a victory in the second round of voting. The New York Times reported how Lula gained 10 million more votes in round two than he obtained in round one: first, he got most of the 9 million votes that had gone to conservative candidates other than his main opponent: apparently they preferred the Lula they disliked to the wildcard Bolsonaro Jr.; second, 3 million who’d stayed home for Round 1 came out to vote in Round 2. Third, a strong showing by the ultra-right in legu PAGE 9
Truth and fairness in law and in life insurance is characterized as one of “uberrimae fidei” or “utmost good faith.” So, what fate befalls the heirs of a man who, in applying for a life insurance policy, fails to disclose his medical condition, though he may not have intended to defraud the insurer? The newly released “Intestate Heirs of Monera v. MB Life” (Jan. 28, 2026, per J Japar B. Dimaampao, en banc) replied that an insurance policy may be rescinded due to the concealment of material information. It held that “no proof of fraudulent intent is necessary in cases of rescission due to concealment.” Let us examine the facts. Indalicio Monera obtained loans from the Meycauayan Bank that were secured in part by a shortterm Manila Bankers Life (MB Life) life insurance policy valid from February to April 1984. Upon the lapse of this policy, he applied for a second short-term policy. In his application, he attested that he had “not been ill for seven or more consecutive
days in the last five years.” Neither had he “consulted a physician for any illness or disease in the last five years.” Less than a month after securing his second insurance policy, Monera died. MB Life declined to pay the loan he incurred from the Meycauayan Bank after it was discovered that he had, in fact, failed to disclose a previous surgery and a diagnosis of metastatic cancer. As earlier said, the Court ruled against the heirs of the decedent. TO UNDERSTAND THE WISDOM OF THIS RULING, let us examine two significant points: (1) The nature of concealment; and (2) The application of the “incontestability clause.” On the first point, petitioners contended that MB Life failed to prove that Monera intended to defraud the insurer. In rejecting this argument, the Court cited Section 27 of the Insurance Code, which unequivocally states that “[a] concealment, whether intentional or unintenu PAGE 9
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OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
Commentary
Saija Nurminen, Sarah Anne Pascale Hulton IN an age of disinformation, artificial intelligence, online scams, and political polarization, media literacy is more than just an educational issue. It is also a democratic issue, an economic issue, and increasingly a national security issue. Media literacy equips us with the skills to think critically, verify sources, assess credibility, and make informed decisions for themselves, without prescribing what we should think or believe. The Philippines has many strengths to build on. Filipinos are among the world’s most active internet and social media users. The country has a vibrant press, a robust civil society, and a young population eager to engage with digital technologies. Yet these same strengths can also create vulnerabilities. Rather than asking whether misinformation and disinformation is a problem in the Philippines, we should be asking how the country can become more resilient to it. Finland and the United Kingdom, are the current cochairs of the Media Freedom Coalition. We may not have all of the answers, but we do have some useful lessons to share. Finland has made media literacy one of the priorities of its leadership of the coalition, while the UK has emphasized helping societies navigate the opportunities and risks created by new technologies. Finland’s success is not based on a single school subject or government campaign. Rather, media literacy is woven throughout the education system, beginning in early childhood and continuing through secondary education and adult learning. Students learn not only how to consume information but also how to create content, evaluate sources, recognize disinformation, and participate responsibly in public debate. The result is a society that is
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Media literacy is national security broadly resilient to disinformation. Finland consistently ranks among the strongest performers in European media literacy assessments, sudia freedom, and high levels of public trust. The approach in the Philippines will need to reflect its unique history and culture, but the lesson from Finland is that media literacy works best when it is systematic, long-term, and embedded across society rather than treated as a one-off campaign. Similarly in the UK, through the work of Ofcom, the country’s communications regulator, media literacy is promoted as a lifelong skill that helps people use, understand, and create media across different platforms. The UK approach recognizes that responsibility does not rest solely with schools. Online platforms, broadcasters, parents, educators, regulators, and civil society all have a role in helping citizens navigate an increasingly complex information environment. An example of this is the launch of the “You Won’t Know Until You Ask” pilot campaign and the Kids Online Safety Hub earlier this year. Together, they help parents and carers support their children’s critical thinking, resilience, and safe online habits. Tens of thousands of parents and carers have already accessed support through the hub. In March 2026, the government published “A Safe, Informed Digital Nation,” a cross-government action plan for media literacy. It sets out how government will help people build the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world, access trusted information, think critically about online content and participate safely online. This whole-of-society approach is particularly relevant to the Philippines. Media literacy should should be present in classrooms, workplaces, newsrooms, community organizations, and public institutions.
Journalists can contribute by being transparent about sourcing and fact-checking. Schools can teach students how algorithms shape what they see online. Families can encourage healthy skepticism and discussion around digital content. Technology platforms can do more to promote credible information and reduce the spread of harmful falsehoods. Importantly, media literacy is not a substitute for press freedom. The two reinforce each other. A media-literate public is better able to distinguish professional journalism from propaganda. At the same time, free and independent journalism provides citizens with the reliable information needed to exercise critical judgment. This is why the goals of media freedom and media literacy are closely linked within the international work of the Media Freedom Coalition. A strong national commitment to building information resilience would be invaluable as the Philippines looks to meet these challenges. That means investing in education, supporting independent journalism, encouraging digital citizenship, and treating media literacy as an essential life skill. The Media Freedom Coalition will continue to work with and support the key initiatives of our Philippine partners from the government, journalists, and civil society in advancing media literacy. Media Literacy Week is a timely reminder that investing in media literacy today is an investment in a stronger, more resilient Philippines tomorrow. (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.
*** MS Saija Nurminen is the ambassador of Finland to the Philippines. Sarah Anne Pascale Hulton OBE is currently the British ambassador to the Philippines and Palau.
The second time around...
PAGE 8 islative elections inspired a segment of voters to ensure that not the whole government would be captured by the far right. Fourth, Lula representing the Catholic majority, a broad trend comprising Catholic social teaching with an ecumenical openness in contrast to the offensive Pentecostalism of some of Bolsonaro’s base. What galvanized matters, by all accounts, wasn’t Lula but a clever supporter who also happened to be a politician, André Janones, who launched an insurgency on WhatsApp where he had 53,000 followers. Renaming it “Lula’s Army,” in five days it grew to 3.4 million, eventually reaching 10 million—with Lula finally joining a few days before the poll, using his first-ever
Who takes over if an impeached vice president is convicted? by John Patrick Magno Philstar.com
AMID the break, discussions about Duterte's political future have been swirling, especially since a conviction could lead to her removal from office and leave another big question: who would serve as vice president next? Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the impeachment court’s presiding officer, stressed that he would refuse the position should Duterte be convicted. “Hindi ko tatanggapin sa simpleng rason, conflict of interest. Kami ’yung nagpasya eh. Hindi yata tama ’yun,” he said in a recent episode of his podcast. “But to be fair, wala akong tatanggihan dahil hindi naman ako inaalok. Ang kapal naman ng mukha ko kung sabihin kong ah, hindi ko tatanggapin, walang nagaalok ah,” he added. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano later welcomed Escudero's remarks and urged his fellow lawmakers to follow suit. “[Escudero] gave people a reason to trust that his vote would not be influenced by the prospect of becoming Vice President. With so much doubt surrounding our politics, I think we need more of that,” Cayetano said in a Facebook post. “I invited my fellow senator-judges to join me in making the same commitment. Everyone remains free to decide. I hope we can consider the concern behind the invitation before taking offense at being asked,” he continued. In a separate statement, he underscored that it is “essential” that in all impeachment proceedings, especially of presidents and vice presidents, senator-judges are “politically neutral and will have no incentive to convict except for evidence that proves the article/s of impeachment.” The impeachment trial is still underway, and no decision has been made yet, but what does the law say on who could legally take over if Duterte is convicted and removed from office? Who takes over as vice president? Constitutional lawyer Atty. Eugene Kaw told PhilSTAR L!fe that no one automatically succeeds an impeached and convicted vice president. “Under Article VII, Section 9 of the Constitution, the president must nominate a replacement from among incumbent senators or members of the House of Representatives, who must also
gentle corrections if people go off message. The result is the communications juggernaut that AlDub became, particularly around 2015-2017.” But it remains to be seen if the specific charisma of Lula is the last hurrah of an Old Brazil described as “coastal, Catholic, cordial, collectivist,” in contrast to what won but not by enough to prevent a runoff: American- PAGE 8 ized, “evangelical, defensive, tional, entitles the injured party precarious, individualistic.” (In- to rescind a contract of insurance.” quirer.net) Relevantly, the Code defines *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints concealment as “[a] neglect to expressed by the author do not necessarily communicate that which a parreflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of ty knows and ought to commuthe Asian Journal, its management, editorial nicate.” The insured knew he had cancer because his doctors board and staff. informed him of his medical con*** Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: dition. In fact, he “underwent an excision of a mass … and was di@mlq3 agnosed with metastatic cancer near his right collar bone.” Yet, he failed or neglected to disclose this information to the insurer. The Court reasoned that PAGE 8 A related challenge awaits occur. It requires institutions Monera’s concealment would lished review procedures mat- after Election Day. Prelimi- willing to investigate credible have influenced MB Life’s aster because errors are possible, nary returns are not certified allegations, disclose what their sessment of his insurance appliespecially where immigration results. Mail and provisional evidence can and cannot prove, cation. Indeed, the undisclosed information does not reflect ballots, including those from and accept judicial scrutiny of information, was in the Court’s eligible Americans overseas, the remedies they seek. subsequent naturalization. words, “inherently fraudulent.” The November 3 elections Consequently, regardless of The stakes reach immigrant require verification and procommunities, including Filipi- cessing under applicable law. will decide who holds public Monera’s actual intent, his conno Americans, whose families An orderly count may take time office. The disputes surround- cealment justified the rescission may include citizens, perma- without indicating misconduct. ing them will also test wheth- of the life insurance contract. nent residents and people still Conversely, credible evidence er federal and state authorities On the second point, petiseeking citizenship. Federal of an actual violation should be can enforce their respective tioners argued that under the voting eligibility does not de- evaluated through established responsibilities without weak- Insurance Code, the insurer pend on a surname, accent or procedures rather than dis- ening the rights they are bound birthplace. It depends on citi- missed because it is politically to protect. The citizen must follow the zenship and other lawful qual- inconvenient. Public confidence cannot be law when casting a ballot. ifications. Government records used to investigate eligibility secured by promising that ev- Government must do the same must be sufficiently accurate to ery suspicion is true, or by in- when deciding whether that PAGE 8 different set of charges or higher distinguish one from the other. sisting that no violation could ballot should count. (AJPress) costs. They call it “socialized.” The problem is many patients have no idea about rates, charges and doctors’ fees. All of this should be made known to patients at the Admitting section before admission. Between prices in the sky and purgatory in the wards, there are only four known GOCC or government-owned and -controlled corporation hospitals: Heart Center, National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI), Lung Center of the Philippines and Philippine Children’s Medical Center or PCMC. There was a time when people opted to go to the Heart Center rather than the well known private hospitals because PHC was affordable. But it seems those days are long gone. If a patient can’t produce the hundreds of thousands, even a couple million, of pesos, they have to go elsewhere. But where? What some doctors in private hospitals have COUNTDOWN BEGINS. The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits logo illuminates the SM MOA globe in Pasay City as the Philippines reportedly been doing is conofficially starts its countdown to the high-level meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The Summit will be held on Nov. 15-18. Photo by Joyce Anne Rocamora ducting expensive procedures smartphone. Reading the Times report on its methodology, it struck me as utterly familiar. In 2020, I’d summarized the methodology in this space: “A former colleague who looked into it once sketched out how marvelously the AlDub fandom works on Twitter … like this: At a certain time, key accounts will tweet the message or hashtag for the day, and it will then be taken on and tweeted in turn by a cascading series of fan clubs, all looking to the big accounts for their cue. In the meantime, other accounts are surveying the scene to see if the various clubs are tweeting with enough enthusiasm and volume; if not, they report to others who then urge on a renewed push by encouraging messages to prominent and small accounts alike, including
Election integrity requires more than...
possess the constitutional qualifications for vice president,” he explained. These qualifications include being a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least 40 years old on the day of the election, a registered voter, able to read and write, and a resident of the country for at least 10 years. However, the president’s nomination is only the first step. Kaw explained that the nominee must still be confirmed by a majority of all members of each chamber of Congress, voting separately, before assuming office. Fellow constitutional lawyer Atty. Leonardo Camacho added that the period for selecting a nominee is up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. What happens if Congress rejects the president’s nominee? In the case the nominee is rejected by Congress, Camacho said that the next step is for the president to nominate another person for the role. “If the nominee of the president for the vice presidency refuses, then the president has no choice. He cannot force a member of Congress to be vice president, so he has to nominate another person in that situation,” he noted. The vice-presidency will remain vacant until a replacement is confirmed by both chambers. Kaw stressed that the law provides no alternative appointment mechanism for the process, and that the president cannot bypass congressional confirmation through an acting or ad interim appointment. Who fills in for the congressional seat? Should the position of vice president be successfully filled, the senator or representative who has assumed office must subsequently forfeit their congressional seat. “Mere nomination does not vacate the seat. Under Article VI, Section 13, a legislator cannot hold another government office during the legislative term without forfeiting the congressional seat,” Kaw said. A special election will then occur to fill the resulting vacancy in Congress. However, Camacho noted that the official who will be elected through this process will only serve the unexpired term of the person that he or she replaced. “For example, if the senator who was appointed as vice president only has until 2028 for their term, they will only serve up until that term. But the special rule
when it comes to the Senate, ‘yung special election will be held simultaneously with the next regular election,” he said. Ordinarily, Article XI, Section 3(6) of the 1987 Constitution states that "no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate." The court previously reduced the number of votes needed to convict Duterte. The votes will now only come from senators who, at the time of the vote, remain "legally and factually capable of participating in proceedings." The remaining members will constitute the denominator from which the two-thirds will be computed. This comes after four senators have been unable to participate in the proceedings for different reasons. Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been out of the public eye amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over his alleged involvement in the drug war killings during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, meanwhile, have been detained over plunder charges linked to alleged irregularities in flood-control projects and undeclared campaign donations, respectively, while Sen. Loren Legarda has been on extended medical leave abroad. VP replacement talks 'premature' Palace Press Officer Claire Castro has said that any talks about the replacement of Duterte are "very premature" at this point. "Igalang natin ang opisina ng bise presidente," she told reporters. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian echoed the same, saying, "Tapusin muna natin 'yung impeachment before we talk about that." "To be fair sa respondent, 'di pa na-present ng defense 'yung kanilang ebidensya at testimony, so pakinggan muna natin bago tayo mag-isip ng next steps." (Philstarlife.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 two things you need to know about Patrick is that he has two surnames and that he is not a starfish. The rest is that he is an avid lover of horror, animation, and animals.
Truth and fairness in law and in life... could no longer cancel—for any concealment or misrepresentation—a life insurance policy that has been in force for two years. However, the Court rejected this argument because Monera’s policies were strictly shortterm—one lasted two months, and the other, three months— never reaching the required twoyear threshold. Noting this gap in the law concerning short-term insurance policies, the Court exercised judicial restraint and deferred to Congress the broader policy implications. Therefore, it is for the lawmakers to “determine the contestability requirements for short-term policies … [of] less than two years.” WHILE WE LOOK TO CONGRESS TO BRIDGE THIS GAP, the Monera decision is a reminder that the rule of law demands that good faith is inextricably bound to truth and fairness. Penalizing the concealment of material facts was not heartless toward the bereaved heirs; rather, it preserved the principles un-
derlying our insurance system. Truly, an insurance contract is not a mere wager on mortality; it is a covenant of mutual trust. The law simply exacts the same absolute candor from the insured during his lifetime that his grieving beneficiaries expect from the insurer upon his demise. In sum, whether couched in stipulations embedded in contracts or woven into the delicate threads of life and death, good faith brooks no half-truths and partial fairness. To keep the fabric of justice from unraveling, these threads must be secured by the binding knots of truth and fairness in law, as in parties fulfilling contracts, and in life, as in parents disciplining their children. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Comments to chiefjusticepanganiban@ hotmail.com
What would you wish for?... or surgery at a public hospital where they are “consulting.” In other words, two hospitals for one disease! Even for medicines, why do patients have to buy the medicines at pharmacies outside of the hospital? The Philippine government has purchasing power by buying in bulk and dictating volume prices. What is sick (no pun intended) is that everybody – beginning from the President, VP, the executive secretary, all senators and every member of Congress – is well aware of the shortage that has existed since the day they were born, and the problem is getting worse. There are even a couple of promising senators who made promises to allocate funds to government hospitals but never came back after the photo ops! People may get medical attention in private hospitals, but they go home with a financial disaster. The government and the legislative branch have not investigated, much less regulated, the uncontrolled pricing of private hospitals.
Patients get stuck in hospitals because the billing section still have to find out how much every attending physician is charging for professional fees, depending on how charitable or desperate the doctor is. If government can regulate airlines, bus and jeepney fares, pork and beef, why can’t they regulate and require transparency of professional fees? Why can’t professional fees for consultations be visibly listed in doctors’ offices so the patient does not face bill shock? The BIR should revive the policy of allowing taxpayers to claim a small percentage of their surgery or hospital bill as tax deductions. That way, BIR can use receipts to follow the money. Let’s pray together for more hospitals and make it an election issue. God bless. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com
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OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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Five Bulacan DPWH engineers suspended over P188.9M flood contracts by AJPress
SUPPORTING COFFEE INDUSTRY. Bae Inatlawan prepares coffee beans for drying using traditional methods in this undated photo. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Bank on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, announced PHP97.91 million in agricultural investments to boost Bukidnon’s coffee industry under the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project. Photo courtesy of Kurt Chan
Macacua elected Bangsamoro chief minister as first regular Parliament takes office by AJPress COTABATO CITY — Abdulraof Macacua, a former military leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was elected chief minister of the Bangsamoro autonomous region Friday, Oct. 30, as its first regularly elected Parliament replaced an interim administration established in 2019. Macacua won 51 votes to 27 for former chief minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim in the 80-member chamber. Seventy-nine lawmakers attended, with one abstention and one absence. Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a chief minister must secure at least 41 votes, a majority of all parliamentary seats. The result made Macacua the first chief minister chosen by an elected Bangsamoro Parliament. He had led the transitional government since March 2025, when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him to replace Ebrahim, who had headed the region's interim administration since its establishment. Macacua previously served as chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the MILF's armed wing. He heads the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), while Ebrahim chairs the MILF and its United Bangsamoro
Justice Party (UBJP). The MILF signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2014 that helped establish the region's expanded autonomy. The BFP holds 31 seats in the new Parliament, compared with 30 for the UBJP. Neither secured the 41 votes needed to elect a chief minister without support from lawmakers outside its ranks. The chamber also elected Amer Zaakaria Rakim of the BARMM Grand Coalition as speaker, with 51 votes against 27 for former interim speaker Mohammad Yacob. Lawmakers chose Hadjimar Matba and Mamintal Adiong III as deputy chief ministers for the Southwestern Mindanao and North Central Mindanao subregions, respectively. Marcos addressed the assembly before the leadership elections, urging lawmakers to improve public services, create economic opportunities and manage public resources responsibly. Macacua pledged to serve residents regardless of political affiliation and to continue the moral governance program introduced under Ebrahim. The Parliament has 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives and eight sectoral representatives. In the region's first parliamentary elections Sept.
14, 2,018,478 people voted, representing 84.34 percent of registered voters, according to the Commission on Elections. The September election followed repeated postponements and disputes over parliamentary districts. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that Sulu was outside BARMM because the province rejected ratification of the autonomy law in a 2019 plebiscite. The court subsequently invalidated a redistricting law enacted in 2025. Republic Act No. 12317, approved in March, fixed the new lawmakers' term from noon Oct. 30, 2026, until noon June 30, 2031. Unlike the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where voters directly elected a governor, the Bangsamoro uses a parliamentary system in which elected legislators select the chief minister. In an assessment released Thursday, the Asian Network for Free Elections and the National Democratic Institute said the September results were broadly accepted but identified concerns involving intimidation, vote-buying and pre-shaded ballots. The monitoring mission observed 102 polling precincts and called for investigations of reported irregularities and stronger safeguards for ballot secrecy. n
MANILA, Philippines — Five Department of Public Works and Highways engineers in Bulacan have been ordered suspended without pay for up to six months as the Office of the Ombudsman examines records associated with three flood control contracts valued at nearly P189 million. The engineers are Irene D. Ontingco, Kevin A. Geronimo, John Michael E. Ramos, Bernardo P. Villafuerte and Michelle C. Cruz, all assigned to the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office. The suspension order was announced Friday, Oct. 30. The administrative complaints allege grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and gross neglect of duty involving reinforced concrete slope revetments planned for 2024 in Barangays Piel, San Roque and Sulivan in Baliwag. The three contracts had a combined value of P188,891,898.23, the Ombuds-
man said. According to the complaint, documents concerning implementation, inspection, acceptance, billing and payment were falsified to create the appearance that contractual and legal requirements had been met. Investigators also allege that the documents were used to facilitate the award of the contracts to a joint venture. Those allegations have not been adjudicated. The Ombudsman said preventive suspension was warranted by the evidence presented at this stage and concerns that employees remaining in their posts could access relevant records or interfere with the proceedings. Preventive suspension is a precautionary measure, not a finding of administrative or criminal liability. The Bulacan district office was already under scrutiny over other flood control contracts. In January, the Commission on Audit reported suspected irregularities in four projects worth more than P325
million in Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Calumpit and Malolos. Those were separate from the Baliwag contracts covered by Friday's order. Other respondents include former DPWH officials Brice Ericson Hernandez, Henry Alcantara, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig and Juanito Mendoza, who had already been dismissed from government service. Suspension orders concerning engineer Norberto Santos and administrative officer Floralyn Simbulan could not take effect because both were detained. The Ombudsman said separate criminal complaints involving respondents are pending before its office. Two Commission on Audit personnel, Cinderella Esperanza Santos and Madonna Atencion, were also named in the administrative complaint but were not suspended. The Ombudsman found no indication that their continued presence at work would threaten evidence or obstruct the investigation. n
Cebu police begin examining devices in inquiry involving Meghan Markle’s father by AJPress MANILA — Philippine police have obtained court authorization to examine electronic devices surrendered during an investigation into allegations involving Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and wife of Britain’s Prince Harry. Cebu Regional Prosecutor Graeme Elmido said Friday, October 30, that investigators had begun examining the materials. Some devices were sent to the Philippine National Police’s central office in Manila because local cybercrime investigators lacked equipment for tests, he said. The inquiry began after Markle’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported discovering suspected child sexual abuse material while sorting through belongings at his father’s former Cebu residence.
Police received four boxes containing phones, computer components, hard drives and other items. Markle, 82, has denied possessing illegal images, calling the accusations “sick lies.” He returned to the United States earlier this year for medical treatment. Police spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said investigators must establish the nature and origin of any files and determine who possessed or controlled the devices at the relevant time. No completed forensic findings establishing Markle’s responsibility have been publicly released. The Department of Justice’s anti-trafficking and online child sexual exploitation task force in Cebu is involved. The FBI has offered assistance and said it would examine any related allegations of possible violations of U.S. federal law. Elmido said prosecutors would act if investigators developed
sufficient evidence. He emphasized that the materials must be assessed before anyone is held responsible. No charges against Markle have been publicly announced. Meghan said she was “deeply distressed” by the accusations and concerned for children who might have been harmed. She said she had restricted her father’s contact with her children to protect them. London’s Metropolitan Police acknowledged receiving a letter in January 2019 containing allegations of possible offenses outside Britain. The force passed the letter to the office of Prince Harry and Meghan but did not notify other law enforcement agencies. On Friday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct announced an investigation into the Met’s failure to forward the allegations to overseas authorities. The police force said it was arranging referrals to agencies abroad. n
U.S. pledges more funding; Japan pursues Philippine warship transfer by AJPress CEBU — The United States has announced more security cooperation funding for the Philippines, while Japan and Manila have advanced plans to transfer a Japanese warship after its retirement, amid maritime disputes with China. The announcements followed separate October 28 meetings between Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his American and Japanese counterparts during regional defense meetings in Cebu. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced additional Pentagon security cooperation funds to support modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and improve bilateral coordination, according to the Pentagon. The Pentagon did not disclose the amount, identify funded projects or specify when the money would be available. Hegseth and Teodoro also agreed to launch an initiative to modernize military com-
PAGE 8
mand-and-control systems for faster coordination. They reviewed infrastructure and storage investments at Philippine military bases covered by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which allows rotational access for American forces. The funding announcement comes as Manila faces a shortfall in its own modernization budget. The proposed 2027 Philippine budget includes 50 billion pesos for the program, up from 40 billion pesos in regular appropriations for 2026, but below the defense department's stated requirements. In separate discussions, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Teodoro agreed to pursue the transfer of the first Abukuma-class destroyer escort to the Philippine Navy after its expected decommissioning in the coming years. Japan's Defense Ministry said a bilateral working group established in May would continue coordinating the proposal. Neither government has announced which ship would be transferred or a delivery date.
The ministers also agreed on preparatory training for Philippine sailors and cooperation on the vessel's maintenance. They are discussing transferring a Japanese TC-90 aircraft by the end of Japan's 2027 fiscal year, ending in March 2028. Their talks also covered negotiations on protecting classified military information and existing agreements facilitating joint exercises and logistical support. Japan's foreign ministry says the bilateral logistics agreement took effect August 22. In another meeting, defense leaders from the Philippines, United States, Japan and Australia agreed to expand policy consultations and exercises. Hegseth separately proposed a broader U.S.-ASEAN defense framework, which has not been adopted. On October 29, China accused an unidentified Philippine politician of obstructing its participation in the Cebu meetings. Teodoro said Beijing had been invited and had an opportunity to present its views. China attended through a military attaché. n
Action speaks louder than words...
tional requirements and public accountability. Our servicemen and women deserve the tools to fulfill their mission, and our taxpayers deserve confidence that those tools will work. Third, we should continue expanding maritime exercises and cooperation with the United States and other partners. Training together improves coordination and helps our forces operate safely and effectively. It develops habits of communication that matter during emergencies. Cooperation also supports humanitarian assistance and disaster response, capabilities that an archipelagic country exposed to powerful storms will always need. This cooperation is already taking practical form. In August, the Philippines, Australia and the US conducted a maritime cooperative activity within our exclusive economic zone. Such engagements build experience and demonstrate that countries can work together in accordance with international law. Their enduring value lies in the capabilities and professional relationships they leave behind. Fourth, we should sustain the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US and develop appropriate arrangements with other willing
partners. These agreements establish the legal conditions for visiting personnel and agreed activities. Japan’s Reciprocal Access Agreement offers another framework for closer cooperation. Each arrangement must respect Philippine sovereignty and meet our constitutional requirements while serving clearly defined national interests. Finally, we must continue talking with China. Geography makes us neighbors, and our peoples have substantial interests in a stable relationship. Trade, investment and personal ties deserve room to grow. Diplomatic channels must remain available to address incidents, prevent misunderstandings and pursue practical measures that reduce danger. Talking does not require us to abandon our legal position. If the Chinese ambassador says his country chooses peace, then let that assurance become the basis for safer behavior at sea. Our fishermen should be able to pursue their livelihoods without intimidation. Our personnel should be able to carry out lawful missions without dangerous interference. Preventing collisions and avoiding escalation would give substance to the commitment he expressed. As a diplomat, I believe we
must always leave space for a peaceful resolution. As Filipinos, we have an obligation to prepare our country to defend its rights. Both responsibilities demand patience and steady work. We cannot allow every provocative remark to divert us from the policies that strengthen our position over time. Peace requires restraint, but it also requires confidence that lawful rights will be respected. This should be a continuing national effort, supported across political differences and carried forward with a clear sense of purpose. The Philippines should measure its success by the security of our people, the readiness of our institutions and the stability of our region. We will continue defending what is ours while keeping the door open to constructive dialogue. China spoke of choosing peace. We should hold it to that commitment. For both countries – action speaks louder than words. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
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Health @Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS YOUNGER generations in the United States, especially Gen Y/ Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), seem to favor socialism/Marxism, swallowing hook, line, and sinker, baited by left-leaning politicians promising lots of freebies as incentives. Some extremists are even advocating the abolition of the Police, ICE, other security governmental agencies, and worse, the elimination of the entire government we know today, in this 250-year-old USA, the great land of freedom and democracy. Obviously ignorant of the history of the dismal failure of socialism, Marxism, and communism in several countries around the world, how their political and economic decay and abridgement of all individual freedoms had led to the massive suffering of their people, socialists in America who are against capitalism and rich people in the United States, calling for redistribution of wealth, financial equality without working harder for it, are eliminating all the incentives for those driven to excel and achieve their greatest. This is what has been going on in China, Russia, and Venezuela, etc., where socialism, dictatorship, and lack of freedom, violation of human rights, have impaled the people’s lives with misery of various kinds and proportions. Americans have been very successful in their two-anda-half-century experiment in democracy and capitalism, with liberty in various aspects of life, economic prowess, political superiority, and international dominance. Not perfect, but still the best in the world. In the Philippines, 80 years of democ-
C olumnists
Socialism - Bad for Health racy since July 4, 1946, 40 years after the Marcos dictatorship, from Cory Aquino to the present, thank God, without such a crazy socialist movement. Of course, freedom is not free. The toll in human lives to gain liberty is great, but the final dividend and benefits are worth the sacrifice. Living a life of freedom and limitless opportunities is priceless. Perhaps those who are advocating socialism for Americans should live in China, Russia, or Venezuela, etc., even for 6 months, to actually live the difference. I am sure they will all be running back home fast, except for the masochists. Socialism impacts healthcare The intersection of socialism and healthcare delivery is rooted in the philosophy that medical care is a fundamental human right rather than a market commodity. In a purely socialist healthcare model, the state owns, operates, and funds the healthcare infrastructure, aiming to provide universal access regardless of an individual's wealth. While this approach seeks to eliminate financial barriers to care, its real-world implementation has yielded mixed results, ranging from equitable baseline health outcomes to catastrophic systemic collapses. Socialist principles impact healthcare delivery primarily through central planning and universal coverage. By centralizing funding—typically through progressive (high) taxation—these systems effectively remove profit margins and insurance administrative overhead. This allows governments to focus heavily on preventative medicine, primary care, and public health campaigns, which can lead to high immunization rates and increased life expectancy across lower-income populations. Furthermore, centralized bargaining power enables the state to negotiate lower
prices for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, containing overall national health expenditures, but to the detriment of these companies and allied businesses, eventually leading to poor-quality and delayed health care. However, the state-directed model introduces significant structural challenges. Without market mechanisms to balance supply and demand, socialist healthcare systems frequently rely on non-price rationing. This often manifests as prolonged wait times for elective surgeries, specialized diagnostic imaging, and consultations with specialists. Bureaucracy can stifle administrative efficiency, and rigid state budgets may lead to underinvestment in cutting-edge medical technologies and infrastructure. Furthermore, when healthcare professional salaries are strictly capped by the government, it can result in a "brain drain," where top medical talent migrates to countries with market-driven, higher-compensating systems, like the United States. The most prominent examples of failed socialist healthcare delivery occur when systemic political and economic crises dismantle state funding. Venezuela serves as a contemporary case of severe healthcare failure under a socialist framework. Following the expansion of state-controlled medical programs under the "Barrio Adentro" initiative, subsequent economic collapse, hyperinflation, and state mismanagement left the country's public hospitals without basic medical supplies, electricity, or running water. This triggered a resurgence of eradicated infectious diseases like malaria and measles alongside a massive exodus of medical professionals. S i m i l a r l y, t h e h i s t o r i c a l healthcare system of the Soviet Union experienced a severe PAGE 12
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What is the difference between an Annulment and a Divorce? Barrister’s Corner A tty . K enneth U rsua R eyes WHAT is the difference between a divorce and an annulment? Many people think these concepts are the same and interchangeable. There are many differences between the two concepts. A divorce ends a valid existing marriage. In a nullity, a determination is made about the validity of the marriage itself. When a marriage is annulled, it has the same effect as if the marriage never existed. A nullity results in a void. In California, any spouse can obtain a divorce regardless of the reason. A common basis used is a catchall phrase “irreconcilable differences.” However, anyone who wants to end a marriage can end the marriage and there is nothing the other spouse can do to stop that. However in a petition for nullity, the court will not automatically grant you the nullity. There has to be a legal basis for seeking the nullity as outlined in the family code. Some of the basis are 1) entering into a bigamous marriage 2) incestuous marriage 3)fraud in obtaining the other spouse’s consent to marriage 4) incurable physical incapacity 5) unsound mind among others. The petitioner would have to prove one of these grounds in court to be able to get a nullity.
In a Nullity, there is a statute of limitations. That means you have to file your nullity within a certain time period depending on the basis for seeking the Nullity. Each ground has a different statute of limitation. For example, if you are filing the nullity based on fraud, you have to file within 4 years of discovering the fraud. If you blow the statute of limitation, this can be used as a defense to dismiss your case. On the other hand there is no statute of limitation in a divorce. You can file a divorce at any time regardless of how long you have been separated from your spouse. In a divorce, husband and wife are presumed to be the parents of children born during the marriage. In a Nullity, the marriage has no validity so it will affect the presumption of parentage of the children. The Court will have to make a finding of parentage for the children on a different basis before it can make orders relating to custody, visitation, and support. The treatment of spousal support (alimony) is different between the two. In a divorce, the spouse that has less earning capacity and access to resources may seek an award of spousal support. This is not available in a Nullity since the marriage is invalid and there is no spouse as a result. The division of property is also different. In a divorce, community property is divided equally between the spouses. In a nullity, since there is no valid marriage, there is no community property created and properties are not
divided between the spouse. Similarly, neither party can receive survivorship benefits and inheritance rights from the other party in a Nullity. Finally, there are different immigration consequences between a divorce and a nullity when an immigrant spouse is involved. In a divorce, the immigrant spouse who obtains a greencard from a US Citizen spouse stands a bigger chance of keeping his or her greencard and ultimately become a US Citizen. In a nullity, the immigrant spouse may lose their greencard status when the marriage is found to be invalid since it is the basis for the greencard. It can jeopardize the immigration status of the legal permanent resident spouse.
*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
Daniel Arceo Opens Grail Room, Bringing Collectibles and Community to Gardena
The Call to Draw Closer to God Pastor’s Notes Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas THE other day, I was surprised by a social media post about In-N-Out Burger’s tradition of printing Bible verse references on its packaging. The practice began with Rich Snyder, an uncle of owner Lynsi Snyder, who has continued the tradition in honor of his faith and memory. Honestly, I had never paid attention to these references on the burger wrappers and soda cups. I suppose I was more interested in what was inside the wrapping! But learning about them made me pause, especially when I discovered that the hamburger and cheeseburger packaging carries the reference Revelation 3:20. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” Jesus says. He promises that if we hear His voice and open the door, He will enter and share a meal with us. What a beautiful invitation to encounter while enjoying a meal! It reminds us that Jesus desires a place in our hearts and lives. He wants us to listen to His voice, welcome His presence, and grow in friendship with Him. Yet how easily we miss His knocking. Our schedules are full, our minds are occupied, and our phones demand our attention ev-
EMPLOYMENT
ery few minutes. Amid competing voices, a Scripture reference can remind us of a deeper hunger: our hunger for God. This invitation captures the heart of the Solemnity of All Saints. It reminds us of God’s universal call to holiness. Every one of us is called to place Him at the center of our lives and allow His love to shape our thoughts, decisions, and relationships. We sometimes imagine that holiness belongs only to people whose statues stand in churches. But the saints were people who faced struggles, temptations, disappointments, and fears. Their holiness grew through their response to God’s grace, through prayer, repentance, perseverance, and love. All Saints’ Day celebrates the canonized saints and the countless saints whose names we do not know. Among them are ordinary people who lived with extraordinary faithfulness: parents who sacrificed for their children, caregivers who served patiently, and neighbors who fed the hungry or comforted the lonely. Their lives remind us that the path to holiness runs through our homes, workplaces, and communities. The saints teach us how to pray. Their lives and writings guide us toward a deeper relationship with God. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, the spiritual gifts of these witnesses have been handed down so that others may share in their spirit of faith (2684).
One way to follow their example is to spend time with Sacred Scripture. We can read a passage slowly, reflect on what it reveals about God, and ask: “Lord, what are You inviting me to do today?” Then we must put that Word into practice. Perhaps it calls us to forgive someone, speak more gently, visit a lonely friend, or make time for prayer. Through these faithful responses, we open the door to Christ. Nourished by prayer and the sacraments, we allow His presence to transform us. So, the next time you visit InN-Out, notice those Scripture references. Look them up. John 3:16 on the soda cup reminds us that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that those who believe in Him may have eternal life. Even an ordinary lunch can become an occasion to remember God’s extraordinary love. This All Saints’ Day, may we do more than admire the saints. May we follow their example by listening for Christ’s voice and welcoming Him into our daily lives. He is knocking. May we open the door. A blessed and grace-filled All Saints’ Day to all of you!
*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California
EMPLOYMENT
FOR Daniel Arceo, the thrill of collecting began long before opening a shop. It was there in the Pokémon cartoons he watched, the video games he played and the cards he collected growing up. With the grand opening of Grail Room in Gardena, he is turning that lifelong interest into a business where fellow enthusiasts can discover something worth adding to their own collections. Speaking at the opening, Arceo said he wanted to bring something new to the city. Grail Room takes a boutique approach, combining hard-to-find trading cards with clothing and streetwear, including Chrome Hearts. “I wanted to offer something new to the community,” he said. The name reflects that vision: a place to find “grails,” the sought-after pieces collectors hope to uncover. While Pokémon is a major draw, the shop’s selection also includes Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece and Riftbound. Arceo said his team brings expertise in different collecting niches, helping the store serve a range of interests. Sealed Pokémon products and individual cards are part of the mix, giving visitors different ways to explore the hobby. For Arceo, Pokémon’s appeal is deeply personal. Born in the 1990s, he grew up with the franchise across television, trading cards and Nintendo gaming systems. He played Yu-Gi-Oh! as well, but Pokémon remains his
primary collecting interest. “I think the nostalgia is what really draws people,” he said, describing adults who can now afford items they wanted as children. That connection between childhood memories and adult collecting helps explain the experience Arceo wants to create. He described Pokémon as family-friendly and recognizable across generations, with new releases and collaborations keeping longtime fans engaged. At Grail Room, that enthusiasm brings trading cards and fashion into the same space, reflecting the interests of an owner who sees room for both. Although the store emphasizes collectible finds, Arceo also wants to support people who play
FOR RENT
the games. He hopes eventually to establish a dedicated space where players can find cards and other necessities for their decks. Looking ahead over the next five years, he would also like to organize more community gatherings, including a card show or an outdoor market featuring clothing and Pokémon collectibles. The grand opening marks the start of that larger ambition. For Arceo, Grail Room is a way to share an interest that has stayed with him since childhood while giving Gardena a new destination for discovery. As he builds the business, his hopes extend beyond what fills its shelves to the people who will gather around a shared passion. “Everybody can relate to Pokémon,” he said.
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Socialism - Bad for Health... PAGE 11 decline in its later decades. While the Semashko system initially succeeded in combating infectious diseases and establishing widespread geographic access, chronic underfunding by the 1970s and 1980s led to a stark decline in the quality of care. Soviet hospitals suffered from shortages of basic disposables, such as sterile syringes, and fell significantly behind Western
nations in medical technology and specialized treatments. In summary, socialism in healthcare prioritizes equity and preventative access, often successfully lowering financial barriers for the general population. However, its long-term viability depends entirely on the economic stability of the state. When centralized economies falter or mismanage resources, the healthcare system loses its sole funding mechanism,
transforming the promise of universal care into severe shortages and systemic failure. This eventually happens to all socialist/Marxist/communist nations. As for liberty, these undemocratic and restrictive systems, in reality, abridge your freedom to say what you want and do what you want, without fearing for your life. While they seem to promise free this and free that, these are material things that are not worth the loss of freedom we now enjoy in this land of the brave and of the free. Those freebies are short-lived and soon disappear. All we have to do in a capitalist environment is to work diligently and earn an honest wage, which will allow us to buy those things and live with self-reliance and pride. Plus human rights and human dignity as bonuses. When it comes to healthcare and its delivery to the public, the United States is second to none. People from neighboring and far countries fly to the United States for state-of-theart diagnostic and specialized medical and surgical therapeutic procedures, which are readily and promptly accessible to all. In this age of information, where Dr. Google is on-call 24/7, it behooves everyone to learn about the nightmares of socialism, Marxism, and communism before unwittingly and unwisely jumping into the fires of these repressive, authoritarian, and human-rights-abusive systems with ignorance and stupidity. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
Joy Mendoza Rojas Holds 10th Solo Exhibition at ArtistSpace
ATTY. Jose Ferdinand “Joy” Mendoza Rojas II, a practicing lawyer and former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, presented his 10th solo art exhibition, “Sequens Gradus,” at ArtistSpace in the Ayala Museum Annex in Makati City in late October. The exhibition was organized in collaboration with JRFII Studio and The Saturday Group of Artists. Guests at the opening ribbon-cutting ceremony included art patron Marivic Madrigal Vasquez, businessman Rommel Panganiban, neurologist Dr. Vincent de Guzman, auction house owner Jaime Ponce de Leon, fashion designer Robbie Santos, horse breeder Mariano V. Tirona, artist Roel Obemio, gemologist Jun Jun Ablaza, art collector Albert Yam, former Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, former Congressman Luis Campos, and Bank of the Philippine Islands independent director Ignacio Bunye. The Latin title “Sequens Gradus” translates to “The Next Step,” reflecting a shift in the artist’s visual style. Curated by art critic and poet Carlomar Arcangel Daoana, the exhibition highlighted Rojas’ growing emphasis on figurative art. Rather than abandoning the vibrant abstraction for which he is known, Rojas blends the two styles. He overlays recognizable images, cultural figures, and specific places onto the energetic, textured surfaces that define his abstract work. In his “Master Color” series, Rojas places figures, including a dancing man and woman and a pair of children, within the illusion of interior spaces. On the walls of these painted rooms, he includes “mini-abstracts,” creating paintings within paintings. Figures also take center stage in his tributes to influential artists. He incorporates recognizable imagery, including National Artist BenCab’s Sabel, Banksy’s
(From left) Robert Paul Cantoy, Jandy Rojas Cantoy, Atty. Trisha Bunye-Rojas and Atty. Joy Mendoza Rojas.
Artist Atty. Joy Mendoza Rojas (seated, 4th from left) with his pet TJ and family members.
Atty. Trisha Bunye-Rojas with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Luis Campos with his wife Abby BinayCampos.
Atty. Joy Mendoza Rojas’ new works such as a man and a woman dancing, as well as a pair of children.
Jazz saxophonist Lance Lahorra.
More recent artistic works of Atty. Joy Mendoza Rojas. (From left) Pet dog TJ, Atty. Trisha BunyeRojas and Marivic Madrigal Vasquez.
Inspiring works of artist Joy Mendoza Rojas.
Girl with the Red Balloon, and Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits, reinterpreting them through his own palette and textures. Drawing on memories of his travels, the collection features Japan’s delicate cherry blossoms, New England’s autumn foliage, and the bright summer landscapes of the French Riviera. Other works reflect his interest in sacred imagery and horses.
*** 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.
Rogelio Constantino Medina and Onofre “Noy” Consolacion III. *** Associate Professor III Rogelio Constantino Medina is an award-winning Filipino international journalist, columnist and academic. He is well regarded for his extensive contributions to Philippine media and major international news publications. His career spans several decades and covers a wide range of fields, including news, business, travel, lifestyle, science, sports and health. He has written for major international publications such as the Far Eastern Economic Review in Hong Kong, The Japan Times in Tokyo and Gulf News in Dubai. Notably, he made history as the first Filipino journalist to interview Japan’s first astronaut, Dr. Mamoru Mohri. He is also credentialed with the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Centers in New York City and Washington, D.C. *** Email: rogelio.medina@asianjournalinc.com
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Who wants to win $1,000,000.00 right before the holidays? Guests can win a lot of cash in November, courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino Plus, Pechanga Guests Get the Chance to Win Tickets to the Big Game in February TEMECULA, Calif.– Just before the start of the busy holiday season, Pechanga Resort Casino looks to gift its guests a cool one million dollars in cash and prizes. Pechanga invites everyone to mark their calendars for Saturdays in November because one lucky winner each night will go home with $100,000.00 cash. Two hundred additional winners receive EasyPlay®. But Pechanga guests can only win if they first earn entries into the big promotion, and then are present to win on Saturdays in November. To earn entries for the chance to win the cool cash, guests first need to be a member of Pechanga Rewards. Signing up is free and easy. They must be 21 or older and sign up at the Rewards Desk inside Pechanga Resort Casino. Whenever that guest plays their favorite slots or table games with their Rewards card properly inserted into a slot machine or at a table game, he or she will automatically earn drawing entries into the $1 million giveaway. Ahead of each week’s drawing, guests must activate their entries by inserting their Rewards card into any slot machine between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on the day of the drawing. EasyPlay will be awarded to guests who activate their entries, each hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The grand finale Saturday selection for one player to win $100,000.00 happens at 10 p.m. Pechanga Resort Casino also gives guests the chance to win tickets to the Big Game at SoFi Stadium in February. Every Monday, Thursday and Sunday when Rewards members purchase food or drinks at Kelsey’s inside Pechanga Resort Casino, they will receive the chance to play the Super Game Swipe and an entry to win a pair of tickets to see the two best football teams in the country go head to head for the national title. The guest will automatically receive guaranteed EasyPlay ranging from $5 to $500. Visit Pechanga.com for more details. Guests
must be 21 or older to enter the casino, and must be 21 or older to become a member of Pechanga Rewards. A San Diego County, Calif. woman started off October with a massive jackpot win of $1,153,944.82 after a recent visit to Pechanga Resort Casino. She enjoyed the casino floor, tried her luck on a Dragon Link Happy and Prosperous™ slot by Aristocrat Gaming, then hit it big. The guest bet the minimum amount able to be wagered for the machine - $25. Moments later, gold coin images continued to fill up across the screen during her bonus round until the entire screen filled with coins, signaling she won the progressive jackpot and would be $1,153,944.82 richer. The winner chose to keep her plans private, but her milestone win continues a run of exciting jackpot payouts at Pechanga Resort Casino. About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best resort/casino in California by Condé Nast Traveler and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features an unrivaled destination in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, on Instagram and on X @PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort Casino is open 24 hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino. (Advertising Supplement)
UCLA Fil Am Alumnus Recognized at the Rose Bowl ON October 24, 2026, Bobby Rimas, a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Filipino American alumnus, was recognized alongside fellow UCLA Alumni Association network leaders during UCLA’s Homecoming football game against Michigan State University at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Rimas has a longstanding record of service and leadership within the UCLA Alumni Association, having served in various capacities, including Chair and Scholarship Director of the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association. In these roles, he contributed to scholarship fundraising initiatives, supported Board leadership development, and monitored the growth and progress of the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Endowment Fund. He also spearheaded one of the organization’s largest annual scholarship benefits, an event that honored distinguished community leaders and facilitated the awarding of 17 scholarships to deserving students. Rimas currently serves as President of the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association, where he provides strategic leadership, oversees organizational governance, and advances professional development opportunities for alumni and students through a series of educational webinars. On August 15, 2026, Rimas led the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association’s Pool Party, bringing together alumni, friends, and community members for an engaging afternoon of networking, fellowship, and connection in a welcoming poolside setting. The event fostered meaningful relationships and strengthened engagement within the broader LGBTQ+ community. Beyond its social impact, the fundraiser demonstrated the association’s continued commitment to supporting UCLA students: 70% of the event’s proceeds directly fund scholarships for deserving UCLA students, while the remaining 30% supports the association’s operations and alumni programming. Rimas is a the Director and Faculty Member of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at California State University, Los Angeles. He is also a Paralegal at an Am Law 100 international law firm. His commitment to diversity, equity, and
Bobby Rimas at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
inclusion extends to his role as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Stonewall Democratic Club. Additionally, he serves as a Commssioner on the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. Rimas holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA, a Master of Legal Studies degree, cum laude, with a concentration in Compliance and Legal Risk Management from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education from The University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University Shreveport.
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Filipino Canadian actor Eric Bauza, who voiced Maricel Soriano, McCoy de Leon win FAMAS acting honors; Maris Racal Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and General Button receives new distinction Wutton in ‘Forgotten Island’ dies at 46 by Janet Susan R. Nepales
by AJPress
FILIPINO Canadian actor Eric Bauza, who voiced Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and most recently General Button Wutton in DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island,” recently passed away. He was 46. The Emmy Award-winning actor died at a home in Los Angeles County on October 25. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that the cause of his death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease and classified his death as natural. In an Instagram post, his family announced his death: “Eric Bauza, Emmy Award-winning voice actor and the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters, has passed away suddenly. More details to come.” Bauza voiced characters in over 400 productions with roles in “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “Looney Tunes Cartoons,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated.” His work spanned a host of other beloved Looney Tunes characters, including Porky Pig, Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, and Road Runner. He won three Children’s & Family Emmy Awards
MANILA — Maricel Soriano and McCoy de Leon won the top acting awards at the 74th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards on October 27, while Maris Racal received a newly introduced distinction whose criteria FAMAS subsequently clarified. Soriano was named Best Actress for Meet, Greet & Bye, and de Leon won Best Actor for In Thy Name at the ceremony in The Manila Hotel's Fiesta Pavilion. In Thy Name, which follows the ordeal of abducted priest Rhoel Gallardo, also won Best Picture, Best Director for Ceasar Soriano and Best Visual Effects. The historical drama Quezon, about former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon, also received four awards. Mon Confiado and Karylle won the sup-
Eric Bauza During the Premiere of Forgotten Island. Photos Courtesy of DreamWorks.
for his work on “Teen Titans Go!,” “Bugs Bunny Builders” and “Looney Tunes Cartoons.” Born in Scarborough, Toronto, the well-loved and charming actor was the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny in the “Looney Tunes” cartoons. A “Looney Tunes” fan ever since he was a kid, Bauza said that watching the cartoons was part of his bonding with his Filipino immigrant father and grandfather.
Ruffa Gutierrez says father Eddie Gutierrez is cancer-free by AJPress
MANILA — Veteran actor Eddie Gutierrez, 84, is cancer-free, according to his daughter Ruffa Gutierrez, who shared the news Tuesday, October 27, during a screening of her film Red Crown in Taguig City. “I want to share with you the good news, my dad is cancer free,” Ruffa told reporters. She said the family received the news about two weeks earlier but had chosen to keep details of his medical condition private. Eddie underwent a spinal procedure in Singapore in December 2025 and returned for further treatment in January. At the time, Ruffa said he was recovering from a spinal infection, with improvement in his condition but concerns about his mobility.
Photo from Instagram/@iloveruffag
In 2021, Ruffa reported that her father had been cleared of prostate cancer after an operation. A family publicist subsequently clarified that a biopsy had shown no cancer. Ruffa did not specify whether the latest
by AJPress
Kris Aquino during her interview with Boy Abunda on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda. Screenshot from GMA Network/YouTube
suggest that her illnesses had resolved. She credited relatives and friends with helping her through costly treatment. Reflecting on mortality, she said, “I hope to make it to 60.” Her son Bimby, 19, said he hoped Aquino and Abunda, his godfather, would accompany him down the aisle when he marries. Aquino said she would prefer to be hospitalized at the end of her life to spare her son further distress. Asked whether he could envision becoming Philippine president, Bimby answered, “Absolutely!” He announced no political plans. Aquino said First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had helped handle her annulment from James Yap, recalling that she saw her twice at the law firm's offices. Aquino, who has resumed selected endorsement work, expressed interest in working again with Abunda in 2027, possibly on a television special or podcast. Neither announced a confirmed project.
Katseye to hold 2 shows in PH by Anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
Filipino Eyekons have something to look forward to in 2027 as global girl group Katseye is set to return to the Philippines for their ‘The Wildworld Tour.” The group announced the Asia, Australia, and New Zealand legs of their tour through its social media pages on Thursday, Oct. 29. Their Philippine shows are set for Jan. 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, and Feb. 7 at SM Seaside Cebu Arena in Cebu. “We can’t wait to see even more of our EYEKONS in 2027!” the group said. Eyekons membership registration runs from Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. to Nov. 1 at 6:59 p.m., followed by the membership presale on Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mastercard holders can access the presale from Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. to Nov. 12 at 10 a.m., while the artist presale runs on Nov. 12 from noon to 11:59 p.m. General ticket sales begin on Nov. 13 at noon. Further details including the ticket prices have
for Best Musical Score. Filmmakers Lav Diaz and Jose Javier Reyes received honorary awards, while pop groups BINI and SB19 received FAMAS Youth Achievement Awards. After the ceremony, FAMAS issued an October 28 statement explaining its two actress awards. The organization said its Best Actress selection considers not only a nominated performance but an actress's wider body of work, including versatility, consistency and contributions to Philippine cinema. The new Actress of Distinction honor, it said, recognizes an individual performance on its own artistic merits. FAMAS cited Soriano's extensive career and Racal's performance in Sunshine in explaining the separate honors. Neither recognition, it said, was intended to rank one actress above the other.
assessment concerned a separate diagnosis or his earlier prostate condition. She thanked supporters who prayed for her father during his treatment, including admirers overseas, as the family coped with uncertainty about his recovery. Ruffa also dismissed false online reports that her mother, talent manager Annabelle Rama, had died. Fabricated claims McCoy De Leon, Maricel Soriano, and Maris Racal celebrate their respective wins at the 2026 FAMAS Awards about Eddie circulated in FebPhoto from Facebook/@FamasOfficialPage ruary, prompting him to issue a video denial. Rama, whose birthday is October 31, is managing diabetes and high blood pressure, Ruffa said. The family hopes she will exercise more and improve her diet. Ruffa urged online content creators to stop spreading false stories about celebrities and their families.
Kris Aquino discusses possible government role, ongoing medical treatment MANILA — Kris Aquino said she would consider serving as Philippine health secretary if her health improved, citing years of treatment for autoimmune illnesses and the expense of medical care. The television personality, 55, spoke during a two-part interview on GMA Network’s Fast Talk with Boy Abunda aired October 28 and 29. Asked whether she would enter politics, she replied, “Yes, but I'm not healthy.” Her late father, former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., had envisioned a political future for her, she said, but pursuing one would require “a miracle.” Aquino, whose mother, Corazon Aquino, and brother, Benigno Aquino III, served as president, said she hoped a future administration might appoint her to the Department of Health. She advocated more affordable medicines, including reconsidering import taxes, and better school nutrition through meals and milk. Some medicines already qualify for value-added tax exemptions under Philippine law. No appointment has been announced. She also called for honest government appointees, clarifying that she was not referring to any particular official. In an October 27 Instagram post, Aquino said two major organs required further medical attention, without identifying them. In the interview, she reported having some better days but did not
porting acting categories, while Pong Ignacio received Best Cinematography and Jerrold Tarog won Best Editing. Racal, who was also nominated for Best Actress, became the first recipient of the Actress of Distinction award for Sunshine, in which she portrays a teenage gymnast facing an unexpected pregnancy. Her co-star Annika Co won Best Child Performer. The recognition followed two other acting awards for Racal this month. She shared Best Actress with Odette Khan at the October 8 Gawad Urian Awards and tied with Soriano for Movie Actress of the Year at the October 25 Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards. Other FAMAS winners included Bar Boys: After School for Best Screenplay, Manila's Finest for Best Production Design and Best Sound, and Song of the Fireflies
Photo from Instagram/@katseyeworld
yet to be announced as of this writing. Katseye is composed of members Lara Raj, Yoon-chae, Megan Skiendiel, Daniela Avanzini, Manon Bannerman and Filipino performer Sophia Laforteza. Bannerman and Laforteza are currently on hiatus, with the latter expected to resume group activities in January. Katseye last visited the Philippines in 2024 for a fan showcase.
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VOIC3S: Three Artists, Three Distinctive Talents, One Extraordinary Experience
HERE I am again after a long hiatus! Sometimes life calls us to step away from our routines and see the world. Traveling and experiencing new cultures have given me fresh perspectives, wonderful memories and a renewed appreciation for the world. But now, I’m back, mga kababayan, with something exciting to share: an unforgettable musical experience. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of watching VOIC3S, featuring three extraordinary Filipino artists: the one and only Concert King, Martin Nievera; the phenomenal vocal powerhouse Jed Madela; and the incredibly talented Sofronio Vasquez, winner of Season 26 of The Voice. What an amazing combination of talent, artistry and musical brilliance! The concert was electrifying from the start. A string of Backstreet Boys hits set the stage on fire, and the audience was swept into a night of memorable melodies and nostalgia. As someone who grew up with the music of the ’80s and ’90s, I
The LA show producers
loved hearing familiar songs that brought back memories. It was a delightful trip down memory lane and a reminder of why these songs have endured. Each artist brought a distinct voice and personality to the stage, together creating a show of international classics, Filipino songs and music from earlier decades. JED MADELA: A VOICE THAT NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE Jed Madela showed why he is regarded as one of the Philippines’ exceptional vocal talents. His power, control and range were on full display in his Carpenters medley. The songs call for precision, warmth and sensitivity. Jed hon-
The artists with Anna Puno, founder and president of Starmedia Entertainment
ored their timeless quality while making them his own. The medley was polished without losing the tenderness at the heart of the songs. Great singing is not just about hitting the right notes; it is about making the audience feel a song. Jed has that gift, and it was a pleasure to witness it. SOFRONIO VASQUEZ: A PROUD SHOWCASE OF FILIPINO MUSICAL HERITAGE Sofronio Vasquez’s extraordinary voice continues to make Filipinos proud. His interpretation of George Canseco’s compositions was a highlight. These songs of love, longing and heartbreak hold a special place in many Filipino hearts. Hearing Sofronio perform them with passion reminded me of
our rich musical heritage and the power of Filipino music to touch the soul. He brings sincerity and emotion as well as vocal excellence. He made these familiar compositions feel immediate while preserving the feeling that has kept them close to Filipino listeners for years. His success on the international stage is something we can all celebrate. Filipino talent continues to shine wherever music takes us. MARTIN NIEVERA: THE CONCERT KING AND A TRUE LEGEND And then, of course, there was my all-time favorite, the one and only MARTIN NIEVERA! When Martin sang classics such as “On the Right Track” and
“Be My Lady,” I felt that familiar excitement again. These songs are part of our soundtrack, carrying memories that remain meaningful through the years. Martin makes his best-known songs feel alive. His experienced voice, confident stage presence and connection with the audience make a performance feel personal, drawing people into a shared experience of laughter, nostalgia and emotion. After more than four decades in music, Martin remains a force to be reckoned with. His longevity reflects his talent, dedication, versatility and love for his craft. Few singers have his staying power and appeal across generations. He has earned the admiration of longtime fans while continuing to captivate new audiences. Watching him reminded me why he is called the Concert King. His artistry combines storytelling and connection, creating memories that last beyond the final note. To me, Martin is a legend and an institution in Philippine entertainment. His performances have marked so many moments in our lives, and he holds a special place in my heart. VOIC3S: THREE ARTISTS, THREE DISTINCTIVE TALENTS, ONE EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE VOIC3S brought three outstanding performers with dis-
tinct but complementary styles to one stage, pairing nostalgia and timeless classics with the emotional depth of Filipino songs. The show gave each performer room to shine while keeping the evening cohesive and engaging. For Filipinos in Los Angeles, evenings like this are meaningful. Though we live far from the Philippines, concerts like VOIC3S bring us closer to home, our roots and the music and culture that shaped us. ONE OF MY FAVORITE CONCERT EXPERIENCES OF THE YEAR Congratulations to StarMedia, Anna Puno and everyone behind the scenes. Bringing these artists to Los Angeles took vision and careful planning, and the result was an evening of beautiful music. To our three phenomenal performers, thank you for sharing your gifts with us. Jed Madela, continue inspiring us with your extraordinary voice. Sofronio Vasquez, continue making the Filipino community proud as your audience grows. And to my favorite, Martin Nievera, the one and only Concert King, may you continue to grace the stage with your talent, charisma and passion for music. After more than 40 years, your music remains part of our lives and reminds us why we fell in love with your artistry. BRAVO, JED! BRAVO, SOFRONIO! BRAVO, MARTIN NIEVERA! Congratulations to StarMedia, Anna Puno and the production team on a job beautifully done! MABUHAY ANG MUSIKANG PILIPINO! MABUHAY ANG ATING MGA ARTISTANG PILIPINO! Until my next adventure, mga kababayan, keep celebrating life, enjoying good music and supporting Filipino talent around the world. *** Monet Lu is an accomplished beauty stylist, entrepreneur, and visionary who has dedicated more than four decades to beauty, fashion, and makeup. As a salon owner for over 40 years, he has built an enduring legacy through his generosity of spirit and commitment to excellence. A stylist, entrepreneur, producer, mentor, and champion of beauty and talent, he is an icon whose influence continues to inspire.
Coco Martin calls for greater government support for Filipino films abroad by AJPress MANILA — Actor and filmmaker Coco Martin has called for stronger government support for Philippine cinema, saying local filmmakers could reach wider international audiences if they had more resources. Speaking with reporters during Mang Inasal Ihaw Fest on October 25 at Ayala Malls Feliz, Martin recalled working on independent films that, he said, were produced for as little as P500,000 yet managed to compete at international festivals. “Kung nasusuportahan lang tayo ng tama ng gobyerno natin, maipagmamalaki natin ang buong Pilipinas,” Martin said. Among his early film credits is Brillante Mendoza's Kinatay, which competed at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. Martin played Peping, a criminology student, in the film, for which Mendoza received the festival's Best Director award. Philippine films continue to appear at international festivals. The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) identified four Philippine films among the official selections at this year's Busan International Film Festival in South Korea. Government assistance for the industry includes programs administered by the FDCP. On October 13, its Film Philippines Office introduced
an expanded International Co-Production Fund, offering up to P13 million for eligible Philippine-led feature films and series produced with foreign partners. Projects in which Filipino producers hold minority stakes may qualify for up to P7 million. The agency selected eight projects in September for co-production funding or filming-location incentives. They included One for the Road, directed by Kip Oebanda and co-produced by Regal Entertainment in the Philippines and Mocha Chai Laboratories in Singapore. On October 22, the FDCP signed an agreement with the British Council to assess the industry's economic contribution and develop recommendations for future government policy. Martin also spoke about the country's natural attractions, including its beaches and mountains, saying the Philippines had cultural and tourism assets that deserved greater recognition abroad. He connected his interest in promoting Filipino culture to Coco Martin's Sigabo, the ABS-CBN series that premiered June 22 and stars Julia Montes. Martin is a co-director and co-producer as well as the lead actor. He said he wants the program to show characters working for their communities and to introduce younger viewers to Filipino values.
Photo from Instagram/@cocomartin_ph
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How Vivian Young’s Filipino Immigrant Roots Shaped Her Approach to Leadership From a childhood marked by the pressure to assimilate to a senior role at JPMorganChase, Young reflects on career reinvention, cultural identity and why professional success carries a responsibility to lift others. GROWING up on Long Island, New York, Vivian Young wanted to look like the other children around her. Few families in her community were Asian. Some classmates mocked her appearance, making gestures at their eyes and calling her racial slurs. She struggled to understand why she was being singled out. “I wanted to have lighter skin. I wanted to have lighter hair. I wanted to be just like everybody else. I wanted to be American,” Young recalled in an exclusive interview with Asian Journal. Decades later, Young is global head of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs at JPMorganChase, where her responsibilities include strengthening connections among employees, business leaders and the communities they serve. The child who once wished to blend in has become an executive who urges others to recognize their differences and help make colleagues’ contributions visible. Her career has included wealth management, financial planning, product development and marketing. But the experiences she returns to when discussing leadership begin earlier: with a young immigrant family’s efforts to belong, the people who recognized promise in her and a career move that forced her to reconsider what she could do. The promise and price of becoming American Young came to the United States at age 3. Her father was an accountant, and her parents were in their mid-20s as the family began building a life in a new country. They lived first in Brooklyn, then moved to Long Island, where Young and her sister grew up. Young recalls that theirs was one of only three Filipino families in the community. Her parents wanted the family to become fully American. They emphasized speaking only English and hoped their children would grow up without a Filipino accent, viewing assimilation as a way to integrate fully into American society. “I don’t speak Filipino, but I understand it. I will answer you in English,” she said, describing the lasting effect of those expectations. Assimilation, however, did not
spare the family from prejudice. Young recalls experiencing racial bullying and witnessing discrimination directed at her parents. She wondered how they were supposed to reconcile such treatment with the opportunities they had come to seek. At the time, she did not embrace Filipino food or culture. With few Asian classmates and few role models who resembled her, she wanted to resemble the people around her. The small number of Filipino families who had found one another formed a community, but that did not erase the pressure she felt to fit in. Other people offered a different lesson. Young remembers mentors and allies who saw potential in her before she recognized it herself. Their encouragement gave her examples of how a person could help another imagine a larger future. College expanded her perspective. At Stony Brook University, she met students from different places and backgrounds who spoke other languages and openly embraced their cultures. Her sorority big sister was Filipino, a connection that brought the familiarity of shared experience. “I’d say that was the turning point for me,” Young said. She began to understand that being American did not require setting aside her Filipino identity. That change in perspective would influence how she eventually viewed her own professional strengths. The courage to leave the familiar Young’s curiosity about finance began with a weekly ritual. Her father took her to the bank to deposit part of her allowance. Saving was familiar, but investing was not. She wondered what stocks, bonds and brokers did, and what took place on Wall Street, where her father worked in the city. She became a Certified Financial Planner and worked at U.S. Trust Company of New York, advising individuals and families on financial planning, investment strategies and wealth transfer. She developed knowledge of the tax and estate-planning rules governing clients in New York and neighboring states. Then her husband’s profession-
al opportunity prompted a move to San Francisco. Young was in her 30s and faced a consequential choice. Continuing the same advisory work in California would mean learning a substantially different legal framework, including its community-property rules. She could retrain or try a new kind of work. An opening at Charles Schwab offered an unfamiliar direction. Schwab had acquired U.S. Trust in 2000, expanding its wealth-management business. According to Young, the firm wanted someone familiar with U.S. Trust who could help bridge communication between the organizations. Her experience advising clients was useful, but the role would take her into areas she did not know. “I don’t know how to build products or platforms,” she remembered thinking. The person hiring her believed she could contribute through her knowledge of the people and business, even without direct experience in product development or marketing. Young accepted the job. “I would say that was completely nonlinear,” she said. At Schwab, she learned about developing products, marketing services and identifying client segments. Her subsequent responsibilities involved trust-related products and platforms. She discovered that she enjoyed creating services and bringing together people with different expertise. The move had required a risk, but it also showed her that a career does not have to advance through a succession of familiar jobs. Skills cultivated in one field can become valuable in another. Young identifies three strengths that helped her navigate those changes: building relationships, listening and curiosity. Understanding a problem, asking the right questions and earning other people’s trust could matter as much as entering a role with all the technical knowledge already in place. She joined JPMorganChase in 2012, later holding responsibilities in its Private Bank and Wealth Management businesses involving products, trusts and estates services, and financial planning tools. She subsequently served as
global head of Bank Product Marketing in Asset and Wealth Management. The professional lesson Young draws from those transitions is not that expertise is unnecessary. It is that people can sometimes contribute in ways a job title or established career path does not immediately suggest. Today she tells people she mentors, “I see something in you that you don’t even see in yourself.” It is advice shaped by the people who once recognized her own abilities before she knew where those abilities might lead. From personal advancement to leadership Young’s current role connects her corporate experience with the questions of identity and belonging that marked her childhood. She works with JPMorganChase’s business resource groups, executive forums and business partners to strengthen relationships and opportunity for Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Among the issues she discusses with younger professionals is the difference between doing good work and ensuring that decision-makers know about it. She understands the hesitation to draw attention to one’s accomplishments. Modesty, she said, is valued in her culture, and she has felt that reluctance herself. “But to me, it’s not bragging, it’s facts,” she said. Young advises professionals to describe what they have done and support it with results: problems solved, projects completed and contributions to organizational goals. Recognition should not depend entirely on whether someone else happens to notice. She makes a similar point about speaking in meetings, particularly when a younger employee is surrounded by more senior colleagues. “There is a reason and a purpose for why you’re there, and you need to claim it,” she said. For Young, accepting an invitation to contribute means being prepared to offer a perspective. She does not present confidence as a replacement for substance, but sees unnecessary silence as a missed opportunity for the individual and the organization. She also credits aspects of her
Filipino upbringing with helping her lead. The sensitivity to other people’s needs that she associates with her culture, she said, has strengthened her relationships at work. She described empathy as the most important of those qualities. After years of wanting her background to be less apparent, Young now regards it as a professional asset. As she put it, “your culture is your superpower.” The responsibility to bring others along Young draws a distinction between mentoring someone and actively advocating for that person’s advancement. Mentoring can mean giving advice or encouragement in private. Advocacy means using one’s influence to identify talent, recommend people for opportunities and ensure their work is recognized. “We do a lot of mentorship. We do that quietly,” she said of a tendency she observes among Asian American professionals. She believes leaders can do more to raise the profile of talented colleagues. In conversations with successful Filipinos across industries, she has heard people wonder why they know so little about one another’s achievements. “I don’t think we do enough work pushing other people forward,” she said. Young connects that responsibility with bayanihan, the Filipino tradition of mutual assistance. The same spirit can be expressed at work through introductions, recommendations and deliberate recognition of people whose accomplishments might otherwise go unnoticed. Her point extends beyond Filipino Americans. She says effective leaders should help people from different backgrounds be heard and should resist treating Asian Americans as a uniform group. Communities differ in their histories, circumstances and needs. Data can help reveal those differences, she argues, but should not be used to rank who deserves attention. She also wants Filipino Americans to know more about the people who preceded them and those achieving distinction today. Young believes that learning
Vivian Young, global head of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs at JPMorganChase. Photo courtesy of JPMorganChase
about accomplishments across business, public service, journalism and the arts can give younger generations more examples of what is possible. That visibility requires effort, she said. In an age when digital platforms influence which stories receive attention, Young cautions that “the algorithm is not going to give voice to Filipinos.” “Only we can do that. Only we can give voice for ourselves, for our community, and to lift up others.” A different measure of success Young’s experience challenges several assumptions that once shaped her outlook: that assimilation demanded minimizing her Filipino identity, that a career should follow an established course and that professional achievements would necessarily speak for themselves. The work she now values includes recognizing promise in others and using the influence of leadership to make opportunities more accessible. It reflects the role played by people who encouraged her at uncertain moments in her own life. Near the end of the interview, Young was asked what she hoped a Filipino woman in her 20s, just starting her career, would take from her story. She did not offer a career strategy or a formula for advancement. “She is enough,” Young said. Then she repeated the thought. “She doesn’t need to prove anything to anybody, she is enough.”
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