San Francisco’s District 4 supervisor Beya Alcaraz resigns as scrutiny over her former pet store’s inspection history intensifies
BeyA Alcaraz, the newly appointed supervisor for san francisco’s District 4, resigned thursday night, November 13, after roughly one week in office. her departure followed intensified scrutiny over her former ownership of a sunset District pet store, including questions stemming from inspection records and employee messages that surfaced in local media.
Alcaraz, 29, had been appointed by mayor Daniel Lurie on November 6 to replace recalled supervisor Joel engardio. community groups initially noted the milestone, as Al-
Court blocks GOP friendly Texas voting map in major blow ahead of 2026
Federal court blocks Texas’s new GOP drawn congressional map, ruling it racially gerrymandered.
Decision keeps current districts for the 2026 midterms
AUstiN, teXAs – A federal judicial panel has barred texas from using its newly drawn congressional map for the 2026 midterm elections, ruling that the republican backed plan relied unconstitutionally on race when reshaping districts. the decision prevents the state from implementing a mid decade map that GoP leaders hoped would create an advantage in at least five additional U.s house races. republicans currently hold 25 of texas’s 38 seats under the existing boundaries. Judges find race predominated in key districts in a 2 to 1 ruling on November 18, the three
Government crackdown sharpens as Marcos confirms arrest warrants for Zaldy Co
by AJPress
Palace departures reshape admin leadership as political and legal pressures mount
Marcos reorganizes top leadership, naming new Executive Secretary, DBM OIC and Finance Secretary
by AJPress
mANiLA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. has accepted the departure of executive secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman. the move represents a major shift in his senior leadership at a time when the administration is facing intense scrutiny over alleged ghost flood control projects and disputed budget
Sorsogon funds
by ElizabEth MarcElo Philstar.com
mANiLA — A lawyer has filed a complaint before the office of the ombudsman against sen. francis escudero and several officials of sorsogon over the alleged misuse of the provincial government’s funds in 2021 amounting to P352 million, during escudero’s term as governor. in a 51-page complaint filed on November 14, lawyer eldridge marvin Aceron urged the ombudsman to investigate escudero and several sorsogon provincial officials for violation of republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and
insertions.
malacañang announced on November 17 that both officials resigned out of delicadeza, which refers to a gesture of ethical propriety. Palace officials said neither Bersamin nor Pangandaman is named in the criminal complaints filed so far. Both have denied any involvement in wrongdoing. Bersamin, however, has publicly stated
Guo gets life for qualified trafficking
by Mark ErnEst VillEza Philstar.com
mANiLA — former Bamban mayor Alice Guo and seven others were convicted of qualified trafficking in persons by a Pasig trial court on thursday, Novemmber 20 and sentenced to life in prison. the Pasig regional trial court Branch 167 found Guo, Jaimielyn santos cruz, rachelle malonzo carreon and Walter Wong rong guilty of organizing human trafficking at the Baofu compound, while chinese nationals Wang Weili, Wuli Dong, Nong Ding chang and Lang Xu Po were convicted for acts of trafficking. each was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P2 million per case. the entire P6-billion
Baofu compound in Bamban, tarlac was also ordered forfeited in favor of the government. Guo, who attended the hearing through videoconference, will be transferred immediately from the Pasig city Jail to the correctional institution for Women in mandaluyong city. Presidential Anti-organized crime commission executive director Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the ruling demonstrated the impact of cooperation among agencies and whistleblowers. he said the conviction was “a victory for the government,” noting that the case started from an employee complaint. It’s a show of how unity works – that no matter how powerful or
rejects calls to resign as arrest warrants, mass protests and expanding graft probes unsettle PH politics. Local leaders continue to back him while Congress examines the flood-control controversy
by AJPress
authorities to continue pursuing what he describes as the most extensive corruption probe in years. malacañang said marcos will “stay in office and face the allegations directly” through established investigative bodies. Local officials rally behind Marcos as pressure intensifies support for marcos among local leaders widened this week, with the League of cities of the Philippines,
AJPress
mANiLA A new rift within one of the country’s most prominent political families erupted this week after senator imee marcos publicly alleged that her brother, President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr., has long used illegal drugs. the accusation, delivered before a massive crowd at an iglesia ni cristo gathering on monday, November 17, was swiftly rejected by malacañang and members of the first family, who pointed to official records and described the claim as baseless. speaking from the stage at
the Quirino Grandstand, senator marcos said she had long been concerned about her brother’s well-being and decision-making. she expanded her allegation by naming members of the first family and several individuals she identified as close to the President. No documents, medical records or laboratory findings were presented to substantiate her remarks. Palace cites 2021 test results and PDEA clearance in a livestream later that evening, Presidential communications Undersecretary claire castro dismissed the allegation
Sen. Imee Marcos Photo from Facebook/@ImeeMarcos
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero
Government crackdown sharpens...
ery charges against co and former house speaker ferdinand martin romualdez. the referral concerns a broader set of alleged irregularities involving flood control projects in multiple regions. together, these developments mark the most significant escalation to date in the national investigation into public works spending and signal that both local project implementers and senior political figures are now under formal scrutiny. Marcos directs full evidence turnover marcos said all documents, sworn statements, procurement files and engineering assessments gathered by the DPWh and ici will be submitted in full to the ombudsman. he stated that “the raps are now underway.” he said the government’s investigation relies on verified records, audit findings and sworn evidence. marcos stressed that
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
LAcmtA will receive Proposals for oP2026710 - 2026 fifA
WorLD cUP stADiUm shUttLes via email at bids@metro. net. All Proposals must be submitted to LAcmtA on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific time on friday, December 5, 2025. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. oP2026710. 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 Antonio monreal at monrealan@metro.net.
11/22/25
cNs-3987228#
AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
the inquiry does not rely on online statements or political commentary. he added that no individual will be shielded because of political affiliation or public stature. the president’s remarks sought to address public questions about the independence and reach of the investigation, which continues to expand across multiple regions and agencies.
Separate arrest warrants issued for Mindoro project the arrest warrants relate to a distinct case involving a 289.5 million peso flood control project in Naujan, oriental mindoro. earlier in the week, the office of the ombudsman filed charges alleging violations of the Anti-Graft and corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds. in response, the sandiganbayan issued warrants for co, former DPWh personnel and private contractors connected to the project.
Authorities said co is currently outside the Philippines, a condition that predates the issuance of the arrest warrants. hold departure orders remain in effect for the other respondents. the Department of foreign Affairs confirmed that co’s passport remains valid unless a court orders its cancellation. the office of the ombudsman said it may seek assistance from international partners if required during the enforcement process.
marcos directed the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of investigation to implement the warrants lawfully and swiftly and assured the public that all accused individuals will be afforded their legal rights.
DPWH and ICI referral outlines possible plunder and graft cases in the separate referral, DPWh secretary Vince Dizon and ici officials delivered boxes of project records covering flood control contracts from 2016 to 2025. these include procurement documents, contractor filings, audit reports, engineering evaluations and sworn testimony from retired sergeant orly Guteza, who identified himself before the senate as a former aide to co. the referral recommends that the ombudsman examine wheth-
er the evidence supports charges of plunder, multiple counts of graft and direct bribery. Both agencies clarified that the referral is not yet a criminal complaint. the ombudsman must first determine probable cause before any filing can proceed before the sandiganbayan.
Romualdez and Co deny wrongdoing romualdez, through counsel, stated that he has not been presented with any sworn or credible document proving unlawful conduct. he said he is prepared to cooperate with investigators and expects a fair and impartial process.
co, who resigned from congress in september, has acknowledged in online videos that he facilitated budget insertions for flood control projects. he denied receiving kickbacks and said he acted under instructions from senior officials. Government investigators noted that these statements were not made under oath. those he mentioned have denied his claims.
As of friday, neither romualdez nor co has been charged with plunder. Both remain presumed innocent.
Nationwide audit continues the DPWh and ici are reviewing more than 9,800 flood control projects valued at more than 545 billion pesos. officials said many of these projects have been flagged for potential irregularities, including paid but unconstructed structures, repeated contract awards and infrastructure that does not meet approved specifications. the referral submitted friday is expected to be the first of several. Additional submissions are likely as the national review continues.
A pivotal stage in the investigation the combination of active arrest warrants in one case and a plunder referral in another signals that the flood control inquiry has entered its most consequential phase. the proceedings now encompass senior national officials, contractors and local public works personnel. the ombudsman’s next steps will determine whether the allegations advance to trial and whether accountability will extend across all levels of the public works system. n
Marcos rejects resignation...
the League of municipalities and the League of Provinces all issuing statements backing the President. the three leagues represent the country’s full local-government spectrum: 149 city mayors, more than 1,400 municipal mayors and the 81 provincial governors. together, they form the national bloc of local chief executives whose positions often reflect sentiment beyond metro manila.
Local officials acknowledged public anger over alleged irregularities in flood-control spending but called for an orderly investigation while essential services continue. their statements followed mass anti-corruption protests in metro manila and provincial centers. the largest gathering was the Nov. 16 iglesia Ni cristo rally, which drew hundreds of thousands at rizal Park. youth, student and civic groups have also mounted actions in Quezon city and several regional cities.
Congress pushes inquiry, cautions against premature impeachment in the house of representatives, minority lawmakers reiterated that there is “no compelling reason yet” to initiate impeachment proceedings against marcos. they noted that the constitution requires a verified complaint supported by sworn evidence and that no such filing has been submitted.
Legislators across factions continue to press for a formal inquiry into allegations raised by former Ako Bicol representative elizaldy co, who once chaired the house appropriations committee. co has claimed in interviews that “higher officials” influenced flood-control budget insertions, though he has not filed a sworn affidavit.
Lawmakers, including Davao city rep. Paolo Duterte, have urged him to testify under oath and submit documents that can be evaluated in a congressional investigation.
Arrest warrants issued as graft probe widens the most consequential development this week was the issuance of no-bail arrest warrants for 18 respondents in
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
the Naujan, oriental mindoro flood-control case. the list includes former representative co, several Department of Public Works and highways engineers and executives of sunwest corp., the contractor involved in the P289-million project. Authorities said co is believed to have left the country before the warrants were issued, and police are preparing to arrest the remaining respondents. these cases form part of a broader probe stemming from an audit disclosed by marcos in August, which flagged irregularities in more than 9,800 flood-control projects worth about P545 billion implemented since 2022. the independent commission on infrastructure, created under executive order 94, continues to investigate patterns of alleged misconduct. Billions of pesos in assets have been frozen, and additional complaints involving other contractors, including the Discaya couple, are being prepared. on Nov. 21, ombudsman Jesus crispin remulla said his office may be able to file a case against former house speaker martin romualdez within six to nine months, emphasizing that the process must be evidence-based. remulla disclosed that romualdez personally called him to deny involvement. he added that it remains premature to determine whether the investigation could reach marcos. As of Nov. 22, no publicly filed complaint names the President as a respondent.
Debates intensify over sedition and foreign funding interior secretary Jonvic remulla said the Department of
the interior and Local Government is reviewing speeches at recent rallies to determine whether any statements approached “inciting to sedition.” human-rights lawyers countered that calls for a president to resign are protected political speech unless they explicitly encourage unlawful actions. the Palace also escalated its warnings about alleged foreign-funded protest activity, saying any such effort, if proven, would be “a betrayal of the Philippines” and “tantamount to treason.” the Armed forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police said they are examining reports that certain rallies, including those led by the United Peoples initiative at the People Power monument, may have been influenced by foreign actors. No public evidence has been presented.
Marcos stands firm as institutions face a critical test marcos has said he intends to “let the investigations run their course” while continuing the administration’s economic and infrastructure programs. support from mayors and governors, combined with the absence of any verified impeachment complaint, suggests he retains key institutional backing. how long that support holds will depend on the progress of investigations moving through the ombudsman, congress and the sandiganbayan. With arrests pending, scrutiny deepening and protests expanding, the Philippines faces one of its most consequential tests of political and institutional resilience in years. n
Palace departures reshape admin leadership...
that he did not resign. he said he never filed a resignation letter and that he was told he had to go. he added that the narrative that he resigned out of delicadeza did not reflect his version of events. Bersamin denied claims linking him to any kickback scheme. he described those allegations as hearsay and said the office of the executive secretary does not choose DPWh projects or determine flood control funding.
Pangandaman has also denied relaying instructions to insert additional projects into the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference.
Marcos reshapes his core team to reestablish control within the administration, marcos appointed finance secretary ralph recto as the new executive secretary. recto now oversees the Palace’s central administrative functions at a sensitive moment for the government. former presidential adviser frederick Go was appointed as finance secretary. Undersecretary rolando toledo was named officer in charge at the Department of Budget and management. the reshuffle is the second major cabinet reorganization in 2025. the first reshuffle followed the poor performance of administration backed candidates in the midterm elections. the leadership changes come as the government continues one of the country’s largest corruption investigations in recent
years. more than nine thousand eight hundred flood control projects worth about five hundred forty five billion pesos are under review for alleged irregularities. Protests and economic concerns add pressure Public frustration has fueled large demonstrations. over two days, members and supporters of iglesia ni cristo held a rally for transparency and a Better Democracy at rizal Park and the Quirino Grandstand. Police estimated about twenty seven thousand participants at one point. organizers and international coverage estimated total turnout at about six hundred fifty thousand. iNc leaders said the movement seeks accountability rather than regime change. the controversy has also unsettled financial markets. the
Malacañang file photo
Senator Imee Marcos accuses President Marcos... USCIS ends
as unfounded and pointed to the President’s previously disclosed drug tests. castro cited marcos’ voluntary test taken at st. Luke’s medical center in taguig in November 2021, which returned a negative result for cocaine. the test was released during the 2022 presidential campaign, and st. Luke’s later clarified that the printed report followed a standard format used by facilities authorized by the Department of health to conduct dangerous drug testing.
Government records and widely reported accounts also show that marcos tested negative for methamphetamine in a separate police laboratory test in 2021. in January 2024, the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency issued a formal statement saying the president “is not and was never” on its illegal drug watch list, a clarification made after drug-related allegations surfaced in political speeches that year.
Palace officials told several Philippine media outlets there are no immediate plans to pursue legal action against senator marcos. Any review, they said, would fall under the jurisdiction of the office of the ombudsman
or the Department of Justice. First Family responds the controversy widened as other members of the marcos family weighed in. An Associated Press report said the president’s camp described the accusation as a recycled political attack already contradicted by publicly released drug tests. on tuesday, house majority Leader sandro marcos issued a statement calling his aunt’s allegation “dangerously irresponsible” and reiterating that no member of the first family uses illegal drugs. the first lady has not issued a direct statement addressing the allegation. on her verified social media account, Liza Araneta marcos posted, “…and speaking of fAKe NeWs… ‘welcome to entertainment, Pinoy style,’” a comment widely understood as a response to a fabricated quote card circulating online that falsely attributed statements to her. the Presidential communications office recently clarified that one such quote attributed to her was fake.
Political reactions and broader context the allegation drew reactions across the political spectrum. senator Panfilo “Ping”
Lacson, the current chair of the senate Blue ribbon committee and a longtime anti-corruption advocate, called the decision to raise such a claim at a mass religious event “un-filipino,” saying that serious accusations of this nature should be brought through formal and accountable channels.
Palace officials, in separate interviews, suggested that the timing of the allegation may have been intended to distract from ongoing corruption and infrastructure investigations, though senator marcos did not link her remarks to any specific inquiry during her speech.
What public records confirm and do not confirm
Verified public documents confirm that President marcos tested negative for cocaine and methamphetamine in 2021. PDeA’s 2024 statement similarly affirms that the president has never been on the agency’s drug watch list. these records, however, speak only to the specific tests disclosed at the time.
No new toxicology tests have been released by malacañang, and no government agency has announced that further testing has been conducted. n
First Filipina American San Francisco supervisor...
caraz was described by several outlets as the first filipina American to serve on the Board of supervisors. the mayor presented her as a community-rooted resident of the sunset with experience as a small business owner and a background in arts and education.
Inspection trail casts long shadow the controversy centered on the Animal connection, a pet supply store Alcaraz operated until selling the business earlier this year. Public inspection reports obtained by Axios and confirmed through city health and animal welfare agencies documented multiple sanitation violations between 2023 and 2025. inspectors cited rat feces, spilled seed and food debris, and persistent odor problems during several visits.
the store’s new owner, Julia Baran, who took over in may, told the san francisco chronicle that she encountered severe odor and rodent activity upon assuming control of the business. Baran provided reporters with copies of inspection notices and additional documentation detailing the store’s condition at handover.
ABc7 News also published text messages appearing to show Alcaraz discussing paying certain workers outside standard payroll procedures and describing personal outings as business expenses. financial information reported by the chronicle indicated the store had operated at a loss for several years and had fallen behind on rent in certain periods.
Alcaraz has publicly acknowledged the difficulties she faced running the business. in an interview with ABc7 last week, she said she regretted the conditions documented by inspectors and noted that many small businesses struggle to remain compli-
ant and financially stable in san francisco.
A resignation shaped by rapid scrutiny coverage of the inspection findings and text messages accelerated within days of her appointment, prompting criticism of the mayor’s vetting process. several civic groups argued that the controversy was overshadowing District 4’s concerns about public safety, small business recovery and coastal access.
mayor Lurie said in a statement that he met with Alcaraz on thursday and that they mutually agreed the unfolding attention on her former business risked distracting from the sunset’s needs. he thanked her for her willingness to serve and said he respected her decision to step down. Lurie also stated that he regretted not doing more to support her success. her resignation took effect immediately.
Mixed reactions from a divided district reactions in District 4 reflected a spectrum of disappointment and frustration. some residents said they were discouraged that the city’s first filipina American appointee to the Board had such
a brief tenure. others argued that the situation demonstrated how intensely the past conduct of public officials will be examined, particularly for appointees stepping into high-visibility positions.
Jamie hughes, lead organizer of the recall that removed engardio from office, said the episode underscored the need for deeper review and broader community consultation in selecting the next supervisor.
Mayor begins search for a successor mayor Lurie must now appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term, although his office has not provided a specific timeline for the selection. District 4 encompasses much of the sunset neighborhood, which has faced ongoing debates over housing pressures, commercial corridor revitalization and safety concerns. the Animal connection continues to operate under Baran’s ownership. city health and animal welfare agencies maintain routine oversight of businesses within their jurisdiction, and there are no public indications of pending enforcement actions beyond previously documented findings.
A broader reckoning on representation and readiness
Alcaraz’s abrupt resignation has prompted conversations among filipino American community leaders about the balance between representation and readiness for public office. Advocates note that historic firsts carry symbolic importance, yet public officials are expected to withstand rigorous scrutiny of their professional and business histories.
Alcaraz has not announced her next steps or whether she plans to remain engaged in civic work following her departure from the Board. (AJPress)
Court blocks GOP friendly Texas voting map in...
judge federal panel concluded that texas lawmakers used race as a predominant factor when drawing the 2025 map. the court found substantial evidence that minority voters were either split apart or packed together in ways that reduced the number of multi ethnic coalition districts. these districts are places where no single minority group forms a majority, but where Black, hispanic and Asian American voters collectively hold significant influence. the panel ruled that the state failed to demonstrate that its use of race was justified or narrowly tailored. Because federal law prohibits racial gerrymandering, the judges ordered texas to revert to the congressional districts used in the 2022 and 2024 elections.
Implications for control of the House the decision has immediate national consequences. republicans pursued a 2025 redraw after concluding that the existing map limited their ability to expand their majority in Washington. the blocked plan would have made several Democratic held seats more competitive and would have altered the political makeup of districts in fast growing suburbs around Dallas, houston and Austin.
By keeping the current boundaries, Democrats retain a more favorable landscape in at least five districts that analysts expected to shift rightward under the disputed map. for both parties, the ruling clarifies the districts under which candidates must file before December deadlines.
How the map fight unfolded
texas lawmakers approved the new plan in August after a rapid redistricting process. civil rights groups, including the NAAcP and voting rights organizations, sued immediately. they argued that the map diluted the voting strength of Black, hispanic and Asian American residents, even though these communities account for most of texas’s recent population growth. the litigation centered on specific districts where minority neighborhoods were divided or consolidated in ways that increased the partisan advantage of republicans. these concerns formed the foundation of the court’s conclusion that racial considerations drove major components of the map. Next steps in the legal battle texas officials are expected to appeal to the United states supreme court, arguing that the map reflected permissible political choices rather than unconstitutional racial targeting.
automatic work-permit extensions, raising risk of job gaps for immigrant workers
A federal policy overhaul alters how employment authorization is renewed, leaving many immigrant workers vulnerable to lapses in work eligibility and income stability
by AJPress
U.s citizenship and immigration services has ended automatic extensions of most employment Authorization Documents, a shift that is already reshaping how immigrant workers maintain employment in the United states. the policy marks one of the most significant changes to work-permit renewal procedures in years, with far-reaching implications for filipino and other immigrant communities. the change stems from an interim final rule that removed the safeguard that once allowed many workers to remain employed while waiting for their renewed eADs. Under the rule, most applicants no longer receive any automatic extension simply for filing a timely renewal.
With the previous cushion eliminated, work authorization generally expires on the date printed on the card unless the individual has another independent basis to work in the country. employment may resume only after Uscis approves a renewal and the new card becomes valid.
A new framework now governing renewals Under the policy now in effect, renewal applications filed on or after the october implementation date are no longer eligible for any automatic extension, including the former 540-day buffer created during severe Uscis backlogs. once an eAD expires, employment authorization ends unless another status provides work eligibility. Workers may return to their jobs only after a renewed card is issued. the rule is not retroactive. Applicants who filed their renewals before october 30 retain the
automatic extensions granted under prior regulations. Uscis has since updated its form i-9 guidance, prompting employers to reassess verification practices and track expiration timelines more closely. A limited group of individuals, including specific temporary Protected status beneficiaries, continue to receive extensions through separate statutory mechanisms. Communities and sectors most affected the end of automatic extensions affects major immigrant categories that depend on timely eAD renewals. Adjustment of status applicants, h-4 dependent spouses, certain e and L dependent spouses, and many asylum applicants are among those most vulnerable to lapses in employment. students on f-1 oPt and stem oPt are not affected because their work authorization follows separate rules. for filipino Americans, the impact is especially visible in sectors that rely heavily on eAD holders. hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health services, hospitality businesses, logistics operations and educational institutions employ substantial numbers of filipino workers whose continued employment depends on timely renewals.
DHS rationale and policy reversal in explaining the rule, the Department of homeland security said the change strengthens vetting and eligibility screening by requiring more regular review at each renewal. Dhs noted that broad automatic extensions adopted during heavy backlogs limited opportunities for timely evaluation. the new approach reverses a 2024 regulation that made the 540-day extension
Guo gets life for qualified...
PAGE 1
influential the opponent of the agency is, as long as everyone works together, including the community, because this started from a complaint of an employee, it really shows how big the impact is when everyone helps each other toward one goal,” Acorda said.
Acorda said he hoped the decision would discourage illegal operators.
“This should show others that the government is serious about enforcing the law,” he said, adding that agencies are updating baseline figures to determine how many offshore gaming operations remain active.
Assistant state Prosecutor olivia torrevillas said details of the ruling remained confidential due to the nature of the case, but confirmed that eight key players were convicted.
she said it was the first conviction by a court under section 4(l) of the Anti-human trafficking Law for organizing trafficking activities. “the important thing is that the main players were all convicted,” she said. the case stemmed from a joint Philippine National Police and PAocc raid on the Philippine offshore gaming operator Zun yuan technology last year inside the Baofu compound, which was leased out to the firm by Guo’s company.
torrevillas said several other accused remain at large.
Ruling hailed the Department of Justice
(DoJ) has hailed the conviction of Guo for qualified human trafficking, saying that this is proof that the justice system in the country is working.
Alice Guo and her cohorts’ conviction is a big win for the Philippines’ fight against human trafficking. It is also an indication that our justice system is working,” DoJ Undersecretary Nicholas felix ty said. for his part, National Bureau of investigation chief Angelito magno said the conviction of Guo was a milestone in the government’s campaign against criminal syndicates and PoGo-related abuses.
he said that the ruling showed that “no network is too sophisticated, no operation too well-funded, and no position too powerful to escape accountability,” stressing that public office can never shield criminal activity.
senators risa hontiveros and sherwin Gatchalian – who led the senate investigation on the crime syndicate behind the now outlawed PoGo – yesterday lauded the conviction of Guo. Today, justice has been served. The conviction of Alice Guo aka Guo Hua Ping is a victory against corruption, human trafficking, cybercrime, and many other transnational crimes,” hontiveros said.
Gatchalian said Guo’s conviction “is a big win for the filipino people, including foreign nationals who have been victimized by various criminal ac-
permanent during a period of significant processing delays. the department now prioritizes individualized assessment, even if it increases the likelihood of temporary job loss. Concerns from advocates and employers immigrant advocates warn that the policy may result in abrupt employment interruptions even when workers file renewals months ahead. the American immigration council has noted that affected employees may face income instability, career setbacks and disruptions in caregiving responsibilities. employers, particularly in health care and logistics, express concern that staffing challenges may intensify as workers lose authorization while waiting for decisions. h-4 dependent spouses, many of them women in specialized professions, are expected to face some of the most significant difficulties because their ability to continue working depends entirely on timely eAD processing.
A shifting landscape for immigrant families With automatic extensions no longer available for most new filings, immigrant workers, including many filipino nurses, caregivers and professionals, must now navigate tighter renewal timelines to maintain continuous employment. the stability previously offered by automatic extensions has been replaced by stricter procedural deadlines and greater reliance on Uscis processing speeds.
Editor’s Note: This report provides general information and should not be taken as legal advice. Individuals facing work-authorization issues are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified immigration attorney. n
tivities perpetrated by PoGos.” “The rule of law has prevailed, and justice has been served. Her conviction should serve as a wake-up call against Filipinos or foreign nationals alike who seek to take advantage of the bureaucracy to carry out atrocities such as human trafficking and online scams,” he said. in congress, deputy minority leader and mL party-list rep. Leila de Lima welcomed yesterday the guilty verdict against Guo. “We are happy that Alice Guo was already meted her sentence that will give justice to her victims,” she said. De Lima also called on congress for the urgent passage of the proposed Anti-espionage Act. “As we know, espionage today is not limited to shadowy operatives meeting in alleys. It comes disguised as business investments, online gaming hubs, recruitment agencies, students, telecom partnerships, and even public officials,” she said. for manila 6th district rep. Benny Abante, the guilty verdict handed down to Guo has “strengthened the total ban on PoGos in the country.” “For too long, these illegal POGO hubs operated like shadow syndicates—trafficking workers, violating human rights, and making a mockery of our laws. Today, justice finally caught up with one of the most visible symbols of this despicable crimes,” he said. (With reports from Daphne Galvez, Jose Rodel Clapano, Marc Jayson Cayabyab)
Escudero faces graft complaint over P352 million...
PAGE 1
if the high court declines to act quickly, the 2026 elections will proceed under the existing 2022 era lines. election administrators must now prepare ballots, precinct assignments and candidate filings based on the restored map. Legal experts note that even if the supreme court accepts the case, changes are unlikely before the upcoming cycle due to tight election deadlines. What the ruling means for minority voters civil rights groups welcomed the decision, saying it protects the ability of Black, hispanic and Asian American communities to elect candidates of their choice. the restored map preserves more competitive coalition districts and maintains minority voting influence in several suburban regions. With texas’s population continuing to diversify, advocates say the ruling reinforces the principle that political power cannot be reshaped at the expense of minority communities. (AJPress)
corrupt Practices Act, technical malversation under Article 220 of the revised Penal code (rPc), falsification of public documents under Article 171 of the rPc and fraud against public treasury under Article 213 of the rPc
Aceron said escudero and the other respondents must also be held liable for administrative offenses of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and dishonesty.
Apart from escudero, also included as respondents in the complaint were sorsogon provincial accountant rena Garcia, provincial general services officer rosalina hainto and unnamed provincial treasurer, members of the Bids and Awards committee and other accountable officers.
Aceron said his complaint was based on the commission on Audit (coA)’s Annual Audit report on sorsogon for 2021, wherein several irregularities were supposedly noted in the provincial government’s implementation of
infrastructure projects and several procurement contracts.
“This complaint exposes systematic financial irregularities and potential malversation amounting to P352,679,063.46 in public funds during the administration of Respondent former governor, as documented in the Commission on Audit Annual Audit Report for the Province of Sorsogon for Calendar Year 2021,” Aceron said in his complaint.
Among the subjects of Aceron’s complaint were 40 infrastructure projects with a total contract cost of P125.7 million, supposedly with overlapping implementation. he said the audit records showed that the projects were awarded to the same contractors with the same personnel and equipment, thus making it physically impossible to properly implement them.
Aceron said there was also misappropriation of P15.47 million that sorsogon received from the national government, of which P10.17 million was intended for typhoon relief but remained un-
disbursed for six years. he said the audit report also flagged P8.44 million worth of janitorial and laundry service contracts that the provincial government entered into due to submission of falsified documents. Aceron also alleged irregularities in the provincial government’s implementation of the Department of Labor and employment’s tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers program, involving P1.65 million, citing “defective signatures, missing authorizations and improper implementation by board members.” he said there were also P5.65 million worth of development projects “improperly charged to the (provincial government’s) 20 percent Development Fund, outside the approved procurement plan.” Lastly, Aceron said the coA also flagged P195.74 million worth of supposed assets recorded in the provincial government’s Property, Plant and equipment accounts, as they supposedly included “ghost assets and demolished structures.” n
Beya Alcaraz Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s office
The United States Courthouse in El Paso, Texas, where a three judge federal panel blocked the GOP drawn congressional map for the
OPiniOn FeAtures
In the path of every storm, and still unprepared
The Philippines has lived with storms for as long as it has existed on the map. In this context, a storm refers broadly to severe weather systems that bring destructive winds and heavy rain. When these systems intensify over the warm Pacific and reach sustained winds of at least 119 kilometers per hour, they are classified as typhoons. Typhoons are the same powerful tropical cyclones known as hurricanes in the Atlantic and cyclones in the Indian Ocean, distinguished only by the region in which they form. Yet after two destructive typhoons that arrived just five days apart, the question persists: why does the country remain so storm-vulnerable, and what must finally change?
A geography that guarantees exposure
No one can alter the coordinates of the islands. the Philippines lies squarely in the Western North Pacific, the world’s most active breeding ground for tropical cyclones. the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical services Administration (PAGAsA), the national weather and climate agency, reports that about 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of responsibility each year, and eight to nine make landfall. its 36,000-kilometer coastline and 7,641 islands ensure that no region is spared for long. this is the natural burden of location. But geography alone does not explain why disasters become tragedies. storms are inevitable. catastrophe is not. A season that exposes deeper fault lines
Editorial
this November, the Philippines was battered by two destructive typhoons that arrived just five days apart. typhoon tino cut across the Visayas, leaving at least 269 people dead, according to the office of civil Defense, with hundreds more injured and more than a hundred missing. entire rural communities in southern Leyte, cebu, Negros oriental, and Palawan were submerged or swept away. Before recovery could begin, super typhoon Uwan struck Dinalungan, Aurora, on November 9 with sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 230. Updated government assessments report at least 27 deaths linked to Uwan as of mid-November, though officials caution that the number may rise once isolated municipalities become fully accessible.
Marcos vs Marcos
Uwan affected more than 4.4 million people across Luzon, and prolonged outages left 3 million to 3.4 million households without electricity. Nearly 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled as winds and low visibility grounded airports, and dozens of seaports were shut for days. in the Visayas, the sugar industry alone has reported approximately P1.2 billion in losses after typhoon tino inundated plantations in Negros and
Panay. fisheries and farm systems across
typhoon tino and super typhoon Uwan have affected more than eight million people across 13 regions, with the combined death toll nearing 300. the scale of the crisis once again exposes how compounding disasters overwhelm local capacity long before recovery can take hold. u PAGE 7
the peaceful, non-political ral-
ly of the iglesia ni cristo in rizal Park became politically charged on its second night as it allowed a politician to address the crowd: President marcos’ estranged elder sister, sen. imee marcos. Ate imee reminded everyone of an issue that was hurled against her only brother when he was running for president in 2022: that he was a cocaine-abusing weakling who did not deserve to lead the nation.
the accusation was publicly made by then President rodrigo Duterte, as he was trying to persuade his headstrong daughter sara to either move to succeed him or else support his preferred successor, his anak-anakan and super alalay Bong Go. it wasn’t even a new accusation. since his days as the princeling of the first marcos administration, rumors of illegal drug use have hounded ferdinand marcos Jr. While low-key even at the height of power of the conjugal dictatorship, Bongbong marcos was rumored to lead a sybaritic lifestyle. the brains and achiever in the
Demand and supply
Boo Chanco
cAN corruption risk a country’s economic growth?
that question is at the core of discussions among some economists and political scientists amid the current national trauma over a trillion pesos disappearing at the hands of senators, congressmen, DPWh district engineers and private contractors. corruption, some economists say, is not a deterrent to economic growth. they cited south Korea, china and Vietnam as proof.
yuen yuen Ang, a professor of political economy at the Johns hopkins University, in a recently published book by the cambridge University Press, wrote that “while corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm.”
“The rise of capitalism,” she pointed out, “is accompanied not by the eradication of corruption, but
family, with a sense of humor almost as formidable as that of Digong Duterte, has long been seen to be the eldest: maria imelda Josefa remedios romualdez marcos, a.k.a. Ate imee. Probably because it’s dictator ferdinand marcos who needed redemption in global image, it was his only son and namesake rather than imelda Junior who took on the role of savior of the family name (and colossal fortune), by running for president in 2022.
Inday sara and her bestie imee ignored tatay Digong’s rants and worked to get the Uniteam led by BBm elected – with spectacular results.
Why keep quiet about the drug abuse issue in 2022, only to dredge it up now? And if the concern about drug abuse is genuine rather than opportunistic, why skip mention of the drug trafficking allegations against Davao city rep. Paolo Duterte?
*
* * the beef about drug abuse is problematic in itself. i’ve always considered substance abuse a public health, social and personal problem. in impoverished neighborhoods, children still sniff rugby to forget their hunger. it’s a complex issue that can’t be lumped together with the motivations that drive drug trafficking, and the cor-
ruption and violence that the illegal drug trade engenders. Drug abuse can be overcome, and those who want to kick the habit deserve full support in their effort. many of them are youths and they deserve a second chance.
i entered my teenage years in the drug trafficking hot spots of manila – Quiricada and its surrounding streets in sta. cruz where college students rolled joints around mounds of marijuana from the cordilleras, piled high on shanty floors. in the mom-and-pop pharmacies around the san Lazaro hospital, you could buy strictly regulated drugs such as depressants and powerful tranquilizers along with cough syrups with high-inducing stimulant components that would later be removed by Big Pharma. Genuine “yellow prescriptions” were stolen by teenage kids from their doctor parents, or by interns from hospitals, and used to buy the drugs. the small pharmacies largely looked the other way and filled the bogus prescriptions. those were the same pharmacies, along with hole-in-the-wall clinics, where drug abusers sold blood to finance their habit. the young pushers and abusers i met were non-violent folks. many of them liked rock music u PAGE 7
Corruption and economic growth
rather by the evolution of the quality of corruption from thuggery and theft to influence peddling.” i take it that she is saying a corrupt developing country can still grow significantly and even reach developed-economy status, but corruption makes that path harder and riskier, and the costs are substantial.
Prof. Ang distinguishes four types of corruption: petty theft, grand theft, speed money and access money. Petty theft is when bureaucrats steal, extort, or misuse small amounts of public funds. the bureaucrat is simply pocketing money or valuables for personal enrichment, without providing any service in return. Like grand theft, it is directly growth-damaging by draining public and private wealth. Grand theft is the embezzlement or misappropriation of large sums of public money by political elites who have control over state finances. it is perpetrated by
high-ranking officials and political leaders, as opposed to street-level bureaucrats.
Grand theft also involves the manipulation of government policies or contracts. this form of corruption is directly growth-damaging because it drains the public treasury for no productive return.
Grand theft is a clearly illegal and outright abusive form of corruption. this describes what marcos sr. and his cronies did and now the trillion-peso flood projects scandal.
“speed money” is the small, petty bribes paid to low-level bureaucrats to get around red tape and expedite a process. the intent is not to obtain exclusive privileges, but to speed up an otherwise slow or inefficient process.
“Access money,” involves highstakes bribes to powerful officials for exclusive privileges and can have growth-enhancing, though risky, effects. this “access money” corrup-
anchor Karmina con-
stantino posted a video commentary that resonated with me – and, i suspect, with most filipinos. she reflected on government’s anti-corruption drive and posed this question: is all this for show? her guest, father Wilmer tria, asserted that government’s actions appear driven less by accountability and more by political survival – a way for the President and his allies to survive until 2028 without being implicated. this suspicion grows stronger everyday.
Last week, the president boasted about nine contractors blacklisted, seven bank accounts frozen and 37 officials charged. these may seem bold, but in the context of this multibillion-peso scandal, they are little more than symbolic gestures.
everyone agrees that the results of government’s 100-day investigation has been frustratingly underwhelming. marcos defends the slow pace as prudence. he said, It’s better to be careful and take a little longer than to rush and make mistakes… We’re afraid those linked to this shamelessness will
get away with it because of a legal technicality. While malacañang takes its sweet time “building the case,” many of those implicated have had their plundered wealth safely hidden overseas. Witnesses have been intimidated, neutralized or paid into silence. Zaldy co’s passport remains valid. many of those implicated have fled the country, leaving government flatfooted. Worse, structural reforms to prevent institutional corruption from recurring is hardly in the conversation. there is a difference between being careful and being deliberately slow. this administration appears to be releasing piecemeal developments to create an illusion of action. What we are seeing feels like delay by design – enough movement to claim action, but not to uncover the truth.
i’m beginning to think constantino and tria are right. this is all for show and all about political survival.
Zaldy Co’s bombshell this is why Zaldy co’s claims cannot be dismissed. he alleges that the president and speaker martin romualdez personally benefited from P100 billion in budget insertions for 2025 – funds he claims were delivered directly to their homes. While co has yet to present evidence, he maintains
that he will produce receipts in due time.
even more damning is co’s claim that both marcos and romualdez advised him not to return to the Philippines – a move that, if true, suggests fear of exposure. malacañang’s defense is that the president never needed to make insertions. if inserting P100 billion in the budget was the aim, he could have incorporated it in the National expenditure Program from the beginning. so it’s co’s word against the administration’s. Let us see what the evidence reveals. these accusations cannot simply be brushed aside. fact remains that then speaker romualdez oversaw the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets and President marcos approved them despite being pregnant with pork and unappropriated appropriations. if there is nothing to hide, why has accountability been so slow and resistance to transparency so strong?
And when you add this to the documented history of institutional plunder associated with the marcos-romualdez clans, it is only reasonable for the public to demand clarity. Power regained does not erase the facts of history and sins of plunder. Loss of confidence Government has become so inu PAGE 7
oUr country is going through one of those bad, explosive times when accusations take the place of proof, and anger overtakes investigation. the recent videos and public comments, including Zaldy co.’s shocking accusations, the Palace’s vehement denials, and the rush by commentators to either crown or crucify, have created a political soundtrack of rumors, accusations, and counter-accusations. People on both sides may enjoy that show for its excitement, but it does nothing for the country. We need to be honest: big claims need big proof. Names yelled on social media, papers waved in videos shared from abroad, and pictures of bags are not enough to show the people what they are due. Lists of tasks, rough budgets, and images with timestamps are all examples of facts that need to be checked out
before they can be believed. it is against the law to believe the worst accusations against a public figure without more proof and due process. it is like trading the rule of law for rumors. that’s not okay with us. the other extreme, automatic removal, is just as dangerous. malacañang’s description of the accusations as a “comedy series” and ‘critics’ demand that everything must be true because it fits a story, are both examples of failures. one side takes accusations as proven facts, while the other just sees them as play. Both make democracy life look bad. there is a middle ground between these two extremes: demand full, clear, and detailed proof and be patient while it is created. the time we live in lets people change pictures and sounds in scary ways. No longer just the stuff of science fiction, deep-
fakes, edited clips, and fake papers are used to change people’s minds, increase complaints, and stir up conflict. Because of the way technology works, we have to expect scientifically sound confirmation whenever shocking digital “evidence” shows up. for the sake of public trust, every important piece of potentially damning evidence must go through independent forensic analysis and chain-of-custody checks. this goes for videos, photos, and documents as well. Anything less is being careless. We also need to recognize the political theater going on here. time is important. it is not safe to assume that accusations that fit in with protests, power plays, or election-season math are not made for a strategic reason. But assuming someone is trying to trick you is not the same thing u PAGE 7 u PAGE 7
AnA MArie PAMintuAn
JAke J. MAderAzo
Edges
both typhoons’ paths continue to tally mounting damage. together,
The Corner oracle
Andrew J. Masigan
NeWs
PAGE 6
In the path of every storm...
The science we already know climate science offers no comfort. the western Pacific is warming more quickly than many of the world’s oceans, and sea levels around the Philippines are rising nearly four times faster than the global average, particularly along the country’s eastern seaboard.
the University of the Philippines has recorded land subsidence of up to 10.9 centimeters a year in parts of Bulacan, metro manila, and several coastal cities nationwide. At the same time, the country has lost about half of its mangrove forests, erasing natural storm buffers that once absorbed the force of waves and tides. scientists have long warned that stronger, wetter storms will arrive more frequently as ocean temperatures climb. the backto-back arrival of two major typhoons strengthens that warning. climate volatility is no longer the exception. it is the expectation. The failure of memory the Philippines has faced far stronger and deadlier typhoons, including yolanda in 2013 and Pablo in 2012, but the pattern remains unchanged: the severity of impact is shaped as much by governance and planning as by wind speed. After every storm, the country promises to build back better. But rebuilding is not
PAGE 6
reform. What remains missing is follow-through, continuity, and a national vision that links recovery to long-term risk reduction. forecasting and evacuation protocols have improved. PAGAsA has modernized. yet the Philippines remains one of the world’s most disaster-exposed nations because land-use planning remains poorly enforced. Unsafe settlements continue to rise in floodplains and coastal strips. Groundwater extraction remains inadequately regulated, contributing to land subsidence in many urban and coastal areas even as sea levels continue to rise. every storm confirms that danger increases when governance fails to keep pace with the risks.
A moral duty of governance
With around 74 percent of filipinos considered vulnerable to multiple natural hazards, resilience is no longer just a technical matter. it is a moral obligation. Leaders must stop treating calamities as seasonal spectacles and start treating them as governance audits. the test of leadership is not found in post-disaster visits. it begins long before a storm forms. it begins in zoning laws, environmental safeguards, and public investment choices.
The meaning of resilience true resilience is not endur-
ance through suffering. it is the ability to transform the conditions that make suffering inevitable. that means restoring mangroves and wetlands so they can serve as natural storm barriers. it means directing housing programs to higher ground. it means building public works that can withstand the cascading effects of extreme weather, not simply the storms of the past. climate adaptation is not a luxury. it is the cost of survival.
Where resilience must lead typhoon tino and super typhoon Uwan struck different regions but exposed the same national fragilities. they forced families to flee twice in one week. they overwhelmed shelters. they collapsed roads. they reminded the nation that disasters are no longer sequential. they are simultaneous. the sea will not recede. the storms will not weaken on command. But the country can decide whether the next typhoon season unfolds as an annual tragedy or as evidence that lessons have finally been learned. the devastation left by typhoon tino and super typhoon Uwan is a reminder of what is at stake and why prevention, not just response, must define the nation’s future. (AJPress)
Corruption and economic...
tion, Ang argues, has acted like “steroids for growth.” it funnels huge investments into major state-led or public-private projects (infrastructure, real estate, etc.), helping drive rapid expansion. yet this does not mean that “access money” is “good” for the economy – on the contrary, it distorts the allocation of resources, breeds systemic risks and exacerbates inequality, the professor warns. corruption is conventionally defined as the abuse of public office for private gain. But Prof. Ang pointed out that in china, local bureaucrats know that it doesn’t pay to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
Ang explains that in china, local governments compete for investments and it makes no sense to try to extort from a potential investor. i saw this first hand as top provincial officials from different regions rolled out the red carpet for carlos chan who was looking for sites for oishi factories all over china. they were on their best behavior.
it is so unlike here where LGUs and even barangay captains will extort as much as they can from an entrepreneur (kasi mayaman naman sila) to the point of extinguishing any enthusiasm of a potential investor.
some of my economist friends
PAGE 6
PAGE 6
Institutional rot
ept under the weight of corruption and the country’s development indices prove it. confidence in national leadership is collapsing –and for good reason. the President has shown weakness in most aspects of leadership, except perhaps in foreign policy. his weakness is particularly evident in the management of the economy, national competitiveness and in handling this corruption crisis. the same for the Vice President. her unimpressive body of work, corruption accusations, pro-china stance and unbecoming conduct prove her unfit to lead. congress and the senate have long ceased to function as a mechanism for checks and balance. Decisions are driven not by principle or moral correctness, but by party loyalty and pork. too many are tainted by corruption, dynastic interests and criminal activities. Lawmakers parade as patriots but act as profiteers. they have become a national liability. the supreme court, office of the ombudsman and sandiganbayan have often shown greater loyalty to those who appointed them than to the people they
PAGE 6
say that perhaps, it is not so much that corruption deters serious economic growth but that we lack the right industrial policies and economic goals and the structures to carry these out. And we lack focus.
one economist in my Viber Group explains: Park in Korea understood immediately that the shortest way out of poverty and low income in the 1960s (they were below the Philippines) was industrialization and exports. Very clear, targeted and focused.
“Korea in the 1960s-70s did not have a much better government than the Philippines, and it was very corrupt. But the focus on manufacturing and exports put the economy on steroids (corruption included).
“Korea reached high income in less than 30 years. In our case, please read the current Philippine Development Plan. A Christmas tree with over 350 targets. Absurd.
“Today, we cannot do what Korea did but we can do much better with a bit of focus on industrializing the countryside, focusing on a few manufacturing activities… And we need to understand that many things the government is doing are useless or not a priority.”
Prof. Ang rejects simplistic conclusions about corruption being either “good” or “bad” for growth. All corruption is harmful, she says, but the harms of different forms of corruption manifest themselves in
different ways.
some may say some corruption in an authoritarian regime may result in high economic growth, but we have tried that route with the martial law regime of marcos the first and miserably failed. corruption and crony incompetence were major causes of that failure. same problem with Duterte’s chinoy crony from Davao whose companies are now bleeding after Duterte left office. crony firms are mostly managed badly. they are just out to milk government support. When things go bad, the government has to bail out many of them. to answer our original question: corruption and development can probably co-exist but not in our country with the kind of politicians and greedy rent-seeking economic elite that we have.
We must work smarter, harder and with a sense of national purpose. Grand corruption in our context is equivalent to treason because it threatens the country’s survival, as it does now. it should be punishable by death. (Philstar.com) * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on X @boochanco
Hysteria harms the country...
as showing proof of it. Lack of evidence leads to distrust and weakens institutions; on the other hand, blind trust makes deception possible. Being skeptical with clear eyes and always wanting proof is the smarter thing to do. What should people, reporters, and leaders do now? A short and clear list:
• Ask for written proof. When someone is accusing someone of something, they should bring papers and witnesses and question them under oath in a court, a special house committee, or the senate. making accusations in public without being held responsible is not a moral act.
• Demand a thorough review by a third party. Digital and paper data must be looked at by experts who are not biased and whose methods and results are clear and can be repeated.
• Make sure proper process is followed. the investigation must go forward without political pressure or threats against witnesses, and it must follow all the rules of the law. the idea that people are innocent until proven guilty is not a gift to strong people; it is a way to make sure that everyone in a democracy is treated fairly.
• Do not use mob justice online. Demands for instant removal, street action based on unverified clips, or financial punishment of people based on rumors are all things that can risk security and hurt people’s reputations and ways of making a living in a way that can’t be fixed.
• Keep organizations alive. investigations should be based on the ombudsman, the courts, or an independent committee, which can produce reliable, public results. if those organizations are weak, make them stronger. Don’t put gossip mills in their place.
Don’t think that any of this makes you feel better. People need to know about the accusations if they are real, and those responsible need to be held responsible. if they are not true,
we should show that they are lies and punish people who use lies as weapons. But truth isn’t served by shows that make headlines or by automatically taking content that goes popular as gospel. Unreasonable belief and automatic rejection are two things that hurt justice. in the end, leaders on every side have a special job to do. People who make claims should go home, swear under oath, and show their proof in the right places. if someone says they didn’t do it, they should fully work with independent investigations, make relevant records public, and stop turning serious public issues into political theater. to journalists: check before spreading, and don’t give in to the urge to put clicks over trustworthiness. to the people: expect method, not passion that looks like theory. it’s not just political identities that are at stake. they are what makes our democratic systems work, what keeps our public debate healthy, and what holds citizens and the government together. At this hot moment, being calm is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of pride. Not being interested is not calm; it’s bravery. make sure there is proof. Keep the process safe. Let truth, not showmanship or rumor, decide what we do and how we act. Joy Belmonte’s people-first politics shows how LGUs should serve Quezon city’s recent string of national and foreign awards isn’t just a result of good press. mayor Joy Belmonte’s budget choices are putting people first, systems that stop cheating, and that services reach everyone quickly and fairly. today, her words turned into policies and policies into results. the outcomes can be seen in happy citizens, better finances, and repeated praise at home and abroad.
Where a government spends its money is the best way to see what it stands for. Quezon city’s budget has more than doubled under mayor Belmonte, rising from about P21 billion in 2019 to
a planned P43.3 billion for 2026. more than half of that amount is set aside for social services, which is very important. that 54% allocation for housing, health care, and education is not symbolic. since 2019, over 50,000 Lungsod iskolar scholarships have been given out, and the goal is to reach 80,000. it also pays for free tertiary education at Qc University for about 12,000 students, a P5-billion investment in healthcare that supports programs like yakap, and almost P5 billion set aside for housing for thousands of families. these aren’t just short-term deals. these are investments in people that make communities less vulnerable, give people more chances, and create the social security that is necessary for long-term growth. When a city supports health clinics, mental health hotlines (helpline 122), programs for people with disabilities, and funeral help with real money, it shows that government is measured by how many lives are changed, not by how many photos are taken. Good money management is needed for the city to be able to pay for big social projects. Quezon city has had the most Locally sourced revenues (Lsr) of any city in the Philippines for five years in a row, from 2020 to 2024. in 2024 alone, it made P28.8 billion in Lsr from January to october 2025, new ways of collecting taxes, such as digital platforms like iDeclare easy, online payments, faster assessments, and focused amnesty programs, brought in P20.8 billion. these changes show a simple truth: openness and efficiency bring in more money for the government, and a bigger, cleaner source of income is the best way to make sure that social spending will continue. Without trustworthy methods, recognition doesn’t mean much. the commission on Audit has given Quezon city a “unqualified opinion” for five years in a row, which is the best audit grade u PAGE 8
pledged to serve. the absence of honor. Not a single public servant of this generation has had the courage to own up to their wrongdoings. Denial and deflection have become the national default. the rot reeks.
Where do we go from here? the path to restore public trust must remain firmly within constitutional bounds. Any solution must be rooted in law and the people’s will – not by force or coercion. the following could be a viable scenario: Voluntary resignation of the President, Vice President and members of the senate and congress. this would be a profound gesture of accountability and humility while respecting constitutional processes.
formation of a constitutionally-sanctioned caretaker government. the constitution provides a line of succession. A senior, respected member of the supreme court could oversee a caretaker government tasked only with maintaining basic governance and prepare the nation for elections –nothing more.
snap elections for vacant positions. elect new leaders with renewed legitimacy. this would give citizens the opportunity to reset
the political landscape and choose candidates untainted by scandal. creation of an independent Anti-corruption commission to investigate the flood control and other major corruption cases and bring charges to those liable. too, recommend long-term reforms to dismantle systemic corruption. immediate protective measures for accountability. issuance of hold-departure orders for indi-
Marcos vs Marcos
that was banned during martial law. No one packed a gun; many of them instead toted guitars. several of them died before they were 30, some from suspected suicide, including guys i would not hesitate to describe as gentle, fragile souls.
Duterte’s take-no-prisoners approach may work on the largescale drug traffickers who can buy their way out of any criminal indictments, but confronting the demand side of the drug scourge calls for a different tack.
* * * i learned to spot people high on drugs, or who were addicted. the habit takes a visible toll on the body. so far, i haven’t seen either BBm or his wife in a public engagement with bloodshot eyes or looking, talking or behaving like they’re high on drugs. the first lady in fact strikes many as her husband’s highly efficient secret weapon – someone who has brought out the best in Bongbong marcos. their marriage and family seem rock solid. i’ve written that those who have been blessed with high public of-
fice in our country should follow the example of Barack obama, who came clean on his cocaine and marijuana use to send the message to America’s youth that if he hadn’t kicked the habit, he would not have become U.s. president.
BBm won the presidency by the biggest margin ever despite the accusation that he’s a cokehead. the story was brushed aside at the time. today the hiss in administration circles is that in dredging it up, senator imee wants VP sara to replace BBm. Ate imee can then become the VP, in a prelude to a 2028 team-up. BBm must be thinking: with a sister like this, who needs enemies?
recently, rep. sandro marcos, who was also accused by his tita imee of being a dopehead, responded with a not-so-subtle reference to long-running rumors that she is imeldific’s daughter by another man.
As for the peanut gallery, there are folks who are wishing the warring camps mutual annihilation.
* * *
Ps: Navotas rep. toby tiang-
co texted to inform me that in 2023, he didn’t go directly to then house speaker martin romualdez to request a P200-million funding insertion for a project in tiangco’s home city of Navotas because it’s not in his nature to seek favors or “special accommodation.” reacting to my previous column, tiangco clarified that at the time, he was still “oK” with romualdez, his relative by marriage, but he didn’t want to be indebted to anyone because it usually entailed a quid pro quo. “Even kay PBBM, I have not asked for anything special from him. I value my independence,” tiangco told me, referring to President Bongbong marcos. “My first 9 years in Congress, I don’t recall entering the Speaker’s office, during the time of (Feliciano) Belmonte, (Pantaleon) Alvarez, GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo). Alam ko na ang special favor ay may kapalit yun kaya ayaw ko humingi.” (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.
DAteline PhiliPPines
ICI reviews Bernardo’s claim tagging 3 more senators
by Kathleen de Villa, Mary Joy Salcedo Inquirer.net
mANiLA — the plan of the independent commission for infrastructure (ici) to recommend this week a new set of charges against three more senators has been delayed.
ici chair Andres reyes Jr. told reporters Wednesday that the probe body will still have to “reevaluate” the affidavits submitted by former Public Works Undersecretary roberto Bernardo, one of the officials so far found to have criminal and administrative liability over several anomalous flood control projects, before it comes up with recommendations to the office of the ombudsman against the unnamed legislators.
We are evaluating everything because of the affidavit of (Bernardo). So we’re studying that. So we’ll have a delay of maybe 10 days… Hopefully, we’ll finish it,” he said in a media briefing.
the review will cover the first and second affidavits that the former Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) official presented before the commission when he appeared as a resource person in september.
the ici chair last week said that the three senators are aside from incumbent senators Jinggoy estrada and Joel Villanueva, who were among the respondents in the ici referral to the ombudsman last oct. 29.
Bernardo had skipped multiple scheduled appearances before the ici in the last two months, citing medical reasons.
he was supposed to attend the hearings again this week, but did not appear on the grounds that he has applied to be admitted into the Witness Protection Program under republic Act No. 6981.
A confidentiality clause in the law restrains Bernardo from disclosing further information related to his application as a state witness, ici executive Director Brian hosaka had explained.
During the resumption of the senate blue ribbon panel’s inquiry into the flood-control projects scandal on friday, Bernardo repeated his previous testimonies implicating former senators ramon “Bong” revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, as well as incumbent senators francis escudero and Jinggoy estrada, as among the legislators alleged to have received “commitments” or kickbacks from DPWh projects.
Moving forward, expect more names to come out and more filings to follow. We will continue to work hard for the Filipino people,” reyes vowed.
Lookout bulletin
Also on Wednesday, the ici asked the Department of Justice (DoJ), through the Bureau of immigration (Bi), to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ilbo) against 17 individuals, including officers of sunwest inc., the construction firm founded by former Ako Bicol rep. Zaldy co, in light of the criminal cases filed against them in the sandiganbayan on monday.
in a request letter addressed to DoJ officer in charge secretary acting Justice secretary fredderick Vida, reyes said the ilbo request was in relation to the criminal cases filed on tuesday by the ombudsman at the sandiganbayan against co, several officials of the DPWh, and key officers of co’s con-
struction company sunwest inc.
An ilbo enables the Bi to monitor an individual’s travel and is different from a hold departure order, which the court issues to bar a person from leaving the country. the ilbos were requested for sunwest president and chair Aderma Alcazar; treasurer cesar Buenaventura, and board members consuelo Aldon, Anthony Ngo, and Noel cao.
the others were DPWh officers and personnel from the DPWh mimaropa (mindoro, marinduque, romblon, Palawan) office, including its regional director Gerald Pacanan; assistant regional directors Gene ryan Altea and ruben santos Jr., bids and awards committee (BAc) chair Dominic serrano; BAc vice chair friedrich camero, project engineer iii felisardo casuno; materials engineer timojen sacar; accountant iV Lerma cayco, and BAc member Grace Lopez.
Also asked to be covered by an ilbo were the officers in charge or heads of various DPWh divisions: montrexis tamayo (planning and design); Juliet calvo (maintenance), and Dennis Abagon (quality assurance and hydrology).
“Given the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing proceedings, their participation remains essential and there is a reasonable possibility that they may attempt to leave the country while the cases are pending,” the ici said in the request letter signed by reyes. it added that the prompt issuance of an ilbo is necessary to avert any attempts to obstruct the proceedings and ensure continuity of the probe. meanwhile, among the next resource persons the ici is looking to call in is Department of Budget and management (DBm) Undersecretary rolando toledo, who was recently named officer in charge after Amenah Pangandaman stepped down, reyes noted.
co, in a series of videos on social media, implicated former Budget secretary Amenah Pangdandaman as one of the cabinet officials who supposedly relayed and confirmed the instruction of marcos to insert pet projects amounting to P100 billion during the deliberations for the 2025 budget when he was chair of the house appropriations committee.
We’d like to talk to the new one (DBM OIC),” Reyes said, adding that the ICI would like to get Toledo’s insights about the “budget process.” n
House elects Ferdinand Hernandez as senior deputy speaker
by AJPress
mANiLA – the house of representatives has elected south cotabato second District rep. ferdinand “Dinand” hernandez as its new senior deputy speaker, completing a leadership adjustment under speaker faustino “Bojie” Dy iii hernandez’s election was approved during the house plenary session on Wednesday, November 19. house Deputy majority Leader and sorsogon rep. Wowo fortes moved for his election, which the chamber accepted without objection. the house Public information office confirmed the action.
Before his elevation, hernandez served as one of the deputy speakers in the twentieth congress. he represents south cotabato’s second District and is a member of the Partido federal ng Pilipinas, the political party chaired nationally by President ferdinand marcos Jr. Quezon second District rep. David “Jayjay” suarez, a senior
member of Lakas christian muslim Democrats, was then elected deputy speaker to fill the position vacated by hernandez. suarez previously held the senior deputy speaker post from July until November.
Role of the senior deputy speaker the senior deputy speaker is the highest ranking among deputy speakers. the position is next in protocol to the speaker and is responsible for presiding over sessions in the speaker’s absence, helping manage plenary debates and ensuring the continuity of legislative business.
Under house rules, deputy speakers are elected by a majority of members present, provided there is a quorum. the senior deputy speaker coordinates with other deputy speakers, represents the house in official functions and assists in shepherding priority measures through the plenary.
Suarez remains in leadership suarez, a former Quezon governor and vice governor, remains part of the Dy leadership team despite moving to a lower presiding officer rank. his appointment as deputy speaker maintains representation for Lakas christian muslim Democrats within the house majority coalition. the leadership adjustments reflect efforts to align party blocs within the house while retaining experienced presiding officers. Both hernandez and suarez continue to play visible roles in the management of house proceedings and in representing their respective constituencies as the twentieth congress advances its legislative agenda. n
Hernandez’s legislative background hernandez previously served in congress from 2013 to 2022 before returning in 2025. his background includes positions with the office of the President, the Department of tourism, the Department of trade and industry and the subic Bay metropolitan Authority. he took his oath before speaker Dy following his election.
Palace on speaker change: Up to House
by alexiS roMero Philstar.com
mANiLA — it is up to the members of the house of representatives to decide on their leadership, malacañang said on thursday, November 20, as rumors swirled that isabela rep. faustino Dy iii may be replaced as speaker.
“The change in the leadership of Congress is not in the President’s hands,” Presidential communications Undersecretary claire castro said.
Whatever they want to do at the House of Representatives is up to them,” she added.
online media entity Politiko said Dy, who was elected speaker last september, is “r eportedly on shaky ground” as he had “not inspired confidence” and had “not built real relationships.”
According to the news website, there are talks that malacañang “is eyeing yet another leadership shake-up” in the house as the marcos administration grapples with the flood control mess. however, caloocan rep. egay erice said the lower chamber cannot afford another shake-up just two months after a new speaker was elected.
I don’t think that we can afford the leadership change right now,” erice told one News’ “storycon”, noting that the demotion of suarez to deputy speaker shows that Dy’s power is growing.
meanwhile, the Northern Luzon Alliance declared “unequivocal support” for Dy as it high-
lighted the speaker’s leadership, character and steady hand in guiding the house of representatives.
house majority Leader sandro marcos iii of ilocos Norte led the signing of the manifesto, together with Deputy speakers Kristine singson-meehan of ilocos sur and francisco Paolo ortega V of La Union.
in a two-page declaration, the alliance—composed of lawmakers from regions i and ii and the cordillera Administrative region—said its support is grounded on conviction, unity and trust. the house of representatives in the meantime has elected south cotabato rep. ferdinand hernandez as its new senior deputy speaker during Wednesday’s plenary session.
hernandez succeeded Quezon rep. David suarez, who in turn was elected as house deputy speaker.
hernandez’s election as senior deputy speaker was approved upon the motion of house deputy majority leader and sorsogon rep. Wowo fortes.
Prior to his election, hernandez was already one of the house deputy speakers in the 20th congress.
hernandez is the principal author of 20 house bills aimed at providing or improving government support to various marginalized sectors, such as seniors, persons with disabilities, persons with mental health issues, health workers, teachers and non-teach-
ing personnel, among others. he is also listed as co-author of hB 404, 819 and 3839. he sits as vice chairman of the house committees on appropriations, higher and technical education, transportation and ways and means.
hernandez is also a member of the committees on accounts, banks and financial intermediaries, energy, games and amusements, good government and public accountability, national defense and security, and overseas workers affairs.
the Lakas–christian muslim Democrats, for its part, closed ranks behind party chairman former senator ramon revilla Jr., issuing a strong call for due process and cautioning against hasty conclusions as public debate intensifies over ongoing inquiries into infrastructure-related matters.
in a joint statement signed by senior party officials from across the country, Lakas-cmD underscored its “full support” for revilla and reminded the public that democratic safeguards are meant to protect every individual — public servant or private citizen — from prejudgment.
“As a party that has always upheld democratic values, we reaffirm a principle fundamental to any just society: every individual is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence,” the joint statement read. (With reports from Jose Rodel Clapano, EJ Macababbad)
More skeletal remains found in Taal Lake in missing sabungeros search
by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net
mANiLA — fifty-seven more skeletal remains have been recovered from taal Lake in November, said the Department of Justice on thursday, November 20, as the search for the remains of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) continued.
According to DoJ spokesperson Atty. Polo martinez, in a press conference, that 57 skeletal remains were recovered in three separate operations in the lake.
This is following the resumption of the investigation and dive operations, which were suspended because of recent typhoons and volcanic conditions in the area,” said martinez.
on Nov. 6, 25 pieces of human skeletal remains were collected, six pieces were recovered on November 17 and 26 more pieces were collected on November 18.
martinez also noted that the
PAGE 7
bones discovered on Nov. 17 included several items, namely, black pants with a black belt, white underwear, and a single “cut wheat flour cloth.” it was whistleblower Julie Patidongan who first revealed that all the missing sabungeros had been killed and buried beneath
taal Lake in Batangas the government then began its search for the remains on July 10. Patidongan then later claimed that businessman Atong Ang, claudine Barretto, an ex-judge, a former local government official, and several police officers were also involved in the case. n
Hysteria harms the country...
possible. the city has also set up independent checks and balances like the internal Audit service to do compliance and operations audits. the city has committed to the open Government Partnership, has open budgeting processes (with nearly P6 billion of the 2026 budget being looked at by each sector), and has digitalized buying and permitting. these measures cut down on discretionary handling and corruption. these changes to institutions are what make prizes like the open Gov challenge regional and thematic prizes more than just trophies. they show that open government, public involvement, and civic space are not just ideas; they are required. the awards keep coming because the same things keep happening: mayor Belmonte won
the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award for the third year in a row; the Department of finance–BLGf inducted him into the hall of fame for generating the most money in the area; the Philippine chamber of commerce and industry named him the most Business-friendly LGU; the city received global recognition for its nutrition and open government (milan Pact and oGP awards); and it received numerous national recognitions for its work in family planning, tourism, and public service. Listen to communities, tie resources to measurable results, digitize processes to make services available, and hold systems (not just people) responsible are some of the things that make Belmonte’s time in office stand out. A complete approach to inclusion can be seen in the city’s programs for msmes, unions, and job creation, as well as in
projects like tindahan ni Ate Joy and Lipad-Pinay. mayor Belmonte shows that honest and skilled local government can work. it shows that when processes and results win the trust of the public, awards follow. But what’s more important is that people’s lives get better. Now it’s up to everyone in the archipelago to keep these changes going, increase public oversight, and spread these ways of doing things. for all that she did, Belmonte deserves to be recognized. even better, it should lead to more copies of Qc mayor Joy Belmonte in LGUs nationwide. that’s what good government should really leave behind. (Inquirer.net) * * * The
Roberto Bernardo Inquirer.net file photo
File photo of members of the Philippine Coast Guard deploying in the waters of Taal Lake off Talisay town in Batangas province ahead of an organized search for the remains of dozens of cockfighting aficionados missing since 2021 to 2022. Inquirer.net file photo
AS the world ushers in the age of Artificial Intelligence, allow me to take you back in time to revisit some of the great moments in medical science, which made possible the great strides man has made in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that benefit all of us today. I had the great fortune and privilege in 1972 to train as a Fellow in Cardiac Surgery under one of the world’s giants of heart surgery, Dr. Denton A. Cooley, founder and cardiac surgeon-inchief of the Texas Heart Institute in Houston.
The management of heart diseases was still in the Dark Ages during my undergraduate years in the late 50s. Physicians then did not know how to treat heart diseases, much less save the lives of patients with these ailments. Looking back, the physicians at that time did not even know that simple aspirin had any potential role in the prevention or treatment of heart attacks. Treatment was mainly symptomatic, using pain pills or pain shots. The most sophisticated pill was the nitrate pill, a vasodilator that “relaxes open” the coronary artery, since the “current” knowledge in physiology then said angina pectoris (chest pain) was due to spasm in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscles with oxygen and nutrition.
The first milestone that started it all was in 1628 when an English physician first described blood circulation. Inspired by that, these historical events followed:
1706 - Raymond de Vieussens, a French anatomy professor, first described the structure of the heart’s chambers and vessels.
1733 - Stephen Hales, an English clergyman and scientist, first measured blood pressure.
1816 - René T. H. Laennec, a French physician, invented the first stethoscope.
1903 - Eillem Einthoven, a Dutch physician, developed the first electrocardiogram.
1912 - James B. Herrick, an American physician, first described heart disease resulting from hardening of the arteries, a fundamental concept that led to the modern therapy of today.
1938 - Robert E. Gross, an American surgeon, performed the first heart surgery (closed-heart, not open-heart).
1951 - Charles Hufnagel, an American surgeon, developed a plastic valve to repair the aortic valve.
1952 - F. John Lewis, an American surgeon, performed the first successful open-heart surgery.
1953 - John H. Gibbon, an American surgeon, introduced the heart-lung machine (which he published as a concept in 1937) and first used this mechanical heart and “blood purifier” to do the first “real open heart surgery” utilizing the heart-lung machine, precursor of the modern-day cardiopulmonary bypass machine.
1950 - John Hopps, a Canadi-
Pre-AI era
an, invented the external heart pacemaker. That same year, Willem Greatbatch introduced the concept of an implantable (internal) heart pacemaker.
1960 - The first self-contained implantable heart pacemaker made by Medtronic was inserted by W. C. Lillihei. Over the years, this has been improved, made more versatile, smaller, better, and longer-lasting.
1961 - J. R. Jude, an American cardiologist, led a team in performing the first external cardiac massage to restart the heart, the foundation for today’s CPR.
1960s - Denton A. Cooley of Houston, Texas, rose to world fame for his extraordinary dexterity in performing thousands of congenital heart surgeries in infants, and for being the first to successfully remove pulmonary emboli (clots in the lungs).
1965 - Michael De Bakey and Adrian Kantrowitz, American surgeons, implanted a mechanical device to help the diseased heart.
1967 - Christian Barnard of South Africa performed the first whole heart transplant from one person to another.
1968 - Denton Cooley performed the first heart transplant in the United States on a 47-yearold man, using a donor heart from a 15-year-old. The patient lived for 204 days. He had done 22 heart transplants over the next year, a record at the time.
1969 - Denton A. Cooley implanted the first artificial (mechanical) heart on a man to “tide him over” and keep him alive while waiting for a donor heart.
1972 - In the field of clinical application, Denton A. Cooley had, by this time, performed more than 10,000 open heart surgeries, more than any other surgeon in the world. That year, in his honor, the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society was founded. Its members are more than 800 heart surgeons from 50 countries around the world, whom he trained at the Texas Heart Institute (THI) in Houston. (As a Filipino-American heart surgeon, I was truly humbled to be elected as its first president.) The THI has been doing more than 30 open-heart surgeries per day since then.
1970s - Michel Mirowski, M.D., and his associates, Morton Mower, Stephen Heilman, M.D., Alois Langer, PhD, and a company called Medrad in Pittsburgh, developed the automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator. In 1980, the prototype AICD was implanted at Johns Hopkins to prevent sudden cardiac death.
1982 - Willem DeVries, an American surgeon, implanted a permanent artificial heart, designed by Robert Jarvic, also an American physician. O. H. Frazier and his team under Dr. Cooley at the Texas Heart Institute have performed more than 600 heart transplants, and are doing extensive work on artificial (mechanical) hearts. Someday, they will be available on the shelf like pacemakers today, and heart bypass and cardiac valve surgeries will be a thing of the past.
A crazy idea
A most worthy pioneer was Werner Forssmann, who, as a surgical resident in Germany in
On the celebration of Christ the King
A COMMENT made by a parent during our recent parish school auction dinner and gala night continues to linger in my mind. “By the way, Father, I’m not Catholic; I’m Jewish,” the parent said. “But I send my son to your school because I appreciate the values you teach our children.” Her statement resonated deeply with me, filling me with pride for the Catholic education we provide. It also made me realize the importance of our school ministry in these challenging times within our secular society. The moral and spiritual values we impart to our children are rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We uphold the teachings and examples that Jesus provided during His time on earth. These values include self-sacrifice, unconditional love and forgiveness, service and compassion for others—especially the poor, vulnerable, and those on the margins of our society—respect for human dignity at all stages of life, as well as peace, justice, truthfulness, fidelity, and patience. Friends, this is what we celebrate and uphold this Sunday on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the final Sunday of the liturgical year. We honor the power and authority of Jesus in our lives, acknowledging that He is our shepherd and leader, whose kingship is
1929, experimented on himself by inserting a catheter through a vein in his arm and into his heart. He walked to the basement where the X-ray machine was, and X-rayed himself to prove that the catheter was in his heart. In another experiment, he injected dye into his heart through that catheter and took X-ray film. Many of his fellow physicians were outraged by his “daring and insane” acts.
This, by the way, was the origin of what we know today as coronary or heart angiogram or cardiac catheterization, which made possible life-saving procedures, like angioplasties and heart bypass surgeries, all over the world. Thanks to Forssmann’s “crazy idea.” In 1956, Forssmann was awarded a Nobel prize, shared with Dickinson Richards and Andre Cournand, physicians in New York who studied heart function and physiology using catheters.
Next week: Part II – Conclusion
* * * 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 main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who
Alex Eala trains with Rafael Nadal on anniversary of his retirement
The Philippine tennis star trains with Nadal in Mallorca, one year after his retirement.
by AJPress
MALLORCA, Spain — Filipino tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala shared a special practice session this week with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, exactly one year after Nadal’s final professional match.
For the 20-year-old Filipina, the session marked a symbolic return to the Rafa Nadal Academy, where she trained for years before rising into the world’s top tier of women’s tennis.
A Filipina at the center of Nadal’s anniversary hit
Videos released by the academy show Eala and Nadal exchanging long baseline rallies and laughing between drills on an indoor court in Manacor. Nadal wrote that it “felt great to be back on a tennis court,” adding playfully to Eala, “Next time I will be stronger.”
Eala replied, “Back like you never left,” reflecting both her admiration for Nadal and the familiarity built from years of training under the same system.
While Nadal’s anniversary appearance drew global attention, the moment placed Eala at the forefront of the day’s narrative as a Filipina who has become one of the youngest players to advance on the WTA Tour.
A meaningful return to familiar ground
Eala has been part of the Rafa Nadal Academy since her early teens, and the program remains central to her development. Practicing again with Nadal, now as an established professional, highlighted how far she has progressed from her junior years.
Observers noted that Eala handled the rally pace with ease, absorbing Nadal’s heavy forehands and generating her own pace with confidence. The session reflected years of shared training culture and growing trust in her abilities.
Nadal’s continued presence and Eala’s rising stature
Nadal retired from professional tennis after Spain’s Davis Cup Finals campaign in 2024. His an-
niversary hit with Eala was not framed as a comeback but as a tribute to the sport, the academy, and the young athletes he continues to guide.
That he chose to mark the day by training with Eala carried symbolic weight. It signaled her rising international stature and her integration into the elite circles of the academy community.
For Filipino fans, the images offered validation that Eala now competes and trains among the world’s best. The practice did not involve trophies or ranking points, yet it resonated deeply. It underscored how Alex Eala has become a significant presence in global tennis, capable of holding her own alongside one of the sport’s greatest champions.
characterized by tenderness rather than the mere exercise of power. As the image of the invisible God, His dominion encompasses everything over which God reigns.
As the Head of the Body, the Church, He leads us in an intimate relationship, not as a distant or disinterested ruler. He is present in our lives and actively involved in our journey.
As we conclude the liturgical year, let us cherish the moments when we have ardently upheld the values of Christ’s Kingdom and demonstrated the true essence of Christ’s Church on earth. These moments occur on Sundays and holidays when we come together for worship; during community events that express our unity and commitment to our Church and our mission to support the needy; when we prepare our children for school, guide them, and show them our unconditional love; or even when we help an elderly neighbor bring out her trash bins. Christ’s Kingdom flourishes when we build a just society and embrace honest leadership. It becomes evident when we form a joyful, welcoming, engaging, and faith-filled community.
May we all work together harmoniously to build Christ’s Kingdom here on earth until His return! Blessings, Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas
by
Photo courtesy of Rafa Nadal Academy
HAS your spouse or significant other abused you and or your minor children? If so, then you may seek protection by filing for a domestic violence restraining order in court against the abuser. If you are seeking protection from abuse perpetrated by your spouse or partner towards you and or your children, you may apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. This can be filed on an emergency basis (Ex Parte) if you need immediate protection. This is usually filed using form DV-100, DV-101, DV-109, DV-110, CLETS-001, along with an extensive declaration and supporting evidence. The court will make a decision whether to grant you an emergency restraining order protection. Whether or not the court grants the emergency restraining order protection, the court will set a trial for your DVRO. The papers will have to be personally served on the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence at least 5 court days or more prior to the trial. The respondent will then have an opportunity to file a response, declaration, and evidence in opposition to your allegation. At the DVRO trial, both parties will have the opportunity to testify, present witnesses, and introduce evidence. Under California law, “domestic violence” is defined broadly to include a pattern of abusive behavior used by one intimate partner against another to gain or maintain power and control. It’s not limited to physical violence and encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviors. Here are the main types of abuse recognized under California’s domestic violence statutes:
Physical abuse
This is the most visible form of abuse and involves intentional physical harm or injury. This includes Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, biting, shoving, or choking, Pushing, grabbing, or restraining, using weapons or
9
Do I need to file for a domestic violence restraining order?
objects to inflict harm, depriving someone of necessary medical care, Physical intimidation or threats of physical harm.
Emotional or psychological abuse
This type of abuse aims to control and manipulate someone’s emotions and sense of self-worth. It can be just as damaging as physical abuse and includes:
1. Verbal abuse: Insults, name-calling, yelling, criticizing, and belittling.
2. Intimidation: Threats of harm, destroying property, stalking, and displaying weapons.
3. Isolation: Controlling who someone sees, where they go, and what they do.
4. Humiliation: Publicly embarrassing someone, making them feel ashamed or worthless.
5. Mind games and manipulation: Gaslighting, twisting reality, and making someone doubt their own perceptions.
Sexual abuse
This involves any unwanted sexual contact or activity without consent. It includes rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, pressuring someone into unwanted sexual acts, withholding sex as a form of control, sexual exploitation or degradation.
Financial abuse
This type of abuse involves controlling someone’s finances and limiting their access to resources. It includes controlling all the finances and not allowing someone access to money, preventing someone from getting or keeping a job, exploiting someone’s financial resources , forcing someone to sign financial documents against their will, running up debt in someone else’s name.
Stalking
This involves a pattern of unwanted attention, harassment, or contact that causes fear or emotional distress. It includes following or spying on someone, repeatedly contacting someone against their wishes, sending unwanted gifts or messages, monitoring someone’s online activity such as Instagram or Facebook, threaten-
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President
ing someone or their loved ones. Domestic violence is usually a pattern of multiple abusive behaviors used to exert power and control. A single incident can be serious, but it’s important to recognize the overall pattern. Many forms of abuse involve coercive control, which is a pattern of acts designed to take away someone’s liberty and independence. This can include isolating someone, regulating their daily behavior, and monitoring their activities. All forms of domestic violence can have severe emotional, psychological, and physical consequences for victims.
In addition to a restraining order, you may also ask for child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and attorney’s fee order within the domestic violence restraining order application.
The evidentiary burden of proof in court is a preponderance of the evidence. It means that it is more likely than not that a fact is true.
Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
* * *
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH U. REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
As ACA Subsidies Near Expiration, Millions Could Face Higher Health Costs
by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C.
– Mil-
lions of Americans may see their health insurance bills rise next year as Congress approaches a year-end deadline to decide the future of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits. The temporary subsidies, expanded during the pandemic, are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025, unless lawmakers agree on an extension.
The Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, reshaped the nation’s health insurance system when it took effect in 2010. It expanded access to coverage, created online Marketplaces, and introduced new consumer protections. More than 24 million people selected Marketplace plans for 2025, the highest enrollment since the program began.
Who Benefits Most From the ACA
The law has provided significant financial help to lower and moderate income households. The enhanced tax credits limit how much consumers pay for a benchmark Marketplace plan, with larger reductions for families with fewer resources. People with preexisting medical conditions receive guaranteed access to coverage at the same price as healthier enrollees. Young adults are allowed to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26.
Marketplace plans must cover essential health benefits, including hospitalization, maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care. For many families, the ACA has made coverage more comprehensive and more affordable than what was widely available before 2010.
Who May Pay More if Subsidies Expire
If Congress does not extend the enhanced subsidies, premiums could rise significantly for many Marketplace customers beginning in 2026. Analyses by KFF, which stands for Kaiser Family Foundation and is a nonprofit and nonpartisan health policy research organization, show that older adults and people in higher cost states would likely see the largest increases.
A major concern involves people who earn too much to
qualify for financial assistance once the temporary rules end.
Under earlier ACA formulas, subsidy eligibility typically stops at about 400 percent of the federal poverty level. That is about sixty thousand dollars a year for a single adult and about one hundred twenty thousand dollars for a family of four. Households above these levels must pay the full, unsubsidized price of insurance, which in some regions can range from seven hundred dollars to more than one thousand dollars per month for a single adult.
Consumers who do not receive subsidies, especially in areas with limited insurer competition, often report that Marketplace plans feel expensive even with standardized benefits and protections.
Congress Debates the Next Steps
Negotiations over the future of the subsidies have shifted to the Senate Finance Committee.
Democratic members generally support renewing the current subsidy structure to prevent sudden cost increases. Some Republican members favor reinstating earlier income limits, requiring minimum premium contributions, or adding new policy conditions related to ACA coverage rules.
Any agreement would require bipartisan support to meet the Senate’s sixty vote threshold and would also need approval in the House.
President Donald Trump has
recently questioned whether the enhanced subsidies should continue and has suggested that Congress consider alternative approaches. The administration has not released a detailed replacement plan. How Households Could Be Affected Marketplace enrollees receive the premium tax credit in advance each month, which lowers their insurance bill. If the enhanced credits expire, those reductions will shrink or end, and out of pocket premiums will rise when 2026 coverage takes effect.
Older adults who are not yet eligible for Medicare, people in rural areas, and residents of states that did not expand Medicaid would likely face some of the greatest financial pressure. In non expansion states, many low income adults remain in a coverage gap because they earn too little for Marketplace subsidies but do not qualify for Medicaid under state rules.
Public Watching Closely National polling from KFF shows strong public interest in what happens next. Health care costs remain one of the most common financial concerns for many Americans.
As Congress considers its options, the future of the ACA subsidies will determine how much millions of households pay for health insurance in 2026 and how stable the individual insurance markets remain.
LOS ANGELES
Ellen Adarna goes public with cheating allegations against Derek Ramsay, praises ex John Lloyd Cruz as very present
by AJPress
ACTRESS
Ellen Adarna has
publicly accused her husband, actor Derek Ramsay, of cheating on her. She released screenshots, dated message exchanges and a recorded argument that she described as her receipts. Ramsay has denied the allegation and said he never cheated. The couple’s separation and living arrangements have since become a subject of wide public discussion.
Adarna also received attention for praising her former partner John Lloyd Cruz, the father of her son Elias. She described him in a media interview as honest, responsible and consistently present for their child.
Screenshots and early signs of marital strain
On November 17, Adarna posted a series of Instagram Stories that included screenshots of what she said were messages between Ramsay and another woman. She told followers that the content of the messages confirmed concerns she had carried for a long time. She said she chose not to confront Ramsay directly and instead released the screenshots publicly because she believed the timestamps and the content were clear.
Adarna said she experienced what she described as gaslighting. According to her, she was made to feel unreasonable or jealous for questioning Ramsay’s communication with another woman. She clarified that the woman she referred to is not any of Ramsay’s previous public partners.
father
She also said that she and Ramsay have not lived together for some time. She stated that she sought assistance from local authorities in previous weeks and that Ramsay had already moved out of their home.
Argument video posted by Adarna
As reactions intensified, Adarna released a video of an argument that she said took place while she was six months pregnant with their daughter. In the video, a man identified by her as Ramsay can be heard calling her “duwag,” (coward) along with comments that
she described as saying she was all talk. She said she shared the recording to show what she considered the emotional difficulty of the relationship. Adarna also said in her posts that Ramsay had once suggested he may have been affected by what he believed to be “kulam,” or a curse, something she said he associated with a former partner. She stressed that she is not accusing anyone of physical violence and stated that no one is battered. Ramsay denies cheating Ramsay issued short public
Rosa Rosal, beloved actress and humanitarian icon, dies at 97
The award-winning actress and longtime Philippine Red Cross humanitarian leaves a national legacy rooted in compassion, credibility and devoted public service
by AJPress
ROSA Rosal, the postwar screen legend who became one of the Philippines’ most respected humanitarian figures, died on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan. She was 97.
A family member, broadcast journalist William Thio, confirmed that she died at 9:17 a.m. of septic shock due to pneumonia and kidney failure. Family members said she had been bedridden and fell critically ill the day before. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), where Rosal served for decades, announced her passing and honored her as a pillar of its humanitarian programs.
The PRC said Rosal dedicated more than seventy years to public service, describing her as a guiding force in voluntary blood donation and a trusted face of national relief efforts. Tributes from government agencies, civic groups and colleagues in entertainment and public service highlighted her compassion, credibility and lifelong commitment to those in need.
From Golden Age cinema to national recognition Born Florence Lansang Danon on October 16, 1928, Rosal grew up in Manila with Kapampangan, French and Egyptian ancestry. After World War II she worked at San Lazaro Hospital, where her presence reportedly caught the attention of filmmaker Luis Nolasco
during a film shoot. She made her screen debut in 1946 in Fort Santiago and later signed with LVN Pictures, becoming one of the most recognizable stars of the postwar era. Rosal became known for depth and versatility in films such as Anak Dalita (1956), Badjao (1957) and Biyaya ng Lupa(1959). In 1955 she won the FAMAS Best Actress Award for Sonny Boy, a role that cemented her status as one of the leading actresses of Philippine cinema’s Golden Age. She later
transitioned to television, which expanded her reach to households across the country. A lifetime of service with the Red Cross Rosal’s humanitarian work began in the early 1950s when she volunteered with the Philippine National Red Cross blood program. In 1965 she was elected to the organization’s Board of Governors, a position she would hold for decades. Her celebrity status helped bring national attention to
Rosa Rosal through the years: a young star of LVN Pictures during
Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay with their children during their wedding. Photo from Ellen Adarna’s Facebook page
Miss Universe leadership and ex-judge in public dispute over rigging allegations
by AJPress
BANGKOK — The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and former judge Omar Harfouch have issued conflicting accounts of events behind the Miss Universe 2025 competition, after Harfouch resigned days before the finals and publicly alleged that the selection process leading to Fátima Bosch’s victory lacked transparency. MUO has strongly denied the allegations and has not announced any independent review.
Harfouch, a Lebanese-French businessman, pianist, and political activist known for his anti-corruption advocacy, served briefly on the judging panel before stepping down.
Harfouch’s allegations
In public posts released shortly before the coronation, Harfouch said he resigned after questioning how semifinalists were chosen. He alleges that the Top 30 candidates were “pre-selected” by what he calls an “impromptu jury,” a group he claims operated outside the official panel. According to him, some individuals involved had personal relationships or affiliations with certain contestants, which he believes created potential conflicts of interest.
Harfouch says he raised his concerns directly with MUO leadership, including organization president Raúl Rocha, and described their exchange as unsatisfactory. Following this, he withdrew from all pageant-related duties, including a planned musical performance.
After resigning, he publicly described the process as “rigged” and called Bosch a “fake winner.” These remarks reflect his own characterization, and he has not released documentary or third-party evidence to support his claims. No independent entity has confirmed his allegations.
MUO and Rocha deny claims and reaffirm protocols
MUO, led by Rocha, has categorically rejected Harfouch’s statements. In its official response, the organization said Harfouch’s comments “incorrectly suggested” that an unauthorized jury was created and that official judges were excluded from selecting semifinalists.
MUO said no external group was authorized to evaluate candidates or choose finalists and that all scoring followed established Miss Universe protocols supervised internally.
The organization said Harfouch may have misunderstood “Beyond the Crown,” a social-impact initiative that does not participate in competition scoring. MUO also confirmed that Harfouch, after making his public allegations, is no longer permitted to use Miss Universe trademarks, logos, or titles.
Rocha has not issued separate comments beyond MUO’s official statement. The organization has not indicated plans for an external audit and maintains that Bosch’s win is legitimate.
Other judges raise concerns, though not rigging
Two other judges have been connected to discussions around the 2025 process, though neither supports Harfouch’s claims of pre-selection or impropriety.
Former footballer Claude Makélélé, initially part of the selection committee, withdrew shortly before the finals for personal reasons and has not alleged any issues with the judging process.
Former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, who served on the final judging panel, later posted online that Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, the first runner-up, was her personal top choice. She also noted that earlier editions featured an onstage independent auditor, a practice she said she would like restored. Glebova made clear she was speaking only about her personal votes and did not assert wrongdoing or endorse allegations of rigging.
A pageant season already under scrutiny
The 2025 competition drew significant public attention even before the allegations emerged.
A livestreamed incident in which Thai pageant figure Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch during a pre-pageant meeting led to criticism and a short-lived walkout by several contestants before Nawat apologized.
Separately, Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was hospitalized after falling from the stage during preliminaries, prompting
questions about venue safety.
Other contestants faced online criticism or political scrutiny, contributing to an already tense atmosphere during the competition.
Ownership and leadership changes
As of late 2025, Miss Universe is co-owned by JKN Global Group of Thailand and Legacy Holding Group USA, each holding a 50 percent stake. JKN Global originally acquired MUO in 2022 and later sold half its stake to Legacy Holding, whose principal, Raúl Rocha, also serves as MUO president.
In October 2025, MUO announced that Mario Búcaro had been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, who stepped down earlier in the year. JKN Global continues to hold its ownership share under ongoing restructuring.
Bosch remains Miss Universe 2025
Despite the dispute, Fátima Bosch, 25, remains the officially recognized Miss Universe 2025, acknowledged by MUO and international broadcasters. Bosch has not commented publicly on the allegations. MUO continues to stand by the 2025 results, while Harfouch maintains his position.
His Father’s Son : Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is
finding his own way in the ring and in the legacy he now carries
by AJPress
BEFORE he ever entered a boxing gym or signed his first professional fight contract, Emmanuel Joseph “Eman” Bacosa lived with a story that preceded him. He grew up with his mother’s surname and with the knowledge that the man people said he resembled was a global icon he rarely saw. What he inherited was not fame but distance.
Today, the 21-year-old lightweight carries a new name. Bacosa and Pacquiao now appear side by side, the result of a long and complicated journey marked by persistence, patience, and a slow and deliberate recognition.
A childhood lived outside the frame
Eman was born in 2004 to Manny Pacquiao and Joanna Rose Bacosa and was raised by his mother in Tagum City, the provincial capital of Davao del Norte in Mindanao. The city is far from the Manila-centered imagination most Filipinos know. It was in this quieter, more distant place that he learned to navigate the complicated reality of being connected to a man who occupied national headlines.
Joanna’s own story shaped much of Eman’s early life. She met Pacquiao in 2003 while working in Manila, and later described their relationship as one that unfolded briefly before circumstances pulled them in different directions. In 2006 and again in 2011, she stepped forward publicly to assert that Pacquiao was the father of her son and to seek acknowledgment and support. Those moments drew media attention, but they also reflected a mother’s effort to secure stability for her child.
What never changed was the consistency with which she raised Eman. She shielded him as much as she could from public drama, pieced together reassurance when he asked questions, and carried most of the emotional and practical weight of parenting. In interviews, Eman has credited her for shaping his character, saying she gave him discipline, resilience, and a grounding that kept him from growing resentful.
Finding boxing and building a life with his mother Eman began boxing at nine.
A Timely Gathering Amid Calls for Good Governance
The recent Law and Governance
Forum in Makati City stood as a premier convergence of legal wisdom, ethical leadership, and enlightened discourse.
Organized by Rising Tigers Magazine and its holding company TAG Media Group, in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines and the Carl E. Balita Review Center, the event highlighted the power of multisectoral cooperation. Together, these institutions created a platform where governance, diplomacy, media, and youth leadership intersect—an inspiring testament to how collaboration can elevate national conversations.
The speakers were as follows: Supreme Court Justice Midas Marquez; Justice Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez, Congressman Brian Poe Llamanzares, Atty. Margarita Nograles, Atty. Lyca Balita, and Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino.
The forum was moderated by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (President and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Tigers Magazine, and the first female President of the American Association of the Philippines) and Faye Arellano Marquez (Board Member of the Indonesia Philippines Business Association). Their presence brought depth and dynamism, reflecting Rising Tigers’ vision to highlight today’s most inspiring leaders.
The forum offered another avenue for active citizenship— shaping dialogue, strengthening democratic institutions, and cultivating leaders who can guide the nation forward.
3rd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards 2025
I was deeply honored to learn from Maria Liza F. Lorenzo that I will be recognized at the 3rd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards 2025, to be held on November 23 at Lancaster Hotel, Mandaluyong City.
To my surprise, I will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Freelance Journalism.
The organizers shared this
humbling tribute on their Facebook page:
“Honoring a Leader with a Heart to Serve! We are awarding Rogelio Constantino Medina the Lifetime Achievement Award for Most Outstanding Freelance Journalist of the Year. His work goes beyond titles; he serves with compassion, integrity, and genuine concern for others. Through his dedication, he has touched countless lives and inspired many to lead with kindness and purpose. Congratulations, Sir! Your legacy of service is truly worthy of recognition.”
Other awardees include Director Romm Burlat, Elia Ilano, Camille Postolero, Jigo Postolero, Nanette Medina, Tonz Llander Are, Cyline Emerlli Tabares, Cyean Ernest Gabrielle Tabares, Joselito Alamares, Darwin Leonardo Granados, Ronald Timogan, Leah Deang Ocampo, Hannah Marie Alejandro, Jefrey Hernandez, Jinwen Emei Sumanda, Nicol Ramador, and Sixteen P. Ablero, among others.
Two Pinoys Shine at SXSW in Austin, Texas Two Filipino artists, Kimmortal and Muri, made waves at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas—a globally recognized celebration of technology, film and TV, music, education, and culture.
Kimmortal (Kim Villagante): A Filipino-Canadian musician, singersongwriter, and visual artist based in Vancouver. Muri (Muriel Gonzales): A Filipino indie R&B/soul-pop singersongwriter and violinist, also a member of The Ransom Collective. She has gained international recognition for her soulful melodies and genre-blending artistry. In March 2025, CITEM supported her exposure through its benchmarking mission at SXSW. Founded in 1987, SXSW has become a premier destination for global professionals to network, discover talent, and achieve creative goals. It is renowned for launching careers and shaping cultural trends, while generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact for Austin annually.
The 2026 SXSW is scheduled for March 12–18 at Brazos Hall, 800 Congress, and The Downright.
First Lady Trump & Second Lady Vance in North Carolina
US First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance spent time with military members and their families in North Carolina this holiday season, expressing appreciation for their service. Their engagements included activities with students on base, focusing on children’s education initiatives. The day concluded with
The decision was his, sparked by watching his father’s fights, and his mother gave him her reluctant support. Small tournaments and fiesta bouts in Tagum became early proving grounds, including a remembered fight against a school bully where he earned two hundred pesos and handed it straight to his mother.
When he later moved to Japan to study, it was again Joanna who guided him. He joined his mother and stepfather there, continued his education, and trained in neighborhood gyms, learning discipline in quiet spaces far from the spotlight. For several years, he balanced schoolwork with increasingly serious training, a routine that hardened his resolve rather than his heart.
Eman eventually continued his studies in the Philippines through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System while deepening his commitment to the sport. The ring was no longer an escape. It had become the place where he felt most honest about who he wanted to be.
A name, a meeting, and a turning point Nearly ten years passed before father and son reconnected. Joanna had carried the responsibility of raising him throughout those years and had been the one to explain the distance and the public story. As Eman grew older, he chose to reach out himself.
formal remarks to a large gathering of service members and military families at a hangar in Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River.
Dr. Sonny de Guzman Installed as MCC President
A historic milestone for Mabalacat City College (MCC) unfolded during the 2025 Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) National Conference at The Heritage Hotel Manila, as Dr. Sonny N. De Guzman was formally invested as MCC President.
The solemn ceremony was led by Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, CESE (President of ALCU), alongside Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez (Secretary of TESDA) and Henry Rhoel Aguda (Secretary of DICT). Their participation underscored the importance of strong leadership and collaboration between local colleges and national institutions in advancing education and innovation.
In 2022, Pacquiao formally recognized him and initiated the legal process to give him his surname. For Joanna, it was the confirmation she had sought for years. For Eman, it was a moment that placed closure where uncertainty once lived. He recalls returning to his room afterward and crying, overwhelmed not by triumph but by relief.
Honoring both Bacosa and Pacquiao Eman now introduces himself as Emmanuel Joseph Bacosa Pacquiao. His choice to keep both surnames speaks to loyalty and clarity. Bacosa is the name that carried him through childhood and hardship. Pacquiao is the name that reflects reconciliation and lineage. He speaks about his mother with deep gratitude, describing her as the reason he found discipline, faith, and direction. He also speaks respectfully of his father and warmly of Jinkee, whom he calls “Tita,” and acknowledges the stepfather who helped raise him. Whatever tensions once surrounded his early life have settled into something more private and grounded.
A quiet relationship with the Pacquiao siblings
Eman’s connection to his half-siblings has been steady but understated. He is aware of the five children whom Pacquiao and
comments denying the allegation. He stated that he did not cheat and that this is the truth. In another message that circulated online, he was quoted saying that he and Adarna had been separated for several months and that she learned certain information only weeks earlier. Adarna reposted those statements along with her own captions that emphasized the dates and timestamps of her screenshots.
As of this writing, Ramsay has not released a detailed statement addressing the screenshots, the argument video or Adarna’s additional claims. No legal action relating to the cheating allegation has been publicly announced by either party. Ramsay and Adarna married in November 2021. They share a daughter, Liana, who was born in 2024. Adarna’s son Elias is from her previous relationship with actor John Lloyd Cruz. Adarna praises John Lloyd Cruz as a present father In a media interview, Adarna said she has nothing but good things to say about Cruz. She described him as an honest and
Jinkee raised together, and he has said that he understands the reality that his father has his own family. Details of daily interactions remain private, yet he has spoken openly about having a warm and supportive relationship with his half-brother Jimuel, who is also pursuing boxing. He has expressed excitement about the possibility of sharing a fight card with Jimuel one day and has publicly voiced his support for his brother’s boxing journey. Eman says he also speaks with Jinkee from time to time and appreciates the kindness she has extended to him. Information about the extent of his relationship with the other siblings remains private, but his public comments suggest respect and acceptance rather than conflict.
Building a life beyond legacy
Eman now fights under Manny Pacquiao Promotions and trains with veteran coaches Buboy Fernandez and Dodie Boy Peñalosa. His professional journey began with a debut in September 2023. Since then, he has compiled a record of seven wins, zero losses, and one draw, with four victories by knockout. Each fight has shown steady improvement, suggesting a fighter learning to balance aggression with control.
Images of him embracing Pacquiao after recent bouts present a striking contrast to the distant years he once described. Yet Eman remains careful about the expectations tied to his surname. He draws a line between inheritance and identity. He has said that he is not Manny Pacquiao. He is Eman Bacosa Pacquiao.
He explains that he fights to uplift his family, to honor the mother who carried him through uncertainty, and to glorify God. These values shape his ambition and the path he is carving for himself. A name restored and a future reclaimed Eman’s story resonates because it is grounded in quiet courage. It reflects the strength of a mother who sought recognition for her son and the resolve of a young man who refused to be defined by absence.
His career is still unfolding. What comes next depends on discipline, opportunity, and the choices he makes inside and outside the ring. Yet one chapter has already reached closure. The boy raised largely by his mother in a distant provincial capital now walks into arenas with both sides of his story intact. He enters every fight with two surnames. One is the name he lived with. The other is the name he waited for. In that dual inheritance lies the beginning of the life he is building for himself and the legacy his mother helped secure.
responsible father and said he is consistently present in Elias’s life. She recalled that Cruz made efforts to attend important milestones for their son and remained engaged even during periods that required logistical challenges.
Adarna and Cruz have been co-parenting Elias since their separation and maintain a cooperative arrangement for his upbringing.
A public conflict with an uncertain path forward Adarna’s decision to release screenshots, timestamps and a personal video to the public sparked wide reactions online that ranged from expressions of support to calls for both parties to handle the matter privately. Many comments focused on the welfare of their children and encouraged a resolution away from social media. For now, the situation remains unresolved. Adarna maintains that her screenshots and videos reflect what she experienced. Ramsay maintains that he never cheated. With no formal proceedings or legal filings announced, the public continues to follow the story through posts, statements and brief interviews from both sides.
Supreme Court Justice Midas Marquez.
Filipino artist Muri, or Muriel Gonzales.
Filipino Canada-based artist Kimmortal, or Kim Villagante.
Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino.
Grace Bondad Nicolas, editor-in-chief of Rising Tigers Magazine.
Mabalacat City College President Dr. Sonny N. De Guzman (seated) with TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez (in blue barong).
Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
US First Lady Melania Trump (right) with Second Lady Usha Vance (left)
Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday, November 21, during a tightly contested finale at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, marking Mexico’s fourth win in the international pageant. Bosch, 25, emerged as a frontrunner early in the competition and ultimately secured the crown after a final round that highlighted personal advocacy and composure. In her post-crowning remarks, she said she hoped to be remembered as “a real person that gives the heart,” underscoring her focus on authenticity and social impact. According to international wire reports, Bosch has been active in sustainability-related initiatives and has framed her pageant journey around women’s empowerment. Her win followed a turbulent lead-up to the pageant. Earlier in the week, a video circulated widely showing a pageant executive sharply reprimanding Bosch for missing a promotional shoot, prompting several contestants to walk out in protest. The Miss Universe Organization did not confirm the details of the confrontation but stated that judging procedures remained independent and adhered to official protocols throughout the competition.
Top finishers Thailand’s Praveenar Singh placed as first runner-up, earning strong support from the host
nation. Venezuela’s Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser finished as second runner-up, extending her country’s long record of high placements. Rounding out the finalists were the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé
The 2025 edition featured 120 delegates, with 30 advancing to the semifinals.
Ahtisa Manalo’s Top 5 win energizes PH pageant community
Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon province delivered one of the night’s standout performances, securing the position of third runner-up.
Her placement returns the Philippines to the Top 5, reinforcing the country’s continued prominence in the global pageant circuit.
In the final Q&A, Manalo spoke about starting pageantry at age 10 to help fund her education, a
response that resonated with audiences across Southeast Asia. Her strong finish is expected to bolster the Philippines’ pageant community, which maintains one of the largest and most passionate followings in the world.
Pageant controversies and assurances
The run-up to the finals was marked by additional controversy when a judge resigned days before coronation night, citing disagreements over the selection process. The Miss Universe Organization stated that official scoring was conducted exclusively by the designated judging panel. (See related story)
Despite the scrutiny, the coronation proceeded smoothly, culminating in Mexico’s Fátima Bosch receiving the crown as the 74th Miss Universe.
PHILCONGEN delivers over 600 services during outreach mission in Phoenix, Az
THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles successfully conducted a consular outreach mission in Phoenix, Arizona from 15 to 16 November 2025, delivering a total of 642 services to Filipinos residing in Arizona and to those who traveled from neighboring areas in California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
The Consulate provided a full suite of services, including passport processing, dual citizenship applications, consular notarization, and civil registration. Helpdesks were likewise set up to extend Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) and Social Security System (SSS) services to the Filipino community.
Led by Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, the consular outreach team also included Consul Ralph Jacob Viloria, SSS Representative Genaro T. Estacio, Ma. Antoinette B. Villa, Hazel M. Mendoza, Imelda G. Nieva, Elvis M. Tamayo, Aristotle C. De Leon, Ma. Czarina Brenda L. Villatito, Edwin S. Guzman Jr., Ramoncito A. Mendoza and Pedro A. De Pacina.
The success of this outreach mission was made possible with the invaluable support of the Philippine Honorary Consul in Arizona, Jenny Lynn. M. Ho-Vijungco, and the Filipino-American organizations and community leaders in Arizona, led by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce in Arizona (PACCA). On the sidelines of the outreach mission, Consul General Cruz also served as a keynote speaker during a gala organized by PACCA honoring Filipino-American luminaries in Arizona’s business community. Consul General Cruz likewise facilitated a seminar on protocol and social graces for the personnel of the Honorary Consulate and the Filipino Community leaders in Arizona.
The Consulate General has already carried out a total of six (6) consular outreach missions in 2025: one each in San Diego and Bakersfield in California; twice in Phoenix, Arizona, including this consular outreach mission; and twice in Las Vegas, Nevada. For its final outreach mission for 2025, which will be held in Las Vegas from 22 to 23 November 2025, clients are advised to review the list of confirmed appointments, and to follow the corresponding instructions in order to facilitate the smooth processing of their applications. Announcements of future consular outreach missions will be posted on losangelespcg.org, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Rosa Rosal, beloved actress and humanitarian...
ter Toni Rose and her grandson Edward John Lim. She was predeceased by her grandson Edward James Lim, who died in 2010.
‘Song of the Fireflies’ vie for Golden Globe nominations
by Janet nepales
SONG of the Fireflies,” the musical film by King Palisoc and written by Angelo Lacuesta, was recently screened to Golden Globe voters and Hollywood film aficionados at The Aster in Hollywood.
The movie, based on a true story that follows a provincial teacher, Alma Taldo, who transforms the members of the Loboc Children’s Choir into an internationally acclaimed singing group from the rural town of Loboc in Bohol, is one of the international films vying for a Golden Globe nod.
Present during the screening were producer Girlie Rodis and actress-producer Rachel Alejandro, who both participated in a Q&A, moderated by TV host Jannelle So, after the screening. Singer Morissette Amon, in her big screen debut, portrays Alma Taldo while Alejandro portrays Equet. Others in the cast include Noel Comia, Jr. as Herbert, Krystal Brimmer as Jackie and Chai Fonacier as teacher Baby.
The film recently won the Best International Feature Audience Award at this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival. It had its world premiere at the 2nd Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles where it bagged the Best Picture Audience Award, among other awards.
It has been traveling around global festivals since, with a Platinum Remi Award from WorldFest Houston International Film Festival.
Alejandro said of its most recent award at the Newport
Beach Film Festival, “For me personally, nothing has been more fulfilling than to see, firsthand, young Filipinos being inspired and delighted by our film.
I am now based in New York, but on my brief trip back home recently, I had the pleasure of doing a Q&A for students of OB Montessori Center, my alma mater. It was a beautiful, full-circle moment for me. The kids were so engrossed in the story, cheered loudly for our teenage leads, Noel Comia Jr. and Krystal Brimner, and asked the cutest questions afterwards.
“I carry my late father, Philippine music industry legend, Hajji Alejandro’s legacy proudly within me. In my mind’s eye, as if it has already happened for real, I see clearly the Loboc Children’s Choir and our leads
singing “Alitaptap” (Fireflies), created by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab and Sarge Lacuesta, with angelic voices on the Beverly Hilton stage of the Golden Globes, being broadcast all over the world.
“At this stage in my very long career, as a Filipino American, it has become my advocacy to shine a bright light on Filipino artistry, especially our music and powerful singing voices. Our voices are not just powerful because of our ability to sustain notes beautifully, but the way they can move people. That’s the magic you will find in ‘Song of the Fireflies’.”
The Golden Globe Awards will air on Sunday, January 11, 2026, on the CBS Television Network and will broadcast live from Beverly Hilton.
life in the Philippines, raising her daughter with the support of her mother while continuing her work in film and humanitarian service. Rosal is survived by her daugh-
A legacy that endures Rosa Rosal’s life spanned more than six decades of film, television and humanitarian leadership. While she was celebrated for her artistry, it was her service to others that defined her public legacy. Generations remember her gentle appeals for blood donors, her visits to hospitals and her unwavering advocacy for vulnerable communities. The systems she helped build remain part of the country’s humanitarian backbone. Her example of compassion and integrity continues to guide the work of those she inspired, ensuring that her legacy endures long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Girlie Rodis, Rachel Alejandro and Janelle So at the Aster Actress-Producer, Rachel Alejandro
Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz swears in dual citizenship applicants.
L: Consul General Cruz delivers the keynote speech at the PACCA Formal Gala; R: Consul General Cruz facilitates a lecture on protocol and social graces.
The Consular Outreach Team with the officials and members of PACCA, and other volunteers for the outreach mission.
