California sues Trump over cuts to homeless housing funds
States challenge major shift in federal housing strategy
sAcrAmeNto — california Attorney General rob Bonta filed his forty seventh lawsuit against President Donald trump, challenging new restrictions on federal homelessness grants. the case targets changes to hUD’s continuum of care program, which funds permanent housing and services for people exiting homelessness. continuum of care grants total about four billion dollars each year. most funds support permanent housing. the program has operated for decades under both parties. Local officials credit it with helping vulnerable residents secure stable housing and avoid repeated homelessness.
California warns of large losses in permanent housing california argues that the new rules would reduce permanent housing funds and redi-
Families of Filipinos in ICE detention decry neglect of migrants
The families of DACA recipient Yaa’kub Ira Vijandre and green card holder Sonny Lasquite speak out
NeW YorK — families of several filipino nationals detained in immigration and customs enforcement (ice) facilities are speaking out, alleging both the United states and Philippine governments have neglected their loved ones, who now face possible deportation. the statements came as relatives of filipino freelance journalist and DAcA recipient Yaa’kub ira Vijandre – whose legal name is Jacob ira Azurin Vijandre – and green card holder sonny John Lasquite recently appeared in court, joined by the tanggol migrante movement, an advocacy group assisting filipino migrants across the United states.
by AJPress
Miss Universe owners face widening legal troubles in Thailand and Mexico
by AJPress
BANGKoK and meXico citY — the miss Universe organization is confronting escalating legal challenges on two fronts, as courts in thailand and prosecutors in mexico move ahead with cases involving both of the pageant’s principal owners. the
developments, unfolding only days after this year’s pageant in Bangkok, have cast uncertainty over the future of one of the world’s best-known beauty competitions.
Thai court issues warrant for Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip
A Bangkok criminal court issued an ar-
Nursing loses ‘professional degree’ status under new Trump administration loan rules
Loan overhaul reshapes financing for nursing students
by AJPress
Nov. 26, 2025, according to statements released by the office of the President and DPWh the submission includes contract records, securities and exchange commission (sec) filings, and DPWh project documents covering roughly 1,300 projects valued at about P92 billion from 2016 to 2024,
mANiLA — the supposed international criminal court (icc) warrant for sen. ronald “Bato” dela rosa, shown to ombudsman Jesus crispin remulla, was a “signed digital copy,” according to his brother, interior and Local Government secretary Jonvic remulla. the ombudsman earlier this November revealed that the icc already issued a warrant to arrest Dela rosa, the former Philip-
by AJPress
WAshiNGtoN, D.c. – the trump administration removed nursing programs from the federal list of professional degrees, a change that reshapes how thousands of students finance advanced training across the United states.
President Donald trump signed the one Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4, 2025, launching a broad restructuring of federal student-loan categories. the law reserves the highest borrowing limits for programs classified as professional degrees. education officials later released an updated list that includes medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law and other license-based fields. Nursing and related disciplines are not included.
Graduate nursing students
mANiLA — No interim release for former President rodrigo Duterte. the international criminal court (icc) Appeals chamber on friday, November 28 rejected Duterte’s appeal for interim release, ordering that he remain in detention while proceedings on his crimes against humanity case continue. in its ruling, the Appeals chamber upheld the earlier decision of the Pre-trial chamber i, which found that Duterte’s release would pose risks to witnesses, evidence, and the integrity of the investigation.
the Pre-trial chamber i previously found that Duterte’s detention remained necessary, and that the conditions for release proposed were not sufficient to mitigate the risks it found in relation to Duterte’s interim release. the Pre-trial chamber i also rejected the defense’s argument that Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons. these were countered by the Duterte camp, which, in return, raised three grounds of appeal. first, Duterte’s defense team argued that the Pre-trial chamber erroneously found that the former president poses a risk. second was that the Pre-trial chamber erred in its rejection of
From The FronT Page
Inside the Zaldy Co videos...
1
ments, public records and publicly available briefings.
Video 1: Alleged budget insertions and cash deliveries in the first recording, co asserts that large budget insertions for the 2025 national budget were made on instruction from senior officials. he alleges that former speaker martin romualdez directed additional flood-control allocations and that he delivered 1 billion pesos in cash intended for President ferdinand marcos Jr. co presents no documents or records to support the claim. romualdez and the Palace deny the allegation. Agencies involved in the flood-control probe say their findings rely on DPWh and independent commission for infrastructure audits rather than co’s video content.
Video 2: Allegations involving a Justice official
A second video includes claims that suitcases containing large sums of cash moved between properties linked to senior officials. co also identifies a Justice undersecretary as a participant.
the Department of Justice states that accusations made online without sworn testimony will not be addressed in detail and notes that matters involving department officials fall under the jurisdiction of the office of the ombudsman. the undersecretary named in the video has not been charged in the flood-control cases.
co presents no physical evidence such as receipts, images or transaction records.
Video 3: Claims about lawmakers and flood-control projects in another recording, co alleges that some lawmakers sought fixed percentages from public works contracts and that he acted as an intermediary in certain transactions.
DPWh and the independent commission for infrastructure later confirmed filing plunder, graft and bribery referrals with the office of the ombudsman. these referrals are based on project audits, contract reviews and supporting documentation already on record. the cases do not rely on co’s video statements as evidence.
Video 4: Allegation involving Rep. Sandro Marcos co claims that ilocos Norte rep. sandro marcos received 1 billion pesos tied to budget insertions. sandro marcos denies the allegation and publicly urges co to present evidence under oath. there is no record in available DPWh and ici referrals or in court filings that links sandro marcos to alleged kickback transactions.
Video 5: Claims involving the First Lady and importation flows in his most recent video, co states that first Lady Liza Araneta-marcos and her brother martin Araneta benefit from rice and onion importation and influence shipment schedules. he also claims that inquiries into price increases were discouraged to protect these interests. co does not present import permits, business records or other documentation to support these assertions.
existing agricultural smuggling and cartel cases filed by government agencies identify other traders and companies as respondents. the Philippine competition commission’s 2024 statement of objections names twelve onion importers and traders for alleged anti-competitive conduct. the Department of Justice’s economic sabotage reviews focus on groups identified in earlier congressional hearings.
No Pcc or DoJ filing names the first Lady, martin Araneta or any member of the marcos family. malacañang declines to comment in detail on the video. Agriculture secretary francisco
tiu Laurel Jr. states that the first Lady has no role in Department of Agriculture importation matters and denies the assertions made by co.
Video 6: Co frames himself as a whistleblower in a later video, co says he is not the mastermind of any alleged scheme and claims he followed instructions from higher ranking officials.
co left the Philippines before the sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants in connection with a 289.5 million peso flood-control project. the Bureau of immigration confirms that interpol issued a Blue Notice to help determine his location. several of his co-accused have been apprehended by authorities.
President marcos has publicly urged co to return to the Philippines and present any evidence under oath.
The allegations in question: Government denials and lack of verification
As of November 28, the statements in co’s videos remain unverified. officials named in the recordings have denied wrongdoing. the first Lady and her brother are not respondents in any cartel or smuggling case. flood-control investigations continue based on DPWh and ici audit records and ombudsman referrals rather than on co’s videos. investigators state that documents, sworn statements and official records, not online postings, will determine future actions.
co’s recordings continue to circulate, but their legal and factual significance remains unresolved pending formal inquiry. n
ReelShort’s Record-Breaking Hit The Virgin and the Billionaire Surpasses 152.9 Million Plays, Powered by the Invisible Artistry of Audio Master Murphy Yameng Li
Beijing/Los Angeles – November 28, 2025 – As ReelShort’s flagship series The Virgin and the Billionaire storms past an astonishing 152.9 million global plays, a new kind of hero is emerging from behind the camera: the elite audio professionals who deliver cinematic sound quality at breakneck speed.
At the forefront of this sonic revolution stands acclaimed production sound mixer and re-recording artist Yameng Li, known on set as Murphy Li. In an industry that now produces up to eighty complete episodes in just eight days, with teams delivering five to eight episodes daily, there is no longer any room for audio fixes in postproduction. Every breath, every whisper, every shattering glass must be captured perfectly in the moment, under relentless pressure.
On ReelShort sets, where crews face as many as two hundred shot changes in a single day, Li transforms into what her colleagues call the “Sound Commander.” The instant she puts on her monitoring headphones, the soft-spoken engineer becomes the calm epicenter of controlled chaos, adjusting equalization in real time, layering subtle foley, and shaping dialogue to compress entire emotional journeys into fractions of a second.
“However short the drama,” Li says, “it must still give the audience a complete breath.”
That guiding principle, blending uncompromising filmgrade standards with the agility demanded by vertical shortform content, has made her one of the most in-demand audio artists in the global short-drama phenomenon. Her remarkable career spans
award-winning feature films, documentaries, blockbuster sequels, English-language festival shorts, and even triple-A game cinematics. From the Tokyo International Film Festival’s Best Artistic Contribution winner
An Issue Without Question, to the haunting silence of the documentary Home (Best Documentary, 28th Beijing College Student Film Festival), to the thunderous soundscapes of Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2 (37th Hong Kong Film Awards), and the breath-driven storytelling of the English-language short
The Blind Zone (official selection at Houston, New York, and Los Angeles international film festivals), to the 2025 Telly Awards Gold-winning game CG for Zenless Zone Zero, Li has repeatedly proven that sound can carry a story as powerfully as any image.
Today, she brings that same depth to ninety-second scenes, creating what she calls “aftertremors in the audience’s mind” that linger long after the screen goes dark. With Chinese-produced short dramas now exceeding 148
ICI, DPWH ask Ombudsman to act on cases...
based on public briefings by ici and DPWh
Eight lawmakers identified over ties to firms that won DPWH contracts the referral identifies the following officials: elizaldy “Zaldy” co, edwin Gardiola, James “Jojo” Ang Jr., Jernie Jett Nisay, Augustina Dominique Pancho, Joseph “Jojo” Lara, francisco “Lalo” matugas, and Noel rivera.
Public disclosures by ici state that the lawmakers or their relatives appear in sec filings as owners, stockholders, or officers of firms that secured DPWh contracts.
reyes says the commission relied on “documentary proof” such as corporate disclosures and DPWh contract data to identify the links. Dizon says the referral includes project records that track the volume and value of contracts awarded to each firm. ici’s summary indicates that the linked construction companies received large clusters of flood-control contracts across several regions.
Constitutional and anti-graft violations form core of ICI’s case the ici–DPWh referral asks the ombudsman to examine possible violations of:
• Article VI, Section 14 of the constitution, which prohibits members of congress from holding a direct or indirect financial interest in any government contract during their term;
• the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act;
• the Government Procurement reform Act; and
• the Code of Conduct and ethical standards for Public officials and employees.
ici also flagged potential plunder or bribery depending on how the ombudsman evaluates the flow of funds. At this stage, none of the allegations constitute findings of guilt.
Ombudsman review underway as investigators assess November 26 submissions the ombudsman has begun evaluating the referral. Public statements from the ombudsman’s office confirm that investigators have docketed the submissions and started their internal review. the ombudsman has not announced any indictments, and officials emphasize that the referral serves only as a basis for further investigation.
million overseas downloads and ReelShort leading the charge in the North American market, flawless audio has become a decisive strategic advantage.
While artificial intelligence tools accelerate dubbing and accessibility features, the nuanced, human-crafted sound design delivered by artists like Li remains the irreplaceable element that turns casual viewers feel as goosebumps and emotional connection.
“American audiences are embracing these fast-paced, high-emotion stories in record numbers,” said ReelShort executive producer Jane Chen.
“What many don’t realize is how much of that magic comes from invisible artists like Murphy Li, who make every heartbeat, every kiss, and every dramatic slap feel utterly real.”
As short-form vertical drama races toward becoming the world’s dominant entertainment format, the work of Li Yameng and her fellow audio architects proves that even in the fastest corner of modern media, true excellence is still found in the details you cannot see, but will always hear.
the ici operates as a fact-finding body created under executive order No. 94 in september 2025. it does not prosecute cases and holds no authority to determine criminal liability.
Lawmakers deny wrongdoing and signal readiness to face inquiry several lawmakers named in the referral deny wrongdoing.
edwin Gardiola says the allegations “have no truth” and that he intends to answer them “in the proper forum.”
James “Jojo” Ang Jr. says he never used his position for personal gain and welcomes an investigation.
Joseph “Jojo” Lara says he divested from JLL Pulsar construc-
tion before entering congress and that the firm did not bid for contracts in his district during his term.
francisco “Lalo” matugas says he has “nothing to hide” and stands ready to provide documents once a formal inquiry begins.
As of Nov. 28, co, Nisay, Pancho, and rivera have not issued detailed public responses, based on available statements from their offices and major media reports.
Flood-control scandal tests Marcos administration’s new oversight commission the flood-control review
gained momentum after public complaints and internal DPWh audits flagged irregularities, including alleged ghost or substandard projects in multiple regions. those findings led President marcos to form the ici and instruct agencies to cooperate fully. officials frame the November 26 referral as the commission’s most substantial submission to date. the outcome now rests with the ombudsman, which must decide whether the evidence supports formal charges. for now, the eight lawmakers face allegations, not conclusions, and the legal process remains ongoing. n
Dela Rosa warrant shown to Ombudsman...
pine National Police (PNP) chief of ex-President rodrigo Duterte during his administration’s bloody drug war.
“From what I know, a digital copy was signed, was shown to the ombudsman, but it was not a verified digital copy,” the DiLG chief said in an interview on ANc’s headstart.’
“After which, none of it was transmitted formally to the Department of Justice or to the Center for Transnational Crimes. So, as far as the state security system is concerned, we are not yet in a position for a request for the arrest of Sena-
tor Dela Rosa,” he added. remulla said that, because the Philippines withdrew from the icc, there were no “formal channels” to verify the ombudsman’s claims that the international tribunal already issued a warrant for the former top cop. Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the icc in 2018 as the court began investigating his administration’s war on drugs, which killed thousands of filipinos. further, the DiLG chief noted, The Supreme Court has already clarified in the ruling of what constitutes a repatriation of what process
DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla Inquirer.net file photo
Former Rep. Elizaldy Co
File photo
SUFFICIENT SUPPLY. Imported onions are offloaded from a truck in Divisoria, Manila on Friday (Nov. 28, 2025). Authorities are monitoring onion imports to ensure sufficient supply and prevent further price spikes ahead of the upcoming holiday season. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Top row, from left: Zaldy Co; Edwin Gardiola. Second row, from left: James Ang Jr.; Jernie Jett Nisay. Third row, from left: Noel Rivera; Augustina Dominique Pancho. Bottom row, from left: Joseph Lara; Francisco Matugas. Official portraits from the House of Representatives of the Philippines
Anti-Asian hate crimes remain at crisis levels, new report warns
The wave of xenophobia and politically fueled hostility that began in 2020 has not receded
by Marisse G. abelGas Inquirer.net
Los ANGeLes — Anti-Asian hate crimes in the United states are still at “crisis levels,” according to a new analysis from Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJc) and Advancing Justice southern california (AJsocAL).
While the latest fBi data shows a small dip from last year, the numbers remain nearly three times higher than before the pandemic – an indication that the wave of xenophobia and politically fueled hostility that began in 2020 has not receded. the findings are part of a new report, Anti-Asian hate in 2024: Analysis and recommendations, which is released alongside an expanded Asian resource hub, a multilingual platform that helps survivors report incidents and access culturally competent support. According to the fBi 379 anti-Asian hate crime incidents were recorded in 2024, down from 407 in 2023 but still far above historical norms. Anti-Native hawaiian and Pacific islander hate crimes also reached their highest level since federal tracking began in 2013.
42% of hate crimes unreported
But the organizations caution that these official figures represent only a fraction of real cases. many victims face language barriers, fear retaliation or worry about interacting with law enforcement because of immigration concerns. federal victimization surveys estimate that 42% of violent hate crimes go unreported.
“Current FBI data reporting undercounts the true scope of anti-Asian hate crimes,” said sim J. singh Attariwala, Director of the Anti-hate Program at Advancing Justice -AAJc. “Harmful rhetoric is now expanding to the scapegoating of South Asian communities. Without corrective action, hate crimes risk becoming more invisible as trust in government erodes.” AJsocAL’s June Lim, director of the Demographic research Project, echoed the alarm. “This report confirms what our communities have long known: anti-Asian hate remains at alarming levels. Without investment in prevention and community-based reporting, hate crimes will continue to occur and go underreported.
Fil-Am victims of hate crime
Although the fBi does not break down victims by ethnicity, filipino Americans are repeatedly among publicly identified victims in some of the most widely covered cases. these incidents illustrate the patterns described in the report:
• Vilma Kari, 65, was kicked
and stomped on in midtown manhattan in march 2021 as her attacker hurled anti-Asian slurs. she suffered a fractured pelvis. the attacker was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
• Noel Quintana, 61, was slashed across the face with a box cutter on a New York subway in february 2021 after speaking up when a man kicked his bag. his visibly severe wound became one of the early images associated with rising subway assaults on Asians
• Amadeo Quindara, 75, was attacked by a neighbor in Las Vegas in 2023 after the neighbor heard him speaking tagalog. Advocacy efforts eventually led to hate crime charges being added.
• The Roque family—Nerissa, Gabriel and Patricia—were assaulted in a North hollywood drive-thru in 2022, where racial slurs were used and Gabriel suffered a fractured rib. community frustration grew when the case was not initially treated as a hate crime.
• Nikki and Julienne Arriola were beaten and robbed outside the california state capitol. Nikki suffered six broken ribs; Julienne sustained serious knee injuries. With their ability to work compromised, the couple turned to the filipino migrant center for help and later filed felony charges against their attacker.
Data from stop AAPi (Asian American and Pacific islander) hate supports what many community advocates have long observed: filipino Americans consistently rank among the most frequently reported victims of anti-Asian harassment and violence.
the report situates the rise in hate within broader national currents. researchers point to intensified anti-china rhetoric tied to U.s.–china tensions and online disinformation portraying chinese and south Asian immigrants as security threats.
Racist attacks on public figures racist attacks on high-profile public figures – including Vice President Kamala harris and Usha Vance – further normalized xenophobic narratives.
After the 2024 presidential election, anti-Asian slurs surged online, with stop AAPi hate noting thousands of slurs each month and a marked rise in targeting of south Asians in extremist digital spaces.
Advancing Justice – AAJc warns that the public may see an apparent decline in future hate crime statistics, but that this could be a “false decline.” A lower number of reported cases, they say, may reflect shrinking community capacity to report –driven by cuts to federal anti-hate programs, weakened DeiA (Diversity, equity, inclusion and Accessibility) initiatives, heightened immigration enforcement, political attacks on nonprofits that provide legal aid and deepening distrust of government. Call for policy reforms to counter this, the report calls for policy reforms at both the federal and local levels. Key recommendations include requiring large police agencies to report hate crime data, improving language access, creating non-law-enforcement reporting options, restoring federal funding for hate-prevention work, and protecting immigrant-serving nonprofits. the report also urges investment in culturally competent mental health services, community-based restorative justice programs, and school-based anti-hate education. strengthening community resources remains central to the strategy. Advancing Justice –AAJc encourages Asian American communities to use platforms like standAgainsthatred. org, the Asian resource hub, and bystander intervention trainings developed with right to Be. Annual updates to the Anti-Asian hate report aim to maintain awareness and accountability. in the end, Advancing Justice – AAJc frames the report not just as an assessment but as a warning. “We must equip institutions to recognize and respond to hate in all its forms,” the report concludes, calling for collective work to build a future rooted in safety, dignity and equality.
Families of Filipinos in ICE detention decry...
Yaa’kub Ira Vijandre
Vijandre has been held in immigration detention since oct. 7 after federal authorities terminated his Deferred Action for childhood Arrivals (DAcA) status over social media posts and public statements criticizing prison conditions and U.s. policy in Gaza, according to his legal team.
A habeas corpus petition filed in federal court in Georgia argues that Vijandre’s detention violates his first Amendment and due process rights because it is based on constitutionally protected political speech rather than any criminal conduct.
A relative who previously worked with the Philippine embassy said the family has sought help from Philippine consular posts but has not received diplomatic support or financial assistance more than a month into his detention.
Advocates say the case raises concerns that lawful residents and long-term immigrants could face detention and deportation for activities that the U.s constitution protects.
Sonny Lasquite relatives of Lasquite also criticized the lack of support from the Philippine government.
Lasquite was detained by ice at charlotte Douglas international Airport in North carolina after returning from a trip abroad in July this year.
Public records show Lasquite, who has lived in the U.s for more than two decades, is being held at stewart Detention center in Georgia in connection with a 2012 federal narcotics conviction for which he already served his sentence.
his brother described Lasquite as the main breadwinner who returned to school and tried to rebuild his life. he
ICC rejects Duterte appeal for interim release...
1
the guarantees proposed by the state willing to receive him. third, Duterter’s team claimed that the Pre-trial chamber i wrongly ruled by failing to take into account humanitarian considerations in assessing the right to interim release. however, these three grounds were rejected by the Appeals chamber composed of Presiding Judge Luz del carmen ibáñez carranza, Judge tomoko Akane, Judge solomy Balungi Bossa, Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze, and Judge erdenebalsuren Damdin. the Appeals chamber noted that the Pre-trial chamber reached its conclusions “in relation to the risks enumerated in article 58(1)(b) of the statute on the basis of a comprehensive
assessment of the information before it.” in a separate statement issued shortly after the ruling was publicized, the icc said after examining the arguments raised in the appeal brief, the Appeals chamber found that the defense failed to identify errors in the Pre-trial chamber’s reasoning or to demonstrate that the Pre-trial chamber’s conclusions were unreasonable.
With this, the Appeals chamber unanimously confirmed the Pre-trial chamber’s i rejection of Duterte’s appeal for interim release. to recall, the prosecution and victims’ representatives strongly opposed the former president’s interim release, arguing that Duterte retained significant influence that could be used to ob-
struct justice.
Duterte, who earlier waived his right to be present for the reading of the judgment, will remain in icc custody as pre-trial proceedings move forward.
Duterte is facing three counts of murder over 49 killings, and is currently detained at the scheveningen Prison in the hague, though his camp has argued that he was unfit to stand for trial. the icc currently has custody of Duterte after he was arrested and sent to the hague for crimes against humanity, which he allegedly committed during his administration’s bloody war against drugs. the anti-drug campaign dubbed oplan tokhang left at least 6,000 people dead, but human rights groups have reported at least 20,000 killed. n
Nursing loses ‘professional degree’ status under...
now face a loan ceiling of $20,500 a year and $100,000 total. students in approved professional programs can borrow up to $50,000 a year and $200,000 overall. the rules also eliminate Grad PLUs loans starting July 1, 2026, removing a tool many students use to bridge tuition gaps. the education Department defends the classification. officials say “professional degree” is an internal label for loan purposes, not a measure of professional standing. they argue that many nursing students borrow below the new cap and say the goal is to prevent unmanageable debt.
said the family has struggled to cover mounting legal costs. the family said a request for additional Philippine government legal aid was denied after officials cited the existence of a community fundraiser, which relatives say is nearly depleted. the families’ concerns were echoed by Nerissa dela cruz of california, whose husband, Zenar, was deported to the Philippines after developing medical issues while in ice custody. Dela cruz said Zenar has been hospitalized twice since his return and nearly died during a recent emergency due to a chronic condition. the family has faced difficulty securing welfare and medical support from Philippine agencies, she added.
Dela cruz, a mother of three, said she continues to lobby for assistance from the U.s. and Philippine governments and advocate for other migrant families separated by detention and deportation. migrant rights groups have noted that deported filipinos often face hardship in the homeland, having limited access to public health care and
social services.
tanggol migrante, which has organized campaigns to provide legal and humanitarian support for detained filipino migrants, accused both the trump administration and the government of President ferdinand marcos Jr. of neglecting filipinos in ice detention. Philippine consulates said they provide assistance to distressed filipinos abroad, including detained nationals, within the limits of host-country laws, such as monitoring cases, visiting detention centers and facilitating travel documents. Advocates, however, contended that the gap between official policy and on-theground support have left families relying on crowdfunding and grassroots organizing. they are now pushing for systemic changes in immigration enforcement and consular response.
tanggol migrante movement encourages families of filipino detainees who need support to contact them at (415) 320-7823 or visit their website. (Elton Lugay/Inquirer.net)
Nursing groups warn of restricted access major U.s. nursing organizations strongly oppose the rule. the American Nurses Association (ANA) said the change “creates unnecessary financial barriers” and undermines efforts to strengthen the nursing workforce. the American Association of colleges of Nursing (AAcN) described the exclusion as “deeply problematic,” noting the rigorous academic and clinical preparation required for advanced roles. the National council of state Boards of Nursing (NcsBN) pointed to sustained shortages in primary care, critical care and long-term care, warning that tighter loan caps may deter qualified candidates from pursuing graduate education.
Nurses of color raise equity concerns in a joint statement on Nov. 20, the Nursing organizations of color, led by the Philippine Nurses Association of America and several partner groups, condemned the redefinition. they warned that the policy creates new barriers to advanced nursing education, especially for nurses of color.
Nurses of color already carry disproportionately higher student loan debt than their white
counterparts, ” the coalition said. “ Excluding Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and nursing PhD programs from professional degree classification will create insurmountable financial obstacles for aspiring nurse leaders of color who are essential to providing care in medically underserved communities .” the coalition stressed that workforce diversity strengthens patient outcomes and expands healthcare access. they added that advanced nursing programs meet federal criteria for professional degrees, citing rigorous clinical preparation, advanced licensure and doctoral pathways.
Data from the Berkeley migration initiative show that filipino-trained nurses account for about 33 percent of all foreign-born registered nurses in the United states. separately, reporting from the National institutes of health (Nih) record notes that filipinos make up roughly 4 percent of the broader U.s. nursing workforce, a category that includes registered nurses as well as licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants and other support roles. Philippine officials monitor impact abroad rep. Kristine Alexie Besas-tutor of Bohol urged Phil-
ippine agencies to study the U.s. rule and determine its impact on filipino nurses. she said many filipino nurses rely on U.s. graduate programs to reach advanced practice and leadership roles. Lawmakers warn that tighter borrowing limits may discourage students from pursuing these pathways. Philippine officials have not issued a diplomatic protest. they emphasize that the U.s decision affects federal loan access only and does not alter immigration, licensure or employment eligibility. Advocates prepare evidence for 2026 rulemaking the education Department will release its final rule in 2026 after a public comment period. ANA, AAcN, NcsBN and the Nursing organizations of color plan to submit evidence urging the government to include nursing in the professional-degree category. current graduate nursing students keep their existing terms. future cohorts will enter programs under the new caps once the rules take effect in 2026.
Advocates in both countries say the outcome will determine who can afford advanced nursing education—and who cares for patients in already strained health systems. n
California sues Trump over cuts to homeless...
PAGE 1
rect money toward short term or conditional models. internal documents reviewed by state officials show that the shift could affect as many as one hundred seventy thousand people who already live in permanent housing. these residents include families, veterans and people with disabilities.
Bonta said hUD does not have authority to impose those limits. he said congress never approved caps on permanent housing. he also said the department cannot change national homelessness policy through a funding notice. This program has helped states, local governments and nonprofits combat homelessness and provide stable housing,” Bonta said. “These new restrictions violate federal law and threaten proven programs.” Coalition argues HUD violated federal law c alifornia filed the case
with a coalition of states and the District of c olumbia. t he states argue that h UD violated the Administrative Procedure Act by issuing sweeping changes without formal rulemaking. t hey also object to new political conditions attached to the grants. t hey say those conditions reach beyond the purposes defined by c ongress. Federal officials defend shift from Housing First the changes follow trump’s July executive order on crime and disorder. that order directs agencies to reduce support for housing first programs and expand treatment based or work based models. hUD leaders say the new rules follow that directive. they argue that housing first does not address addiction and serious mental illness. they say communities need stronger tools to manage encampments and public safety. they also say federal dollars should support programs that show measurable results. Lawsuit adds to growing federal-state clashes california officials warn that cuts to permanent housing will destabilize families who already secured homes. they say local governments cannot quickly replace lost federal funds. Providers fear that expiring contracts may leave residents without support. california’s lawsuit joins a long list of state challenges to trump administration policies. the coalition seeks an
Yaa’kub Ira Vijandre (left) and Sonny Lasquite File photos
Pexels.com photo by Duy Tân Đai hoc
agree on stronger cooperation as PH prepares for ASEAN chairship
by AJPress
mANiLA — President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call this week to discuss deeper cooperation as the Philippines begins preparations to chair the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) in 2026.
marcos said the two leaders reaffirmed what he described as “warm relations” between manila and Kyiv and identified areas for expanded collaboration, including agriculture, food security and digitalization. he added that the Philippines is exploring ways to enhance AseAN–Ukraine engagement once manila assumes the chairship next year.
Zelenskyy, in a statement posted on X, said he updated marcos on Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United states and other partners aimed at ensuring what he called a “guaranteed peace.” he thanked the Philippines for backing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and extended condolences over recent typhoon-related deaths and damage in the country.
Zelenskyy also said marcos expressed interest in Ukrainian technologies and expertise. Both leaders agreed to direct their respective teams to begin follow-up work on potential projects. Ukrainian officials have previously noted Kyiv’s interest in pursuing a defense cooperation memorandum with the Philippines, including possible collaboration on naval drone technology. the call took place as manila advances preparations for its
2026 AseAN chairship, following marcos’ recent meeting with AseAN secretary-General Kao Kim hourn in malacañang. it also builds on Zelenskyy’s June 2024 visit to manila, during which he announced plans to open a Ukrainian embassy in the Philippines and sought broader Asian support for Ukraine’s peace initiatives. n
Germany rejects Russian claim it issues visas for Filipinos recruited to fight in Ukraine
by AJPress
mANiLA — Germany firmly rejected a russian accusation that its manila embassy issues visas to filipinos allegedly recruited to fight for Ukraine, calling the claim unfounded and inconsistent with schengen visa rules. German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas michael Pfaffernoschke said the embassy “strictly refuses and denies” statements made by russian foreign ministry spokesperson maria Zakharova, who asserted that a U.s.-linked private security company recruits filipinos for combat roles and sends them to europe using visas issued in manila. Zakharova claimed that the florida-based company rms international signs up former police officers, security personnel
and retired soldiers from the Philippines, lists them as employees of German private security firms, and routes them through Germany and other european Union states, including Poland, before they reach Ukraine. she did not present documentary evidence to support her allegation.
Pfaffernoschke said schengen visas do not authorize employment in the schengen area and cannot be used to deploy individuals to foreign battlefields. he said the German embassy in manila issues national work visas only for lawful employment in Germany, subject to strict verification and compliance procedures.
the russian allegation aligns with moscow’s broader narrative accusing Western governments and private military contractors of using foreign fighters in
Ukraine. russian state media outlets amplified Zakharova’s remarks but provided no independently verified proof.
As of friday, the Philippine Department of foreign Affairs, the U.s embassy in manila, and the embassy of Ukraine had not issued public statements responding to russia’s claim.
Philippine law prohibits citizens from serving as mercenaries or joining unauthorized foreign armed conflicts. recruitment for such activities—whether domestic or overseas—carries potential criminal penalties. for now, Germany’s categorical rejection leaves moscow’s account without verification, and no independently confirmed evidence shows filipinos being routed through the German visa system to join the war in Ukraine. n
Manila to host first WTA tour stop with 2026 Philippine Women’s Open
by AJPress
mANiLA — the Women’s tennis Association (WtA) has officially added manila to its 2026 calendar with the launch of the Philippine Women’s open, a WtA 125 tournament set for January 26–31, 2026. it marks the first time the Philippines will host a WtA tour-level event, placing the country on the global tennis map during a period of renewed expansion for the sport in Asia. the WtA lists the event as a 32-player singles and 16-team doubles tournament with a $115,000 prize purse, making it one of the key early-season stops in the region. PSC, PHILTA finalize preparations the Philippine sports commission (Psc) and the Philippine tennis Association (PhiLtA) will jointly stage the competition.
Psc chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said preparations include significant upgrades to the rizal memorial tennis center, which is being reinforced to meet WtA standards. the
government-run complex, which previously hosted southeast Asian Games tennis events, will serve as the tournament’s initial venue. organizers also view the tournament as a bridge to long-term plans for a 10-hectare Philippine tennis center in New clark city, a partnership between PhiLtA and the Bases conversion and Development Authority (BcDA). the dedicated hub, now in development, is expected to support future international events and national training programs.
A possible homecoming for Eala the manila stop follows a breakout 2025 season for Alexandra “Alex” eala, who became the first filipina representing the Philippines to enter the WtA top 50. her rapid climb has fueled national excitement over the prospect of her competing in a home tournament. however, eala’s participation is not yet confirmed due to an overlap with the 2026 Australian open, which runs from January 12 to february 1. A deep melbourne campaign would place
Miss Universe owners face widening...
rest warrant this week for busi-
nesswoman Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip after she failed to appear for a scheduled verdict in a fraud case connected to her company, JKN Global Group. Judges rescheduled the hearing for December 26 and deemed her a flight risk after she did not notify the court about her absence.
the case stems from a lawsuit filed by a thai investor who says he lost 30 million baht (about $930,000) after purchasing corporate bonds issued by JKN in 2023. he alleges the company misrepresented its financial health. the charges have been pending for more than a year, and the missed court appearance prompted the issuance of the warrant.
JKN acquired miss Universe from imG in 2022, positioning Jakkaphong as a high-profile figure in global pageantry. But the company later defaulted on debt and entered court-supervised rehabilitation after reporting liabilities of roughly 3 billion baht. company filings confirm that she stepped down from operational roles earlier this year while remaining JKN’s largest shareholder. Jakkaphong has denied wrongdoing in earlier statements about the bond dispute.
Mexico investigates co-owner Raúl Rocha Cantú in mexico, co-owner raúl rocha cantú remains the focus of a federal investigation examining suspected ties to organized-crime activities, including fuel smuggling and other illicit operations. Prosecutors opened the case in 2024, reviewing documents that describe a cross-border network moving stolen or improperly sourced fuel from Guatemala into mexico.
A federal judge later approved arrest warrants for several individuals believed to be connected to the alleged operation. rocha appears within the scope of that inquiry, according to legal documents reviewed by major news organizations. he has not issued a detailed public response since the case became widely known, though he has previously denied wrongdoing when questioned by reporters in mexico.
rocha has extensive business interests in the fuel-distribution sector, including companies with commercial ties involving stateowned oil firm Petróleos mexicanos (Pemex). that connection has drawn additional scrutiny since the miss Universe 2025
crown went to mexico’s fátima Bosch, whose father is a senior Pemex executive.
A pageant under scrutiny after Mexico’s win the 2025 competition in Bangkok unfolded amid heightened attention. At least one judge resigned before the final, raising concerns about transparency in jury procedures. coverage from major news outlets reported multiple injuries among contestants during rehearsals and noted that some national directors voiced frustration over event management.
Bosch’s victory intensified public speculation because of her father’s position at Pemex and rocha’s fuel-sector business interests. mexico’s president, claudia sheinbaum, publicly rejected attempts to link Bosch’s win to any external allegations, calling such speculation inappropriate. No prosecutor has accused Bosch, pageant staff or judges of misconduct related to the outcome.
A global brand navigating uncertainty miss Universe has been held under JKN’s ownership since 2022, with rocha’s U.s.-based investment firm later acquiring a significant share. the organization now faces questions about leadership stability at a time when several franchise holders and sponsors are re-evaluating their ties. some groups have requested clarity on how the pageant would operate if legal proceedings restrict either owner’s ability to oversee international events or financial commitments.
the organization continues planning for its next competition cycle, but the legal issues surrounding its ownership cast a long shadow. What began as an ambitious business acquisition
has become a test of resilience for a brand built on global visibility, sponsorship confidence and international credibility. for now, miss Universe’s immediate future may hinge less on its next host city and more on developments inside courtrooms in Bangkok and mexico city, where judges and prosecutors continue to advance both cases. n
her in Australia during the manila dates; a shorter run or strategic scheduling could allow her to appear at the inaugural event. Filipino heritage in global tennis the global game has seen standout athletes of filipino lineage, most prominently canada’s Leylah Annie fernandez, a U.s open finalist whose maternal family comes from ilocos Norte and Leyte, yet Alex eala remains the first filipina carrying the Philippine flag to break into the WtA top 50.” fernandez competes for canada and does not represent the Philippines in international play.
Manila’s new role in regional tennis
By hosting its first WtA event, manila joins a select Asian roster and strengthens the Philippines’ long-term bid to become a regular venue for international tennis. for local athletes and fans, the Philippine Women’s open marks the start of a new era — one that brings global competition closer to home and elevates the country’s presence on the world stage. n
11/29/25 cNs-3990766# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
Miss Universe co-owners Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip of Thailand and Raúl Rocha Cantú of Mexico face separate legal investigations in Bangkok and Mexico City, placing the pageant’s leadership under heightened global scrutiny. Photo courtesy of Miss Universe
FeAtures OPiniOn
The rise of ad hominem politics
Personal attacks increasingly shape political arguments in the Philippines and the U.S. Citizens play a crucial role in identifying and resisting these tactics to keep public debate grounded in fact
The oldest tactic in political rhetoric has found new life in the present moment. It is the ad hominem attack, the act of striking at a person instead of addressing the idea. The phrase comes from Latin and means “to the person.” It describes an argument that targets the speaker rather than the issue. The move dates back to ancient debates, yet it now shapes political conversation in both the Philippines and the United States with striking force.
Ad hominem thrives when institutions face pressure and when the public grows weary of complexity. it offers a shortcut. it allows leaders to avoid evidence. it encourages supporters to respond with emotion rather than analysis. francis Bacon, a major architect of modern rational thought, once observed that “truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion.” today, confusion often triumphs because public discourse turns inward, focusing on the individual instead of the claim. in this shift lies the erosion of both civility and reason. Lessons from centuries of thought this pattern has a long and well-documented intellectual history. Ancient thinkers warned against arguments that target the person rather than the claim. Aristotle described these moves as
public lives
WheN one or two families dominate politics, it is not only democracy that weakens. family life itself begins to fray. We are seeing this today in the very public and increasingly ugly conflict between President marcos Jr.’s family and his elder sister, sen. imee marcos.
At last week’s iglesia ni cristo prayer rally in Luneta, the senator—now an avid supporter of Vice President sara Duterte— railed against her own brother. she repeated the claim that he is addicted to drugs, effectively telling the crowd that he should not continue as president if he could not overcome this alleged dependency. this spectacle is not entirely new. We saw something similar, though less dramatic, in the quarrels among the children of former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who have taken turns as makati mayor. one wonders how many other political clans around the country experience the same painful fractures because they have allowed political disputes to seep into the family table.
Horizons
Richard Heydarian
i WoULD rather have a government run like hell by filipinos than a government run like heaven by Americans,” former President Manuel L. Quezon once (in) famously declared. the conventional interpretation of the quote often reduces it to a high-minded form of patriotic sentimentalism. Less charitable interpretations tend to dismiss it as idealistic folly. But Quezon’s well-intentioned declaration also inadvertently presented a false binary with troubling consequences over the next century.
Quezon intended to emphasize the pricelessness of independence. over time, however, his eloquently sentimental declaration had the unintended consequence of associating self-rule with malgovernance and corruption. in his new magisterial book, “the Profligate colonial,” University of california, Berkeley historian
Editorial
errors that miss the real issue. the english philosopher John Locke, often called the father of Liberalism, argued that people possess inherent rights that no government may violate. he also examined how arguments shift when evidence becomes uncomfortable. his writings helped shape the modern understanding of ad hominem attacks and the danger they pose to reason. At its core, an ad hominem attack is not an argument. it replaces thought with instinct and logic with impulse. it says, “I need not address your point because I have found fault in you.” What begins as dialogue becomes dissection, not of ideas but of identities. We stop listening to understand and start listening to expose. Public debate loses clarity.
Politics in the grip of families — and vice versa
in a radio interview, sen. marcos joked that their family lunches have grown leaner as relatives avoid attending to escape uncomfortable conversations. the joke says something serious: when family gatherings turn into political battlegrounds, the risk of lasting personal rifts grows. What political parties and conventions are supposed to settle in mature democracies is instead fought out among parents, children, and, in-laws. What is damaged, in the end, is not only politics but the very idea of the family as a safe space. families are meant to be havens—places where one can share fears, struggles, and dreams without judgment. But families trapped in politics become extensions of political warfare. marriages suffer, siblings drift apart, and what should be private wounds become public spectacles. this problem is not confined to political dynasties. it also plagues business empires that are enmeshed in politics, such as the Villars. their case raises a recurring question: are they politicians who happen to be in business, or business tycoons who happen to be in politics?
in the long run, no family can hope to play both roles well. the deeper issue, as always, is the failure to keep key social spheres properly differentiated.
At a University of the Philippines forum on corruption the other day, i argued that corruption often springs from this failure to distinguish one domain from another—public from private, government from business, politics from family, religion from politics. sociology students in the audience immediately recognized the framework. it draws from the work of the German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. But in modern societies, Luhmann wrote, each domain fiercely protects its autonomy. When a system cannot preserve its boundaries, it loses authority and becomes entangled in conflicts that are not its own. it can no longer perform its proper function. real life, of course, is messier than theory. institutions, in practice, constantly negotiate their limits.
Perhaps no one expressed this tension more clearly than another German thinker, Pope Benedict XVi in his encyclical u PAGE 7
Hundred years of war on corruption
Lisandro claudio deftly explains the crystallization of this self-orientalizing malice throughout and beyond American colonial rule. from American colonial officers to Western scholars and organizations in more contemporary times, the consistent narrative has been this: the Philippines is ruled by a hapless and helplessly corrupt elite. What this narrative conveniently elides, however, is the irredeemably corrosive impact of American colonialism, including a puerile tradition of libertarian antistatism as well as “pork barrel” politics that singularly bedeviled Us democracy a century ago. Nor did Americans focus on building a strong bureaucracy capable of shepherding sustained economic development. contrast this to the ruling elites in neighboring taiwan or south Korea, who faced constant American pressure to curb their greed and engage in land distribution and rapid industrialization lest
Nick
in culture and history, a book he wrote in 1988, wondered if our mindset for smallness is responsible for our inability to address the growing needs of our people. the depressing fact in Philippine history, he rued, is what seems to be our native aversion to the large venture, the big risk, the bold extensive enterprise. We blame our colonizers for many of our current problems but according to Joaquin, it was the colonial years that “there was actually an advance in freedom, for the unification of the land, the organization of towns and provinces and the influx of new ideas, started our liberation from the rule of the petty, whether of clan, locality or custom.” i was going through a recent paper of Prof. Jesus felipe and some economists at the De La salle University and some of his comments on our Viber thread. failure of policy, possibly because of small thinking, caused us to lose our status as the second-best economy in southeast Asia. We landed on our ass down in the pits.
Marcos Sr. tried to imitate the industrialization program of Korea,” Dr. felipe wrote. “It failed due to policy mistakes. The implementation was very poor and the government failed to push exports. The program was financed with dollars….and the 1980s crisis hit us.
“Korea’s autocrat simply made the same decision that every single nation that has attained high income made: industrialize… Who would have thought 10 years ago that Vietnam (a planned, inefficient economy) would overtake us?
“The reason? They focused on manufacturing… Vietnam is also corrupt. That’s what we need to understand: failure is due to policy mistakes…
“The Philippines did not have the carrot and stick incentives that Korea had. Markets were protected but we had no push to export (wrong incentives, etc).”
Along the lines of thinking small, we seem to also think we can survive in isolation from the rest of the world, institutionalized in our inwardly looking filipino first constitution.
While we also had an industrialization policy, it was of the import substitution type. Korea, in contrast, thought of the world market…exports.
our so-called industrialists were content to be protected to
“manufacture” overpriced but sloppy products for the domestic consumers. their game is capturing the regulator, penetrating and weakening the state, to extract maximum profits. today, we do not have a decent manufacturing sector. When world trade was liberalized with the Wto, our import substituting industrial sector was wiped out. And because we have small minds, our “industrialists” turned to “sure things” like property, pawnshop style banking, malls and politics. same problem in agriculture. A good example is the piggery sector. thailand, with a population smaller than ours, produced over 21 million heads in 2024 compared to the Philippines’ estimated 10 million heads. A substantial portion of thailand’s production came from large farms. our industry, in contrast, is dominated by small-scale farms. sugar is another example that should make us cry. We had a head start of over 150 years, yet thailand’s sugar sector is now significantly larger than ours, with an estimated 2024/25 production of 10.2 million metric tons compared to our pathetic production of 1.85 million metric tons. in both the piggery and sugar sectors, the thais took advantage u PAGE 7
they fall prey to the communist wave.
there is, however, also a pernicious ideological legacy, which induced not only historical amnesia about American colonial rule in the Philippines but also inadvertently cultivated a shallow political discourse that often dismisses our country as congenially and exceptionally corrupt. in a recent journal article, titled “A thousand Years of corruption,” University of chicago sociologist marco Garrido examines a whole series of corruption scandals, dating all the way back to the war-surplus scandal during the manuel roxas presidency. What Garrido discovered is that corruption has been an evolving challenge immanent to our political development as a postcolonial nation rather than a monolithic crisis.
Both lay and intellectual discourse, Garrido argues, tend to treat corruption as “genetic to
With horrible tales of corruption being served to us every day, not degustation-style but in overflowing platters, many in the business circles say it’s time to just privatize many of the impossibly graft-riddled government functions. their suggestion is to privatize notorious agencies – from the Bureau of customs to the Bureau of internal revenue and the most corrupt of them all, the Department of Public Works and highways, as well as many other agencies here and there whose operations are covered with bureaucratic cobwebs. is privatization really the answer to our perennial corruption woes? Power, airports, water many in the private sector, of course, believe so, including tycoon henry “Big Boy” sy, Jr. “Privatization with good governance is the answer,” he told me
recently. Big Boy, of course, is part of the successful privatization of the country’s power industry through the National Grid corp. of the Philippines, the privately owned grid operator.
today, NGcP charges P0.55 per kWh, lower than the P0.74 per kWh before privatization. And since the company took over the country’s transmission highway in 2009, outages have dropped by 82 percent.
NGcP, of course, isn’t perfect, but is a more efficient and better grid operator compared to the government.
As a testament to its efficiency and viability, the marcos administration sought to become part of it. We all know that maharlika, the country’s first sovereign wealth fund, invested in synergy Grid and Development Philippines inc., the listed company behind the NGcP. Another successful privatization, Big Boy said, is the Ninoy Aquino international Airport, now operated by the san miguel corp.led New NAiA infra corp., noting that NNic has already remitted
P52 billion (including upfront payment) to the government in just one year of private operations. of course, this comes with higher airport fees such as landing, passenger and rental payments, in exchange for better services. in short, in privatization, we get what we pay for, although admittedly, in some cases, we need to pay more.
Another successful privatization is in water services. some of us may still remember those times when metro manila had to grapple with water woes. What i remember about it was lining up at the neighborhood pump with my siblings to get water. fortunately, that is now a thing of the past following the successful privatization of the water sector.
Note, too, that Pangilinan-led maynilad has even made its debut on the Philippine stock exchange recently, a testament to its success as metro manila’s west zone water concessionaire. Against this backdrop, to a cer-
IrIs Gonzales Eyes Wide Open
Demand and supply
Boo Chanco
NAtioNAL Artist
Joaquin,
Fitch: Political instability ‘significant risk’ to Philippines credit rating
by ian nicolas P. cigaral Inquirer.net
mANiLA — Political flare-ups
would remain a “significant risk” to the credit ratings of several emerging-market sovereigns in the Asia-Pacific until next year, including the Philippines, where an escalating antigraft drive has unsettled businesses and slowed growth, fitch ratings said.
While none of this year’s protests have yet led to a deterioration in creditworthiness, the global debt watcher warned that sustained social unrest could undermine governments’ fiscal and economic strength through disrupted activity, weaker revenue collections and pressure on public spending.
fitch pointed to the Philippines as a case in point, noting that the widening probe into anomalous flood control projects already weighed heavily on the economy.
Growth slowed to 4 percent in the third quarter—a fouryear low—as investor sentiment soured and public spending weakened.
Mass protests
At home, the latest anticorruption protest, staged this month by the iglesia ni cristo in manila, drew an estimated 650,000 people. But in countries where demonstrations have been even more disruptive, such as Bangladesh and Nepal, fitch said the effects have been “more dramatic.”
“Should the social tensions highlighted by protests persist, they can become more of a drag on growth as confidence among
foreign and domestic investors suffers,” the credit rating agency said.
nonresident investors cutting their exposure to domestic securities to residents shifting assets offshore.
PAGE 6
tensions can also serve as a distraction for policymakers, impeding the passage of reforms that have the potential to enhance economic productivity and competitiveness, or to address other underlying weaknesses in the sovereign credit profile such as fiscal imbalances,” it added.
Elusive A rating dream the Philippines currently holds a triple-B rating from fitch— above the minimum investment grade—with a “stable” outlook, signaling that any adjustment is unlikely in the near term.
But the high-profile corruption scandal has already derailed the country’s push for an “A” rating this year.
former finance secretary ralph recto said that, based on recent discussions with s&P Global ratings, the Philippines would likely have secured the long-sought upgrade were it not for governance concerns tied to the widening corruption investigations.
An A rating, recto noted, would have strengthened lenders’ perception of the country’s ability to service its debts and, in turn, lowered borrowing costs for issuers, including the government.
fitch said the external balances of affected countries could also weaken as social unrest saps investor confidence and disrupts foreign-currency inflows. Political instability, it warned, can likewise spur capital outflows—from
the Philippines has already shown signs of such strain. the corruption scandal has been widely blamed for the peso’s slide to record lows in recent months and for the local stock market’s underperformance. these pressures, fitch said, compound economic stress and could ultimately weigh on sovereign ratings.
Fiscal constraints
Governments confronting political unrest may also grow more hesitant to pursue fiscal consolidation—whether through tax increases or subsidy reforms—or may ramp up spending to head off public discontent. even so, the agency noted that the disruption can be temporary and may, in some cases, pave the way for long-overdue fiscal and governance reforms.
Major protests can serve as important catalysts for changes in governments’ fiscal policy approaches, but if social and political tensions persist over time, they can also have a negative influence on budgetary performance,” it said.
“Protest movements also have the potential to have a positive impact on fiscal performance. If governments respond by improving efforts to curb corruption, for example, it may be possible to cut public spending without impairing productive investment, allowing the same economic results to be achieved at a lower fiscal cost,” it added. n
The rise of ad hominem...
Two democracies, shared vulnerabilities this dynamic is now evident in the Philippines. investigations into public-works spending, flood-control failures and governance practices require patience and clarity. Yet many debates quickly collapse into personal attacks. critics face accusations of bias. officials confront questions about motive instead of evidence. these exchanges draw attention but weaken understanding. they replace serious public inquiry with personality-driven drama. the United states shows a similar pattern. Debates on immigration, voting rules, economic policy and health-care access often turn toward labels, ideological identities or personal histories. complex questions lose depth. character becomes the centerpiece. social media amplifies this shift. the “clapback” replaces the forum. A person’s entire worth is judged by a single phrase or affiliation, and once dismissed, their argument dies unheard.
The emotional pull of personal attacks the psychology behind this tactic explains its appeal. Personal attacks feel simple. they offer fast conclusions. they spare citizens the effort of
Deus caritas est, he wrote:
“The Church cannot and must not take upon herself the political battle to bring about the most just society possible. She cannot and must not replace the State. Yet at the same time she cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice. She has to play her part through rational argument…” it is a delicate line to walk, and i see this challenge in the statements of the catholic Bishops’
Philippine culture or politics” and as a “generic social problem,” which is divorced from the inherent dynamics of state-building and democratization identified by leading thinkers such as samuel huntington. the upshot is a dangerous and “intolerant approach,” which Garrido aptly described as anticorruption “fundamentalism.” Never mind that, practically, all of our most successful neighbors, from south Korea to china and malaysia, have been constantly grappling with massive corruption scandals throughout their high-growth periods. in fact, leading economists such as Yuen Yuen Ang of Johns hopkins University have spoken of “corrupt meritocracy” as an engine of economic development. this obviously doesn’t make corruption “okay,” but shows that there are many forms of corruption (e.g., “access,” ”petty,” “speed,” “grand theft”)— and, crucially, the Philippines is Not singularly corrupt
studying dense policy questions. they provide a false sense of clarity in a world that often feels chaotic. the danger lies in the illusion. When public debate centers on personal conflict, societies lose the ability to evaluate evidence. every culture carries its own etiquette of disagreement, but the impulse to defend the ego is universal. When an idea challenges what we believe, it can feel like a threat to who we believe ourselves to be. rather than question our certainty, we question the sincerity of the other person. this instinct fuels ad hominem reasoning in both nations. Training the public to recognize the fallacy this is why democratic strength must begin with the citizenry. People who understand the fallacy behind personal attacks can resist the distraction. When a public figure answers scrutiny by attacking the person rather than the claim, citizens can pause. they can ask what evidence remains unaddressed. they can observe which questions remain unanswered. this awareness strengthens public judgment. to resist ad hominem thinking is not only a rhetorical discipline. it is a moral one. it asks citizens to separate the person from the proposition and to recognize that imper-
conference of the Philippines, now led by my brother, cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David. he must remind the faithful that justice is central to the church’s mission—hence its presence in protests against brazen corruption—while also making clear that the church does not seek political power. Balancing moral witness with institutional restraint is never easy. But unless we learn to honor these boundaries—between family and politics, faith and
but just another struggling and modernizing post-colonial state.
“Anticorruption fundamentalism,” which sacrifices analytic nuance in favor of self-orientalizing moralistic posturing, seems to have colonized even our journalistic and social science discourse. this is most evident in the misplaced response to a recent economic paper by economists Jesus felipe, Gerardo Largoza, and mariel sauler, which was lambasted by commentators as “fringe economics” or, worse, insensitive to the obvious devilry of corruption. Never mind that the paper’s main point was that bad economic policies, namely underinvestment or lack of industrial strategy, can cause far more poverty and misery than even the worst forms of nepo-kid profligacy and individualized graft. Absolutely, corruption is evil. And corrupt politicians, who stole taxpayer money and oversaw shoddy projects costing countless lives, should be held accountable. heads have to roll. Justice must
fect messengers may still carry fragments of truth. the stoics spoke of apatheia, a calmness that allows one to respond, not react. in modern discourse, that serenity is rare but essential. it calls us to disagree without demeaning. A call for evidence-based debate A well-informed public is difficult to mislead. citizens who understand fallacies can separate criticism from character assault. they can identify when accountability is necessary. they can recognize when rhetoric obscures deeper issues. this discipline builds trust and keeps democratic institutions responsive. there is quiet courage in those who debate without rancor. they remind us that the purpose of discussion is not conquest but understanding. When citizens refuse to strike at the person, they strike at confusion instead and make space for clarity. As ad hominem politics rises, the path forward depends on people who choose reason over impulse. Democracy strengthens when citizens demand substance over spectacle. in a time of division and uncertainty, the refusal to reduce people to their positions becomes not only a civic skill but a democratic safeguard. (AJPress)
power, public duty and private interest—we will continue to see corruption flourish, institutions weaken, and even the closest relationships torn apart by battles they were never meant to fight.
(Inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
public.lives@gmail.com
be served.
Let’s also keep in mind that our gross domestic product growth decelerated to only 4 percent in the latest quarter, thanks to a massive contraction in infrastructure spending. We surely need to clean up the books and avoid more shoddy flood control projects, but even worse is to forego trillions in foregone economic activity in the name of performative reforms. thus, properly balancing good governance reform and productivity-boosting investments is key here. the appropriate metaphor for our government spending conundrum is not the cliché “leaky bucket,” but instead this: avoiding prescribing the wrong medicine that kills the patient. (Inquirer.net)
Privatization vs corruption?
tain extent, i agree with Big Boy on the benefits of privatization – professional, efficient and less prone to corruption. even many suppliers i’ve talked to – from msmes to big players – attest to the professionalism of private operators compared to unscrupulous individuals in many government agencies. these are just some examples of successful privatization in the country. there are also success stories elsewhere in the world.
Privatization, in industry parlance, means the shift of some or all of the responsibility for a function from government to the private sector.
The term has most commonly been applied to the divestiture, by sale or long-term lease, of a state-owned enterprise to private investors. But another major form of privatization is the granting of a long-term franchise or concession under which the private sector finances, builds and operates a major infrastructure project. A third type of privatization involves government selecting a private entity to deliver a public service that had previously been produced in-house by public employees. This form of privatization is increasingly called outsourcing,” according to an ar-
6
of economies of scale.
We are happy with backyard piggeries. PiDs, the government economic think-tank, said our backyard hog farms have operating costs of P148.26 per kilo post-slaughter. commercial farm costs are about P112.40 per kilo. compare that to thailand’s P97.53.
our sugar industrialists chose to live the good life and squandered their salted sugar quota earnings. they failed to invest in modernization the way the thais did. or maybe our agrarian reform program made it difficult for our sugar sector to give the thais a good run for their money. But given the political clout of our sugar barons, they could have influenced government policy to induce modernization if they wanted to.
Nick Joaquin asks: “Is that the explanation for our continuing failure to rise — that we buy small and sell small, that we aim small and try small, that we think small and
ticle published by the Library of economics and Liberty.
the first organized effort to divest state-owned enterprises, the article said, took place in chile under the influence of the “chicago boys” during the 1970s’ Pinochet era of economic reform.
But the largest and best-known effort was that of Margaret Thatcher’s government in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. Thatcher succeeded in making privatization politically popular while selling off the commanding heights of the British economy: British Airways, British Airports Authority, British Petroleum, British Telecom and several million units of public housing, to name only a few examples.
Thatcher’s political strategy emphasized widespread public share offerings rather than auctions to other private firms. Over the decade, this approach tripled the number of individual shareholders in Britain, giving the policy a popular base of support,” according to the article authored by robert Poole, founder of the reason foundation, a Los Angeles-based think tank.
the privatization in the UK is actually the model that the Philippines followed under the ramos administration, which privatized power, water and other utilities.
Small minds
do small?
our political structure is affected by this small thinking.
Nick Joaquin observed: “We don’t grow like a seed, we split like an amoeba. The moment a town grows big it becomes two towns. The moment a province becomes populous it disintegrates into two or three smaller provinces…
“This attitude explains why we’re finding it so hard to become a nation…Foreigners had to come and unite our land for us; the labor is far beyond our powers…we start small and end small without ever having scaled any peaks…we are not capable of sustained effort and lose momentum fast…
“One writer, as he surveyed the landscape of shortages — no rice, no water, no garbage collectors, no peace, no order — gloomily mumbled that disintegration seems to be creeping upon us and groped for Yeats’s terrifying lines: Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed…
“As the population swells, our problems will expand and multiply. If they daunt us now, will they
We’ve had success stories, for sure. on the other hand, there are also horror stories. We are all familiar with the complaints against PrimeWater and other service providers, including telcos and internet providers – at some point, each one of them: Globe, smart, converge, Dito so, what Big Boy said holds true. Privatization must be implemented with good governance and,
europe, canada and parts of Africa. Will this finally be the answer to our corruption woes? it’s worth
try for sure, given the way
are at present. (Philstar.com)
richard.heydarian@inquirer.net
crush us then? The prospect is terrifying…
“Have our capacities been so diminished by the small effort we are becoming incapable even of the small thing?
“One American remarked that, after seeing Manila’s chaos of traffic (in the late 1980s), he began to appreciate how his city of Los Angeles handled its far, far greater volume of traffic. Is building a road that won’t break down when it rains no longer within our powers? Is even the building of sidewalks too herculean a task for us?” too bad, mr. Joaquin did not live long enough to witness how we have embraced bigness at last: stealing from the government, at least a trillion pesos worth. that’s progress. (Philstar.com)
* * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of
DAteline PhiliPPines
PBBM inaugurates socialized condominium project in Manila
by AJPress
mANiLA — President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. on
thursday, November 27 inaugurated a new 20-story socialized condominium complex in sta. cruz, manila, framing the development as a model for in-city housing that keeps low-income families close to their workplaces and essential services.
the building, called san Lazaro residences, stands on a 4,300-square-meter lot at the corner of Alvarez and Quiricada streets. the manila city government funded and built the project as a mixed-use development that integrates residential units with two major public health facilities. city officials said the tower contains 382 two-bedroom units on the 5th through 20th floors, while the upgraded manila Public health Laboratory and Lanuza
health center occupy the lower levels. Amenities include a swimming pool, a function room, outdoor activity areas, commercial spaces, parking, and multiple elevators.
manila mayor francisco isko” moreno Domagoso said the project forms part of a “larger housing pipeline” launched by the city to expand vertical, incity housing options. he emphasized that local governments can “deliver fast and deliver well” when they prioritize urban housing programs, citing san Lazaro residences as proof of what sustained planning and financing can produce. he also noted that the city intends to increase similar developments to reduce relocation of families to distant suburbs.
the city allocated 193 units for health workers and 189 units for underprivileged residents who
qualify under manila’s urban housing ordinance. the units are not for sale or rent. Beneficiaries will contribute P2,000 to P3,000 monthly to a trust fund that the city says will finance maintenance and will be returned when occupants leave, minus repair deductions.
marcos said the project shows how local governments can create high-density but livable communities and highlighted the value of embedding health services inside public housing complexes to reduce travel barriers for residents.
san Lazaro residences joins manila’s growing lineup of in-city public housing developments, including the tondominium and Binondominium projects, which aim to shorten commutes for workers and keep low-income families within manila’s commercial districts. n
Lacson seeks stronger AMLC powers as corruption probe expands
Sen. Panfilo Lacson files a bill to expand the AMLC’s authority as investigators freeze more assets tied to alleged flood-control corruption
by AJPress
mANiLA — senate President
Pro tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is seeking expanded powers for the Anti-money Laundering council (AmLc) as the government confronts mounting corruption allegations tied to ghost and substandard flood-control projects.
Lacson filed senate Bill 1557, which would broaden the categories of covered persons, widen the range of predicate offenses, and give the AmLc stronger tools to trace and stop illicit financial flows. the bill proposes adding trusts, real estate transactions, virtual asset service providers, online gaming operators, and certain professional service provid-
ers to the entities regulated under anti–money laundering rules. the measure authorizes noncourt subpoenas, strengthens the AmLc’s ability to inspect covered institutions, and allows the council to initiate petitions for freeze orders and civil forfeiture. it also seeks to expand noncourt bank inquiries and grant the AmLc authority to suspend suspicious transactions in urgent cases.
Lacson said the country must close gaps in the anti–money laundering framework as investigators continue to uncover financial schemes used to move public funds through casinos and other channels. he warned that insufficient safeguards could place the Philippines at risk of
another financial Action task force gray-listing ahead of the next mutual evaluation cycle. the move comes as the AmLc reports a sharp rise in asset freezes connected to the ongoing flood-control investigation involving public works officials and contractors. recent disclosures from the council show that frozen assets linked to the probe have reached more than P11 billion, including bank accounts, real estate, vehicles and insurance-linked investments.
Lacson said the proposed reforms would help ensure that the AmLc functions as the country’s central financial intelligence unit with the capacity to act quickly on complex money-laundering and corruption cases. n
‘2025 among most disaster-prone years in history’
by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com
mANiLA — the Philippines has endured what could be “one of the most disaster-prone” years in its recent history this year, social Welfare secretary rex Gatchalian said on Wednesday, November 26.
During the Kapihan sa manila Bay forum, Gatchalian cited the series of calamities that battered the country and left hundreds of people dead nationwide.
This year would be one of the most disaster-prone years – from Typhoon Nando (in September, a howler with 130 miles per hour gusts and winds), to Ramil (in mid-October), two major earthquakes, cyclones Tino and Uwan and now Verbena,” he said.
During these calamities, Gatchalian highlighted the critical role of the Department of social Welfare and Development (DsWD)’s two main production centers in Pasay city and cebu, which have sustained rapid prepositioning of relief goods.
We can and we have automated 25,000 family food packs per day, that is our production output.
The only missing link here is in Mindanao where we don’t have a resource center. It is because in disasters, speed matters,” the DsWD chief said.
Gatchalian also underscored the country’s vulnerability, reminding the public that the Philippines, situated in the Pacific ring of fire, remains among the top five nations most exposed to natural hazards. recognizing the growing demands brought by climate-related events, Gatchalian expressed hope that the senate would increase the DsWD’s budget by at least P32 billion, similar to the house-approved level. he noted that half of the DsWD’s budget goes to the Pan-
tawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps program, which must be sustained.
the DsWD chief also outlined the agency’s disaster-preparedness strategies, including the Buong Bansa handa program, and reaffirmed the president’s directive to ensure that “no Filipino experiences hunger” in times of crisis.
Gatchalian further emphasized the need to boost funding for the Assistance to individuals in crisis situations program to help families rebuild immediately after calamities, saying the proposal is now under senate review as part of ongoing budget deliberations. According to the office of civil Defense, typhoon tino has claimed more than 200 lives while government reports tallied around 30 deaths due to Uwan. meanwhile, the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck cebu in september left more than 70 people dead, injured 1,200 others and damaged 185,900 homes. the onslaught of tropical storm Verbena added to the year’s devastation, affecting tens of thousands across the Visayas and mindanao.
According to the National Disaster risk reduction and management council, the storm has impacted 275,458 people in the Negros island region. heavy rains and flooding also hit caraga, Western and central Visayas and mimaropa, forcing 48,450 people into 469 evacuation centers. Verbena likewise disrupted the education sector, damaging 24 classrooms and affecting 6.7 million learners, 303,290 personnel and 15,260 public schools across 11 regions. in support of disaster-hit areas, the Philippine National Police deployed nearly 6,000 person-
PH Senate wraps up plenary debates on 2026 national budget
The Philippine Senate concludes plenary debates on the national budget, with key allocations for education, transportation, and the Office of the President. The budget will now proceed to the bicameral conference committee
by AJPress
mANiLA — the senate of the Philippines concluded its plenary debates on the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 on November 28, 2025, with members discussing key allocations for government agencies and programs. the budget bill, which will now proceed to the bicameral conference committee for reconciliation, reflects the government's fiscal priorities for the coming year.
Among the major agencies, the Department of education (Deped) is slated to receive the largest share, with an allocation of P1.044 trillion. this marks the highest-ever funding for the ed-
ucation sector in Philippine history. meanwhile, the Department of transportation (Dotr) was allocated P189.3 billion, aimed at supporting key infrastructure projects. Notably, the office of the President received P27.35 billion, slightly higher than in previous years. the Department of tourism (Dot) also saw an increase, securing P3.718 billion for 2026. senators approved these allocations after several days of deliberations, addressing various aspects of the budget, including social services, infrastructure, and defense. some programs, particularly those under the Department of Public Works and highways
(DPWh), saw reductions compared to initial proposals. the proposed budget will now go through the bicameral process to reconcile differences between the senate and house versions. once finalized, the budget will be submitted to the President for signing into law before the end of the year. Key Budget Highlights: education: P1.044 trillion transportation: P189.3 billion office of the President: P27.35 billion
tourism: P3.718 billion the 2026 budget aims to address critical sectors, emphasizing education and infrastructure while adjusting allocations to meet evolving priorities. n
Henry Alcantara returns P110M tied to flood-control scam
The former DPWH engineer faces mounting scrutiny after initiating a multi-stage restitution plan, returning funds tied to questioned flood-control projects
by AJPress
returned P110 million in cash to the government on November 28, 2025, as part of a restitution commitment in the widening flood-control corruption probe, officials said.
Justice Acting secretary frederick Vida said Alcantara delivered the money to the Department of Justice on November 28. representatives from the Bureau of the treasury and Land Bank of the Philippines verified the amount. Vida said Alcantara agreed to return P300 million in total and acknowledged a potential liability of about P1 billion, based on his sworn statements about earnings from irregular projects.
Vida said restitution forms one requirement for Alcantara’s provisional coverage under the Witness Protection Program. he said the arrangement does not grant immunity from future criminal complaints.
President ferdinand marcos Jr. confirmed the turnover in a video message. he said Alcan-
tara promised to return another P200 million within two weeks. marcos said the government intends to recover “every peso” linked to the alleged flood-control kickback network.
Alcantara previously served as district engineer for Bulacan’s first congressional district, which includes flood-prone areas such as Baliwag, hagonoy, calumpit, and malolos. Government records submitted to malacañang showed his office
managed about 450 flood-control projects worth P28.9 billion between 2022 and 2025. those projects face review as investigators examine alleged kickbacks, overpricing, and “ghost” works. the DoJ and office of the ombudsman continue to evaluate cases involving Alcantara and other former DPWh officials as the multi-agency investigation expands across several provinces. n
Nationwide November 30 protests set as Trillion Peso March expands participation
by AJPress
nel for response operations, with 1,076 officers assigned directly to affected areas and 4,912 on standby as augmentation forces. the DsWD, for its part, remains on high alert as Verbena affects more regions.
According to DsWD spokesperson irene Dumlao, the agency has intensified operations under code Blue status, distributing family food packs (ffPs), hygiene kits, kitchen kits and ready-to-eat meals to affected local government units. in Bacolod city alone, the Negros island region field office delivered 10,000 ffPs, 250 hygiene kits and 150 kitchen kits, while the caraga office provided 21 boxes of ready-to-eat food to stranded passengers in Agusan del Norte.
Dumlao assured the public that the DsWD will remain vigilant and responsive as Verbena moves toward the waters off the Kalayaan islands.
As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, the storm’s center was located 230 kilometers northeast of Pagasa island, packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 115 kph. it was moving west at 15 kph, with strong to storm-force winds extending up to 450 km from its center.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical services Administration, Verbena will continue to track west to west-northwest over the West Philippine sea and is expected to pass north of the Kalayaan islands between Wednesday night and this afternoon. the storm was forecasted to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday or early thursday. (With reports from Jose Rodel Clapano, Michael Punongbayan, Bella Cariaso, Emmanuel Tupas, Christine Boton)
mANiLA — organizers of the trillion Peso march announced coordinated protests for Nov. 30 in metro manila and major provincial cities. movement spokesman and 1sambayan convenor howard calleja said rallies will take place at the People Power monument on eDsA, as well as in Bacolod, iloilo, cebu and cagayan de oro. calleja said the call for action grew after new disclosures related to alleged corruption in public works projects. the Nov. 30 mobilization follows the first trillion Peso march held on sept. 21, which coincided with the fifty-third anniversary of the martial law proclamation. that earlier protest drew broad participation from civic groups, student networks and faith-based
organizations, many of which will join the Bonifacio Day actions. church institutions confirmed involvement. caritas Philippines issued a public call inviting parish communities to participate. catholic Bishops’ conference of the Philippines president cardinal Pablo Virgilio David released a video message urging peaceful engagement. Protestant organizations and christian lay networks also announced plans for local assemblies.
sectoral coalitions will coordinate city-level operations.
Bagong Alyansang makabayan confirmed its participation, including the preparation of local marshals and logistics teams. Youth and student groups that held walkouts in recent weeks said they will send delegations to the Nov. 30 protests. civic
alliances involved in earlier anti-corruption events will also join provincial activities. the Philippine National Police said metro manila will be under full alert beginning Nov. 28. Police officials said they coordinated with local governments, prepared medical teams and activated cctV systems along protest routes. Authorities said peaceful assembly will be allowed. organizers said the demonstrations seek accountability in ongoing investigations of alleged irregularities in flood-control and infrastructure projects. they said the coalition will push for transparent processes and recovery of any misused public funds. calleja said the movement will not call for President ferdinand marcos Jr.’s resignation. n
