DATELINE USA
Fil-Am DACA recipient, others arrested despite deportation protection
Yaakub Vijandre remains in a Georgia detention facility
MCALLEN, TEXAS — Filipino American Yaakub Vijandre was preparing to go to work as a mechanic when six vehicles appeared outside his Dallas-area home. Federal agents jumped out, one pointed a weapon at him, and they took him into custody.
Vijandre is a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era program that has shielded hundreds of thousands of people from deportation since 2012 if they were brought to the United States as children and generally stayed out of trouble.
The Trump administration said it targeted Vijandre over social media posts. The freelance videographer and pro-Palestinian activist described his early October arrest to his attorneys, who relayed the information to reporters.
His arrest and several others this year signal a change in how the U.S. is handling u PAGE 4
ICI urges plunder, corruption charges vs Revilla; case buildup sought for Escudero and others
The ICI has urged plunder and graft charges in its flood control probe and recommended deeper case buildup involving several high profile officials as the Ombudsman begins its review.
by AJPress
projects, recommending the filing of plunder, graft and related cases against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and ten other individuals while urging deeper case buildup involving several high profile public
Abalos counters Duterte: Free speech is different from disorderly conduct
On Barzaga's suspension
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
House of Representatives’ decision to adopt the committee on ethics and privileges’ recommendation to suspend Barzaga for 60 days was an affront to democracy.
MANILA — 4Ps party-list Rep. Jonathan Clement “JC” Abalos has disputed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga’s suspension is an infringement of free speech, saying that disorderly conduct of lawmakers is a different topic. Abalos explained in an ambush interview on Thursday that he does not believe that the u PAGE 4
House suspends Barzaga for 60 days without pay over social media posts
The House of Representatives suspended Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga for 60 days without pay after finding his social media posts inappropriate and disorderly.
by AJPress
officials.
In a briefing this week, ICI chairperson retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said the referral to the Office of the Ombudsman is
Rogelio Singson resigns as ICI commissioner
Rogelio “Babes” Singson resigns as ICI commissioner citing health concerns as the commission continues reviewing alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
by AJPress
MANILA — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has confirmed that Rogelio “Babes” Singson has stepped down from his role as commissioner, marking the departure of one of the country’s most experienced infrastructure executives from the panel tasked with examining alleged irregularities in flood control spending.
According to Abalos, chair of the ethics committee, he agrees that the right to free speech should be protected at all times, but as lawmakers, there is a difference between criticizing the government and acting inappropriately. u PAGE 2
MANILA – The House of Representatives has suspended Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga for 60 days without salary and allowances after determining that a series of posts on his Facebook pages constituted disorderly behavior and breached the standards expected of a member of Congress.
The plenary adopted the recommendation of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges through a vote of 249 to 5, with 11 abstentions. The penalty bars Barzaga from attending sessions and committee hearings but does not remove him from office.
Ethics panel cites inappropriate and unprofessional content In its report, the ethics com-
PAGE 5
career with majority draw in California debut
by AJPress
TEMECULA, Calif. — Jimuel Pacquiao began his professional boxing career on Saturday, November 29 (U.S. time), and walked away with a majority draw — a measured start for the 24-year-old son of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao fought fellow debutant Brendan Lally in a four-round lightweight contest at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula. Manny Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, attended the event, drawing sigu
READY FOR CHRISTMAS. The National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila is all decked out for Christmas on Tuesday (Dec. 2, 2025). The museum is home to 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising 19th century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors and printmakers, and is where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took his oath as the 17th president of the Philippines on June 30, 2022. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
MANILA - The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has expanded its findings on alleged irregularities in flood control
Jimuel Pacquiao opens pro
Rogelio Singson resigns as ICI commissioner...
Health and workload prompted decision, ICI says ICI chairperson retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. announced the resignation on Wednesday, December 3, and said it will take effect on December 15. He added that Singson may stay briefly to complete limited administrative work tied to the handover.
Reyes said Singson informed the commission that the intensity of the workload had taken a toll on his health.
According to Reyes, Singson described the work as very demanding and said it had strained his aging body. Reyes emphasized that the decision was personal and that there was no indication of external pressure or conflict within the commission.
In subsequent interviews, Singson also noted the strain of handling politically sensitive investigations with limited budget and no enabling law for the commission, although he stressed that these structural issues were not the cause of his resignation and that he did not want his departure to weaken public support for the ICI.
Mandate of EO 94 places commission at center of sensitive reviews
Singson, who previously served as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, joined the ICI in September following the creation of the body through Executive Order No. 94. The
order, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 11, 2025, mandates the commission to investigate alleged irregularities, misuse of public funds and weaknesses in planning and implementation of flood control and other infrastructure projects. It also authorizes the ICI to recommend cases to the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice and other investigative agencies.
Before joining the commission, Singson held senior executive roles in the Metro Pacific group, including leadership positions in Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and Metro Pacific Water. His appointment to the ICI was viewed as adding technical expertise and institutional depth at a time when the government sought a comprehensive review of politically sensitive infrastructure allocations.
Case referrals continue as multiple agencies validate project complaints
The commission continues its work as multiple agencies process complaints involving allegedly substandard or non-implemented flood control projects. The ICI has supported the referral of case records to the Office of the Ombudsman and has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on validation of project sites and procurement documentation. Officials have stated
that these referrals stem from findings flagged in audit reports, sworn complaints and field validation, not from conclusions drawn by the commission alone. Recent AFP and CIDG field inspections have also identified additional allegedly non-implemented or deficient infrastructure projects in various regions, several of which are expected to be transmitted to the Ombudsman through separate channels.
Lawmakers weigh stronger authority for commission amid jurisdiction debates
Singson’s resignation comes as lawmakers begin to discuss proposals to provide the ICI with a dedicated enabling law and stronger investigative authority, while some political figures have publicly questioned the commission’s jurisdiction. Reyes said the departure of Singson will not slow the commission’s work. He said the remaining members will continue ongoing inquiries and that guidance from the Office of the President will determine whether a replacement commissioner will be appointed.
Under Executive Order No. 94, the ICI is required to submit monthly reports to the Office of the President and to make public its accomplishments and other relevant updates. The commission is expected to continue its review of flood control programs across several regions as agencies move forward with parallel administrative and criminal investigations. n
ICI urges plunder, corruption charges...
supported by sworn statements, engineering audits and procurement reviews conducted throughout the commission’s multi month inquiry. Reyes said the ICI’s mandate is limited to fact finding and stressed that the Ombudsman will decide independently whether evidence is sufficient for formal charges.
Audit findings raise questions about how public infrastructure funds were used.
The ICI said its reviews uncovered documentation gaps, inconsistencies in project execution and concerns related to procurement and fund utilization in selected flood control packages across multiple regions. Details of the investigative files were not released publicly, but the commission stated that it relied on both testimonial and documentary evidence presented during its proceedings.
The ICI says its referral includes evidence sets tied to suspected anomalies in flood projects.
Those recommended for charges include Revilla and several private individuals identified in testimonies and project records. Based on the ICI briefing, the names submitted to the Ombudsman are:
• Gerard Opulencia
• Ruel Umali
• Gene Ryan Altea
• J.Y. Dela Rosa
• A Mrs. Patron, whose full name was not disclosed publicly
• Carlo Aguilar
• Maynard Ngu
The ICI said these recommendations relate to possible violations involving public funds. The commission did not release specific amounts or alleged financial flows, noting that all evidence will be reviewed by the Ombudsman before any decision on case filing is made.
Several lawmakers and former officials are now the subjects of an expanded case buildup.
A second group of officials was referred for further evidence consolidation. According to the ICI, these names were included because affidavits and project linkages raised issues that require deeper assessment. This list includes:
• Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
• Makati Mayor Nancy Binay
• Senator Mark Villar, former DPWH secretary
• Former senator Grace Poe
The commission also forwarded additional supporting materials involving former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, former undersecretaries Catalina Cabral and Roberto Bernar-
do, former representative Zaldy Co, Commission on Audit commissioner Henry Lipana and several former DPWH engineers. These submissions were classified as supplemental evidence rather than direct case recommendations.
The final outcome will depend on the Ombudsman’s independent assessment of the referral.
Revilla’s camp said the former senator was not invited by the commission to present his side before the referral and questioned the process. They added that Revilla is prepared to respond once the Ombudsman begins its formal evaluation.
The ICI responded that no party was barred from appearing and noted that individuals may voluntarily submit explanations or clarifications. It also emphasized that investigations remain open even after the referral.
Officials named for further review, including Villar, Poe and Binay, have publicly denied wrongdoing and said allegations raised in testimonies remain unproven. They stressed that no cases have been filed against them and that they are prepared to address any official inquiries.
The Ombudsman has not released a timeline for evaluating the ICI submissions. All individuals named in the referral remain presumed innocent unless a court determines otherwise. n
• Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
• Manny Bulusan
• Carleen Yap Villa
MIXED PRICE MOVEMENT. An attendant refills the fuel tank of a motorcycle at a gas station in Paco, Manila on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Oil companies slashed diesel and kerosene prices by PHP2.90 and PHP3.20 per liter, respectively, while gasoline prices rose by PHP0.20 per liter. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
RESIGNED. Independent Commission for Infrastructure Commissioner Rogelio “Babes” Singson holds a press conference at the ICI Building in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Thursday (Dec. 4, 2025). Singson, a former public works secretary, said his resignation
Fil-Am DACA recipient...
PAGE 1
DACA recipients as President Donald Trump’s administration reshapes immigration policy more broadly.
The change comes as immigrants have face increased vetting, including of their social media, when they apply for visas, green cards, citizenship, or to request the release of their children from federal custody.
The administration also has sought to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism.
DACA created to shield ‘Dreamers’
DACA was created to shield recipients, commonly referred to as “Dreamers,” from immigration arrests and deportation. It also allows them to legally work in the U.S. Recipients reapply every two years.
Previously if their status was in jeopardy, they would receive a warning and would still have a chance to fight it before immigration officers detained them and began efforts to deport them.
In response to questions about any changes, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying that people “who claim to be recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not automatically protected from deportations. DACA does not confer any form of legal status in this country.”
DACA recipients can lose status “for a number of reasons, including if they’ve committed a crime,” she said.
McLaughlin also claimed in a statement that Vijandre made social media posts “glorifying terrorism,” including one she said celebrated Abu Musab alZarqawi, al-Qaida’s leader in Iraq who was killed in a U.S. strike in 2006.
Protected speech
An attorney for Vijandre, Chris Godshall-Bennett, said Vijandre’s social media activity is “clearly” protected speech. He also said the government has not provided details about the specific posts in court documents.
Vijandre is among about 20 DACA recipients who have been arrested or detained by immigration authorities since Trump took office in January, according to Home is Here, a campaign created by proDACA advocacy groups.
The administration is seeking to end his DACA status, which could result in him being deported to the Philippines, a home he has not
American journalist Ya’akub
courtesy Free Ya’akub organizers
visited since his family came to the U.S. in 2001, when he was 14.
DACA has faced legal challenges
DACA survived the first Trump administration’s attempt to rescind the program when the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that the administration did not take the proper steps to end it.
There have been other attempts to end the program or place restrictions on recipients.
This year, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that would deny work permits for DACA recipients who live in Texas. The Trump administration recently presented its plans to a federal judge who is determining how it will work.
The administration also has issued new restrictions on commercial driver’s licenses that would prevent DACA recipients and some other immigrants from getting them.
Last year, 19 Republican states stripped DACA recipients’ access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. And the number of states where immigrant students can qualify for instate tuition has dwindled since the Justice Department began suing states this year.
“This administration might not be trying to end DACA altogether the way that they did the first time around, but they are chipping away at it,” said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, spokesperson for United We Dream, which is part of Home is Here, the coalition keeping track of public cases of DACA recipients who have been detained.
Detained DACA recipients question their arrests Catalina “Xóchitl” Santiago
Santiago, a 28-year-old activist from El Paso, Texas, was arrested in August despite showing immigration officers a valid work permit obtained through DACA.
Days later, federal officers arrested Paulo Cesar Gamez Lira as the 28-year-old father was arriving at his El Paso home with his children following a doctor’s appointment. Agents dislocated his shoulder, according to his attorneys.
Both Santiago and Gamez Lira were held for over a month while their attorneys petitioned for their release.
Marisa Ong, an attorney for Santiago and Gamez Lira, said the government failed to notify either of her clients of any intention to terminate their DACA status.
“DACA recipients have a constitutionally protected interest in their continued liberty,” Ong said, adding that “the government cannot take away that liberty without providing some valid reason.”
DACA recipients can lose their status if they are convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanors like those involving harming others, driving under the influence or drug distribution, or three or more misdemeanors. They can also lose their status if they pose a threat to national security or public safety.
DHS claimed in a statement that Santiago was previously charged with trespassing, possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia and that Gamez Lira was previously arrested for marijuana possession.
Ong said that when attorneys sought their release “the government presented no evidence of any past misconduct by either individual.”
Vijandre remains in detention facility
Vijandre, the Dallas-area man who was arrested in October, remains in a Georgia detention facility. His attorneys say he received notice two weeks before his arrest that the government planned to terminate his DACA status but that he wasn’t given a chance to fight it.
“I think that the administration has drawn a very clear line and at least for right now, between citizen and noncitizens, and their goal is to remove as many noncitizens from the country as possible and to make it as difficult as possible for noncitizens to enter the country,” GodshallBennett, Vijandre’s attorney, said. (Inquirer.net with reports from AP)
Abalos counters Duterte: Free speech...
PAGE 1
“I don’t believe that this is an attack on democracy. The freedom of speech is a constitutionally-protected right and it must be protected at all times. But if you are a lawmaker or an elected public official, you must draw a line between genuine criticism of the government, as opposed to disorderly behavior,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a school event in Quezon City.
Abalos said that young people look up to the country’s leaders — which only stresses the need for lawmakers to behave properly.
“We are here in a school. We have students here who are being taught the proper behavior even at such a young age. We are here because we believe that we have to inculcate on our youth the idea of behaving well, as they would be future leaders of our country,” he said.
“We have to learn how to respect one another in spite of our differences, and we must be able to draw the line, because if you’re a public official, we are held to a higher standard. All of our words, all of our actions, it carries political and legal consequences. It has weight and authority,” he added.
Duterte on Wednesday said Barzaga’s suspension is “part of a series of efforts to silence voices that speak uncomfortable truths,” adding that it is not the first time that “that critics of the government have been met with punitive action.”
“In a nation that takes pride in democracy, dissent should not be treated as a threat. The right to speak freely is not granted by those in power. It is a fundamental right guaranteed and protected by our
very Constitution,” Duterte said.
“This is the right of every Filipino, especially public servants who have the duty to tell the truth. That’s why if an elected official like Cong. Barzaga can be silenced, how much more for ordinary Filipinos who have no power or position?” she asked.
During the session on Monday, Barzaga was ordered suspended for 60 days after 249 House lawmakers voted in favor of adopting the committee recommendations, with only five voting in the negative, and 11 abstaining.
Abalos said that Barzaga’s actions social media posts which were deemed conduct “unbefitting of a House member.”
He also said in his explanation of the committee recommendation that if Barzaga fails to remove the social media posts within 24 hours, there is a possibility that graver penalties will be imposed.
“(The committee) recommends the penalty of 60 day suspension from office without the benefit of salaries and allowances during the period
of suspension, with a stern warning that repetition of similar misconduct will result to a more severe disciplinary action,” Abalos said.
“In addition Mr. Speaker, the committee recommends that the respondent Barzaga be directed to remove all 24 social media posts subject of this case within 24 hours from adoption of this report in the plenary,” he added.
Barzaga will not receive the benefits like salaries and allowances while he is suspended.
On Tuesday, Barzaga adhered with the committee’s directive, taking down a total of 24 social media posts and photos showing lewd images and ostentatious display of wealth within the 24 hour ultimatum.
Abalos said he commends Barzaga for “abiding by the recommendation of the plenary.”
The ethics complaint against Barzaga was filed by several National Unity Party (NUP) members, including chairperson and Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno, over the Cavite solon’s alleged violation of the conduct expected of House members.
In a press briefing last September 15, Puno said that Barzaga’s social media posts, including lewd photos and an alleged ostentatious display of wealth, will be used as pieces of evidence for the ethics complaint.
Puno clarified they are not going after Barzaga for criticizing the government.
He said the lawmaker from Cavite is being penalized because there are several misleading implications of his posts that seem to trivialize issues involving the House. / apl n
Filipino
Vijandre
Photo
4Ps party-list Rep. JC Abalos Photo from the House of Representatives’ website
EARLY CHRISTMAS. The Davao City Police Office holds its ninth holiday season program for children, called Pamaskong Handog, at Camp Capt. Domingo E. Leonor in Davao City on Monday (Dec. 1, 2025). Hundreds of children from various communities received gifts from the police officers themselves. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Jimuel Pacquiao opens pro career...
PAGE 1
nificant attention from boxing fans and international media.
Ringside verdict: A split set of scorecards
Judges split their scoring: one turned in a 39–37 card for Pacquiao, while the other two scored the bout 38–38, resulting in an official majority draw.
Both fighters leave the bout with identical records of 0–0–1.
Lally, a high school English teacher from Chicago before turning professional, matched Pacquiao’s pace throughout the contest. Both men entered the ring for their first paid appearances and delivered a competitive four rounds marked by high activity and visible nerves.
Assessing the debut: Promise tempered by raw edges
Coverage from U.S. and Philippine sports outlets described Pacquiao’s performance as energetic but uneven. Writers noted that Pacquiao advanced early behind quick bursts and combinations, yet absorbed several clean counterpunches
as the rounds progressed.
Analysts pointed to moments of athleticism and speed, while also identifying areas that require sharpening — particularly defense, timing, and maintaining control of distance.
World Boxing News described Pacquiao’s outing as showing the “rawness” typical of a new professional but added that the 24-year-old has time to shape his own identity in the sport. Philippine-based reports similarly viewed the draw as a fair outcome for two fighters learning to navigate professional pacing and pressure.
Expectations and comparisons: A familiar spotlight
The debut comes months after Manny Pacquiao’s own comeback fight ended in a majority draw in July, a coincidence that drew immediate attention on social media and from boxing commentators.
Reporters who covered fight week noted that Jimuel and his handlers worked to temper expectations, acknowledging the scrutiny that comes with launching
a career under one of boxing’s most recognizable surnames.
Despite the comparisons, observers emphasized that Jimuel’s trajectory must be evaluated independently with patience, incremental improvement, and measured matchmaking guiding his early steps.
What comes next: Building from a solid baseline
As of press time, MP Promotions has not announced Pacquiao’s next assignment. His team is expected to review fight footage and chart a developmental plan focused on fundamentals, confidence-building, and gradual increases in difficulty the standard progression for a new professional facing heightened visibility.
Pacquiao’s debut did not produce the decisive win many anticipated, but it established a clear foundation for growth. The majority draw offers neither setback nor breakthrough, but rather a starting point from which he can refine his skills and shape a career defined by his own merit, not merely his lineage. n
House suspends Barzaga for 60 days without pay...
PAGE 1
mittee said approximately 24 posts on Barzaga’s personal and official pages featured content it described as inappropriate, indecent or unprofessional. The committee said several images were considered lewd or appeared to display ostentatious wealth, while others included remarks the panel viewed as inflammatory. The report concluded that the posts violated Section 141(a), Rule 20 of the House Rules and Section 4(c) of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Committee chair Rep. JC Abalos said the posts reflected poorly on the institution and did not meet the standards of conduct expected of lawmakers. Abalos noted that Barzaga had been cautioned previously about the content and that the failure to remove the posts earlier contributed to the committee’s finding of disorderly behavior.
The House directed Barzaga to delete the flagged posts within 24 hours of the vote and stated that repeat violations could result in harsher sanctions. Expulsion remains the
most severe penalty under the House rules.
Barzaga complies but raises free speech concerns Barzaga confirmed that he deleted the posts shortly after the plenary action. He accepted the suspension but said the case raises broader questions about free expression and the appropriate limits on online speech for public officials.
Several lawmakers from the minority and independent blocs expressed concern that the ruling could discourage dissent within the chamber. They argued that disciplinary actions involving social media must be applied consistently to avoid perceptions of selective enforcement. The committee’s report, however, focused solely on the nature and tone of the posts and did not cite Barzaga’s political views.
House leadership and Palace deny political pressure
Abalos said the decision was based on conduct, not on Barzaga’s criticisms of the House leadership or the administration. He said the panel distinguished between legitimate political expression and content considered indecent or unbecoming for an elected
official.
Malacañang also said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had no involvement in the proceedings and noted that disciplinary matters remain internal to the House.
Barzaga, 27, is among the youngest members of the current Congress and is known for his active online presence. The case is expected to shape future discussions on how far lawmakers may go in using social media while holding public office. n
Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga speaks at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives in Quezon City during a recent session. The chamber voted to suspend him for 60 days over conduct related to his social media posts.
Photo courtesy of Rep. Kiko Barzaga’s social media account
FeAtures OPiniOn
What we allow, we become
IN one of his interviews with journalist Cathy Yang, Ramon del Rosario Jr. offered a direct assessment of the Philippines’ corruption problem. He said corruption has grown on “greed and the ability to get away with it” and explained how a system formed in which “everyone was in on it” and silence allowed wrongdoing to become “the monster it is today.” He did not present technical details or identify individual officials. Instead, he focused on how a culture of impunity took shape and continued across political cycles.
Del Rosario’s comments carry weight because of his record. He served as Finance Secretary during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos, a period that many economic analysts describe as one of the more reform-driven and outward-looking eras of the modern Philippine economy. The Ramos government advanced economic liberalization, privatization and infrastructure development under the Philippines 2000 agenda. Growth strengthened in the mid-1990s. Although the Philippines felt the impact of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis,
IN my over four decades of being in media, business and now as Philippine ambassador to the United States serving under two administrations, I have witnessed firsthand the resilience of the Filipino people in moments of profound crisis. Time and again, our nation has endured natural disasters, political upheavals, economic shocks and global uncertainty. But today, the Philippines is confronting a
several studies credit earlier reforms with improving fiscal discipline and macroeconomic management during that period.
After leaving government, del Rosario returned to the private sector and remained active in governance and policy reform efforts. He continues to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PHINMA Corporation, a role reflected in the company’s most recent disclosures. He also participated in business and civic organizations such as the Makati Business Club, the Integrity Initiative and
How justice moves will define our country’s future
tragedy that cuts deeper than most – because it sits at the painful intersection of natural disaster and human failure.
More than 300 Filipinos lost their lives in the recent floods that swept through communities already struggling with poverty, vulnerability and fragile infrastructure. They were not mere casualties of a powerful storm – they were citizens who should have been protected by flood control systems long promised and
funded – yet allegedly never built, poorly built or grossly overpriced.
As a Filipino and as someone who carries the responsibility of representing our country abroad, I share the sorrow and the outrage felt across the country. These losses remind us that corruption is not only a governance issue. It is a matter of life and death.
And so, the question facing our country today is clear and urgent: how quickly will jus-
competitiveness-related forums. He now serves as Co-Convenor of the Roundtable for Inclusive Development, a coalition of business and civic leaders focused on public accountability. These platforms
of Hope
WE often talk about technology as if it was made purely of machines, codes and platforms. But behind every app, every system and every digital innovation is a person who built it. Technology is never just a collection of tools. Technology is talent expressed in code and creativity turned into systems. If the Philippines wants to survive and thrive in the new digital age, then the most
LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
MACABAGDAL-ORIEL
have kept him engaged in national conversations on transparency, competitiveness and institutional integrity and have contributed to the influence his views hold in both public
The Filipino digital workforce: The new builders of the nation
important resource we must develop is not hardware or servers. It is people. Our future depends on the Filipino digital workforce.
The world is racing toward a future where every industry is shaped by data, automation, artificial intelligence and advanced digital systems. The demand for skilled workers who can build these technologies has reached
historic levels. Countries are investing billions in training their people because they know that talent is the new engine of national strength. Meanwhile, here at home, we have some of the most naturally gifted and hardworking tech talents in the world. Yet many of them are still stuck performing the lowest tier tasks for foreign
GeorGe royeca
Peddler
babe’s eye view
Babe Romualdez
How justice moves will define our...
tice move – and will it move with the resolve our people deserve?
Our nation has known corruption before, but this scandal stands apart in its magnitude and consequence. Billions upon billions of pesos earmarked for flood mitigation projects – money meant to protect Filipino families from the very disaster that has now claimed so many lives – were allegedly siphoned into a vast network of fraudulent contracts and ghost projects.
As investigations continue, what emerges is a deeply troubling pattern: projects approved on paper but missing on the ground, drainage systems promised but nowhere to be found, embankments planned but never constructed. In their place, communities were left exposed. And when the floods came, the waters carried not only mud and garbage, but the weight of an unforgivable betrayal.
At such moments, anger is natural. Outrage is justified. But beyond these emotions lies a solemn responsibility: to pursue justice not out of vengeance, but out of our obligation to the nation and to the memory of those we lost.
It is encouraging that the government has begun taking action: arrests of initial suspects, ongoing Senate inquiries, intensified investigative efforts and a renewed push toward transparent prosecution. These are necessary steps –but certainly not the last.
As someone who has long engaged with international partners, I know how closely the world is watching. Investors, allies, humanitarian institutions – all are observing how the Philippines responds to this moment. Our credibility as a nation committed to the rule of law is at stake.
But even more important than global perception is the trust of our own people. Justice cannot be symbolic nor selective. It cannot be delayed until public anger fades. It must be complete, unyielding and insulated from political pressure.
This is a defining moment for the country’s leadership. The government faces a test not only of governance but of moral courage. Allowing the justice system to pursue the truth wherever it leads – regardless of political affiliation, family name or public profile – will require strength and a commitment to national interest above all else.
But this moment is larger than any single administration. It is a test of our institutions or even our Constitution, our citizens and our belief that the Philippines can rise above the cycle of corruption that has held us back for generations.
If justice moves swiftly and decisively, this scandal may yet mark the turning point we have long hoped for –the moment when we finally break away from a deeply entrenched culture of impunity. If it moves slowly, however, or hesitates at the thresholds of power, then the consequences will not only be legal or political – they will be moral, and they will haunt our nation for years to come.
Statesmanship requires clarity, but it also requires compassion. Beyond the statistics are stories that will remain with us forever – the father swept away while saving his children, the elderly couple trapped inside their home, students who never made it back from school. These are not nameless or faceless victims – they are the very people we in government have sworn to protect.
What we allow, we become...
6
and private sectors.
Del Rosario frames corruption as a system shaped by incentives, culture and silence, rather than as a list of individual acts or personalities. He describes how the system expanded because many actors tolerated or ignored misconduct and because silence, whether motivated by fear, resignation or personal interest, allowed abuses to deepen. He sees corruption as an institution-
PAGE 6
We must honor their memory not with speeches, but with action; not with promises, but with results; not with temporary reforms, but with lasting change.
If corruption can so easily erode public safety, then fighting it becomes a national security imperative. The path forward requires full accountability for those who stole from the people; stronger safeguards in procurement, auditing and oversight; protection for whistleblowers who refuse to stay silent; compensation for affected families and real rehabilitation of affected communities; transparent reporting so citizens can see progress with their own eyes.
The Philippines has the talent, the spirit and the will to do these things. What we must show now is our collective resolve, because our nation’s future hangs in the balance.
In moments like this, when the country grieves and demands answers, we are reminded that justice is not merely a legal process. It is a moral commitment to our people and to the future we seek to build.
How justice moves in the coming weeks and months will define more than the fate of those involved in this scandal. It will define what we, as a nation, are willing to accept –and what we are finally ready to reject.
The Philippines has endured enough. The Filipino people have suffered enough. And the time for meaningful justice is long overdue. (Philstar.com)
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
al and cultural issue rather than a series of isolated incidents. He also cautioned that rising public anger should not be turned into a political tool. He said the public deserves seriousness and fact-based discussion, not partisan exploitation. According to him, effective investigations must be impartial and grounded in evidence, because communities need to trust that the process is fair and that any conclusions follow from
verified facts.
Del Rosario added that silence played a central role in the country’s current situation. Many people stayed quiet not only out of fear but also because they assumed that the system could not change. That resignation, he suggested, allowed corruption to grow into the very “monster” he described.
The broader factual record in the Philippines supports this context. Commission
8
The Filipino digital workforce: The new...
platforms. Some manage content. Some do repetitive digital work. Some only support systems that were built elsewhere. We have become a nation of users more than creators.
This is not a failure of our people. It is a failure of opportunity. Our educational institutions have not moved fast enough. Our industries have not invested deeply enough. Our policies have not been ambitious enough. The global digital economy is moving at full speed, while we are still preparing the starting line. If we do not develop Filipino talent now, we will be left behind in ways that will take generations to repair.
Many of our best engineers, developers and data scientists continue to leave the country. They are not unpatriotic. They are simply looking for a place where their talent can grow. Abroad, they are valued as innovators. Here, they often become support workers for foreign companies that use the Philippines as a cost saving center. The result is a double loss. We lose our brightest minds to other countries, and the ones who stay are underutilized. This is not how a nation becomes future ready.
The Philippines must make a conscious choice to elevate our digital workforce. We must train people not only to operate technology but to build it. Not only to consume data but to understand and shape it. Not only to maintain systems but to design and lead them. The future will not be kind to countries that remain consumers of technology. The future will reward the countries that create.
We must first transform how we think about tech
education. It cannot remain limited to a few degree programs. It has to be woven into every discipline. Technology must be taught in public schools, private schools and community learning centers. Coding, data literacy, digital fluency and critical thinking must be part of the basic foundation of learning. These skills are no longer optional. They are the language of the future economy. Next, we need to build strong pathways between education and employment. Many students graduate with theoretical knowledge, yet they lack practical experience. We need training programs that give real industry exposure. We need apprenticeships that allow young Filipinos to work with startups, digital companies and innovation hubs. We need schools and industries to collaborate, not operate in separate worlds. When talent meets opportunity early, excellence follows. We must also invest in reskilling and upskilling. Technology changes quickly. Many workers in traditional fields fear they will be left behind. But we can bring them forward. A tricycle driver can learn digital tools to become part of a logistics ecosystem.
A sari-sari store owner can learn e-commerce. A call center worker can become a cloud technician or a cybersecurity analyst. We already have the discipline and the grit. What we need are structured programs that help people move into the digital economy. When we raise the skills of our workers, we raise the prospects of our entire nation.
Companies also have a responsibility. Filipino firms must invest in developing their own people. They must offer training, scholarships,
mentorship and growth paths. Investing in employees is not a cost. It is the most powerful form of innovation. A company that builds its people builds its future. A country that builds its people builds its destiny. Government plays an essential role as well. We need national programs that empower our digital workforce. We need grants and subsidies for tech education, support for innovation hubs, stronger public internet infrastructure and incentives for companies that hire and train Filipino tech workers. Government must see talent development as part of national defense and economic strategy. The countries that succeeded in the digital age did not reach success by accident. They invested in people. We must do the same. If we want Filipino technology to thrive, we must build the capacity of Filipinos. There is no shortcut. A strong digital workforce ensures that our data, our platforms and even our emerging artificial intelligence systems are grounded in Filipino values. It ensures that foreign companies cannot simply dominate our economy without competition. It ensures that the Philippines can stand proudly as a builder of technology, not only as a buyer.
Talent is our greatest hope. Talent is our greatest defense. And talent is our greatest weapon in the digital age. If we lift our people, they will lift our nation. And in doing so, they will secure a future where the Philippines does not only survive, but leads. (Philstar.com) * * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
DAILY ROUTE. Traditional public utility jeepneys ply Taft Avenue in Manila on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has given the Land Transportation Office until Dec. 8 to resolve long-delayed registration and renewal applications. PNA photo by Yancy Lim PAGE
What we allow, we become...
PAGE 7
on Audit findings, Senate hearings and investigative journalism have documented recurring weaknesses in project implementation and procurement processes. These include overpricing, substandard or defective work, delayed or incomplete projects and contracts that did not achieve their intended scope. In some instances, auditors questioned projects that appeared complete in documents but were inadequate or missing upon inspection. These findings come from public documents and media reporting, and they help explain why del Rosario’s concerns resonate publicly.
The consequences of such weaknesses are immediate and tangible. When public works projects do not meet standards, the risks associated with flooding, road failure or infrastructure deterioration increase. When public funds do not result in functioning infrastructure or reliable services, trust in government declines. Communities absorb the financial burden, the safety risks
and the long-term erosion of public confidence.
For Filipinos overseas, the issue is closely watched. A significant share of the Philippine economy is supported by remittances from workers and migrants living abroad. Many continue to invest in families and local communities while hoping that public institutions can manage resources responsibly and predictably. The diaspora has seen periods when reforms strengthened institutions and raised confidence, including during the Ramos period. It has also witnessed how institutional weaknesses can undermine progress when oversight is inconsistent or politicized.
Del Rosario does not attribute responsibility to any single administration. He points to the accumulation of choices over time. In his view, corruption hardened because many actors believed they could avoid consequences and because others believed the system would not change. His comments suggest that meaningful reform requires consistent enforcement, credible
oversight and standards that apply regardless of political alignment.
The idea at the center of his warning is straightforward. A society eventually reflects the behavior it accepts. The reverse is also true. When expectations rise and accountability becomes non-negotiable, institutions begin to recalibrate. The process is gradual, but it is possible.
Del Rosario speaks as someone who observed the Philippines during a period of reform and who has watched later controversies test that progress. His reminder is clear. Corruption grew because silence became habit. Reform begins when silence ends. The Philippines has rebuilt before, even in more difficult circumstances, and it has the capacity to do so again.
What comes next depends on whether citizens and institutions choose resignation or integrity. The path forward is not mysterious. It rests on a society deciding what kind of nation it intends to shape for the future. (AJPress)
Palace says Marcos family open to lifestyle check
Scrutiny grows over wealth disclosures and SALN filings of top Philippine officials
by AJPress
MANILA — Malacañang said the First Family is open to a lifestyle check as questions about wealth disclosures and public accountability continue to draw national attention.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in recent interviews that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos are prepared to undergo a lifestyle review conducted by the appropriate oversight bodies. Castro said any process would follow the established procedures of the Office of the Ombudsman and other agencies responsible for integrity assessments.
Lifestyle checks are administrative reviews that compare an official’s declared income and assets with observable spending patterns, property acquisitions and financial behavior. Oversight institutions may initiate such reviews on their own or in response to a verified complaint.
Governance groups routinely examine SALNs to assess year-to-year consistency and changes in declared wealth.
Legal analysts emphasize that a SALN is a disclosure document and not evidence of wrongdoing. Any allegation concerning its accuracy must be reviewed through formal fact-finding and due process before any administrative or criminal action can be taken.
Scrutiny after release of wealth disclosures
supported by evidence and may only proceed to an administrative or criminal investigation under laws such as Republic Act 3019 after due process is observed.
Several governance advocates have encouraged the government to apply lifestyle checks more consistently for senior officials who manage or influence major public expenditures, procurement processes or infrastructure projects.
Reported details from the President’s SALN
Public reports on President Marcos’ 2024 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth indicate that the President declared a net worth of about P389 million. This figure appears in the standard SALN form required under Republic Act 6713 and Civil Service Commission rules.
Several media organizations also reported that the SALN included an appraisal document prepared by a private valuation firm. These reports stated that the appraisal estimated the value of the President’s and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ combined assets at approximately P1.375 billion when computed using fair-market valuation methods. The submission of appraisal reports is voluntary and is not required under the law.
Based on these same reports, the SALN lists declared real properties, personal assets, vehicles, liabilities and business interests, consistent with the disclosure categories required by RA 6713. The Office of the Ombudsman is the official custodian of SALNs filed by the President and other top officials. Access to these records is governed by Ombudsman regulations and statutory rules.
The Palace statement was issued amid renewed public interest in the declared wealth of senior officials.
Vice President Sara Duterte also filed her 2024 SALN, and news reports noted her declared net worth based on the information she submitted. SALNs are intended to promote transparency and to help identify possible conflicts of interest as mandated by RA 6713.
Civil society organizations and policy centers analyze these filings to evaluate trends in officials’ declared financial positions. Analysts repeatedly note that increases in reported assets can result from many legitimate sources, including income, property valuation changes, inheritance or lawful business activity.
What a lifestyle check examines
A lifestyle check assesses whether an official’s standard of living is aligned with declared lawful income and legitimate interests. Investigators may review property holdings, vehicles, travel activity and other indicators of spending. They then compare these findings with information reported in the SALN and other financial disclosures.
A lifestyle check does not determine guilt. Any potential inconsistency must be
Transparency debate expands
The renewed focus on lifestyle audits comes as public discussion continues over access to SALNs. Republic Act 6713 provides for the availability of SALNs for public inspection within a regulated period. Transparency groups say that effective access to these documents, combined with credible lifestyle assessments, can strengthen public confidence in the government’s commitment to accountability.
Whether the Marcos family or other high-ranking officials will undergo a lifestyle review depends on the discretion of the Ombudsman or other authorized bodies. At present, the SALNs of the President and the Vice President remain official declarations filed under existing disclosure laws. These documents do not constitute findings of wrongdoing.
The Palace statement that the First Family is open to scrutiny has given new momentum to the national conversation on financial integrity. The actions of oversight institutions in the coming months will help determine whether lifestyle checks become a more consistent component of integrity enforcement for the country’s highest officials. n
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons in an undated family photo. Malacañang said the First Family is open to a lifestyle check under existing oversight procedures. Photo courtesy of the Marcos family
Henry Alcantara returns P110M tied to flood-control scam ICI grants Sandro Marcos executive session
by AJPress
MANILA — Former DPWH Bulacan district engineer
Henry Alcantara 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 Alcantara 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 floodprone areas such as Baliwag, Hagonoy, Calumpit, and Ma-
lolos. 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
by Dominique nicole Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — While presidential son and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, he got a free pass from a public hearing.
The ICI approved his request for an executive session on Thursday, December 4, after Marcos' counsel said his testimony may "jeopardize" the investigation into the alleged corruption in Congress if made public.
"There may be critical information that may be elicited from his testimony, which may jeopardize or compromise further investigation of this commission," legal counsel Michelle Lazaro said.
His counsel also told the body that the lawmaker has already submitted himself "voluntarily" before the body and would like to share as much information as "candidly as possible."
"I came here on a voluntary basis so I could help the ICI with their investigation. I was not served a subpoe-
na, I am not subject to any investigation," Marcos told reporters.
"However, I am willing to give and tell the ICI anything that I might know that will further the investigation," he added.
Marcos also consented to make his sworn affidavits public.
The presidential son was tagged in the flood control corruption scandal after resigned lawmaker Elizaldy Co claimed Marcos of ordering budget insertions yearly.
Marcos has since dismissed Co's claims as lies,
saying the former lawmaker is simply trying to destabilize the government.
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), however, reported that the first district in Ilocos, which Marcos represents, had been receiving the highest "allocable" share of infrastructure funds from 2023 to 2025.
The report found that Marcos' district received P15.8 billion in allocable funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways for the first three years of his father's presidency. n
Henry Alcantara
File photo
Sandro Marcos Screengrab from Youtube/Philstar
Luneta protesters press flood-control accountability as some groups call for Marcos, Duterte to resign
Thousands joined the November 30 “Baha
sa Luneta 2.0”
rally pressing for action on the flood-control corruption probe, with some groups urging President Marcos and Vice President Duterte to resign
by AJPress
MANILA — Several thousand demonstrators gathered at Rizal Park on Sunday, November 30, 2025, for the “Baha sa Luneta 2.0” rally, calling for swift government action on the widening flood-control corruption investigations. While organizers framed the event as a push for accountability and transparency, some participating groups went further and publicly urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte to resign, with a proposed “transition council” raised by certain blocs during the march.
Some groups push for a transition council; organizers do not endorse the call
National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers secretary general Ephraim Cortez spoke to reporters at Luneta and acknowledged that discussions about a transition council circulated among some protesters. Cortez noted that the 1987 Constitution does not include such a mechanism but said proponents view it as an expression of political will.
“The Constitution begins with ‘We, the sovereign Filipino people,’” Cortez said. “It means the people set the Constitution, and it is also the people who will set the kind of government who will govern them. If the people want that, that is sovereign will.” Event organizers did not endorse resignation calls or extra-constitutional proposals. Their stated focus remained the need for action on alleged procurement irregularities identified by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Police shorten Luneta program; protesters march to Mendiola Police restricted the use of sound systems and staging at Luneta due to per-
mit limitations, prompting organizers to shorten the formal program. Protesters then marched from Rizal Park toward Recto Avenue and eventually to the Mendiola area near Malacañang, where they continued speeches and mobilization efforts.
Participants carried placards demanding the government “jail the big fish before Christmas,” echoing public frustration over alleged ghost and substandard flood-control projects.
Protest leaders repeated calls for full disclosure of project lists, suspension of implicated contractors, and strengthened whistleblower protections.
Diokno: Leaders ‘owe good governance’ to the public
In a separate protest action held the same day, human-rights lawyer and House lawmaker Chel Diokno told demonstrators that national leaders “owe good governance” to the Filipino people. He urged the administration to prosecute officials who may have misused public funds and argued that accountability reinforces rather than destabilizes institutions.
Diokno did not endorse any specific resignation timeline but said public trust depends on firm action backed by evidence.
Malacañang: Marcos will not resign; due process remains central
Malacañang issued a response as the march reached Mendiola. Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said the administration recognizes public anger and impatience but stressed that President Marcos will not step down.
“We feel the people’s anger. We also feel their impatience,” Gomez said in a televised interview. “We feel you, we hear you, and we will not disappoint you. We need to observe due process in all of this.” Gomez said Marcos directed the DOJ, DPWH, and
ICI to expedite case-building without compromising the integrity of investigations. He reaffirmed earlier statements that the administration expects further actions “before Christmas,” while emphasizing that all individuals named in sworn statements or administrative filings must receive due process.
Vice President Duterte has not issued a formal statement in response to the calls for her resignation. She has previously denied any involvement in corruption schemes.
Investigations continue as pressure grows
The ICI continues gathering documents, conducting field validations, and holding public briefings on alleged anomalies in flood-control projects. DPWH has filed administrative and criminal complaints against 22 officials and contractors, while the DOJ and National Bureau of Investigation are preparing further referrals. The Anti-Money Laundering Council is reviewing requests to freeze assets of individuals linked to witness testimony submitted to authorities.
Those named in complaints have denied wrongdoing. No court has convicted any public official in connection with the flood-control scandal as of November 30, 2025.
Protest movement expected to continue into December
Baha sa Luneta 2.0 forms part of a broader protest wave that began in September and has since expanded across Metro Manila, provincial cities, campuses, and church-based networks. Groups plan to continue mobilizations in December, along with community teach-ins on the national budget, procurement rules, and oversight mechanisms. Organizers said their focus remains accountability, transparency, and institutional reforms—goals they intend to pursue regardless of political shifts. n
Palace, DFA and Ukraine Embassy dismiss Russian claim of US recruiting Filipinos for Ukraine war as ‘fake news’
by AJPress
MANILA — Malacañang has rejected as “fake news” a claim circulated by the Russian Foreign Ministry that the United States is recruiting Filipinos to fight in the war in Ukraine. Palace officials said the allegation has been publicly denied by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Embassy of Ukraine in Manila and the German Embassy, with no independent evidence supporting the story.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro relayed the Ukraine Embassy’s categorical dismissal of the claim. Castro emphasized that the embassy confirmed that no recruitment program involving Filipino nationals exists and that reports circulating online have no factual basis.
The controversy began after Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told reporters in Moscow that representatives of a United States-based security company were allegedly carrying out recruitment activities in the Philippines for deployment to Ukraine. Russian state media reports also claimed that supposed recruits were being offered high monthly salaries and that former police officers and retired military personnel were given priority. Zakharova further alleged that recruits were being issued Schengen work visas through the German Embassy in Manila before being transferred to European countries and eventually sent
to Ukraine. Ukraine Embassy: Claims are fabrications
The Embassy of Ukraine in Manila rejected the Russian assertions and labeled them as fabrications. Ukrainian officials said the statements did not correspond to reality and appeared to be part of a recurring pattern of disinformation aimed at undermining Ukraine’s international partnerships. The embassy added that similar narratives had appeared in other countries and were already disproven by Ukrainian missions overseas.
Ukraine’s embassy stressed that it does not conduct any form of military recruitment among Filipino nationals and encouraged the public to rely on verified statements rather than unverified online posts.
DFA warns against illegal recruitment
The DFA said the viral reports circulating on social media are false and should not be taken at face value. Officials urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against illegal recruitment schemes and to refrain from engaging with posts that promise fast, high-paying overseas jobs, particularly those linked to conflict areas. The agency reiterated that all overseas employment must go through licensed recruitment channels and that unverified job offers placing Filipinos in dangerous situations violate Philippine law.
While the DFA has not reported any confirmed cases linked to the alleged scheme, the department continues to issue reminders about the
risks posed by unauthorized recruiters and online scams. German Embassy: Visa allegations untrue
The German Embassy in Manila also denied the claim that Schengen visas issued in the Philippines were being used as a pathway to deploy Filipino recruits to Ukraine. The embassy said the allegations were unfounded and inconsistent with European visa regulations. Officials emphasized that Schengen visas do not authorize employment in any form and that work visas undergo strict review.
Germany’s denial reinforces the coordinated rejection issued by Manila and Kyiv.
No evidence of recruitment pipeline
Independent reporting from multiple Philippine and international outlets has found no evidence that a recruitment pipeline exists. The allegations remain based solely on Russia’s statements, with no documentation or verifiable accounts supporting the involvement of any American company in the Philippines. Government agencies have urged Filipinos, particularly retired security personnel who may be vulnerable to fraudulent offers, to verify any overseas job opportunities through official channels.
For now, the Philippine government’s position is clear. The claim that the United States is recruiting Filipinos for the war in Ukraine has been firmly rejected by Manila, Kyiv and Berlin and remains unsupported by any independently verified information. n
Kim Chiu files qualified theft complaint against sister; resurfaced feng shui clip draws public curiosity
Actress Kim Chiu has filed a qualified theft complaint against her own sister over alleged financial discrepancies in her business. Prosecutors have begun an evidence-based review
by AJPress
MANILA — Actress and television host Kim Chiu has filed a qualified theft complaint against her older sister, Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, involving what her legal team described as significant financial discrepancies in one of her businesses. The case is now under preliminary evaluation by prosecutors in Quezon City.
Complaint submitted to QC prosecutors Chiu appeared at the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor on December 2 to formally submit her complaint. She was accompanied by lawyers from LEAPLAW who said the filing was prompted by a review of business records that allegedly showed missing funds and irregular transactions in 2025. The lawyers declined to publicly identify the business or disclose specific figures because the matter is subject to confidentiality rules during preliminary investigation.
In a brief statement, Chiu described the filing as one of the most painful decisions she has made, adding that her priority is to protect her company and the employees who depend on it. Reports from several news outlets note that efforts to reach Lakam Chiu for comment have not been successful as of publication.
No criminal information has been filed in court. The allegations remain unproven and will undergo prosecutor assessment.
Elements of qualified theft under review
Under the Revised Penal Code, theft becomes qualified when committed with grave abuse of confidence. The provision is often invoked in situations where individuals entrusted with property or financial access are accused of misappropriating assets. Prosecutors will determine whether the evidence submitted by Chiu meets the elements required to establish probable cause.
Legal analysts note that probable cause is only a threshold determination and does not indicate guilt. The process typically involves exchanges of affidavits, audits of financial records, and examination of supporting documents.
A family dispute in the public eye
Chiu acknowledged that the complaint involves a painful family conflict and requested understanding from the public as her family navigates the situation.
She said the decision to pursue legal action followed efforts to address the matter internally.
The actress has remained visible in her television work but has refrained from commenting further, citing respect for the legal process. Her lawyers have called for caution against speculation, underscoring that a complaint does not equate to a court finding.
Resurfaced feng shui video stirs online reaction
The filing of the complaint has drawn renewed attention to an unrelated 2024 vlog in which Chiu visited feng shui expert Johnson Chua in Binondo. In the video, Chua discusses predictions for individuals born in the Year
of the Horse and mentions a so-called robbery star that he says could signify loss of money or trust. Chiu reacted playfully during the reading. The video shows Lakam seated beside her. After news of the complaint, the vlog resurfaced widely across social media, with users posting edited clips and commenting on the timing of the prediction. Cultural observers note that Filipinos often link current events with spiritual or mystical themes, especially when the topics involve trust and family. Legal experts have reminded the public that such readings have no relevance to criminal proceedings and should not be treated as evidence.
Legal process enters
evidence-based review phase
The Quezon City prosecutor’s office will notify the respondent to submit a counter-affidavit in response to the complaint. Prosecutors will then assess the documents, financial records, and sworn statements filed by both sides to determine whether the evidence establishes probable cause. If prosecutors find the threshold met, the case may advance to the filing of formal charges in court. If the evidence is insufficient, the complaint may be dismissed or returned for clarification. At this stage, the allegations remain under review and no judicial finding has been made.
Miss Universe faces takeover bid as legal troubles intensify in Thailand and Mexico
BANGKOK and MEXICO
CITY — The Miss Universe Organization is entering one of its most turbulent periods in years as a Thai media firm moves to acquire the pageant while courts in Thailand and prosecutors in Mexico advance separate investigations involving the contest’s two principal owners.
Thai company proposes US$110 million acquisition
A Bangkok-based firm, TCG Social Media Group, announced this week that it has submitted a proposal to acquire the Miss Universe Organization from JKN Global Group, which is undergoing court-supervised rehabilitation. The company said its 3.5 billion baht (about US$110 million) offer aims to stabilize MUO’s finances and restore confidence after months of disruption tied to JKN’s debt crisis.
TCG framed the proposal as a long-term plan to strengthen the brand, but neither JKN nor MUO has confirmed that any negotiations are underway.
MUO denies reports of new Thai ownership
In a statement on Dec. 3, the Miss Universe Organization denied reports that it
had been sold or transferred to another Thai group, calling claims of new ownership “false and misleading.” The organization said no agreement, contract, share transfer, license, or management arrangement exists with TCG Social Media Group or any other party. MUO added that it remains under its current ownership structure and is not engaged in active negotiations to change control.
The statement followed recent remarks from MUO president Raúl Rocha Cantú, who said he was evaluating potential buyers. His comments, combined with TCG’s public announcement, fueled speculation over the organization’s future before MUO moved to dispel the rumors.
Arrest warrant for Jakkaphong remains active
In Thailand, a criminal court has issued an arrest warrant for former MUO co-owner Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatipafter she failed to appear for a verdict in a 30-million-baht (about US$830,000) fraud case involving the alleged mis-selling of corporate bonds. The verdict has been reset for December 26, and judges labeled her a flight risk after she did not notify the
by AJPress
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
Actress Kim Chiu (left) and her sister Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu share a warm moment during a Chinese New Year celebration in a photo posted on Instagram in January 2025. Photo from Instagram/@kamchiu
In theater, Conrad Ricamora secures his Filipino identity
The actor makes his Manila debut as an exacting choreographer in the upcoming staging of “A Chorus Line”
by AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net
CONRAD Ricamora wishes his Filipino father had taught him how to speak Tagalog— or at least shared pieces of the culture he could hold onto. But while that would have been nice, he can’t really blame him.
When his father moved to the United States at the age of 10, he learned English and made sure to rid himself of his accent. He was likely bullied a lot at first, Ricamora surmises, and that might have forced him to singlehandedly raise his children as Americanized as possible. (His mother left when he was an infant, and they didn’t reunite until he was seven.)
Ricamora didn’t grow up with any other Filipinos either—just him, his brother, and his father, who later served in the Air Force.
During the ’80s and ’90s, this meant moving from one base to another and from one school to the next.
“Having a community of Filipino actors helped me feel secure in my own identity as a Filipino”
But if there was any consolation, he had Filipino food at home, like adobo, and attended the occasional Filipino American events.
A sense of community
Still, Ricamora yearned to connect with his roots and discover a sense of community. Little did he know that, however late in life, he would find all these in theater. In 2013, the actor was cast in “Here Lies Love,” an off-Broadway disco-pop musical about Imelda Marcos, where he played Ninoy Aquino—a role he would reprise on Broadway in 2023.
The first production had him working with a predominantly Filipino ensemble; the second, with an all-Filipino cast. It was an identity-forging experience.
“Having a community of Filipino actors helped me feel secure in my own identity as a Filipino,” he tells Lifestyle Inquirer in a virtual interview. “I didn’t have that before because I didn’t grow up surrounded by Filipinos. But once I started doing shows with other Filipinos, I finally felt like I was part of the family.”
This is the same kind of magic he hopes to recreate as he makes his Manila debut in Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) upcoming staging of “A Chorus Line,” a landmark musical depicting the dreams, hardships, and heartbreak of ensemble dancers often relegated to the shadows. The play, which is also marking its 50th anniversary this year, runs from March 12 to 29, 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
“I’m now at a point in my career where, most of the time, I look around and realize I’m the oldest and most experienced in the room. Playing someone who brings out the best in younger performers—and lets them shine onstage—is something that I can pull off only now”
Ricamora, who joined the cast at the invitation of his “Here Lies Love” colleague and TGA overall artistic and creative director Clint Ramos plays Zach—a choreographer who pushes stage aspirants to their limits to expose their insecurities and inner motivations.
A dream come true At 47, and with more than two decades of experience as a theater actor, the role couldn’t have come at a more fitting time.
“I’m now at a point in my career where, most of the time, I look around and realize I’m the oldest and most experienced in the room.
Playing someone who brings out the best in younger performers—and lets them shine onstage—is something that I can pull off only now,” he says.
“This marks a new phase in my career in terms of the kinds of characters I can play,” adds Ricamora, who has also starred in such
musicals as “Soft Power,”
“The King and I,” and most recently, “Oh, Mary!”—for which his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln earned him a Best Featured Actor in a Play nomination at the 2025 Tony Awards.
Ricamora has also found success and mainstream recognition on television, with shows like the hit legal suspense drama “How to Get Away with Murder” and the comedy “How to Die Alone.” He’s also part of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” joining Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
But more than a career milestone, “A Chorus Line,” above all, is a rare opportunity to immerse himself in Filipino culture in a way he never has before.
‘How To Get Away With Murder’: Conrad Ricamora On Oliver And Connor’s Strong Relationship | MEAWW
“I have never been to the Philippines, but I have always wanted to go because my father was born there. He has never been back because he didn’t have any money,” Ricamora shares. “Performing in the Philippines for the first time and doing what I love most is a dream come true.”
How did you first discover “A Chorus Line?”
I saw the movie a couple of years ago, and was just blown away. I have actually never seen it on stage. The dancing is just insane and awe-inspiring. But the main thing for me was the way each performer opened up about their experiences, why they wanted to be one, what inspired them, or what they had to fight their whole lives just to be onstage. I can definitely relate to that as a performer.
“Performing in the Philippines for the first time and doing what I love most is a dream come true”
Have you also had experience being part of a chorus line yourself?
I have been in a lot of musicals. Then “How to Get Away with Murder” happened, and that kind of took me out of the ensembles. I could never be in choruses again just because of the whole fame
Story of first Filipino to win a Grammy featured in new documentary
Larry Ramos Jr. tribute reveals rocker’s love of music and family
by cherie M. Querol Moreno Inquirer.net
OLD rockers never die, so goes a borrowed saw: They live on in their hit songs and reels of gigs on platforms of their time now captured on the Internet.
Or, in the case of Larry Ramos, who passed away in 2014, they’re singled out and pop up in the ’80s parlor game Trivial Pursuit, as the answer to the question: Who was the first Asian American to win a Grammy Award?
The first Filipino and Asian American to claim a trophy from the United States recording academy, Larry Ramos redefined the face of American pop culture.
As a member of the popular folk group New Christy Minstrels. In 1963. Before the Civil Rights Act passed. Three years before he would score a spot in the hot then-newly formed band The Association, where he co-soloed the mega hit “Never My Love” and “Windy,” among the pop-rock band’s now-classic discography.
Quite a feat that was for the banjo-strumming crooner who broke every stereotype of who and what is “American,” whose identity was little known outside his birthplace, Hawaii.
Too few knew. Even FilAms diligently monitoring their own in arenas previously verboten to people of color.
But not anymore.
Ramos’ barrier-breaking accomplishments are enshrined in “Along Comes Larry,” a documentary written, directed and produced by Rick Quan, former sports anchor with CBS affiliate KPIX in San Francisco and most recently news anchor with KITV in Hawaii.
Multigenerational party
Last week, Quan’s tribute beamed to an SRO crowd in San Francisco for a cause Ramos may not have known about but whose beneficiaries will always remember him, his bands and their music.
To celebrate the 39th anniversary of Philippine International Aid (PIA), the humanitarian nonprofit leadership reunited The Association for a once-in-a-lifetime SF film debut-and-concert Nov. 23 at the Marines Memorial Club,
a block away from the Philippine Consulate General.
Over 500 folks representing every generation in these two centuries witnessed The Association co-founder Jules Alexander, original member Jim Yester and newer members – Larry’s younger brother Del Ramos, Paul Holland, Bruce Pictor and Gary Swan perform their beloved chart toppers.
Alexander announced his birthday was the next day, when he would be 86, the cohort ironically dubbed the Silent Generation. Like pioneer social justice advocate Cynthia Arnaldo Bonta, 88, Filipiniana-clad standout in the multigenerational audience clapping and swaying to the music.
Retired SF Superior Court Presiding Judge Ron Quidachay, 78, was among those who tapped send on their cellphones, raising $26,000 in the 10-minute pre-concert live donation drive. Late Boomers Cathy Sebastian
Oledan of Foster City and Margarita Veloso Sese of Tracy sang along to her elders’ favorite songs.
For $100 a ticket, guests boosted PIA’s programs to educate underprivileged children in the Philippines and gifted students in California. The annual benefit has rescued, rehabilitated and educated 70,000 Filipino youth, PIA executive director Carlo Abaya, a Gen X’er, proclaimed at the top of the show.
“We want to support future leaders here and continue the legacy of giving back to the Philippines…and transferring (students) from a California community college to a fouryear university,” PIA president James Lim told Inquirer. net USA.
He was unfamiliar with The Association until June when PIA founder and chair Mona Lisa Yuchengco pitched her idea for this year’s benefit. His daughter later sang an
Conrad Ricamora Photos courtesy of Theatre Group Asia
The Association bassist-singer Del Ramos (right) shares anecdote about older brother Larry at pre-concert chat moderated by Lloyd LaCuesta (from left) with former news anchor-documentarist Rick Quan and band co-founder Jules Alexander.
Photo by Cherie M. Querol Moreno
Larry Ramos sings mega hit “Never My Love” in documentary “Along Comes Larry.” Photo from “Along Comes Larry”
Larry Ramos sings mega hit “Never My Love” in documentary “Along Comes Larry.” Photo from “Along Comes Larry”
Luis Manzano confirms he is no longer interested in pursuing politics Story of first Filipino to win a Grammy...
by hAnnAh MAllorcA Inquirer.net
AFTER losing in Batangas’ vice gubernatorial race earlier this year, Luis Manzano confirmed that he is no longer interested in entering politics because he already has a different set of priorities.
Manzano, who was joined by his wife Jessy Mendiola, made the confirmation at a thanksgiving media con on Tuesday, December 2, when he was asked if he will run for a government position again.
“Honestly, hindi ko na naiisip… My main focus is pagbabalik sa hosting, pag-aalaga sa family. Marami pa naman akong itutulong sa Batangas but if we talk about running again, hindi ko na naiisip,” he said.
When asked about his recent appearances in Batangas, the host clarified that he attends events out of support for his mom, Governor Vilma Santos.
“If there are certain functions where she can’t go or her official team, I would go as a son supporting his mom. Hanggang d’un lang. Walang official designation and I choose not to,” he said.
Manzano admitted that there was some point in his ca-
reer where he felt “lost,” and it took time for him to connect with himself and who he truly is.
“Siguro after everything we went through and everything that’s going on, and chances are it will still go on, para sa’kin, I found my niche once again,” he said. “After the campaign, I found connection. For a while, I was lost kahit na nandyan ‘yung ibang proyekto to be perfectly honest. May mga certain brands na hindi na rin [nagreach out] which is perfectly understandable.”
Manzano said things somehow “fell into place” after losing at the elections, which dawned on him that he doesn’t
want to waste his “second chances” to return to the entertainment industry.
“Before the campaign, before the elections, everything was laid out already. Tapos nangyari ang mga bagay-bagay. And then after, everything fell into place. Parang ayoko na sayangin din ‘yun,” he said.
“Not everyone is given a second chance na manumbalik sa industriya… In fact, in two days, I’ll be shooting with a new family. I have three renewals ng mga endorsements,” he continued.
He is currently the host of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab” edition 2.0 and “Rainbow Rumble.”
Ruby Rodriguez slams ‘malicious’ post linking her to Tito Sotto
by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
RUBY Rodriguez is mulling legal action over a fake social media post claiming she had a child with her former “Eat Bulaga” co-host Tito Sotto.
Rodriguez, who is currently based in the United States, addressed the matter through her Facebook page on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Her statement included a screenshot of a post from a Facebook page under the name “Pinas Star,” which wrote about Rodriguez’s supposed revelation of her past relationship with the senator.
“I’m going to consult my lawyer regarding this matter,” she said in the caption.
“This malicious content is harming my family and innocent child. This is too much!” she exclaimed.
Netizens nodded in agreement via the comments section, noting how those spreading fake news on social media
should be held accountable.
Prior to this, Rodriguez had also called out two more social media pages that had been publishing false claims about her supposed “revelation” against Tito as well as current “Eat Bulaga” hosts Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. “Please, I’m quietly living my simple life do not even in-
a-capella version of “Never My Love” with her school choir, he offered, endearing the song and Ramos to him and his wife.
This year, scholar Beatrice Divina, an officer with the LGBTQ+ club SAGA while at Skyline College and immigrant rights advocate with Anakbayan Daly City, is headed to San Francisco State to study speech therapy. Princess Johanna Eusantos, also from Skyline, where she founded Project Hope4humankind helping 10,000 unhoused clients, will take up oncology in USC.
Past PIA scholarship awardees often attended ceremonies by themselves. This year they were escorted by their parents, who wanted to enjoy the music of their teen years, said Lim.
The awardees may not have The Association on their playlist and they may be taking a divergent route from the heralded departed star of the event, but their destination is the same: the inclusion of Filipino Americans where their presence once seemed improbable. Which is why Larry Ramos became the focal point of the organization’s milestone.
Proudly Filipino
Call it the Mona Lisa Yuchengco Effect – the blockbuster outcome of every project embarked on by the philanthropist, who has benefited communities on both sides of the Pacific through prosperous donation campaigns as this latest endeavor to properly exalt Larry Ramos.
“We hope that the children we send to school in the Philippines will be successful in completing their education, finding a good job and lifting themselves and their families out of poverty, and contributing to society,” she explained. “Not all of them can be internationally renowned like Larry Ramos, but when they see somebody like Ramos make it, they can also dream about making it.”
LaCuesta, retired KTVU/ Fox News Channel 2 South Bay bureau chief and perennial PIA events emcee, was born in 1947 in Kauai, where Ramos first saw the light five years earlier.
Quan had reached out to the couple, inviting them to be associate producers of his documentary on Ramos, “since you’re from Kauai and you both are big supporters of projects that bring recognition to Filipino role models and pioneers,” Quan proposed.
LaCuesta too was about to graduate from high school when he first noticed Ramos as a New Christy Minstrel “because of his brownness.”
“He looked like me,” LaCuesta exclaimed at the pre-concert conversation with Quan, Alexander and Del Ramos, who plays bass for the band. Larry’s success inspired Lloyd to become a TV news reporter for which he himself has won accolades.
Still LaCuesta had no clue about his fellow Filipino/Kauai native’s distinction “until the documentary came out.”
Family first
“Along Comes Larry” took a year and a half to put together, Rick Quan told Inquirer.net USA. He had stumbled on the story doing a segment on the Grammys as a news anchor in Hawaii. Instantly he recognized the significance of the subject. Upon retirement from TV last year, he plunged into production and interviewed Ramos’ daughters Tracy and Stacy in Phoenix, Ariz.
The documentary, which Quan has entered in 10 film festivals, reveals family as central in Ramos’ life. His father Larry Sr. owned pool halls and taught his namesake to play the uke at the age of four. Larry Jr. practiced on the floor of a hotel gift shop where his mom Pat Ramos worked.
prince. Ramos completed high school in Bell, California, and studied political science at East Los Angeles College and Cerritos College.
Show business soon beckoned in an audition for the backup band for The Andy Williams Show. Larry got the callback though it was delayed allegedly by producers’ concern about the color of his skin.
Ramos proved he was equal regardless, joining the New Christy Minstrels and enhancing their debut album to nab their first Grammy and Ramos’ claim to fame.
Family, however, came first for Ramos.
“He took a flight from the tour to see his newborn twin daughters,” Del Ramos shared an example of his older brother’s devotion to wife Helene and their children, “and rejoined the tour the next day.”
The next time Larry saw the twins was six months later, compelling him to quit the band in January 1966 to see them grow up.
He took session jobs instead. One led to him subbing for The Association’s Alexander, who was taking leave from the band, at a gig in the Cow Palace in Daly City and then the Oakland Coliseum. That initial venture drew an offer for him to join the group for a brief tour, which suited his priorities.
Ramos was quick to pick up the pace, learning the songs in a few hours. When Alexander returned, Ramos prepared to move on. But the band refused to let him go, thus anointing him into the seven-member band. Creative differences reportedly forced him to leave in 1975 to return in 1979.
clude me in this [bu******]!!!” she wrote.
She added in a separate post, “Please to all, do not use my name in this sarsuela just to gain views and followers.”
Just last year, Rodriguez reunited and bonded with Tito and his wife Helen Gamboa during the couple’s trip abroad.
She was an Assumption high schooler when The Association’s popularity reached the Philippines.
“‘Cherish’ was often played at our parties and we eagerly awaited our ‘crushes’ to dance with us (to the song),” Yuchengco, 75, told Inquirer. net USA. She admitted not knowing the band included a Filipino until April, when her husband Lloyd LaCuesta received an email from Quan.
When his parents realized his love of music and ease on stage, they kindled his budding passion by enlisting him in ukelele contests, which he aced, and in auditions where his captivating smile won him guest stints on TV. They uprooted to the mainland to explore opportunities for their son’s extraordinary talent.
The elder Ramoses also stressed the importance of education, pulling Larry from the national tour of The King & I, where he, at 13, was understudy for another Filipino, Philippine-born Patrick Adiarte, who played the royal
Ramos played on from then on till his final sold-out performance in 2014 in Idaho. He died a few months later, having survived a heart attack in 2011 and was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2013.
Together the band sold over 70 million records and had six gold records, per the Quan documentary. Their greatest hits album earned double platinum, containing several hits evoking vivid memories for a multitude entering their teens, falling in love and getting broken hearted for the first time over half a century ago. And now for their progeny to follow the example of a proud Filipino American who attained success being true of himself.
Luis Manzano Photo from Facebook/@luismanzanoofficial
Ruby Rodriguez with Tito Sotto and his wife Helen Gamboa. Photo from Instagram/@rodriguezruby
Health@Heart Social life impacts health, happiness
PhiliP S. chua, MD, FacS, FPcS
YOU and I are social animals. Our two-legged and four-legged friends are also “social” creatures. They are usually in pairs or in herds. Like us, humans, these animals apparently also value, long for, and enjoy companionship.
The loners among them usually do not survive long. Most obviously, social life, a sense of belonging, a comfortable feeling of security in numbers, a natural mental sense of community, is essential to health, mental and otherwise.
That social nature starts the day we are born, in the arms of our mother, nurtured in the crib, and developed into a complete positive mental state through interactions with both our parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. All this enables us to develop lasting relationships and a rewarding mental health, which affects and influences all other lives we touch.
Human beings’ capacity to live a stable and happy life and our survival as a species heavily depend on our social skills, attitude, and social behavior.
The history of man on earth shows that cavemen started forming small groups, literally for security and for survival against the harsh and unforgiving environment, and vicious attacks from animals preying on them. That dependency on each other is still very evident even today, in this modern, technologically advanced society of ours. Indeed, no man is an island, and a loner is, comparatively, at a much graver risk of ill-health and attrition.
Like our need for proper nutrition and shelter, humans also need that sense of belonging, within the family, among friends, in a community, in society, and in the world at large. These support-group structures and interactions, emotional, recreational, and even informational, are vital to people’s health and life. The last one has led to the popularity and proliferation of social media. This modern-day phenomenon is a tangible testimony to the value of social behavior as a natural need of homo sapiens.
A lonely person, alone, without friends, is doomed to be more depressed and more likely to die of ill-health, or even kill himself/herself, compared to another lonely individual who has a ton of family
and friends providing them/ love, friendship, inspiration, and moral support.
A sense of belonging keeps us, humans, connected with our fellowmen, within our own circle, our community, conferring upon our being the reward of acceptance, a gratifying inner satisfaction that we are “in,” and “one of them,” akin to being a member of a club or a fraternity/sorority or a party. This sense of belonging is fundamental for our emotional and physical well-being, a powerful prescription that effectively enables each of us to cope with the sometimes unfriendly and harsh environment and social order.
Attitude and social skills
Our social skills, which are vital to our acceptance as members of a group or community, are developed or impeded by our attitude, which, like social prowess, also significantly impacts our life and our health. Both are prerequisites to health, happiness, and inner peace in each of us human beings.
Show me a man with an attitude, and I will show you one abandoned by his friends and scorned by strangers he irritated and riled. A good attitude complements and boosts our social skills and acceptability to “belong.”
Here are some quotes of wisdom I have come across that are inspiring philosophical parachutes in life for those who, like many of us, sometimes find themselves falling towards the pit of discouragement and despair. With the proper attitude, these sage proverbs lift our spirits by allowing us to view and accept the trials and tribulations in this world in their most positive and best light. Indeed, all of us need a psychological boost, an inspiration, now and then. Here are some that inspire and guide me:
Anthony J. D’Angelo, in The College Blue Book, said, “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” To quote Oscar Wilde, “If you don’t get everything you want, think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want.”
Voltaire expressed it beautifully when he stated, “Life is like a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.” An ancient Persian saying puts a great perspective on our daily aches and pains in life, “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the
street, I met a man who had no feet.” And as some of us may curse some bad days we encounter and wish they never came. Cavett Robert offers these poignant words: “If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.”
Indeed, every day is a good day, although others are better, and others are not as good. But each day is a gift. Not waking up to another day is a deadly waste, but not appreciating another day as we open our eyes each morning in our journey through life is a tragedy. How each of us greets the day depends greatly on our attitude. Indeed, attitude impacts our health, our life, and our everyday happiness and success. A person with a chip on his shoulder, with a negative attitude or pessimistic view of life, will obviously be miserable most of the time. And the opposite is true, as Annette Goodheart brilliantly points out: “Just because you’re miserable doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life.”
Happiness is basically an attitude. Gaining inner peace is an attitude. We have that God-given power to feel what we want to feel. And we can even psyche ourselves. I do. Our attitude and social behavior play an important role here. In a world where global peace is still a dream, a world beset with an economic crisis, with terrorism, with greed and corruption, with energy, food and water shortage, global warming and its devastating side-effects on typhoons, earthquakes and flooding, a good social skills and attitude, in the midst of all these disasters, are one of our best weapons against helplessness, despair and depression. They indeed impact our health and life.
With all these complex problems confronting us, we often find ourselves in the gutter of hopelessness, wherefrom, Oscar Wilde suggests, we can look up at the heavens and “see the stars.” Indeed, a positive attitude, a happy outlook in life, especially these days, can help us tremendously in conquering our fears, insecurities, and dilemmas. Without total surrender, when we sometimes lose or fail, we should remind ourselves to get up and fight even harder. After all, “defeat is not bitter unless you swallow it,” as Joe Clark states. To this, I will add my own: “No one can succeed in
In theater, Conrad Ricamora secures...
PAGE 12
thing. But I look back on my time in my 20s with fondness.
In those ensembles, there’s camaraderie and bonding. I would go to so many chorus open casting calls over and over and over again and see the same people, and they just become your friends, because you’re all trying to make it.
Tell me about your work ethic.
I’m the first person to get to rehearsal, and the last person to leave. I started out in sports—I played tennis competitively, and got my undergraduate degree on a tennis scholarship. I would play for eight hours a day, for years, and just train, train, train.
That’s where I got the discipline from. Once I found acting, I just applied that same discipline to my acting career.
“I remember getting a massage once, and I just started sobbing because I had so much tension built up from working. It just feels so nice to relax”
How do you balance that dedication with self-care?
The hardest part for me is learning how to take breaks, because that’s really necessary. I remember getting a massage once, and I just started sobbing because I had so much tension built up from working. It just feels so nice to relax. It’s also important to take care of yourself from time to time.
Did you have your own personal Zach when you were starting out?
I didn’t even know theater existed where I grew up; we lived on air bases, and there was none of that. But yes, I feel like I had my own Zach
when I was first starting theater in my 20s. One of my first directors just yelled at me, “You have to keep your head up! Nobody’s going to be able to see what you’re doing!” And then I just went home and cried.
Since then, I never forgot to keep my head up. It was harsh, but I needed to know that.
Do you think tough training helps? Do you think there’s a line between pushing artists and being abusive?
Oh, yeah, there’s definitely a line. The next day, he apologized and was like, “I’m sorry I yelled. You’re doing great work, but I want the audience to see what you’re doing.” And I didn’t think he was doing that for his own ego. He just wanted the people to see the good work I was doing.
I could appreciate that because it was in the service of the story. Whereas you hear some stories about high-level people throwing things at their assistant—that’s different. That’s not okay! But being strict and blunt, I think, is okay.
“I started acting before social media was a thing, before we even had smartphones. The bad thing is that if you’re an actor who’s just starting out now, you’re constantly comparing yourself to others”
Do you think there are unique challenges for artists starting out today that weren’t present when you began?
I started acting before social media was a thing, before we even had smartphones. The bad thing is that if you’re an actor who’s just starting out now, you’re con-
stantly comparing yourself to others.
The plus side is that everybody has a camera in their pocket at all times. You can make content yourself and just put it out there. But I’m glad I didn’t start acting when social media was around, because it just allowed me to focus on what was right in front of me.
Which Filipino artists did you look up to?
I mean, Lea Salonga, of course! For most people in the US, our first exposure to a Filipino singer was Lea. And so then, to be able to work with her in “Here Lies Love” and get to know her and consider her a friend now has been so special. When I saw “Aladdin,” and then heard her voice, I immediately was like, “This is one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.” But it wasn’t until years later that I would learn it was her.
Do you feel like you have also become an example of Filipino representation? It’s still hard to wrap my head around it. But something switched when we started “Here Lies Love” on Broadway in 2023. There were younger cast members who had seen our original production, and they came up to me and said, “Oh, I love you so much. I was 11 years old when I saw you at ‘The Public.’” It was very flattering to hear that something that I had created had meant so much to them as well.
Is there pressure?
No, I actually feel more secure, because I do feel like I’m there with family. I feel more support than I feel pressure. And that’s always just so nice to feel like you belong.
Eduard Bañez, Pinoy by heart in North Hollywood
roGelio conStantino MeDina My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
FILIPINO musician and Nickelodeon host Eduard Bañez began singing at five years old and entered show business at 15. By age 17, he had already gained traction in dating blogs under the moniker “Lilsaint.”
“I started attending Star Magic workshops and was part of Star Magic Batch 15 of ABS-CBN. I had been hosting MTV Asia in Singapore and Hong Kong and became a Nickelodeon star for a Nick Jr. series,” Eduard recalled with a glint in his eyes. He also hosted a morning program on NET25 and a tele-radio show on TV5.
Over the years, he appeared in commercials for Goldilocks and Globe Telecom and was featured in several teen magazines in the Philippines.
His rendition of Sharon Cuneta’s classic Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko, composed by Rey Valera, drew more than 120,000 views on YouTube—an encouraging milestone that pushed him to pursue a music career more seriously.
Eduard migrated to North America in 2015. “My family moved and settled in the United States. I prefer to be in a land of more opportunities than in a corrupt land,” he said.
Interestingly, he continues to appear in Nick Jr. news and public affairs updates, and along the way has had opportunities to work around major global artists such as Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, and Sia.
Today, Eduard balances creativity with service. “I will just be focusing on my work as an administrative coordinator and as a health and physical education teacher at Ralph Waldo Beverly Hills,” he shared. He is also busy growing spluk.ph, a website dedicated to highlighting positive news.
“I love my work, even though the routine is the same every day. I enjoy administering our clients and giving them daily activities that bring joy and happiness,” he added.
Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, Eduard completed his BS Nursing degree at Manila Central University and later took political studies at UCLA. How does he find the Filipino community in his part of Los Angeles? “The Filipino community here is full of joy and filled with gratefulness.”
Asked for advice to Filipinos trying their luck in the U.S., he offered this: “Don’t be afraid. Be who you are and be excited every day that you step into the land of opportunities.”
As for holiday traditions, Eduard shared that they keep it simple. “We don’t usually celebrate Christmas because of our religion—Iglesia ni Cristo—but I usually spend the day with my family.”
His message to Filipinos this Yuletide season: “Advance Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May luck fill your heart and joy with your family in 2026!”
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Miss Universe faces takeover...
PAGE 11 court of her absence.
The complaint was filed by a Thai investor who alleges JKN misrepresented its financial health during a bond offering. Jakkaphong resigned from operational roles earlier this year but remains a major shareholder. She has previously denied wrongdoing.
Authorities have not reported any arrest since the warrant was issued.
JKN, which bought MUO in 2022, entered rehabilitation after defaulting on debt and reporting liabilities of roughly 3 billion baht (about US$83 million).
Mexico expands probe into co-owner Rocha
In Mexico, federal prosecutors continue investigating co-owner Rocha for alleged involvement in an orga-
nized-crime network linked to illicit fuel operations and cross-border trafficking. The probe began in 2024 and has led to arrest warrants for several individuals. Rocha, who holds extensive business interests in the fuel sector, remains under scrutiny but has denied wrongdoing. No arrest has been reported.
A global brand at a crossroads
The turmoil follows a contentious 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, which drew scrutiny over management disputes, contestant injuries and jury-process concerns. With legal challenges on two fronts and uncertainty over its ownership, the Miss Universe Organization faces a pivotal moment as sponsors and franchise partners seek clarity about its future.
Social life impacts health...
PAGE 14
life who does not have the courage to fail”; and, “The greatest risk in life is in not taking any risk at all.”
Someone said, “You cannot adjust the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sail.” Very true, indeed. Simple words of wisdom that could make our day, if not our lives. But, of course, we should not simply leave everything to God. We must do our share. He promises to help those who help themselves. While we cannot cure the cancer of poverty in our country, we, as more blessed individuals, can at least open our hearts to help the homeless and the hungry, and gain that sense of satisfaction and inner peace. As I have stated a few times in the past, let us not wait for surgery to open our hearts. Let our social behavior and good attitude, and compassion for our fellowmen reign.
As I live my life each day, I remind myself of an ancient proverb that says, “To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates to hell.” It’s indeed a matter of personal choice. And that choice inevitably depends on our attitude in life. Some people believe their fate is predestined and that they can’t do anything about it. Others, inspired by a good attitude and a positive social frame of mind, design, create, and charter their own destiny.
Finally, I strongly believe that leaving this world after this life is not a tragedy. Dying without significance, without making a difference, without leaving behind a good legacy
as a social being, is. Let’s all develop good social skills and a positive attitude to help us enjoy life. It’s a potent prescription for health and happiness.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
* * *
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Eduard Banez (right) with Casey Walker in Nickelodeon comedy series.
Eduard Banez is featured in different publications in the Philippines.
Singer-teacher Eduard Banez.
(From left) Brother-in-law Marvin Morales with his child Kristen Charles Morales, singer Eduard Banez, mother Zarina Banez, and sister Kristal Banez-Morales with her child Madison Morales.
Musician Eduard Banez, founder of spluk.ph
Eduard Banez with his mom Zarina.
Eduard Banez during his childhood.
Eduard Banez with his dad Eduardo.
