Fil-Am attorney general issues alerts to protect undocumented immigrants
Los ANGeLes — california Attorney
General rob Bonta has issued two consumer alerts to protect the state’s undocumented immigrants from scams and remind them about their immigration rights. the alerts also serve as a reminder that state and local authorities are barred from assisting federal agencies, such as the U.s Immigration and customs enforcement (Ice), with deportations and other enforcement.
state and local law enforcement
cannot ask for your immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes,” one of the alerts stated.
california law expressly prohibits law enforcement from inquiring about a person’s immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes.”
the sanctuary state law – also known as the california Values Act – that took effect in 2018 limits cooperation by local government agencies with federal immigration authorities.
“No matter who is in the White house,
Biden administration bars medical debt from credit scores
the federal consumer financial Protection Bureau on tuesday, January 7 issued new regulations barring medical debts from American credit reports, enacting a major new consumer protection just days before President Joe Biden is set to leave office. the rules ban credit agencies from including medical debts on consumers’ credit reports and prohibit lenders from considering medical information in assessing borrowers. these rules, which the federal watchdog agency proposed in June, could be reversed after President-elect Donald trump takes office Jan. 20. But by finalizing the regulations now, the cfPB effectively dared the incoming trump administration and its republican allies in congress to undue rules that are broadly popular and could help millions of people who are burdened by medical debt.
“People who get sick shouldn’t have their
by Dale arasa Inquirer.net
said in a statement. office of American Affairs Assistant DfA secretary Jose Victor chan-Gonzaga, U.s. embassy Deputy chief of mission robert ewing, Philippine Bureau of Quarantine official Dr. Gerry camba and U.s state Department linguist mohammad Yama
Palace slams critics of NSC reorganization
by KRisTina MaRaliT ManilaTimes.net
mALAcAÑANG on tuesday, January 7, hit back at the spokesmen of former President rodrigo Duterte for their criticisms regarding President ferdinand marcos Jr.’s decision to reorganize the National security council (Nsc).
former chief presidential legal counsel and spokesman salvador Panelo had said that marcos’ move that effectively removed Vice President sara Duterte from the Nsc through executive order 81 “smacks of bad politics.”
Another former Palace official, harry roque, has alleged that the reorganization is “a prelude to martial law” — a claim
immediately shot down by executive secretary Lucas Bersamin. Panelo, Bersamin asserted, “has no moral authority to question the decision of the president” as he had advocated for the removal of then-Vice President Leni robredo from the advisory body.
Bersamin claimed that during the Duterte administration, he read an article about Panelo’s efforts not to give robredo any position in the cabinet.
“I read something that reminded me that Panelo, during his time as presidential adviser, advocated the exclusion of then Vice President Leni robredo [from the cabinet],” Bersamin said at a press briefing
Martial law not on Marcos’ mind; economy is priority – Palace
by Zacarian sarao Inquirer.net
mANILA — Implementing
martial law is not on President ferdinand marcos Jr.’s mind, following the reorganization of the National security council (Nsc), the Palace said on tuesday, January 7.
executive secretary Lucas Bersamin made the pronouncement in response to former presidential spokesperson harry roque, who accused marcos of following his father’s footsteps in gearing for the return of martial law.
“I don’t think it is in the mind
of the president right now. What he has in mind is the economic prosperity of the country, the health and welfare of the people especially those of the lower classes, and the prioritization of his legacy projects,” said Bersamin in a press conference.
“the president accepts that as the number one concern. It’s not about martial law; it’s not about extending himself in power – no, he has no thinking about that, he does not even think in those terms,” he added.
Bersamin then called roque’s insinuation that marcos intends to impose martial law
once been an undocumented worker in the United states.
tulfo made the admission during a radio program, amid the allegation that he had used a fake identity to acquire a U.s passport.
“Nagtungo po ako sa Amerika para pakainin ang anak ko,
tulfo said he had had to quit college when he became a father, and worked for a newspaper. he said that when the child was born, he borrowed money from coworkers for the hospital bill.
tulfo later applied for a
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo
Palace slams critics of NSC...
in malacañang.
“so, he has no moral authority to question the decision of President marcos.”
he further noted that the Nsc serves as an advisory body to marcos in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Armed forces, and it is only fitting that “whoever advises him is within his fullest trust and confidence.”
“Now, I’m not saying that the vice president does not anymore deserve to be trusted. But I’m just saying that with the recent developments, it is not going to be good advice or good action on the part of the president to still have her on board. Now, anyway,
the president has the absolute power, the power of absolute reorganization — meaning, he can choose the people he listens to or he would listen to,” Bersamin said. meanwhile, Bersamin deemed as “malicious” roque’s comment that tweaking the Nsc is the president’s way of doing a “take two” of martial law like his late father marcos sr.
“You know, if you keep on thinking that [way], that’s malicious because the constitution is very clear on when a president may declare martial law. I don’t think it is in the mind of the president right now,” the Palace executive said.
“What he has in mind is the economic prosperity of the country, the health and welfare of the people, especially those of the lower classes, and the prioritization of his legacy projects. the president accepts that as the number one concern. It’s not about martial law, it’s not about extending himself in power. No, he has not been thinking about that. he does not even think in those terms. mr. harry roque is just being malicious,” he added. the Nsc is the principal advisory body coordinating and integrating plans and policies relating to, or on matters that have implications on national security. n
Erwin Tulfo admits he worked...
1 PAGE 1
ocW, for overseas contract worker, is the original term for overseas filipino worker or ofW. tulfo left the Philippines in the 1980s.
“Kung may pera ho ako (if i
had had money), I wouldn’t have gone, I wouldn’t have left”, he said.
tulfo also denied defrauding filipinos or Americans in the U.s n
nese authorities are monitoring the country’s increasing human metapneumovirus (hmPV) cases. health officials have assured the public that the outbreak is nothing unusual, and the risk of another coVID-19 pandemic remains low.
Unfortunately, china’s lack of transparency resembles the early moments before the 2019 global crisis, causing many to fear another from hmPV.
Worse, the Daily mail reported that the United states has been experiencing more cases. Its centers for Disease control and Prevention (cDc) reported 1.84% of weekly tests returned hmPV positive as of December 28, 2024.
In response, cDc officials confirmed to UsA today that it closely monitors china’s hmPV outbreak:
“cDc is aware of reported increases of hmPV in china and is in regular contact with interna-
tional partners and monitoring reports of increased disease.”
“these reports are not currently a cause for concern in the U.s.” What is the human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
china’s centers for Disease control and Prevention (cDc) says the first hmPV cases were recorded in 2001. Its main transmission method is via droplets or aerosols from coughing and sneezing. Also, close contact with infected people may cause transmission. the U.s cleveland clinic lists the following symptoms:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Rash. the Daily mail adds that more severe symptoms, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, may occur. moreover, children, the elder-
ly, and immunocompromised people are more likely to develop these serious complications.
hmPV cases are usually mild, so its exact death rate is unknown.
In 2023, china’s cDc explained the fatality rate caused by the virus: children, immunocompromised populations, and the elderly are susceptible, and they are more likely to be co-infected with other respiratory viruses.”
“In susceptible individuals with underlying medical conditions, hmPV infection can lead to death.”
“Based on data from an article published in Lancet Global health in 2021, one percent of acute lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children under age five can be attributed to hmPV.” currently, there is no vaccine or effective medication against hmPV, and treatment is mostly focused on alleviating symptoms.” n
300 Afghans arrive in Philippines...
greeted the Afghan nationals and their families upon their arrival.
the Philippines and the U.s. signed on July 29, 2024 an agreement allowing the Afghans’ temporary stay in the Philippines while their special U.s. visas are being processed. the Americans left Afghanistan in 2021 after 20 years of defending its regime from the taliban, which thereafter took over the country.
these are people we know, these are people we trust. some fought with us on the battlefield, but many worked with us day in and day out at our embassy and facilities around the country. they took the chance to come and work for us,” a state Department official said As part of its agreement with the Philippines, the U.s government is supporting all necessary services for the Afghan sIV applicants while they are in the Philippines, including food, housing, medical care, security and transportation.
“the U.s. embassy has also assured us that the program will not impact the normal processing of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for filipinos,” Daza said.
During their meeting in Washington in may, U.s President Joe Biden made an arrangement with President ferdinand marcos Jr. regarding the temporary stay of a limited number of Afghans in the Philippines seeking special U.s visas. the Biden administration remains committed to the thousands of brave Afghans who stood side-by-side with the United states over the course of the past two decades.” (Philstar. com)
Fil-Am attorney general issues alerts to protect...
in california, we will continue to lead with california values,” Bonta said in a statement. california is the most diverse state in the nation, and immigrants are the backbone of our economy, history and culture. We will not be caught flat-footed if the president-elect follows through on his threats of mass deportation.” the filipino American attorney general said the alerts are intended to help california immigrants better understand their rights and
protections under the law and avoid immigration scams “by those seeking to take advantage of fear and uncertainty resulting from the presidentelect’s inhumane threats of mass detention, arrests and deportation.”
my office will continue to use the full force of the law and every tool at our disposal to protect the rights of california’s immigrants,” he added. the alerts remind the immigrant community about their rights, including access to emergency medical care,
securing housing without sharing their immigration status and a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Immigrants are advised to seek legal assistance only from lawyers, accredited representatives and recognized organizations who can represent them in immigration court. Immigration scams may be reported to local district attorneys, the county department of consumer affairs or the federal trade commission. (inquirer.net)
Martial law not on Marcos’ mind; economy...
“malicious,” adding that the constitution is already “very clear” about when a president may declare martial law. In the same briefer, Bersamin also defended the exclusion of Vice President sara Duterte from the Nsc, stating that marcos has the right to do so. the president has the right, as well as the responsibility of seeing to it that whoever advises him is within his fullest trust and confidence,” said Bersamin.
“Now, I’m not saying that the vice president does not anymore deserved to be trusted. But I’m just saying that with the recent developments, it is not going to be good advice or good action on the part of the president to still have her onboard,” he added. he then maintained that marcos, as the president, has the “power of absolute reorganization.” Bersamin then reiterated that the vice president has
ceased to be relevant as far as the responsibilities of that membership in the National security council is concerned. All this developed after marcos issued executive order 81, which reorganized the Nsc and removed the Vice President and past presidents from the council. this move irked several former officials, especially allies of former President rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President sara Duterte. n
Handout photo from the U.S. embassy shows Afghans arriving at the NAIA for the processing of their U.S. Special Immigrant Visas. Up to 300 Afghans arrived on temporary stays while being processed for U.S. resettlement. Philstar.com file photo
VARIETIES. Premium rice retail for as much as PHP58 per kilo at a stall in Novaliches Public Market, Quezon City on Tuesday, January 7.
The National Food Authority said it will procure more palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers as the government hikes its buffer stock target from nine days to 15 days.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Philippines hits record high tourism revenue in 2024
DePArtmeNt of tourism
(Dot) secretary christina Garcia frasco announced on sunday, January 5, that the Philippine tourism sector has firmly established its position as a vital economic pillar, achieving an all-time high tourism revenue of approximately P760 billion in 2024. According to the agency's data, the Philippines garnered about P760.50 billion in tourism revenue from inbound tourism expenditures—representing the total amount spent by non-resident visitors—from January 1 to December 31, 2024. this marks a notable increase of 9.04% compared to the P697.46 billion recorded in 2023. moreover, the current figures surge past pre-pandemic levels, exceeding the estimated P600.01 billion in 2019 by an impressive 26.75%. this remarkable performance translates to a recovery rate of 126.75% for the local tourism economy, highlighting the sector's resilience and vitality.
“With these figures, it is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation's economic stability and growth. In the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth in tourism revenue, which has surpassed previous records. this achievement is not just a statistic; it translates to thousands of jobs created for filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive. the tourism sector has become a crucial engine for economic development, providing livelihood opportunities for many, especially in our rural and underserved areas,” secretary frasco said.
she noted that the marcos administration’s support of the Dot has been instrumental in this achievement.
the marcos Administration has implemented pro-tourism policies that prioritize the sustainable development of our tourism resources while ensuring the welfare of our communities. these policies focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage conservation, and investing in skills development programs for our workforce, among others. We believe that the growth of tourism should be inclusive and equitable, empowering local en-
trepreneurs and communities,” she said.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in this success— our tourism stakeholders and workers, local government units, and most importantly, our guests. As we move forward, our commitment to advancing Philippine tourism remains steadfast. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with industry stakeholders to innovate and promote the many reasons to Love the Philippines,” the secretary added.
citing data from the World travel and tourism council (Wttc), secretary frasco revealed international tourists coming into the country spend at least 2,073 UsD per capita. Also, compared to the average of 9 nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent of tourists coming to the country are repeat visitors. the continued collaboration with the stakeholders from the private sector garnered about 63.18 percent repeat visitors in 2023.
more tourists visited the Philippines in 2024 than in 2023 the Dot also reported that more tourists set foot in the Philippines from January 1 to December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
According to the agency’s data on visitor arrivals, a total of 5,949,350 international visitors arrived in the country by the end of the year 2024. from the figure, 91.42 percent are predominantly foreigners which accounts for 5,438,967, while the remaining 8.58 percent or 510,383 were filipinos living overseas.
the total in 2024 was higher by 9.15 percent when compared to data of visitor arrivals in 2023, recorded at 5,450,557 foreign guests.
south Korea maintained its position as the top source of foreign tourists, with arrivals increasing to 1,574,152 from 1,455,977 in 2023, garnering more than 26.46 percent of the total market share. According to frasco, “the growth of Korean tourists to the Philippines can be attributed to the effective strategic marketing initiatives, enhanced air connectivity, and strengthened cultural exchanges, particularly as the
two nations marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. furthermore, the Philippines' growing reputation as a prime destination for incentive travel has played a key role in this positive trend, attracting an increasing number of Korean companies hosting their reward trips for their employees in the Philippine's world-class tourist destinations."
the United states ranked second, with 1,076,663 visitors in 2024, increasing from 1,041,305 in 2023. American travelers continued to flock to the Philippines, drawn mainly by the country’s pristine beaches, world-class hospitality, the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and new experiences. Dot’s development of authentic cultural attractions and indigenous tourism experiences under the Philippine experience Program, the market development initiatives for cruising, culinary tourism, diving, wellness, and adventure travel, plus enhanced connectivity—including nonstop flights from san francisco to manila by United Airlines and from seattle to manila by Philippine Airlines—have contributed to the growth of the Us market.
Japan, meanwhile, emerged as a standout market with a 22.84 percent growth in arrivals, reaching 444,528 visitors from its previous year’s 361,862. this surge was attributed to aggressive tourism campaigns and strategic partnerships with Japanese travel agencies that paved further awareness and interest in the Philippines as a travel destination.
though significantly lower than the pre-pandemic figures, china showed signs of recovery with 313,856 arrivals compared to 264,922 in the previous year. this can be attributed to the increased number of flights from 2023, both commercial and chartered, including the first half of 2024, connecting china directly to cebu, Bohol, and Davao. cruise ships, carrying loads of visiting tourists, also started to arrive during the second half of 2024, with the new cruise visa waiver program becoming an important factor for such improved numbers.
other consistent contributors included Australia (299,286) and canada (269,300). emerging markets like taiwan and
singapore demonstrated strong growth momentum, with arrivals reaching 213,833 and 198,471, respectively. the introduction of direct flights to Kalibo and Puerto Princesa, as well as the growth of niche markets such as english as second Language (esL) learning and diving contributed greatly to the visits of guests from taiwan.
these markets highlight the country’s growing appeal as a convenient, culturally rich, and accessible destination.
the United Kingdom also sustained its position among the top contributors with 178,656 visitors, driven by a keen interest in heritage tourism and adventure activities. meanwhile, malaysia emerged 10th in rank with 99,881 registered arrivals in 2024.
the middle eastern market also showed promising signs of recovery in 2024. the United Arab emirates (UAe) posted a remarkable 668.34% recovery rate from its 2019 figures, reflecting increased air connectivity and a surge in interest in the Philippines as a leisure destination. Qatar followed closely, with an impressive 832.87% recovery rate. saudi Arabia regis-
tered a recovery rate of 66.54%, signifying a steady return of visitors from the Gulf region. Likewise, oman and Bahrain registered more than 200% recovery rates from the 2019 number of arrivals. those in the top 25 source markets which have fully recovered as compared with 2019 data included Australia (102.63%), canada (109.26%), hong Kong (106.79%), UAe (668.34%), Italy (143.02%), spain (111.08%), Guam (200.19%), New Zealand (100.50%), and switzerland (102.01%).
the growth in our visitor arrivals and receipts in 2024 underscores the resilience of the Philippine tourism industry and the collective efforts of our stakeholders. this success is a testament to our unwavering commitment to showcasing the beauty, culture, and hospitality that make the Philippines truly unique on the global stage," frasco said as the Department welcomes the 2024 foreign arrival numbers.
Surge in returning Filipinos more overseas filipinos came home to the Philippines in 2024 than in 2023, with an increase of 14.15 percent. meanwhile, data from Dot in 2019 and 2024 showed that
more overseas filipinos were able to visit the Philippines, from only 72,436 in 2019 to 510,383 in 2024. It was an over seven fold surge of overseas filipinos coming back to the Philippines, or equivalent to 704.60 percent, based on Dot estimates. however, the same Dot data also saw a need to recover more tourists from the top tourist markets, particularly, china. Based on comparison of data of visitor arrivals in 2019 and 2024, the Philippines suffered a huge loss of tourists from china. During her year-end briefing with the media recently, secretary frasco acknowledged the “headwinds” or challenges that were beyond the Dot’s control.
“over the course of the past year, we have faced many adversities, from the headwinds of economic, environmental, and geopolitical forces beyond our control, to budgetary constraints and visa liberalization delays vis-à-vis our competitors,” she said.
Despite the said issues, the tourism chief remained optimistic and maintained the Dot has “graduated from measuring tourism merely on the number of people arriving but rather on the more important numbers.” n
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco
DOT photo
Biden bans new offshore drilling along most US coasts, Trump vows to reverse action
Gov. Gavin Newsom praises Biden
Los ANGeLes – President Joe Biden on monday, January 6 withdrew areas offshore, including those in the Pacific ocean along the southern california coast, from all future oil and natural gas leasing. While the decision was celebrated by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the U.s secretary of the Interior, President-elect Donald trump vowed to reverse the action.
“hundreds of miles of california’s iconic coastline is now fully protected from expanded offshore drilling, thanks to today’s action by President Biden,” Newsom said in a statement reacting to Biden’s action.
“for decades, we have led the fight to protect the Pacific coast and the millions of californians who call these coastal communities home.
“We thank the Bidenharris Administration for taking this bold action that will pay dividends for generations to come. New offshore drilling has no place in california, and the president’s action strengthens our work to protect the coast.”
U.s secretary of the Interior
Deb haaland said monday’s action recognizes that the environmental and economic risks and harms that would result from drilling in the areas outweigh any limited fossil fuel resource potential.
“President Biden’s actions today are part of our work across this administration to make bold and enduring changes that recognize the impact of oil and gas drilling on our nation’s coastlines,” haaland said in a statement monday.
“today, the president is taking action that reflects what states, tribes and local communities have shared with us — a strong and overwhelming need to support resilient oceans and coastlines by protecting them from unnecessary oil and gas development.”
the memoranda issued by Biden withdraw significant portions of the outer continental shelf from future oil and natural gas leasing, including the entire U.s. Pacific and eastern Atlantic
coasts, the eastern Gulf of mexico, and the remainder of the Northern Bering sea climate resilience Area offshore Alaska. the withdrawal areas encompass more than 625 million acres — and represent the largest withdrawal in U.s. history. the withdrawals are expected to help protect coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and local economies — including fishing, recreation and tourism — from oil spills and other impacts of offshore drilling.
“my decision reflects what coastal communities, businesses, and beachgoers have known for a long time: that drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear and is unnecessary to meet our nation’s energy needs,” Biden said in a statement.
“It is not worth the risks. As the climate crisis continues to threaten communities across the country and we are transitioning to a clean energy economy, now is the time to protect these coasts for our children and grandchildren.”
In an interview monday morning with conservative talk show host hugh hewitt, President-elect Donald trump — who has vowed to expand domestic oil drilling — quickly condemned the move and said he would reverse Biden’s action
when he takes office.
“I see it just came over that Biden has banned all oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of U.s. coastal territory,” trump said.
“It’s ridiculous. I’ll unban it immediately. I have the right to unban it immediately. What’s he doing? Why is he doing it? … We have oil and gas at a level that nobody else has. And we’re going to take advantage of it. And when I see somebody saying he’s going to ban 625 million acres, he doesn’t know what that is. he doesn’t even know what 625 million acres would look like. And we can’t let that happen to our country. It’s really our greatest economic asset and we’re not going to let that happen to our country.”
According to the Department of the Interior, oil production in 2024 is at an all-time high on federal lands and waters. the outer continental shelf produced about 675 million barrels of oil and 796 billion cubic feet of gas in the fiscal year 2023. It accounted for nearly 14% of all oil production and 2% of natural has production in the United states. the Western and central Gulf of mexico areas are responsible for nearly all of oil and gas production. (inquirer.net/cNS)
Fil-Am NFL star earns spot in 2025 Pro Bowl Games
by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net
GreeN Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has secured a spot in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games scheduled to take place next month.
the filipino American NfL star has been voted to the 2025 Pro Bowl – for the third time in his NfL career and the first time representing the Packers.
A dynamo on the field and a game-changer for Green Bay’s offense, Jacobs is only the fourth Packers running back to achieve this feat in the last 25 years.
Jacobs’ teammates rashan Gary and Xavier mckinney will join him at the Pro Bowl Games in orlando, florida. to celebrate this achievement, Packers posted a congratulatory message on Instagram.
Josh Jacobs’ sensational launch his 2025 Pro Bowl selection arrives amid a stellar debut season with the Packers. Despite their loss last week, the 25-yearold running back matched a franchise record with seven consecutive games showcasing a rushing touchdown.
Achieving the distinction of being the fifth player in franchise history to rush for over 1,200 yards in a season, Jacobs completed a total of 14 rushing touchdowns this year.
reflecting on this season, Jacobs told sI News, “man, it’s weird. It’s like bittersweet for me. obviously, it’s good – I’ve had a good year and things like that –but when I look back on myself and grade myself, there’s so much out there that still can be had for me and even for this team.”
Born to a filipina mother, Lachelle Jacobs, and an African American father, marty Jacobs, the NfL star has always embraced his diverse roots. his identity and heritage have given him a distinct perspective and the drive to accomplish more and leave a mark on the league. for me, it’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed my time and I try to leave my mark and my legacy here. I’m going to continue to keep trying
to do that,” Jacobs added.
Jacobs’ transfer to the Packers this season was driven by a few factors: a reunion with former raiders special teams coordinator rich Bisaccia, a lucrative deal and a chance to join a young growing team.
Bisaccia described him as someone with a “unique, dynamic personality.” he has a tremendous sense of empathy for someone else’s story, regardless of who they are or what their walk is in life. he’s always pleasant as a person,” Bisaccia said.
Jacobs’ 2025 Pro Bowl selection further solidifies his place among the NfL elites and sets him up for even greater success in the future. n
Biden administration bars medical debt...
financial future upended,” cfPB Director rohit chopra said in announcing the new rules. “the cfPB’s final rule will close a special carveout that has allowed debt collectors to abuse the credit reporting system to coerce people into paying medical bills they may not even owe.” the regulations fulfill a pledge by the Biden administration to address the scourge of health care debt, a problem that touches an estimated 100 million Americans, forcing many to make sacrifices such as limiting food, clothing, and other essentials. credit reporting, a threat that has been wielded by medical providers and debt collectors to get patients to pay their bills, is the most common collection tactic used by hospitals, a Kff health News analysis found. the impact can be devastating, especially for those with large
health care debts. there is growing evidence, for example, that credit scores depressed by medical debt can threaten people’s access to housing and drive homelessness. People with low credit scores can also have trouble getting a loan or can be forced to borrow at higher interest rates. that has prompted states including colorado, New York, and california to enact legislation prohibiting medical debt from being included on residents’ credit reports or factored into their credit scores. still, many patients and consumer advocates have pushed for a national ban. the cfPB has estimated that the new credit reporting rule will boost the credit scores of people with medical debt on their credit reports by an average of 20 points. But the agency’s efforts to restrict medical debt collections have drawn fierce pushback from
the collections industry. And the new rules will almost certainly be challenged in court. congressional republicans have frequently criticized the watchdog agency. Last year, then-chair of the house financial services committee Patrick mchenry (r-N.c.) labeled the cfPB’s medical debt proposal “regulatory overreach.” more recently, billionaire elon musk, whom trump has tapped to co-lead his initiative to shrink government, called for the elimination of the watchdog agency. “Delete cfPB,” musk posted on the social platform X. (Noam N. Levey/KFF Health News)
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
California Governor Gavin Newsom celebrates President Joe Biden decision to protect California’s iconic coastline from expanded offshore drilling. File photo
Josh Jacobs is heading to the Pro Bowl Games for the third time in his NFL career. Photo from Instagram/@iam_joshjacobs
Dateline PhiliPPines
Solons seek ‘more time’ to endorse impeachment complaint vs VP Sara
by Dominique Flores Philstar.com
mANILA — house lawmakers asked for “more time” to evaluate their potential endorsement of an impeachment complaint against Vice President sara Duterte, house secretary General reginald Velasco said.
“Well, those are the house members who requested that I'll give them some more time to either endorse one of the three complaints filed earlier, or endorse another complaint, and that will constitute the fourth impeachment complaint,” he said in an interview with ANc headstart on tuesday, January 7.
Velasco also suggested the delay in endorsements may be due to lawmakers weighing the potential impact their support could have on the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
so far, three impeachment complaints have been lodged against Duterte, all citing betrayal of public trust as one of the grounds and alleging her office's misuse of confidential funds. the first complaint, endorsed by rep. Perci cedaña (Akbayan Party-list), was filed on Dec. 2, 2024, followed by a second on December 4, backed by makabayan lawmakers. the third complaint, endorsed by reps. Gabriel Bordado (AAmBIs-oWA Party-list) and Lex colada (camarines sur, 3rd District), was filed on December 19, a day after congress adjourned. meanwhile, Velasco earlier said the anticipated fourth impeachment complaint was based on information he received from members of the house majority.
Asked why the three existing complaints have not been referred to the house speaker, Velasco explained that he is waiting for the fourth complaint to ensure all cases are reviewed together, avoiding a focus solely on the current submissions. the house members are interested that whatever complaints they will file or they will endorse will be referred to the speaker at the same time,
you know, one package,” he said, emphasizing the need to give incoming complainants a fair chance.
Fast-tracking the impeachment process In the meantime, Velasco said the three existing complaints could still be consolidated into one if the endorsers reach an agreement before they are transmitted to the house speaker.
makabayan lawmakers said on monday, January 6, they invited other endorsers to a meeting on Wednesday, January 8, to align efforts urging the house leadership and marcos administration to advance the impeachment process. should they reach an agreement, Velasco said the fourth impeachment complaint would be considered the second impeachment complaint. he also mentioned that lawmakers who endorsed the three complaints have been gathering signatures from members of the lower chamber to expedite the process.
Impeachment process this would prevent delays in deliberations, which require the committee on Justice to submit its report and recommendations to the plenary within 60 session days. following that, a vote is held at the plenary, and one-third or 103 of all house members must approve the resolution for it to
proceed to trial in the senate.
however, Velasco said there are only 15 session days left before the 19th congress makes its final adjournment in June.
“so for 15 session days, it will be very difficult to process… that whole process, if it will take place, that will need more than 18 session days,” he said.
this explains the signature drive led by makabayan lawmakers. Velasco said that if 103 house members endorse a complaint, it will bypass the committee on Justice and other processes in the lower chamber.
“Well, under our house rules, any of the complaints will be able to garner one-third of the house members, which means 103 house members. then, that we may call it the express, you know, the pass-struck fruit,” he said.
How many session days left the house secretary General has 10 session days from receiving the impeachment complaints to include them in the order of Business for referral to the committee on Justice. Velasco told Philstar.com that four session days have passed since the first complaint was filed. one session day may be equivalent to multiple days, he clarified in a message.
When the house resumes its session on January 13, it will mark the fifth day, and Velasco will have five session days left to refer the complaints. n
Palace: Inflation to remain ‘very
by
mANILA — Inflation is likely to remain “very low” this year, malacañang said on tuesday, January 7 vowing to enforce tougher measures against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural commodities.
executive secretary Lucas Bersamin made the remarks when asked to comment on the high prices of tomatoes in the market.
“there is sufficient supply, but the prices don’t go down. they go up. so, we have been very active in prosecuting hoarders. But that is only one part of the explanation,” Bersamin said at a press briefing at malacañang.
the National economic and Development Authority (NeDA) is confident that the inflation rate “will be very, very low,” he said.
“I just don’t know how the respective departments who are responsible for…will address this issue of bringing down the rate of inflation,” he said.
the retail price of tomato has increased to P360 per kilo, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Based on DA monitoring in metro manila markets, a
medium-sized tomato costs at least P20. the country’s inflation quickened in December to 2.9 percent, the Philippine statistics Authority reported. the December inflation rate was a slight increase from the 2.5 percent in November. this was mainly driven by the higher
inflation rate of housing, water, electricity, gas and
socioeconomic Planning secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted the full-year rate of 3.2 percent was within the Development Budget coordination committee’s annual inflation target of two to four percent through 2028. n
Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial
Helen Flores Philstar.com
A customer buys tomatoes at the Marikina Public Market. The retail price of tomatoes has risen to P360 a kilo,
OPiniOn Features
The post-Pogo road map
If 2024 spelled doom for the once bustling industry known as Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), 2025 looks poised to hammer the final nail in its coffin.
or so the government hopes.
that is, of course, if our law enforcers were to do a proper job of cracking down on the weaselly characters who continue to run illicit operations nationwide despite the PoGo ban declared by President ferdinand marcos Jr. during his third state of the Nation Address last year.
Which is why it’s comforting — though not entirely reassuring — to hear government officials discuss the road map for the post-PoGo Philippines that we were promised following the lapse of the Dec. 31 deadline for the cessation of offshore gaming activities.
on New Year’s Day last week, solicitor General menardo Guevarra spoke of his office’s tasks ahead, including the revocation of all birth certificates fraudulently obtained by foreigners and the seizure of assets they might have acquired illegally in the country.
“the first order of the day is to take possession of and control over [their properties],” the official said, while admitting that: “At this time we have no definite figures on the aggregate value of these assets.”
True scale of POGO scourge
Guevarra’s declaration is certainly a welcome step in the effort to rid the country of this years-old plague. Unfortunately, the second part of his statement inspires little confidence that such a process would be systematic and thorough, as it appears that the government has not even begun to grasp the true scale of the PoGo scourge.
congressional investigations have shown that thousands of foreign nationals, particularly chinese, obtained false Philippine birth certificates to acquire official documents which enabled them
oVer the holidays, I took a short break from the cold weather in Washington, D.c. with time to play golf in West Palm Beach, florida where the weather was exceptionally wonderful. I played at the exclusive trump International Golf club where obviously, one needs to be invited to play, even more so to become a member.
Next to the trump International Golf club is Palm Beach where one of President trump’s homes, mar-a-Lago, is located. today, it can very well be considered as the center of power and wealth in the United states. mar-a-Lago was once owned by wealthy socialite and heiress to the Post cereals fortune, marjorie Post. Palm Beach, a barrier island, is also where the Kennedys had a home. JfK actually spent some time there before and during his short presidency.
After my golf game, I was extremely pleased to have a conversation with President
erNest hemingway memorably wrote in one of his novels: “how did you go bankrupt? two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” one can say the same thing about political bankruptcy. or, to be more accurate, political purge.
President ferdinand marcos Jr. kicked off the year with a bang. In executive order No. 81, originally issued on Dec. 30, 2024 but made public only recently, the Armed forces’ commander in chief effectively purged the country’s most notorious political dynasty from the country’s most sensitive decision-making body. the move was justified based on the “need to further guarantee” that the National security council (Nsc) “remains a resilient national security institution, capable of
to engage in activities restricted to filipinos, such as purchasing land, starting businesses, or even running for public office — like dismissed Bamban, tarlac mayor Alice Guo, who is now widely suspected of being a chinese citizen. such transgressions spawned the web of criminal activities associated with PoGos, from scamming, money laundering, and human trafficking to kidnapping, extortion, and violence.
online gaming operations had existed in the country since 2003, but it was only during former President rodrigo Duterte’s administration that the government pursued them as revenue sources in earnest, prompting the Philippine Amusement and Gaming corp. (Pagcor) to issue operational guidelines for PoGos in september 2016.
Billions in revenue for Pagcor
At its height, the industry employed 118,239 people and generated P8.02 billion for Pagcor. But this came at a tremendous cost.
Based on data from the Philippine National Police, the peak of PoGo activities in 2019 coincided with a rise in crimes associated with their operations. “As of may 2024, PoGo-related crimes have victimized 2,320 filipinos (40 percent of the total victims) and 1,945 chinese nationals (34 percent),” sen. sherwin Gatchalian said at a forum organized by the stratbase ADr Institute in December. from a high of 298 licensed PoGos in 2019, the number had dwindled to 17 by Dec. 10, all of which were expected to cease operations at the end of 2024, according to Pagcor chair Alejandro tengco. It can’t be denied that some progress has been made in the effort to rid the country of PoGos. for one, Presidential Anti-organized crime commission executive director Gilbert cruz noted a re-
trump. I congratulated him for his decisive win, and told him I was looking forward to working once again with his administration.
I presented my credentials in November 2017 to President trump right after he came from manila for the 31st AseAN summit, where I had the chance to first meet him.
During the congratulatory phone call that we arranged for President marcos, the U.s president-elect inquired about PBBm’s mother, former first Lady Imelda marcos, whom President trump met in New York many times in the past.
Undoubtedly, the call was a great opportunity for PBBm to reestablish personal connections with the incoming U.s. president.
Building on past relationships we have developed with those who were in office during the first trump administration will surely put us on the right track in continuing our strong alliance with the United states.
talking to some of the people around President trump, it is clear the 47th president is very keen on making sure America will be on top of the game when it comes to AI technology. many of
markable decline in one of the social ills that flourished with PoGos — digital fraud: “Last year, the number of victims who reported scams reached over 100,000. Now, it’s almost none.” Foreigners unaccounted for for its part, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has commenced the tedious job of tracking down tens of thousands of foreign PoGo workers and deporting them. Last week, bureau spokesperson Dana sandoval reported that of the 33,000 foreigners who worked for legitimate PoGos, some 22,000 had departed the country voluntarily. In December, another BI official disclosed that of the 11,000 awaiting deportation, “less than a thousand” remain unaccounted for. Left unsaid was the fact that many PoGos were never legitimate in the first place. fly-by-night PoGos are now camouflaged as restaurants, resorts, or hotels in various parts of the country, according to Interior secretary Jonvic remulla. one can only imagine how this is possible without the protection of local power brokers, criminal syndicates, or worst, public officials. (inquirer.net)
Building on past relationships
the tech billionaires have already met with the incoming president, among them Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, oracle’s Larry ellison, meta’s mark Zuckerberg and openAI’s sam Altman – and not the least a close adviser and friend of the president, elon musk.
President trump also appointed sriram Krishnan as senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (under the White house office of science and technology Policy) to work alongside “AI and crypto czar” David sacks, posting on X that the focus will be on “ensuring continued American leadership in AI and help shape and coordinate AI policy across government…”
An article published in cio.com says Krishnan’s approach “aligns with trump’s second-term emphasis on reinvigorating U.s. dominance in emerging technologies. the policy Krishnan helps craft could significantly impact enterprises –particularly those in tech, media and manufacturing – as they navigate AI integration into their operations.”
the U.s. leads in AI technology, outperforming every other country by “significant
margins” and “leads in virtually every pillar,” producing the highest quality AI research and building the most notable machine learning models in 2023, according to stanford University’s Institute for humancentered Artificial Intelligence. In san francisco, driverless taxis also known as “robotaxis” are becoming prevalent while in New York, preparations are underway for commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVtoL) aircraft or air taxis that would make people travel from one end to another without the hassle of traffic. the Downtown manhattan heliport will also be getting a major facelift to become a hub for eVtoL operations, giving a peek of the future with urban air transport. the United states is also ahead when it comes to the use of drones in the military, with several American companies leading the pack such as AeroVironment, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed martin and raytheon technologies, among several others. Unlike their commercial counterparts that are primarily used for aerial photography, delivery and recreation, military
drones can perform a wide range of tasks like intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and aerial surveillance, operating with maximum efficiency and at high speeds.
In 2017, President trump created the Drone Integration Pilot Program under the Department of transportation that allowed private companies to work with local government agencies to safely test new technologies and accelerate drone integration into the National Airspace system. As then-transportation secretary elaine chao explained it, the DIPP supports President trump’s commitment to “foster technological innovation that will be a catalyst for ideas that have the potential to change our dayto-day lives.”
It was also during the first term of President trump that the U.s space force was established as part of the Department of the Air force. Led by the chief of space operations, the mission of space force is to secure America’s interests “in, from and to space,” and its core function is to maintain space superiority and defend against space and counterspace threats.
President trump’s establishment of the U.s space force dovetails with the vision of President ronald reagan, who spoke of space being the next frontier during his state of the Union address in 1984, saying, “America has always been greatest when we dared to be great. We can reach for greatness again. We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic and scientific gain.” clearly, the future of our planet in keeping peace on earth will be decided in space. there is no doubt President Donald trump is heading in that direction in projecting the power and might of the United states. evidently, the decision of President marcos to continue strengthening our relationship with the United states is not only correct – but also puts us on the right side of history. (Philstar.com)
* * * 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.
Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
Dutertes: The great ‘destabilizers’?
adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities, both domestically and internationally.” moreover, malacañang added that streamlining the country’s highest national security decision-making body is based on the imperative to “ensure that its council members uphold and protect national security and sovereignty, thereby fostering an environment conducive to effective governance and stability.”
In November, Vice President sara Duterte had the temerity to demand, in a letter to National security Adviser eduardo Año, an explanation on why she was never invited to any core Nsc meeting shortly after she openly threatened the lives of the president, the first lady, and speaker martin romualdez. At that time, rodrigo Duterte himself was agitating elements in the security services to make interventions to “protect the constitution” amid the
emergence of an alleged “fractured” government. the former president forgot to mention that the “fractured” part was largely of his own doing, starting with his parallel diplomatic flirtation with Beijing in defiance of the marcos administration’s policies and, worse, open attacks on the president in early 2024. on multiple occasions, the former president and his factotums came just short of calling for a coup d’état, while clownishly weaponizing the eDsA people power legacy by organizing pathetically sparse and poorly attended rallies. Just as troubling, of course, is the Dutertes’ suspected sympathies for Zhongnanhai, a reference to china’s central government and its leadership. Not too long ago, sara was the head of the National task force to end Local communist Armed conflict; the officer in charge whenever mr. marcos was on
foreign trips; the head of the most well-resourced department in the cabinet, and, according to eo 81, part of the Nsc’s executive committee. meanwhile, her father, rodrigo, was considered an elder statesman, a foreign policy confidant, and, crucially, part of the broader “big picture” Nsc meetings, when the administration sought the wisdom and influence of former presidents.
All of a sudden, the Dutertes have found themselves outside all the relevant circles of power and sensitive national security discussions. meanwhile, the newly constituted Nsc is packed with romualdez’s allies, underscoring the solidity of the speaker’s position in the pecking order. this is particularly crucial, since only weeks ago, there were seemingly credible reports about a potential ceasefire between the house of Duterte and the house of marcos at the expense of the president’s right-hand man in the
legislature. having said that, mr. marcos still has a long way to go in cleaning up the house. to begin with, he lacks a competent consigliere in ways christopher “Bong” Go was to Duterte and ronald Liamas was to Benigno Aquino III. It also doesn’t help that the commander in chief himself lacks spontaneous communication skills and has yet to launch a proper “fireside chat” initiative to directly reach out to the filipino people. even worse, he has been dismissed as either a “weak leader,” “boring,” and a “party boy” by critics from across the political spectrum, underscoring the lack of fear factor, which is extremely crucial when dealing with mafioso-like opponents. Despite the months-long quad committee hearing exposing the anomalies of the Duterte dynasty’s governance practices, the prospect of International criminal court warrants of arrest
against the former president, and sara’s collapsing popularity, the reality is that the Philippine political landscape remains incredibly indeterminate because there is no center of gravity. If anything, numerous figures in the liberal-progressive opposition seem to be singularly focused on real and alleged anomalies in the marcos administration’s new budget rather than the far more insidious threat posed by the now-exposed Dutertes. for all the incumbent’s foibles, and all the undeniable crimes of the marcos dictatorship, one should not lose sight of the greatest threat to our constitutional order and territorial integrity. (inquirer. net)
* * * 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.
* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph
Babe’s Eye View
Palace says it has no connection with ex-DDS hitman Edgar Matobato
by Zacarian sarao Inquirer.net
mANILA — malacañang on tuesday, January 7 declined to comment on the reports involving the departure of confessed killer and member of Davao Death squad (DDs) edgar matobato from the country, stressing that the Palace has no ties to him.
executive secretary Lucas Bersamin made the pronouncement after matobato—the same person who linked former President rodrigo Duterte to the DDs made headlines after he allegedly left the country with his wife and two stepchildren.
“Wala kaming masabi d’yan dahil we have no connection with mr. matobato. Whatever his purpose in going out, we cannot control that,” executive secretary Bersamin told the malacañang Press corps.
(We can’t say anything about that because we have no connection with Mr. Matobato. Whatever his purpose in going out, we cannot control that.) Bersamin then clarified that
Marcos to
malacañang has no control of matobato if he intends to testify against the drug war of former President rodrigo Duterte. hindi namin siya iniencourage, hindi rin dinidiscourage,” he said.
(We did not encourage nor discourage him.)
matobato previously claimed that he killed about 50 people as a member of the DDs, before withdrawing from the group in september 2013.
however, the former hitman said he was first tortured for a
Vasquez:
‘You made us proud’
by CaTheRine ValenTe ManilaTimes.net
PresIDeNt ferdinand
marcos Jr. on Wednesday, January 8 hailed "the Voice UsA" grand winner sofronio Vasquez for bringing immense pride to the Philippines, saying his win cemented filipinos' talent in music.
the president and first Lady Liza Araneta-marcos welcomed Vasquez during a courtesy call at the President's hall inside the Palace.
Vasquez made history as the first filipino and Asian to clinch the title, an achievement the president said not only made waves in the music world but also brought recognition to the country.
"We are all so happy. finally, we are recognized. You are not just the first filipino but first Asian [to win the Voice UsA]; that is a huge thing. that's quite hard," marcos told Vasquez.
"We must thank you because you have made filipinos known; we are again gaining the spotlight because of you," he added. marcos, a self-professed music lover, even joked about declaring Vasquez's winning day a holiday in the entire archipelago.
During the meeting, Vasquez recalled his audition journey up to the grand finals.
he shared that he works as a dental assistant in the U.s and he also used to sing on cruise ships before becoming a celebrated filipino singer.
Vasquez serenaded the first couple and the rest of the audience during the courtesy call with the Beatles' song "Imagine" and his winning song, "A million Dreams."
"I've heard that 'Imagine' is one of your favorites," Vasquez told the president before launching into a soulful rendition of John Lennon's classic, much to the delight of the first couple.
After witnessing firsthand Vasquez's singing prowess, the president said in jest that he would never sing again, pointing out how flawless Vasquez's performance was.
"If I cannot learn how to sing that way, I will not sing again," he said.
In an interview after the meeting, Vasquez said he was thankful because he was able to meet marcos despite the latter's tight schedule.
he also bared plans of releasing a single within the first quarter of the year and to continue honoring filipinos with his music.
"I have no reason to be arrogant, perhaps just proud because we won, but personally, I don't think that's a good attitude because I was just once a dreamer. I failed many times, but my heart is just overwhelmed that I was given the opportunity. And I am very happy that the president notices it, and he even took time to watch my videos," Vasquez said. the president also asked Vasquez what would be his next move after winning the competition.
the grand winner shared that he has already signed a record contract and is eyeing to promote both in the Philippines and America.
Vasquez was under the mentorship of pop icon michael Bublé during his "the Voice UsA" stint. n
Villar Group belies unpaid taxes allegation
by FRanCo Jose C. BaRoña ManilaTimes.net
the Villar group of companies said the accusation that it has unpaid real property taxes was politically motivated. the firm issued the statement in response to the allegation of Las Piñas councilor mark Anthony santos, a political rival of sen. cynthia Villar, that the Villar group owed P213.55 million in accumulated taxes and penalties as of may 2023. santos said the firm made a partial payment of P151 million as of November 2023 but alleged a significant balance, particularly involving the mella hotel, remained unsettled.
In a letter to The Manila Times dated Jan. 7, 2025, the Villar group categorically denied santos' claim, noting the company was consistently compliant with tax laws. the company's legal counsel said the Villar group paid a total of P151.8 million by Nov. 30, 2023, noting the amount included an advance payment for 2024 real property taxes. the payment was certified by the Las Piñas city treasurer's office, which also issued the corresponding tax clearances, the legal counsel added. on the mella hotel Issue, the Villar group said the city Assessor of Las Piñas had corrected the property's tax declaration.
following the adjustment, the company submitted payment based on the revised assessment. however, the city treasurer's office declined to accept the payment, citing the absence of implementation guidelines for republic Act 12001 or the real Property Valuation and Assessment reform Act, which was enacted into law in 2024, it added. the Villar group said clear guidelines under rA 12001 would ensure compliance for taxpayers. "A standardized framework will benefit not just businesses but also local government units and taxpayers. We remain prepared to fulfill our obligations as soon as the final instructions are provided," it added. n
Angara says more classrooms to be built
week until he escaped and hid in the provinces of cebu, samar, and Leyte. matobato later surrendered to a regional office of the commission on human rights in 2014 but opted to instead go to manila and apply for the witness protection program of the Department of Justice on sept. 1, 2014, after the former told him that it could not protect him. n
by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net
eDUcAtIoN secretary sonny Angara said 15,000 classrooms would be built in 2027 via the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
Angara presented the plan to President ferdinand marcos Jr. during a meeting in malacañang following the signing of the technical assistance agreement with the PPP center in December last year. the PPP school Infrastructure Project, estimated to cost between P37.5 billion to P60 billion, would benefit around 600,000 students nationwide.
"the classroom gap is a massive challenge, but we
believe that leveraging private investments through PPPs is the most efficient and sustainable way to address this," Angara said in a statement on Wednesday, January 8. the education Department was grappling with a 165,000-classroom backlog. the plan to digitize and solarize schools was scheduled to be rolled out by the middle of 2026. "With a combination of strategic partnerships and digital investments, Deped is committed to bridging both the classroom and digital divides to create a future-ready education system producing competitive and highly employable graduates," Angara said. n
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomes Sofronio Vasquez to the Palace.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin Inquirer.net fIle photo
NO SWEAT. Face towels printed with the image of Jesus Nazareno for sale at a sidewalk in Manila on Monday, January 6. The vendor said a towel costs PHP25, expected to be purchased by devotees going to Quiapo for the feast of the revered Christ on Jan. 9. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Enrique gil open to do reunion project with Kathryn Bernardo
by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com
eNrIQUe Gil is open to do a reunion project with Kathryn Bernardo.
In an interview with the media during the red carpet of the 50th metro manila film festival awards night last December 27, enrique said there are no offers yet but he is willing to reunite with his “Princess and I” co-star. Kathryn and enrique were the young stars who were launched in the 2012 romance-fantasy show about a fictional kingdom that has been searching for its long-lost princess who was found in the Philippines.
“I’m not sure about that. I haven’t heard about that. But I’m always open to anything, of course,” he said.
enrique became a full-fledged film producer this year with his own production company Immerse entertainment. he said that he is still open to do a love team projects.
“I’m not naman saying goodbye. I’m not saying I’m closing my doors. In the meantime, as of now, because I’ve been doing it all my life, I think there’s a time and place for everything,” he said. “this time, I really want to focus on different genres I’ve never done before. Para masasabi ko, when I get old, at least I was able to do everything. so for now, i’m just really enjoying and playing around with different concepts and characters. I’m just having fun,” he added. enrique said that he wanted
to produce different genres of movies.
“Wala pa, this is just the beginning. I was able to produce ‘I am Not Big Bird,’ which is a comedy. I’ve always wanted to do comedy, slapstick comedy,” he shared. “And then now, I was able to produce meta-style horror. I still want to produce traditional-style horror movie in the future, and I have a concept as well for an action horror,” he said. more concepts and more comedies and, of course, I want some dramas as well in the future,” he added. “Hindi kasi ako magaling mag-isip ng drama. May mga ilang concepts na. I have a team naman. Ang hilig ko kasi comedy and horror eh. And some action of course in the future,” he added.
ABS-CBN ‘not aware,’ but grateful for 5th franchise renewal attempt
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
ABs-cBN corporation expressed its gratitude to Albay representative Joey salceda for his efforts in filing a franchise renewal bill for the media giant, nearly five years after its shutdown in may 2020. salceda filed a house bill calling for the renewal of the media giant’s legislative franchise to “construct, install, operate, and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations” across the country on tuesday, January 7. the Albay representative’s bill marks the fifth attempt to seek the media giant’s franchise renewal through a house bill after rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. (camarines sur’s 3rd District), rep. rufus rodriguez (cagayan de oro’s 2nd District), makabayan bloc lawmakers raoul manuel, Arlene manuel, and france castro, and rep. Johnny Pimentel (surigao del sur’s 2nd District).
on the same day, ABs-cBN thanked salceda for his efforts to bat for the media giant’s franchise renewal in a statement.
It also expressed its gratitude to the lawmakers who filed for similar franchise renewal bills before the house.
“While we were not aware of rep. Joey salceda’s filing of a bill
ABS-CBN released a statement on Tuesday, January 7. Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications to grant a broadcast franchise to ABs-cBN today, we are deeply grateful for his support and belief in [our] contributions and mission to serve the filipino public,” it said.
ABs-cBN’s free tV and radio channels were forced off-air in may 2020 after the National telecommunications commission (Ntc) denied the renewal of its
franchise, which took place under the administration of former President rodrigo Duterte. since then, ABs-cBN’s head of tV production Laurenti Dyogi said in march 2023 that the media giant has been operating as a “content creator,” and is set on bringing its content to various platforms including former network rival GmA.
JoDI sta. maria will be taking up her master’s degree in psychology, and is set to take a short break from acting after taking on the lead role in the high-intensity drama “Lavender fields.”
sta. maria said she will take a “short break” from acting, as she disclosed some of her plans for the year during a media junket for the revenge drama “Lavender fields,” when asked about the milestones she wanted to achieve for herself.
“this year is a [time] for me to learn and grow. I’m starting my master’s degree in psychology and I want to focus more on family and marriage therapy. I want to make mental health accessible for all,” she told reporters.
But this doesn’t mean that she is closing her doors on acting anytime soon. she said that she has always been grateful for the opportunities she received throughout her career, noting that she wants to make a “legacy” in the industry.
“Gusto ko lang naman magperform and mag-inspire. At first, I just wanted to work because I needed exposure when I was younger. Ngayon, since medyo nakatagal na sa industriya [at] marami nang nagawa, iniisip ko na lang is
I want to leave a legacy and to take good characters,” she said. (i just want to perform and inspire. At first, i just wanted to work because i needed exposure when i was younger. Now that i’ve been here in the industry for quite some time and i’ve done a lot of things, i just think about leaving a legacy and taking good characters.) the 42-year-old actress then reflected that focusing on the blessings she received from her career might be a result of her maturity, as it changed her perspective on what she wanted to achieve.
“Nag-iiba na siguro once you
age, and I’m happy and thankful na at my age, kinakaya pa niya ang demand ng isang actress (i guess things change once you get older. i’m happy and thankful that i can still handle the demand of being an actress despite my age),” she said.
“Lavender fields” is down to its final weeks on air, and it also stars Jericho rosales, Janine Gutierrez, and Jolina magdangal. Also part of the cast are Albert martinez, edu manzano, maricel soriano, Jana Agoncillo, Krystal mejes, Victor Neri, Bernard Palanca, miguel Vergara, and marc santiago.
Martin and Pops — the magic continues in ‘Always & Forever’
the mall of Asia Arena is definitely the place to be on feb. 7 as the Philippine concert King and Queen, martin Nievera and Pops fernandez, celebrate both Valentine's Day and their 40th anniversary as an iconic musical tandem in the special concert, "Always & forever."
No one can argue that their decades-long partnership remains unmatched. It's a testament to the magic they create as performers, even as their personal relationship took a different path when their marriage ended. What followed, however, is a rare and inspiring evolution of love into friendship — one that continues to power their synergy on stage.
At a pre-christmas media conference for the show, Pops revealed the deeper reason behind their decision to celebrate their milestone as a team.
"We both celebrated our showbiz anniversaries," she began. "I celebrated my 40-plus years this feb. at the solaire, and martin, of course, had his own in Araneta coliseum. then I realized our team is also 40-plus years old.
"so, I said — and this is really the truth — 'since we can't really celebrate our wedding anniversary, we might as well celebrate our team together.' And that's why 'Always & forever' is happening," she added with a laugh, prompting martin to quip, "Better late than never!"
faithful martin and Pops fans
will know that the title "Always & forever" is significant to the duo. It was the name of their 1986 hit movie directed by the late Danny Zialcita, as well as the title of their collaborative album, that cemented their status as the country's most beloved musical couple. today, they are still beloved whenever they perform together and, for many, for showing that having a beautiful blended family is also possible.
As everyone knows, despite their personal challenges, martin and Pops have always prioritized family. the best example is the recently concluded holiday season when they flew to chicago together before christmas to celebrate the first birthday of their first-ever grandchild, finn. the bundle of joy is the son of martin and Pops' eldest, robin Nievera, and his partner, mian Acoba.
"We're very excited," shared Pops a few days before the trip. "Although they're very far, thank God for technology, we still manage to stay in touch. But, of course, we want to spend more time with them, especially finn, so we'll really make the most of this trip."
Very much on the same page as "Lollipops" — the name Pops has declared her grandchild should call her — martin echoed, "It's a big milestone for finn — and for us as grandparents." the chicago celebration was followed by a family christmas gathering in Las Vegas, where the former couple reunited with their youngest son, ram, and
martin's son, santino, from his previous relationship with Katrina ojeda, who also joined them for the holidays. this blended family setup wasn't easy at first," Pops said when asked how they make their unusual setup seem perfect. "But now, it's a blessing. everyone gets along, and it makes life much easier for me and everyone else."
martin mirrored her sentiments, noting how their evolving relationship has also enriched their professional collaboration.
first of all, that's all thanks to Pops because she allowed it to happen," he gratefully stated. "But even more on stage, we bring out the best in each other, and that's the magic of martin and Pops — it's the connection, the chemistry, and the history we've built over four decades. It's something you can't manufacture."
Produced by Viva Live, DsL Productions, and starmedia entertainment, the "Always & forever" is a tribute to enduring partnerships — not just between martin and Pops but also with their loyal fans who have supported them through the years. As the Philippine concert King and Queen prepare to return to the stage together, they look forward to creating more unforgettable memories for their audiences. After all, in their own words, "Always & forever" is more than just a title; it's a promise to keep the magic alive for as long as they can.
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
Jodi Sta. Maria
Inquirer.net photo
by Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net
Philippine Concert King and Queen Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez
Photo from Instagram/@popsfernandezofficial
Kathryn Bernardo (left) and Enrique Gil (right)
Philstar.com file photos
ABS-CBN’s headquarters in Quezon City. Inquirer.net
Citizen Pinoy kicks off the new year with inspiring employment petition success
the new year has citizen Pinoy opening with an encore episode that highlights how petitioning family members as employees can transform lives — both for those in the U.s. and their loved ones in the Philippines.
Ana, a busy hotel executive and devoted mom, petitioned her Tita susan as a housekeeper to balance her demanding career with quality family time. Inspired by citizen Pinoy, Ana's decision freed her schedule, enhanced
her family life, and increased her earning potential. In 2020, Tita susan moved to America, and four years later, Ana once again sought the help of leading U.s. Immigration
California envisions a zero-emission, fully connected rail network by 2050
sAcrAmeNto – Governor Gavin Newsom on tuesday, January 7 announced the release of the state rail Plan, a long-range vision of statewide investments that will create up to 900,000 jobs and a zeroemission, fully interconnected rail and transit network by 2050. the release of the plan comes after the governor joined local leaders and workers on monday, January 6 to mark the beginning of the track-laying phase for california high-speed rail, which will serve as the backbone of the state’s rail network.
the plan calls for providing mobility to every region of the state by creating a worldclass, fully integrated, zeroemission rail network that connects seamlessly with other transportation modes. the network includes intercity, regional, and local transit systems to make traveling by train a more attractive option compared to car or air travel –giving californians options when it comes to traveling around the state. the state rail Plan is a key part of the governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating thousands of jobs across the state. find projects building your community at build.ca.gov.
“california is building a clean transportation system for the future. our vision is simple: by 2050, every californian should be able to choose rail as a way to get to their destination, near or far. our rail plan is ambitious, but as the world’s fifth largest economy bursting with talent and innovation, we’re ready to take on this challenge,” Gov. Newsom said in a release sent out by his office.
“Under Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, the state’s long-range rail Plan released today outlines how calstA’s plan to strategically leverage rail and transit to enhance quality of life for every californian,” said transportation secretary toks omishakin. “critically, this plan pushes beyond the status quo, improving multimodal options, clean air and equitable access to jobs and other opportunities all vital components of a thriving community.”
this vision will also benefit communities historically underserved by transportation infrastructure by increasing access to affordable and frequent rail services. the state envisions passenger rail and transit, which combined currently serve only 2% of miles traveled in california, to increase to 20% of all miles traveled by 2050 on a zero-emission fleet. this would shift nearly 200 million daily
passenger miles from highways to the statewide rail and transit network, significantly reducing road congestion and carbon pollution.
this plan will ensure goods movement needs are met while pursuing opportunities to shift freight to rail. the effort to build this zero-emission train network throughout california has already begun.
electrified high-speed rail systems currently under construction will form the backbone of the state’s passenger rail network, which will anchor longer distance trips. the plan identifies priority projects to complete high-speed systems and connect them with intercity and regional rail to expand the reach and impact of the investments.
“this plan builds off california’s commitment to progressing inter-city passenger rail service and advancing mobility, economic and environmental benefits,” said california highspeed rail Authority ceo Ian choudri. “As a foundational part of the state’s integrated rail network, california’s clean, electrified high-speed rail project will connect the Bay Area to Los Angeles through the central Valley, extending to local and regional networks throughout the state.”
In June 2024, the first self-powered, zero emission passenger train in North America arrived in san Bernardino
county and is scheduled to enter service later this year.
In August, caltrain launched california’s first electric rail system on the san francisco Peninsula, and full electric service along the san franciscosan Jose corridor began in september. Both regional projects exemplify california’s commitment to developing an environmentally friendly, fast, safe and reliable rail network outlined in the rail Plan. the plan also aligns with the climate Action Plan for transportation Infrastructure (cAPtI), and the california transportation Plan 2050 (PDf). Along with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the rail Plan outlines measures to protect rail infrastructure from climate risks such as sea-level rise, wildfires and flooding to ensure long-term resilience. the plan envisions a direct capital investment of $310 billion from local, state, federal, and private funding, with an estimated economic return of over $540 billion by 2050. this investment is also expected to create 900,000 full time jobs for construction, maintenance, and operation industries, representing a significant boost to california's economy. A fully integrated statewide rail network will also improve access to opportunity for californians without the costs of carownership.
(cA Governor’s office release)
Jonjon Manibog and Madalyn Manibog.
Photo courtesy of Tess Gregorio
Are you interested in learning more about how to protect yourself from identity theft? check out Identity theft Awareness Week. During the week, the federal trade commission (ftc) and its partners will host free webinars and other events to talk about how to spot, avoid, report, and recover from identity theft. mark your calendars. Identity theft Awareness Week starts monday, January 27! Identity theft can happen to anyone and can take many forms. someone could open a credit card or utility account in your name, or use your information to get a loan, a job, or medical care. they might even file taxes in your name to get your refund.
Identity theft Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity to learn and talk about identity theft to help protect yourself, your family, and your friends. here are some ways you can participate in and support your community during Identity theft Awareness Week:
• Visit the Identity Theft Awareness Week
PH CONSULATE ATTENDS
CELEBRATION OF
OF
CALIFORNIA. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, represented by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, joined the Pasigueñans of Northern California’s 29th Annual Fiesta Celebration on December 8, 2024 at Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building in South San Francisco, California. In her remarks, Consul Pangilinan-Daquipil lauded the Pasigueñans of Northern California in continuing this tradition of fellowship and in honoring Pasig City’s Patroness Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. She updated the group on various services of the Consulate General and shared initial information on the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour 2025. She also joined the group in attending the Holy Mass celebrated by Reverend Father Mark Reburiano.
Text and Photos by San Francisco PCG
2025 website to find out about scheduled events you can participate in.
• Get information in multiple languages about how to spot, avoid, and report identity theft at ftc. gov/languages and share it in your community.
• Watch and share videos on social media in english, spanish, chinese, and Korean.
• Share images before and during Identity theft Awareness Week on your social media to help gather support and attention.
• Order publications, including bookmarks and one-page flyers, and share them with people you know or place them at places of worship and libraries where people can find them.
Keep an eye out for updates on the Identity theft Awareness Week events at ftc.gov/IDtheftWeek!
Whether you’re chatting with friends and family, posting on social media, or speaking at a community group meeting, talking about identity theft can help protect you and your community.
(Eunice Kim/consumer Education Specialist, FTc)
SF 2024 crime rates hit 20-year low with historic drop in homicide, car break-ins
Enhanced strategies to use new technology, disrupt open-air drug markets, and prioritize police staffing and prosecutions will continue to maintain progress
sAN frANcIsco – on tues-
day, January 7, mayor London N. Breed and Police chief Bill scott announced san francisco’s 2024 crime rates reached numbers not seen in over 20 years as the city made historic gains confronting major crime trends. these results include a 60-year low in homicides and a record decrease in car break-ins.
• Property Crime: Down 31% from 2023 and 46% from 2017
• Violent Crime: Down 14% from 2023 and 26% from 2017.
In 2024, overall crime was at its lowest point since 2001
Key highlights include:
• Homicides reached a 60year low, with only 35 murders in 2024, down 35% from 2023
• Auto break-ins were down 54% from last year, coming in at under 10,000 for the first time in nearly 15 years.
Key enforcement and investment tools
san francisco police officers continued work to patrol, respond to calls for service, and investigate crimes when they are committed was foundational to the efforts to bring crime rates down. Local law enforcement partners, including the san francisco sheriff’s office and the District Attorney’s office, delivered a coordination focus on accountability. this work was augmented in 2024 by new tools, strategic initiatives and strengthened partnerships with different law enforcement agencies, including:
• New technology: San Francisco has added new technology tools that have expanded the ability of law enforcement to make arrests and prevent crime. this includes the installation of ALPr cameras at intersections across san francisco, the deployment of new drones and the deployment of mobile cameras.
• Drug market interventions: the Drug market Agency coordination center (DmAcc) was launched in 2023 to address the growing fentanyl crisis and deteriorating street conditions. DmAcc has brought together agencies across local, state, and federal government to disrupt drug dealing, public drug use, and illegal fencing of stolen goods. to date, DmAcc efforts have led to 5,488 drug arrests.
• Investing in violence prevention: the city’s Violence reduction Initiative identifies individuals at the greatest risk of either engaging in gun violence or being the victims and connects them with ongoing help and resources to disrupt the cycle of violence. these efforts have helped led to a
50% reduction in gun violence in the Bayview.
• Key arrests by officers: SFPD officers have been making important arrests across all units and taking repeat offenders off the street. With increased support from city leaders, residents and officers. this year, san francisco reported 4,739 violent crimes and 30,991 property crimes. this was the lowest overall crime rate since 2001, when the city recorded 4,528 violent crimes and 24,770 property crimes.
If you remove 2001, which had historic lows in crime rates, there hasn’t been a year with these few reported crimes in decades.
“I’m grateful for the hard work by our law enforcement partners and everyone in the community working tirelessly to make our neighborhoods safer,” said mayor Breed. “this shows that when we give our officers the tools and support, like we have with new technology, they can deliver incredible results. It also shows the value of how we’ve brought coordination between our Police chief Bill scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, sheriff miyamoto and state and federal partners to unprecedented levels. Let’s keep supporting our officers, our prosecutors, and our sheriff’s deputies in their work to make san francisco a safer city every day.”
“these historically low crime rates are proof that the hard work of our officers is paying off,” said chief scott. “our department is short staffed, and many officers were working overtime to meet san francisco’s public safety needs. even with these challeng-
Inaugural Hearth Philippines Summit to support changemaker well-being
sIQUIJor – from January 14-17, 2025, the enchanting island of siquijor will host the hearth Philippines summit, an inaugural gathering in partnership with the Wellbeing Project, a global network based in madrid and Paris. this unique summit focuses on the wellbeing of changemakers — including artists, caregivers, entrepreneurs, activists, and students — who are at the forefront of driving social transformation and on evidence-based research proving that wellbeing can lead to well-doing.
siquijor, known for its rich heritage of traditional healing, provides the perfect setting for this transformative event. Partner organizations include the siquijor healers Association, giving participants access to spiritual healing throughout the four-day program. this collaboration underscores the summit’s mission to create a safe space that promotes wellbeing for all, allowing changemakers to recharge, reflect, and connect.
Notable speakers and highlights the hearth Philippines summit will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers, including:
• Julia Ormond, Hollywood A-lister and former UN Ambassador, speaking on Winds of change: Ar sustainability and social transformation
• Gabbi Pascua, 3x Emmy-winning producer and current documentarian
• Annie Ponce, native Siquijor spiritual healer
• Monique Wilson, award-winning actress and activist; creative director of one Billion rising
• Buji Babiera, content creator and founder of first Bike ride.
• Sheree Gotuaco, entrepreneur specializing in Art Ar
• Chris and Corina Millado, siblings leading DIWAtA, focused on embracing the wild side of women.
• Liza Maza, former Congresswoman (Gabriela Women’s Party)
• Chef Michelle Adrillana, sustainable chef, who will host the summit’s first-ever vegan boodle fight dinner on opening night.
Additional speakers include macy castaneda Lee, cynthia Dacanay Jaramillo, Armand Dayoha, Adora de Vera, John Deyto, Dyan Gumanao, Via hernandez, steve manzano, obeth montes, mae Paner, Jethro Patalinhug, raz salvaria, Jojo sescon, Joanne suriel, and Leah tolentino, each sharing their unique insights and personal journeys.
A global gathering for wellbeing and growth
Participants from around the world will come together to share their stories of overcom-
Michelle Adrillana
ing challenges and thriving to pay it forward in their communities. the summit seeks to be a sanctuary where changemakers can explore innovative ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build lasting connections to further their missions. this groundbreaking event is made possible through the generous support of Pili Ani, tough Banana, scarletbox.Io Keeping it 100 solutions, talang Dalisay, and communication Arts Network. for more information about the hearth Philippines summit and to register, visit lunaspilipinas.com.
File photo/www.sf.gov
es, our officers delivered. We will continue working to make san francisco one of the safest big cities in the nation in the months and years to come. I want to thank mayor Breed for supporting our department and helping us to acquire new game-changing technology.”
“I would like to thank mayor Breed and the san francisco Police Department for their tireless efforts to keep our city safe,” said District Attorney Jenkins. “Although, there is still more work to be done, the improving crime rates show that we’re moving in the right direction. my office will continue to do everything we can to ensure the criminal justice system works in our city and there is accountability and meaningful consequences for criminal behavior.”
“As we enter my second term as sheriff, our office will continue to support and work with the Police Department in coordinated enforcement efforts,” said sheriff Paul miyamoto. “Both of our departments are short staffed, and the combined effort maximizes the continued hard work to keep the community safe and the crime rate historically low. together, we’ve put a significant dent into the eradication of drug sales and public drug use and taken illegal guns out of the wrong hands. With the DA, our collaboration ensures that individuals engaging in criminal activity are held accountable. mayor Breed was committed to our law enforcement collaboration, and I look forward to the same commitment and support from the new administration.” (SF Mayor’s office release)
Attorney michael J. Gurfinkel to bring over susan's husband, Tito Nelson, as a follow-to-Join (ftJ) based on her employment petition of her Tita. Nelson arrived in september 2024, receiving his green card and a fresh start. this episode highlights the life-changing impact of employment petitions of family members — providing a brighter future for both petitioners and beneficiaries. Be sure to watch this heartfelt story in an encore episode of citizen Pinoy on sunday, January 12 at 6:30 Pm Pt (9:30 Pm et) through select cable/satellite providers, right after tV Patrol Linggo. citizen Pinoy is also available on iWanttfc. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Julia Ormond
Corina Millado
Chef
Buji Babiera
for Pres. Joe Biden’s remaining days, how I wish to have been given the opportunity to tour the White house in Washington, D c my dream is to cover White house events as a journalist. to President Biden, many thanks for serving the American people for four years with selfless dedication, determination and integrity.
* * *
As a journalist and columnist for the Asian Journal’s LA edition
(my columns are reprinted in the Asian Journal New York and New Jersey, Northern california, san francisco, Las Vegas and san Diego editions), my legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
I also write for Balikbayan magazine, Police files tonite and Daily tribune newspaper. I was a correspondent for the defunct far eastern economic review in hongkong (I interviewed Asia’s first astronaut, Dr. mamoru mohri), the Japan times newspaper and the Japan times Weekly in tokyo, Japan, and the Gulf News and the emirates
In-flight magazine in UAe
I topped the 2024 science Journalism forum’s leader board and this year it will be held in UAe. I have been active in doing
charitable works as a journalist, helping the marginalized sector of our society. I also received the 2024 Amerika Prestige Award for Inclusive media excellence Award in excelling in inclusive reporting and advocacy, particularly focusing on issues, stories, and triumphs of persons with disabilities. I embody the spirit of quiet heroism — a life dedicated not only to uncovering truths but also to giving voice to the voiceless. As a correspondent, I have tackled some most pressing issues. I have broken down complex socio-economic topics with insight and empathy, shining a light on the triumphs and struggles of the people. every article I write is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. Journalism is not just about reporting; it’s about standing up for the truth.
* * * I miss my former boss Dr. Luis calingo, the late president of holy Angel University in Angeles city, Pampanga. he was president of Woodbury University in Burbank, california and executive vice president and chief academic officer of Dominican University of california in san rafael, california.
I was lucky that I was under his direct supervision. Whenever he told me to report to his office, I was amazed by the brilliance and innovativeness of his mind. he taught me lots of things in life as an educator and leader. he was an internationally tested, visionary leader who was grounded in deep ethical beliefs and drove transformative organizational quality with nearly flawless execution.
* * *
Welcome to year 2025! I randomly asked four persons to answer two questions: (1) What are your plans/projects in 2025?; and (2) Any insights/learnings on the past year?
here are their replies: Arienne c alingo, a beauty queen, communications strategist, artist and writer: (1) “I’m kicking off 2025 with a work trip to Kenya, followed by a week in
Paris, france for self-care and quality time with my mother. I feel incredibly blessed that my work allows me to integrate my passions for writing, design, and education while engaging with communities abroad. As someone with a genuine interest in traveling and exploring other cultures, I’m also hoping to visit Dublin in Ireland, the Philippines, London in england, and Japan later in the year. outside of work, I’m excited to continue nurturing my love for art.
In 2024, my artwork was exhibited for the first time at the south Bend museum of Art (Indiana) and in chicago. I look forward to creating pieces that are inspired by social justice and human rights issues and submitting my pieces to more exhibits across the United states. I am also writing a personal article about my faith journey, which I plan to submit for publication this year. Lastly, I’d like to focus on reaching my fitness goals and further exploring my musical abilities. this year, I hope to produce music or collaborate with musicians to expand my creative endeavors.” (2) “I’ve come to understand the profound power of letting go. It takes
courage and strength to let go of people, imagined potentials, and opportunities that were never truly meant for us. If someone chooses to walk out of your life, hold the door open with grace and let them go. If an opportunity you poured your heart into ends in rejection or failure, embrace the lesson it offers and trust that something better lies ahead. have faith in what’s meant to be. You will be redirected to what is truly right for you.”
m ilaflor m ahinan, a retired teacher in science at Dr. Alejandro Albert e lementary s chool in manila: (1) “I intend to travel throughout the Philippines to discover its abundant beauty and rich resources and to visit my relatives in the U.s.” (2) “Despite an injury, I was able to join the convention for retired teachers, the Philippines Alliance of retired educators, which is organized nationwide for GsIs teacher-retirees. one of the objectives of PAre is to increase the pension of all retired educators and additional benefits similar to those in the active services.”
Bam Aquino, a m aurice r Greenberg world fellow at Yale University’s Jackson school of
HOUSING SERVICES SERVICES
EVE Community Village – Mga Bago, Abot-Kayang Paupahang Bahay
Ang EVE Community Village, na matatagpuan sa lugar ng Potrero Hill sa San Francisco, ay naghahandog ng 38 na abot-kayang 1-, 2-, 3at 4-na silid na mga paupahang bahay. Ang mga aplikasyon para sa mga abot-kayang yunit na ito, para sa mga kabahayan na may kita ng mula sa 30% hanggang 50% ng area median income (AMI) ay magiging abeylabol sa DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal simula ika-10 ng Enero, 2025.
Ang mga pinaplanong pasilidad sa EVE ay kasama ang labahan, kuwartong pang-komunidad, sakop na paradahan at secured entry. Ang mga paupahang bahay ay mayroong kusina na all-electric, mga bentilador sa kisame at mga makinang panghugas.
Global Affairs and former Philippine senator: (1) “God-willing, I hope to see a return to public service this 2025!” (2) “Last
taught me: to have no fear and only faith! to make that leap with a full heart and hope. to always fight the good fight, even if against the odds, as long as it’s for the right reasons.” frederick francisco, a sportscaster, basketball coach and founder of Nxt Level Basketball Academy: (1) “Being a dad for over a year, my main goal is to be able to provide better for my family and to spend more time with my kid. I also plan on focusing more on my basketball academy and my sportswear business.” (2) “Last year, I took a huge step in my sportscasting career. this year, I hope I can maintain this momentum into bigger things.” Watch for the second batch next week.
* * * 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
Ang mga aplikasyon ay magiging abeylabol online sa DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal mula ika-10 ng Enero, 2025 hanggang ika-31 ng Energo, 2025, sa hudyat na 5:00 PM. Ang mga aplikasyon ay kailangan i-sumite online sa housing.sfgov.org. Para sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong, kontakin ang isa sa mga ahensiya para sa pagpayo sa pabahay na nakalista sa housing.sfgov.org/housingcounselors
Ang pag-aari na ito ay may mga yunit na may espesyal na mga pityur para sa mga may kapansanan sa pagkilos o sa mga kabahayan na may kapansanan sa pagdama. May ilang preferences nag-a-apply; may karagdagang impormasyon sa housing.sfgov.org. May mga paghihigpit sa kita at iba pang limitasyon na nag-a-apply. Ang Section 8 ay welcome. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Frederick Francisco with his wife Hersh David Francisco and son Luka and their pets BearBear, Shush and Jaxx.
Journalist Rogelio Medina (extreme right) at the
Manila.
Left photo: Dr. Luis Calingo; Right photo: (from left) Dr. Luis Calingo, Rogelio Medina, and Gemeline Braga-Calingo at Holy Angel University in January 2019. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
Bam Aquino (right) with Oggie Medina Miraflor Mahinan with her cat, Koda.
