020725 - Northern California Edition

Family of PH police officer killed in DC plane crash arrives in US, assisted by Philippine Embassy

Los ANGeLes – the widow of Police Col. Pergentino malabed Jr. – one of the 67 killed when a commercial jet and U.s. Army helicopter collided over Washington, D.C. last Wednesday, January 29 – and other family members have arrived in the U.s according to the Philippine embassy.

In a statement, the embassy said it has been “providing full support to the family of Col. Pergentino N. malabed, Jr. and assisting with all the necessary arrangements.” malabed, 51, was one of the passengers of American eagle flight 5342 that collided with a U.s. Army Black hawk helicopter near ronald reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac river Wednesday night.

In a statement, the PNP has identified malabed, chief of the supply management Division and member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1998, as

Filipina

Assemblymember Caloza holds community swearing-in, files disaster-related

bills

Los ANGeLes — Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, the very first filipina to serve in the California state Legislature, has filed her first two bills aimed at providing relief amidst the recent fires in southern California.

In a speech during her recent community swearing-in ceremony held at Los Angeles river Center & Gardens on sunday, January 26, Caloza said she introduced Assembly Bill 262, the California Individual Assistance Act, which would provide direct cash assistance to individuals and families to cover essential needs during a disaster like food, housing, and transportation.

Another bill she introduced, Assembly Bill 265, the small Business recovery fund Act, would help small businesses and nonprofits receive emergency funding during a disaster. small businesses and non-profits anchor our communities and they too, have been deeply impacted by the wildfires. Now is our

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

results of the survey conducted from Jan. 17 to Jan. 20 also showed that the trust ratings of the President had been declining since last year. from 64 percent in July 2024, it went down to 57 percent in september 2024, before further sliding to 54 percent in December 2024. In the latest survey, the trust rating of marcos was the highest in Luzon outside of manila (60 percent), followed by metro manila (52 percent), Visayas (44 percent), and mindanao (37 percent). Highest in Mindanao Duterte’s trust ratings have also been on a downward

PH to be affected by fallout from Pres. Trump’s trade war

by Janine alexis Miguel ManilaTimes.net

A trADe war launched by the United states against Canada, mexico and China will have consequences for other countries worldwide including the Philippines, analysts said.

the Department of trade and Industry said the country’s exports could also be affected and that the government would be looking to engage with the U.s. on mutually beneficial solutions, including possible preferential agreements. the extent of the impact will depend on

a number of factors, including the final tariff rate and the response of other countries,” trade secretary Cristina roque said.

U.s. President Donald trump on saturday, february 1 announced duties of 25 percent on imports from Canada and mexico and 10 percent on imports from China, claiming that the three countries needed to do more to curb the flow of narcotics and illegal immigrants. Canada and mexico quickly retaliated and China is expected to follow.

moody’s Analytics economist sarah tan said that “while these are not direct tariff

US, PH fighter planes conduct joint patrol

by FRancisco tuyay ManilaTimes.net

UNIteD states and Philippine fighter aircraft staged a joint patrol and training tuesday, february 4 over a disputed south China sea shoal where Chinese fighter jets fired flares last year to drive away a Philippine aircraft, Philippine officials said.

“U.s. Pacific Air force or Pacaf will conduct a bilateral bomber air patrol, air intercept training, and photo exercise over the West Philippine sea,” Philippine Air force (PAf) spokesman Col. ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a press briefing.

“this exercise is a crucial step in enhancing our interoperability, improving air domain awareness and agile combat employment, and supporting our shared bilateral objectives,” she added. Castillo said that involved in the drill were two Philippine fA-50 fighter aircraft and two American B1-B bombers. she added that the joint air patrol was a regular training and had nothing to do with the recent tension in the area. this cooperative effort falls under the framework of the mutual Defense Board-security engagement Board activities

House impeaches VP Sara

LAWmAKers on Wednesday, february 5 voted to send articles of impeachment against Vice President sara Duterte to the senate for trial, a day before the current congressional session was set to end. having been filed by more than one-third of the membership of the house of representatives, or a total of 215 members... the motion is approved,” speaker martin romualdez told lawmakers. Duterte’s fate now lies in the hands of 24 senators, twothirds of whom must vote for her impeachment to convict her.

the senate, on its last session day, received the article of impeachment against Duterte. the members of the senate act as senator-judges if it reconvenes as an impeachment court. the last time the senate reconvened as an impeachment court was in 2012 when it tackled the house move to unseat then-Chief Justice renato Corona. Wednesday’s filing comes days before campaigning officially begins for midterm elections, widely expected to set the table for the 2028 presidential race. Duterte is the first vice u PAGE 2

House impeaches VP...

president to be impeached by the house of representatives.

Although three impeachment complaints had been filed by other parties, the fourth complaint was initiated by house members themselves and was signed first by the president’s son, senior Deputy majority Leader sandro marcos. the fourth complaint accuses Duterte of conspiracy, malversation of confidential funds, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, high crimes and acts of destabilization. this is about upholding the Constitution and ensuring that no public official, regardless of their position, is above the law,” romualdez said.

the complaint alleges that Duterte claimed that she hired an assassin to kill President ferdinand marcos Jr., first Lady Liza Araneta marcos and romualdez.

It also noted that Duterte spoke about imagining the decapitation of the president, which, lawmakers argued, poses a direct threat to national stability and makes impeachment necessary. the complaint accuses the vice president of misusing and illegally disbursing P612.5 million in confidential funds under the office of the Vice President, as well as bribery and financial manipulation within the Department of education.

It alleges that Duterte quadrupled her net worth from 2007 to 2017 and pointed to “suspicious transactions” linked to joint bank accounts shared with her father, former President rodrigo Duterte. the complaint also used the testimony of former policeman Arturo Lascanas, who alleged that Duterte was involved with the Davao Death squad during her time as Davao City mayor, where he said that Duterte “personally ordered assassinations under

operation Tokhang” and “bodies of victims were secretly buried in mass graves at Laud Quarry.” she is also accused of engaging in acts aimed at destabilizing the government, including boycotting the state of the Nation Address (soNA) while declaring herself “designated survivor,” leading rallies calling for marcos’ resignation, publicly defending former televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and obstructing congressional investigations by ordering subordinates not to comply with subpoenas.

Iloilo rep. Lorenz Defensor, one of the house lawmakers assigned as public prosecutor, said the impeachment trial will allow the vice president to present her case to the public.

“this is a good venue for due process in the Philippines to work... It is also a good time for the prosecution and defense to lay out their evidence,” Defensor said in english and filipino. u PAGE 4

Trump’s aid freeze suspends...

PAGE 1

Data shows UsAID and the state Department had already committed $69.7 million (P4.06 billion) in fresh funding for these projects last year before the freeze. this amount reflects the obligations in 2024, not the full unspent budget for the programs. Environmental, health programs on the line

Data from fiscal year 2024 indicates environmental protection programs are hit hardest by the freeze, as they received the largest share of UsAID funding among Philippine projects set to continue beyond January 2025. specifically, there are seven conservation or environmental-related projects last year that were allotted $19.5 million.

Basic education programs received the second-largest funding at $13 million last year spread across four different projects. A significant portion also went to health programs, with a single hIV/AIDs project receiving $6.7 million. Government and civil society programs were allocated $6.5 million for eight projects.

Philstar.com’s analysis focused only on projects with confirmed implementation timelines beyond the freeze and excludes operational expenses like salaries and other administrative costs.

Uncertainty the suspension of all U.s. foreign aid projects reaches deep into Philippine development work. Programs under review include a five-year biodiversity conservation program and initiatives that sought to democratize access to reading materials, health services and early job opportunities, among others.

the environmental program that was allocated the largest UsAID funding last year was the Inspire Project by the Gerry roxas foundation, which received $7.97 million in obligations (roughly P467.18 million).

the five-year initiative aims to enhance natural resource resilience and security in the Philippines by increasing the engagement of civil society organizations and local communities in natural resource governance. It is slated to end in 2026.

the U.s state Department’s largest funding obligation for a project in the Philippines last year was $6.68 million (approximately P391.67 million) for an hIV epidemic control program, according to government records.

the project, implemented by an undisclosed international organization, focuses on providing technical assistance to local Philippine groups working to control the spread of hIV. staff of at least two projects funded by UsAID who spoke to Philstar.com on the condition of anonymity confirmed they were ordered to halt all activities except administrative work while their programs undergo review.

“We are still receiving our salaries but we are not sure how long this will be sustainable given that there is no word yet if UsAID will reimburse contractors who will

hikes on the Philippines, the country will not be completely isolated from the ongoing trade tensions.”

she said that softer global demand, particularly from the U.s. and China — two of the Philippines’ major trading partners — could dampen the country’s export performance.

tan also warned that the “tariff hikes could cause global interest rate nominalization to slow,” potentially affecting the strength of the peso and hinder borrowings. should demand for Philippine

bear overhead costs in the meantime,” said one employee for a UsAID contractor. they described an atmosphere of uncertainty that followed trump’s stop-work order. “We’re not sure how long this will be in effect and what the outcome will be,” they added.

‘America First’ the aid freeze is one of trump’s first major actions back in office that push his “America first” agenda — triggering leadership shake-ups at UsAID where some officials have been accused of resisting the order.

An official from UsAID Philippines declined to comment, saying they were not authorized to discuss the matter. for non-government organizations dependent on U.s. funding for their main programs, the impact was immediate and severe.

“We have to halt our operations connected to the UsAID grant all over mindanao... We have to lay off staff with no separation pay,” said rhadem musawah, one of the leaders of mujer, an LGBt rights organization based in Zamboanga City, in mindanao. our legal and humanitarian assistance to LGBt communities will stop, along with our efforts on local policy lobbying for anti-discrimination ordinances and LGU engagements,” musawah said in filipino in a message to Philstar. com.

UsAID, the U.s.’ lead development agency, and the state Department are the primary channels for delivering U.s. foreign assistance worldwide.

While UsAID focuses on implementing development programs and humanitarian aid, the state Department oversees diplomatic relations and contributes to foreign assistance through initiatives like security cooperation and democracy promotion.

‘Things will crumble’

While trump’s order states that the suspension and review of foreign development assistance will only last for 90 days, development workers in the Philippines have immediately grasped its lasting consequences.

the national government [of the Philippines] pretends that the aid freeze won’t affect the Philippines as a whole, but let’s see after two to three months how things will crumble after thousands of partner organizations of the government shut down and no longer provide support to the government grassroot programs,” musawah said.

the impact is already being felt across communities that, for years, have been systemically excluded from the Philippine government’s traditional health programs. for instance, transmasculine Philippines, a community-based organization for filipino trans men and transmasculine non-binary people, was forced to close its community center for transgender filipinos on January 28 after all UsAID funding was paused.

“With several of our local LGBtQIA+ organizations dependent on awarded UsAID funding, we

merchandise exports slow, it will hit industrial production and potentially prompt firms to pare back investment plans,” she added. still, tan said that the Philippines, given its strong domestic economy, would still be one of the better performers in the region.

“As for new tariffs, we don’t expect the Philippines to be high up on President trump’s hit list for two reasons,”

believe the suspension endangers efforts to provide accessible services to community members, as well as individuals relying on such projects for their well-being,” the group said.

some government agencies are also feeling the impact of the aid freeze. for instance, the Department of education, which partners with UsAID on multiple projects, is also now facing uncertainty about ongoing programs. education secretary Angara told Philstar.com: “We’re not quite sure yet about the longterm impact of the order but we are hoping that the new administration will see the value of the projects undertaken by UsAID with the Philippines as a strategic partner.”

Angara said these are the ongoing UsAID projects in partnership with Deped: • ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines - a $47.5 million initiative aimed at improving the quality of basic education in the country, specifically the provision of early grade reading materials to Bangsamoro learners • GABAY: Strengthening Inclusive education for Blind and Deaf Children - a $3.4 million project focused on enhancing educational opportunities for children with visual and hearing impairments.

• ILO-PH: Improving Learning outcomes for the Philippines - a $5 million program designed to boost learning outcomes for filipino students. the uncertainty is also believed to extend beyond the immediate project suspensions.

A development worker who spoke to Philstar.com on the condition of anonymity believes trump’s order will have “serious consequences in future grants, especially those that won’t align with the executive order of the White house.” they noted that anti-corruption and diversity initiatives may be particularly vulnerable to restructuring. Aid dependency?

While organizations are scrambling to keep their programs, some believe the aid freeze has largely exposed deeper vulnerabilities in Philippine development work.

the trump presidency has revealed the darkest part of developmental work in the Philippines — that we are not sustainable and that we are too dependent on their aid and indirectly has been taken hostage by these foreign policy aids,” musawah said.

LoveYourself — an organization that provides free hIV testing — said it had to suspend newer initiatives like free PreP distribution and self-testing campaigns due to the aid freeze.

In turn, the group called on the Philippine government to “step up” and fund programs that have been paused.

“to the Philippine government, this is your moment to step up and partner with civil society organizations. By working together, we can scale up programs, foster innovation, and fill the gaps left by international funding uncertainties,” it said in a statement. n

NATIONAL ARTS MONTH. Ethnic dancers from various schools parade during the launch of the 2025 National Arts Month led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, February 3. With the theme “Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin”

(Harvest of the Arts: Soul and Passion), the celebration underscores the transformative power of Filipino arts while honoring the passion and spirit of Filipino artists. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Trump administration’s halt of CDC ’s weekly scientific report stalls bird flu studies

by Amy mAxmen KFF

the trump administration has intervened in the release of important studies on the bird flu, as an outbreak escalates across the United states.

one of the studies would reveal whether veterinarians who treat cattle have been unknowingly infected by the bird flu virus. Another report documents cases in which people carrying the virus might have infected their pet cats. the studies were slated to appear in the official journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the morbidity and mortality Weekly report. the distinguished journal has been published without interruption since 1952.

Its scientific reports have been swept up in an “immediate pause” on communications by federal health agencies ordered by Dorothy fink, the acting secretary of the Department of health and human services.

fink’s memo covers “any document intended for publication,” she wrote, “until it has been reviewed and approved by a presidential appointee.” It was sent on President Donald trump’s first full day in office.

that’s concerning, former CDC officials said, because a firewall has long existed between the agency’s scientific reports and political appointees.

mmWr is the voice of science,” said tom frieden, a former CDC director and the Ceo of the nonprofit organization resolve to save Lives.

“this idea that science cannot continue until there’s a political lens over it is unprecedented,” said Anne schuchat, a former principal deputy director at the CDC. “I hope it’s going to be very short-lived, but if it’s not shortlived, it’s censorship.”

White house officials meddled with scientific studies on covid-19 during the first trump administration, according to interviews and emails collected in a 2022 report from congressional investigators. still, the mmWr came out as scheduled.

“What’s happening now is quite different than what we experienced in covid, because there wasn’t a stop in the mmWr and other scientific manuscripts,” schuchat said.

Neither the White house nor hhs officials responded to requests for comment. CDC spokesperson melissa Dibble said, “this is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization.”

News of the interruption hit suddenly last week, just as fred Gingrich, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, a group for veterinarians specializing in cattle medicine, was preparing to hold a webinar with members. he planned to disclose the results of a study he helped lead, slated for publication in the mmWr later that week. Back in september, about 150 members had answered questions and donated blood for the study. researchers at the CDC analyzed the samples for antibodies against the bird flu virus, to learn whether the veterinarians had been unknowingly infected earlier last year.

Although it would be too late to treat prior cases, the study promised to help scientists understand how the virus spreads from cows to people, what symptoms it causes, and how to prevent infection. “our members were very excited to hear the results,” Gingrich said. Like farmworkers, livestock veterinarians are at risk of bird flu infections. the study results could help protect them. And having fewer infections would lessen the chance of the h5N1 bird flu virus evolving within a person to spread efficiently between people — the gateway to a bird flu pandemic.

At least 67 people have tested positive for the bird flu in the U.s., with the majority getting the virus from cows or poultry.

But studies and reporting suggest many cases have gone undetected, because testing has been patchy.

Just before the webinar, Gingrich said, the CDC informed him that because of an hhs order, the agency was unable to publish the report last week or communicate its findings. “We had to cancel,” he said.

Another bird flu study slated to be published in the mmWr last week concerns the possibility that people working in michigan’s dairy industry infected their pet cats. these cases were partly revealed

last year in emails obtained by Kff health News. In one email from July 22, an epidemiologist pushed to publish the group’s investigation to “inform others about the potential for indirect transmission to companion animals.”

Jennifer morse, medical director at the mid-michigan District health Department and a scientist on the pending study, said she got a note from a colleague last week saying that “there are delays in our publication — outside of our control.”

A person close to the CDC, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of concerns about reprisal, expected the mmWr to be on hold at least until feb. 6. the journal typically posts on thursdays, and the hhs memo says the pause will last through feb. 1.

“It’s startling,” frieden said. he added that it would become dangerous if the reports aren’t restored. “It would be the equivalent of finding out that your local fire department has been told not to sound any fire alarms,” he said.

In addition to publishing studies, the mmWr keeps the country updated on outbreaks, poisonings, and maternal mortality, and provides surveillance data on cancer, heart disease, hIV, and other maladies.

Delaying or manipulating the reports could harm Americans by stunting the ability of the U.s government to detect and curb health threats, frieden said. the freeze is also a reminder of how the first trump administration interfered with the CDC’s reports on covid, revealed in emails detailed in 2022 by congressional investigators with the house select subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. that investigation found that political appointees at hhs altered or delayed the release of five reports and attempted to control several others in 2020.

In one instance, Paul Alexander, then a scientific adviser to hhs, criticized a July 2020 report on a coronavirus outbreak at a Georgia summer camp in an email to mmWr editors, which was disclosed in the congressional investigation.

“It just sends the wrong message as written and actually reads as u PAGE 4

SWS trust ratings for Marcos,

Duterte...

slide since last year. from 65 percent in July 2024, it dropped to 55 percent in september 2024, then further down to 52 percent in December 2024.

In the latest survey, the trust rating for Duterte

US, PH fighter planes conduct joint...

between the Philippines and the United states specifically addressing bilateral air activities and joint air patrols,” Castillo said. the joint patrol and airintercept drills over the hotly disputed scarborough shoal off the northwestern Philippines were the first by the longtime treaty allies since U.s. President Donald trump took office again.

trump’s “America first” foreign policy thrust has sparked concerns among Washington’s allies in Asia about the scale and depth of U.s commitment to the region in his new term. his predecessor, Joe Biden, had moved to strengthen an arc of security alliances in the region to counter China’s increasingly assertive actions.

In August last year, two Chinese Air force aircraft flew close and then fired flares in the path of a Philippine Air force plane on routine patrol over the scarborough shoal in actions that were strongly condemned and protested by the Philippine government, military officials said.

All those aboard the Philippine Air force NC-212i turboprop transport plane were unharmed, the Philippine military said. the southern theater Command

of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army said then that a Philippine Air force aircraft “illegally” entered the airspace above the shoal and disrupted training activities by Chinese forces. It warned the Philippines to “stop its infringement, provocation, distortion and hyping-up.”

the Philippine military chief, Gen. romeo Brawner, said at the time that the incident “posed a threat to Philippine Air force aircraft and its crew, interfered with lawful flight operations in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction and contravened international law and regulations governing safety of aviation.”

China and the Philippines have had increasingly alarming faceoffs in the shoal, called Bajo de masinloc by the Philippines and huangyan Island by China.

“We are always prepared for any contingency; it’s part of the training,” Castillo said when asked if the allied forces had prepared to address any challenge by Chinese aircraft.

“It already happened before and, as I have said, whatever the coercive, aggressive actions of any foreign party, the Philippine Air force will not be deterred from

performing its mandate,” Castillo said.

the U.s. military has reported encountering such dangerous maneuvers by Chinese air force planes in the past over the disputed waters, where it has deployed fighter jets and navy ships to promote freedom of navigation and overflight.

China has bristled at U.s military deployments in the disputed region, saying these have endangered regional security.

Aside from China and the Philippines, Brunei, malaysia, Vietnam and taiwan have overlapping territorial claims in the busy sea passage, a key global trade and security route, but hostilities have particularly flared in the past two years between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy forces in the scarborough shoal and another fiercely contested atoll, the second thomas shoal.

Washington has repeatedly warned that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Philippine forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the south China sea. (With reports from the Associated

Press)

was highest in mindanao (78 percent), followed by Visayas (55 percent), metro manila (36 percent), and Luzon outside of manila (33 percent). the survey had 1,800 respondents nationwide and a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percent. n

MASTERPIECE. This “Keep Climbing” by Quezon Province artist John Infante, takes center stage at the grand exhibition ‘Banyuhay’ at the Araneta City’s Gateway Gallery in Quezon City on Tuesday, Feb. 4, alongside pieces from Lucban, Tayabas, Pagbilao, and Lucena. Showcasing over 90 artworks

by 46 visual artists in celebration of National Arts Month, the exhibit which runs until Feb. 14 fosters creativity and unity and inspires a deeper appreciation for local artistry. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Family of PH police officer killed in DC plane...

one of the fatalities.

malabed flew to the United states to inspect a batch of armored vests procured by the PNP. he was on his way to Washington, D.C., to pay a courtesy call to Police Attaché Colonel moises Villaceran Jr. he was on official travel, “fulfilling his duty, committed to the service of protecting and securing both the PNP and the nation,” the PNP said.

In a facebook post, malabed’s widow, rio Alanis taganasmalabed, wrote that she is

spending time with loved ones and honoring her husband. on behalf of the other members of the malabed family, I extend my gratitude to all for coming our way during this difficult time,” taganasmalabed wrote. “I further ask for your understanding in quietly observing our moments as we prepare to bring my husband back home.”

In another post, she paid tribute to malabed, saying, “… you always make me proud with your dedication to your service until the end. I love you so

House impeaches VP...

following the vote, the house elected 11 of its lawmakers to serve as impeachment prosecutors: Batangas 2nd District rep. Gerville Luistro, Antipolo 2nd District rep. romeo Acop, 1-rider rep. rodge Gutierrez, manila 3rd District rep. Joel Chua, Ako Bicol rep. Jil Bongalon; General santos rep. Loreto Acharon, house minority Leader and 4Ps rep. marcelino Libanan, oriental mindoro 1st District rep. Arnan Panaligan, San Juan Rep. Ysabel Zamora, Iloilo 3rd District rep. Lorenz Defensor, and Bukidnon 2nd District Jonathan Keith flores. rep. Paolo Duterte, the vice president’s older brother, slammed what he called “railroaded efforts” to impeach her. he also alleged that Iloilo rep. Janette Garin “hastily” collected signatures and pushed for the immediate approval and transmittal of what he claimed was a “baseless” impeachment case, calling it a “clear act of political persecution.”

“this administration is treading on dangerous ground. If they were unfazed by the over 1 million rallying supporters of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, then they are blindly marching toward an even greater storm — one that could shake the very foundation of their rule, “ the congressman from Davao said.

the relationship between Duterte and President marcos is at a nadir, their former alliance giving way to a months-long public battle that has seen the trading of wild accusations, including an alleged death threat that remains under investigation. But marcos had previously urged Congress not to pursue Duterte’s impeachment, calling it

a “storm in a teacup” that would distract the legislature from its primary responsibilities.

executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, however, said on monday, february 3 that the office of the President would “not interfere” with the impeachment complaints.

house member Percival Cendaña, who had backed one of the three impeachment complaints, urged his colleagues to take quick action at a rally on friday, January 31 that drew thousands calling for Duterte’s impeachment. every day of inaction “condones the impunity, the abuse of power and the harassment that Duterte is doing to our country’s leaders,” he told reporters.

Duterte was widely tipped to succeed her father rodrigo as president in the 2022 elections but stepped aside to back marcos and later ran for vice president on his ticket.

But the alliance has since imploded. In November, she delivered an expletive-laden speech saying she had ordered someone to kill marcos if she herself was assassinated.

she later denied that her comments constituted a death threat, saying she had only been expressing “consternation” with the administration’s failures. the alleged assassination threat was among the allegations included in the last of the three complaints filed against Duterte, lodged on December 19 by seven manila-based Catholic priests. “Impeachment is the necessary, ultimate line of defense against corruption at the highest rungs of officialdom,” it said. “she cannot be vice president a minute longer.”

Previous impeachment trial then-senator ferdinand

much.” the PNP said malabed’s passing “is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity and dedication throughout his career.”

the Philippine embassy has echoed the family’s request for privacy.

“At this time, the family has requested privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” the embassy said. U.s. authorities have yet to announce when malabed’s remains will be released to his family. (inquirer.net)

marcos Jr. was among the senator-judges during the impeachment of Corona. the senate president at that time, Juan Ponce enrile, was the presiding officer and is now marcos’ chief presidential legal counsel.

Aside from senate President francis escudero and senate minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, incumbent senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy estrada, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda and Bong revilla participated in Corona’s impeachment.

sen. Joel Villanueva said as a member of the senate, he would be ready to perform his duties and responsibilities as senator-judge should the senate reconvene as an impeachment court.

Asked whether escudero had already discussed any possible preparation for the trial with them, Villanueva said, “No. Zero.”

Before the senate received the articles of impeachment, escudero said the senate was not gearing up for an impeachment trial, saying it would do so only when the formal complaint has been submitted.

Villanueva declined to provide specifics on what the senators would do, saying any discussion on the impeachment trial needs “plenary action.”

But he said the rules adopted during the impeachment of then chief justice Corona in 2012 could serve as a “guide” in crafting the new rules on the impeachment trial.

Villanueva said he was unsure whether the senate would proceed with the impeachment trial even if it was in recess. (With reports from Javier Joe ismael, reina Tolentino and Agence France-Presse)

Trump administration’s halt of CDC ’s...

PAGE 3

if to send a message of Not to re-open,” he wrote. Although the report’s data remained the same, the CDC removed remarks on the implications of the findings for schools.

Later that year, Alexander sent an email to then- hhs spokesperson m ichael Caputo citing this and another example of his sway over the reports: “ s mall victory but a victory nonetheless and

yippee!!!” schuchat, who was at the CDC at the time, said she had never experienced such attempts to spin or influence the agency’s scientific reports in more than three decades with the agency. she hopes it won’t happen again. “the mmWr cannot become a political instrument,” she said.

Gingrich remains hopeful that the veterinary study will come out soon. “We’re an

apolitical organization,” he said. “maintaining open lines of communication and continuing research with our federal partners is critical as we fight this outbreak.”

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.

Filipina Assemblymember Caloza holds...

1

time to help them,” Caloza said.

In an interview with the Asian Journal, Caloza said she would want to urge the filipino American community to remain vigilant and always work together for the common good.

“for the filipino American community, I hope you know that you are powerful,” the assemblymember said. “Your voice is represented in sacramento, she assured. she said all those filipino Americans affected by the recent wildfires could count on her for help. “We are here to help you. Please reach out to me and my team, we are here at your service,” she said.

While emphasizing the importance of being able to provide fast and efficient public service, especially during difficult times, Caloza likewise expressed great appreciation to all those who dedicated time and effort during the crisis.

to our first responders — our firefighters, public safety officials, and public works teams —thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting all of us. thank you also to the countless workers who are uplifting our communities during this difficult time—our teachers, healthcare workers, childcare providers, education workers, custodians, public transportation workers, and so many more,” Caloza said.

“on the second day of the fires, my team and I were fielding calls, emails, and requests from all over the district from residents who needed help. robert, a resident in highland Park, was so kind and helped us deliver almost 40 cases of water to seniors who desperately needed it,” she recalled. those seniors who were able to receive help were present during the swearing-in ceremony. she also commended the college students from UCLA and occidental College who were helping deliver food to frontline workers.

“I saw small businesses that were already struggling before the fires, continue to dig deep and donate hot meals to shelters even though they were the ones who needed help,” she added.

Addressing hundreds of supporters, dignitaries, community leaders, and special guests who attended the swearing-in ceremony, Caloza said, “these stories…they bind us and they are powerful. these last few weeks, we witnessed so much humanity and kindness that we were all literally willing to give the shirt off our backs to our neighbors and perfect strangers.”

she said, “I’ve dedicated my life to this work and to public service because simply put, I believe in the power of government and how it can transform lives when it works. that’s what it did for my family. I believe it works best when our government is grounded with everyday people, with the community. that’s what my parents, Gigi and, taught me—to care deeply, to fight hard to protect your values, and work even harder to pay it forward to others because it’s the right thing to do. this is the spirit I witnessed during the wildfires.”

she also called for unity in the community. “that’s the Los Angeles I am fighting for and that I believe in. Beyond labels. Beyond political parties. Democrat. republican. Progressive. moderate. Conservative. None of that mattered during this crisis because when faced with life or death decisions, we picked life. We picked each other. We picked community. Because we have so much more in common than what divides us.”

According to Caloza, she is grateful that similar efforts to help disaster victims are also being carried out on a larger scale.

“this was not just true in the community but also at the state Capitol. that’s why I’m so excited that my colleagues under the leadership of speaker robert rivas and our Budget Chair Jesse

Chair secured bipartisan support to pass a $2.5 billion dollar relief bill to provide emergency aid to help our communities rebuild, especially our neighbors in Altadena, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades,” she noted.

rivas administered Caloza’s ceremonial community oath of office.

Aside from the two new bills she introduced, Caloza said she is also committed to passing more expedient bills in the near term that would address the needs of her constituents. “these (two) bills are just the beginning.

In the coming weeks, I will be introducing new legislation to address the ongoing needs of our district,” she added.

“I’ve talked to thousands of residents and people are ready for action and our community deserves solutions. families want to live in affordable neighborhoods, not just for themselves but for their kids and their grandkids,” she said.

“People want more housing— both homeowners and renters alike. every person I’ve talked to wants us to treat homelessness like the crisis it is and we want our unhoused neighbors to get the help they desperately need.”

Among the issues she aims to focus on are those concerning the youth, the seniors, and the working class. “Young people want more open space, more parks, and clean air and clean water. our seniors and Veterans want safe streets and better access to government services.

Working class people just want to be able to live off of one paycheck, have a safe workplace, and go to sleep at night knowing their job is safe,” she said, noting that

“I’ve listened to your stories. I want you to know that not only do I hear you and see you but I am committed to doing everything in my power to deliver real progress on these issues.”

“What you have is my commitment to representing you in the Assembly as someone who is going to work really hard for you,” said Caloza.

During the swearing-in ceremony, mountains recreation Conservation Authority executive officer Joe edmiston, who delivered the welcome remarks, commended Caloza for her vigorous efforts to providing assistance to the community during the crisis time.

thank you so much to our assemblymember who understands the needs of the community,” edmiston said. the ceremony also highlighted special remarks from LA County Board of supervisors, Ist District hilda solis.

“We are witnessing history as Jessica Caloza becomes the first filipina American to serve in the California state Legislature. And I hope more filipinas and filipinos follow her path and of course, not just for herm but for all women of colors... she is an example not just in our filipino community but for all of us,” solis said.

solis encouraged young filipina Americans to emulate Caloza and see her as an inspiration. “to our young filipina girls here today, you have to look at Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, you could be like her. Jessica has paved the way for you so it is easier for you this

the

District 52 includes the southern portion of Glendale, eagle rock, mt. Washington, highland Park, Glassell Park, silver Lake, echo Park, Atwater Village, Lincoln heights, Loz feliz, east hollywood, Cypress Park, elysian Valley, monterey hills, hermon, montecito heights, el sereno and Unincorporated east Los Angeles. there are more than 13,000 filipino Americans in this district.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Assemblymember Jessica Caloza

ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT House Secretary General Reginald Velasco hands to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. the articles of impeachment filed against Vice President Sara Duterte at the Office of the Senate Secretary in Pasay City on Feb. 5, 2025. SPPA POOL

California state Assemblymember Jessica Caloza addresses a packed crowd of elected officials, community leaders and constituents during her community swearing-in on Sunday, January 26.

Marcos to public: Pay your taxes

by helen Flores Philstar.com

mANILA — President marcos on tuesday, february 4 urged the public to pay taxes and assured the people that tax evaders will be held accountable.

“We will hold those who continue to circumvent our system accountable,” marcos said at the Bureau of Internal revenue (BIr)’s national tax campaign kickoff in Pasay. over P2.85 trillion in taxes was collected by the BIr last year, surpassing the P2.52 trillion in 2023, marcos noted. this was the highest amount posted in two decades, he said. the BIr’s 2024 revenue could fund 1,140,800 new schools, 190,133 kilometers of roads and 167,014 rural health facilities, marcos said.

Initiatives of the BIr to strengthen tax collection led to the registration of 74,656 new establishments in 2024, bringing the total number of registered taxpayers to nearly 5.7 million, the president noted. About P257.01 million was recovered by checking the compliance of 307,028 establishments, he said. the president also cited the BIr online registration and Update system and electronic one-time transaction system. Cases have been filed against

ghost sellers and buyers through the agency’s run After fake transactions program, marcos said. the initiative resulted in P4.33 billion collected in 2024, a sharp increase from the P617.95 million in 2023, he said. Crackdowns on illicit trade, including cigarettes, vapes and other excisable goods generated P110.33 million in revenue last year, marcos said. n

Philippines still major cyberattack target

DesPIte a year-on-year decrease in the overall number of cyberattacks, the Philippines remained a major target for web threats in 2024, a new Kaspersky report showed. from 4th in 2023, the Philippines is now 3rd among countries most affected by cyberthreats, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of filipino internet users.

Yeo Siang Tiong, Kaspersky's general manager for southeast Asia, said the Philippines' rise in the global rankings, despite the drop in detected threats, shows that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and relentless. this should serve as a wakeup call for businesses and individuals in the Philippines. Clearly, it's time to strengthen their defenses and stay vigilant against evolving online threats," Yeo said. filipinos are known to be really active online, so cybersecurity should no longer just be an option but a necessity in today's digital landscape," he added.

In 2024, Kaspersky security Network detected 14,101,706

web threats targeting filipino users, with 42.3 percent of users facing cyber risks. Despite the lower number of attacks compared to the previous year, the Philippines moved up to third place worldwide. In comparison, Kaspersky recorded 26,164,698 web threats in 2023, impacting 48 percent of filipino users. At the time, the Philippines ranked fourth globally, trailing mongolia, moldova and Greece.

Web threats refer to cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers, plug-ins and online platforms to deliver malware and other harmful content to unsuspecting users. the most common methods cybercriminals use to penetrate systems include drive-by downloads and social engineering attacks. Drive-by downloads occur when users visit compromised websites that automatically download malware without their knowledge or consent, while social engineering attacks take place when cybercriminals deceive users into downloading malicious files disguising as legitimate programs, often

through phishing emails, fake websites and misleading advertisements. the numbers of cyberthreats are fluctuating, not uniformly declining. Perceived decreases can stem from several factors, including improved detection and prevention technologies masking the actual threat volume, a shift in attacker tactics toward more sophisticated attacks, a focus on specific high-value targets and reducing the overall number of less impactful incidents reported publicly, as well as an increased investment in cybersecurity awareness training, leading to fewer successful phishing campaigns. these explanations suggest a complex picture, rather than a simple overall reduction in malicious cyber activity," Yeo said. Kaspersky warned that the decline in total threats detected in 2024 might indicate improved cybersecurity measures among businesses and individuals, but the Philippines' higher global ranking underscores the need for continuous efforts to strengthen cybersecurity defenses through comprehensive protection strategies. (ManilaTimes.net)

US-trained doctor is new PhilHealth chief

by catheRine s. Valente , BeRnadette e taMayo and

PresIDeNt ferdinand marcos Jr. appointed Dr. edwin mercado, a U.s.-trained orthopedic surgeon, as president and chief executive officer of the Philippine health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth), malacañang said tuesday, february 4. mercado, who replaced emmanuel Ledesma Jr. as head of the state insurer, took his oath before the president in malacañang on tuesday, the Presidential Communications office (PCo) said.

Before his appointment, mercado served as vice chairman of the mercado General hospital and Qualimed health Network since 2021. he has demonstrated proven leadership and executive and strategic planning expertise,” the PCo said in a statement.

“Under his leadership, mercado General hospital Inc. (mGhI) has expanded into a national chain of health care facilities that includes four general hospitals, six multi-specialty clinics, two surgery centers, 150 primary care corporate clinics, a college for paramedical professionals, and a physician practice group of 400 doctors,” it added.

A doctor of medicine graduate of the University of the Philippines in 1987, mercado completed his master of medical sciences in global health delivery at harvard medical school in 2023. he also has an executive master’s in health care administration from the University of North Carolina in the U.s “mercado has dedicated his work to ensuring equitable access to quality medical care and leveraging technology to strengthen health systems, particularly in financial management and primary care programs,” the PCo said.

mercado did advocacy work with the Zuellig family foundation and several Department of health Centers for health Development, providing technical assistance to provincial health boards on operationalizing their health care provider network.

A lecturer at the Ateneo school of medicine and Public health on global supply chain, research methods, and implementation science, mercado is also a guest lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Public health on medical processes and programs.

mercado is studying the cost of per-member payment for global coverage of inpatient services. he is also involved in an ongoing study on using artificial intelligence as an assistive tool for community health workers to deliver primary care.

health secretary teodoro herbosa welcomed mercado’s appointment, noting that he is actively involved in health economics work aligned with the Universal health Care Act and cited his academic qualifications. sen. Grace Poe said she hopes the new Philhealth management could “breathe new life” into the state health insurer that needs healing itself.

“We are looking forward to the new Philhealth leadership and we hope for a more responsive, efficient and just health care management,” Poe said in a statement on tuesday.

senate President Pro tempore Jinggoy estrada said he hopes mercado would be able to “fix all the problems” of Philhealth, adding: “one good thing is [that] he is not a politician.” Poe said mercado “faces a u

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

STABLE. Buyers pick from various fresh produce at San Andres Public Market in Manila on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The Department of Agriculture said there is no major movement in vegetable prices.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

OPiniOn Features

Magic number for a just living wage

Here, at last, comes a serious and determined push in Congress to increase the minimum daily salary in the private sector, some 36 years after the country’s workers experienced their last across-the-board wage hike.

the proposed raise — set initially at P100 by the senate and now doubled by the house of representatives to P200 — offers not just relief but salvation to millions of workingclass filipinos whose earnings have failed to keep up with skyrocketing costs of feeding, clothing, and housing their families.

What made everyone sit up and take notice wasn’t so much the announcement itself but where the announcement was coming from: speaker martin romualdez, who on Wednesday, January 29 pledged to speed up deliberations on the minimum daily wage hike bill, following a meeting with labor leaders.

the senate had done its part when it passed its P100 wage hike proposal in february last year. then on thursday, January 30, the house labor and employment committee promptly endorsed the speaker’s pitch for a P200 wage hike bill, bringing it a step closer to approval in plenary session.

romualdez said the house had resolved to double the senate proposal to provide employees economic relief while ensuring the sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (msmes), as “a critical step toward achieving inclusive growth and addressing the immediate challenges faced by filipino families.”

The greater good on thursday, senate President francis escudero said his chamber looked forward to working with the house to harmonize the two versions of the bill at the bicameral conference.

But the timing raised questions about the lawmakers’ motive in pushing for the measure so close to the midterm elections in may: Is this what they call “legislation in aid of reelection”? then again, do the legislature’s intentions matter

As usual, there are those unscrupulous, opportunistic people engaged in the law profession who are coming forward pretending to be dogooders but in reality are just trying to take advantage of the situation to promote themselves or their “legal” business – capitalizing on the “fear factor” that people are experiencing. these people are stupidly and dangerously trying to undermine the efforts that our Philippine consulates are doing to help those who are affected by the new immigration policy of the trump administration. Ironically, we are even being accused of creating panic because we have been giving the sound advice for those affected to leave voluntarily If there is no legal path – especially for those who came into the United states illegally or overstayed on a tourist visa.

President franklin Delano roosevelt said during his first inaugural address: “the only thing

With Due Respect

AmoNG the hundreds of executive orders (eos) signed on Jan. 20 by United states President Donald trump, the eo which unduly limits birthright citizenship—the inherent right to American citizenship of those born in the U.s. — is plainly disadvantageous to the fil-Ams (and many other nationals) and ultimately to the Philippines. Why? Because fil-Ams remitted a whopping 40.9 percent of total remittances sent by all filipinos working abroad, constituting by far the largest share of the $37.2 billion full-year 2023 remittances, followed meekly by singapore (7.1 percent) and saudi Arabia (third at 6.2 percent). With this backgrounder, may I offer my two cents worth on why this eo violates the U.s. Constitution and is therefore void.

when the outcome redounds to the greater good for the greatest number? the case for a wage hike is not only compelling — it is undeniable. over the years, inflation has whittled away at the purchasing power of filipino workers, reaching 2.9 percent in December. Yet, today’s minimum wage remains woefully inadequate to meet the basic needs of a family, while scant regional wage increases consistently fail to keep up with soaring costs of food, transportation, and utilities.

Drop in the bucket In July 2024, the regional tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved a wage hike of P35 in metro manila, which might well have been a drop in the bucket for urban poor families trying to stay afloat. other regions saw even smaller increases, rubbing salt to the wound of struggling workers across the nation, whether in cities or provinces. the proposal has been greeted with stiff opposition. the employers Confederation of the Philippines (ecop) warned that a legislated wage hike could stoke inflation and drive investors away. “this will just make investors hesitate more with the uncertainty it creates. And we are already lagging behind our neighbors in terms of investments,” ecop president sergio ortiz-Luis Jr. said.

But that argument pales in comparison to what the wage hike could mean for ordinary workers.

Deputy speaker Democrito raymond mendoza of the trade Union Congress of the Philippines said higher salaries would “lift over 5 million minimum wage earners out of poverty, put nutritious food on their table, send their children to school, and give them a fighting chance for a better life to overcome

hardships and attain prosperity.”

Backbone of nation’s economy

As the house begins debates on the wage hike bill, the challenge for lawmakers now is finding the magic number that is acceptable to both labor and business sectors. the P200 proposal is a step in the right direction, but by no means is it an upper limit.

Lawmakers must engage in genuine dialogue with stakeholders and be open to compromise. for instance, a possible middle ground is the grant of wage subsidies to msmes. In the end, the final product must not fall short of a sustainable wage increase that lifts workers out of poverty without crippling employers.

the clock is ticking, and the onus is on both legislative chambers and malacañang to rally behind this long overdue measure. It may well require

President marcos certifying the bill as urgent for it to be enacted before the midterm poll winners take office. But whether motivated by the people’s welfare or their odds of being reelected, lawmakers must act quickly to ensure the proposal does not get drowned out by election noise. for too long, the government has failed to recognize economic justice as the bedrock of a functioning democracy. A legislated wage hike is not just about fulfilling workers’ wishes but affording them the dignity of living meaningful, purposeful lives rather than just toiling away to put food on the table and keep a roof above their heads. Workers are the backbone of the nation’s economy, and they deserve nothing less than wages that allow them to live, not just survive.

(inquirer.net)

We are committed to help Filipinos within legal parameters

we have to fear is fear itself.” If people allow fear to take over, it can make them even more vulnerable as well as susceptible to those who just want to take advantage of their situation in the guise of concern.

filipinos who are “tago ng tago” or tNt – a euphemism for illegal immigrants hiding from authorities – should start seeking legal advice and reach out to those organizations that are truly concerned in helping with their plight. But as I have repeatedly stressed on many occasions, the best and most practical advice we can give to undocumented filipinos is to seek a legal path –for their peace of mind.

the Department of migrant Workers (DmW) is continuing to work closely with the Department of foreign Affairs, the overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Labor and employment for a whole-ofgovernment support system for filipinos who will be impacted by the immigration policy of President Donald trump – especially those who are undocumented or have no legal status in the United states. estimates place the number

of undocumented filipino immigrants in the U.s. at 350,000 (although the DmW puts the number higher at 370,000), and among the support mechanisms being put into place for possible deportees include financial and legal assistance as well as job retooling and employment facilitation in coordination with agencies such as the National reintegration Center for ofWs, Department of trade and Industry and technical education and skills Development Authority.

According to Labor secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, the government is ready to assist filipinos who will be affected by the trump administration’s massive crackdown on illegal immigrants, citing the previous large-scale deportation of undocumented filipino workers from malaysia. It can be recalled that in 2018, the malaysian government implemented a crackdown against undocumented migrants, affecting an estimated 400,000 filipinos who had no legal immigration status. During that time, the government encouraged our undocumented kababayans to

take advantage of the voluntary deportation program offered by the malaysian government rather than risk facing imprisonment or paying penalties.

As secretary Laguesma noted, there is “convergence” in the efforts of government agencies that have been tasked to provide support to those who will be possibly affected by the trump administration’s immigration policy.

Definitely, the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C. will continue to do what it has always been doing in providing whatever legal advice it can give to filipinos in the United states, whether they are documented or undocumented. even before the U.s. presidential election in November last year, one of the first things we did was to evaluate the potential impact of a new immigration policy under a trump administration.

We also intensified our information campaign on the rights that filipinos have in the United states regardless of their immigration status through our website, putting together the information obtained from various

sources that include the U.s Department of Labor, migration offices of states and immigration centers. In addition, engagements with relevant U.s. government officials were strengthened to advocate for the rights and welfare of all filipinos in the U.s

We also listed the 24/7 consular emergency hotline numbers for all consulates across the United states, including Agana in Guam. this was followed by a planning and strategy session in Washington, D.C. with all the consulates general to discuss the next steps in view of the incoming administration’s statements regarding the massive deportation of illegal immigrants. the main target of authorities now are those people with criminal records. however, this should not make those with uncertain legal status complacent.

one very major concern of ours is those who have been in the United states for many years –decades even – and have already established families as well, which is why we have reached out and are working with groups from the filipino American community that are prepared to offer support and

provide legal advice. one of them is the filipino American Legal Defense and education fund or fALDef that is offering legal advice pro bono. our meeting with the representatives of fALDef was very productive as we discussed the various challenges that undocumented filipinos face, with insights on how they can legally stay in the United states.

A major concern is the possibility of our kababayans being detained for a long period of time before they are deported – and this is what we are trying to avoid for them. Let’s not forget, one of the three pillars of our foreign policy is the protection of the rights and the promotion of the welfare and interests of filipinos overseas, and we at the embassy in Washington, D.C. – and all Philippine embassies all over the world for that matter – are committed to help filipinos everywhere. (Philstar.com)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal,

Trump’s limits on birthrights bad for PH

the 14th AmeNDmeNt to the Us CoNstItUtIoN solemnly declares: “All persons born or naturalized in the United states, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United states and of the state wherein they reside.” this is the bedrock of jus soli—citizenship is conferred by the place of birth. thus, babies born in the U.s. are U.s. citizens regardless of the citizenship, if any, of their parents, unlike in the Philippines where citizenship is determined by jus sanguinis, that is, babies get the nationality of one or both parents. thus, those born anywhere in the world of a filipino mother and/or father are filipinos at birth; or by constitutional fiat, “natural-born citizens.”

Consequently, by their birthright, babies born in the U.s whose mothers and/or fathers are filipinos are dual citizens of both the U.s. and Ph they are not required to do anything to obtain such citizenships. In fact, in my humble opinion, they already possess Philippine citizenship at

their conception, not just at their birth. however, to possess U.s citizenship, the baby must be born, not just conceived, in America. trump, however, claims that the words “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.s. give him the authority to determine who does not have such birthright. thus, according to him, no such birthright occurs (1) when the baby’s mother was unlawfully present in the U.s and the father was not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.s., and (2) when the baby’s mother’s presence in the U.s was lawful but temporary such as those with student, work, or tourist visas, and the father was not a citizen or lawful permanent U.s. resident. WIth DUe resPeCt, these tWo INterPretAtIoNs of the WorDs “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.s. are plainly strained and grotesque because everyone living or residing, whether lawfully or unlawfully, in America regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality are “subject

to the jurisdiction of” the U.s., that is, they are required to follow the American Constitution and laws, including tax laws. Who then are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of America? Answer: Ambassadors and other diplomats, their families, and officials of international organizations like the United Nations and their families who are granted diplomatic immunity. their children though born in the U.s. are not American citizens because they are “not subject to the jurisdiction” of the star-spangled nation.

In my humble opinion, this interpretation is backed by the historical reason for the passage of the 14th Amendment. In the 1857 case of Dred scott v. sandford, the supreme Court of the U.s. (scotus) held that black slaves and their children were not protected by the Bill of rights and could never be American citizens. the U.s. Civil War was waged principally to abolish slavery and racial discrimination. And before being incorporated into the

winning union of Northern states, the losing southern states had to accept the freedom of slaves and the 14th Amendment that precisely allowed the formerly enslaved U.s.-born blacks to become citizens of the American union. this interpretation allowing anyone born in the U.s. to be a citizen thereof was reiterated in 1898 in U.s. v. Wong Kim Ark and in 1982 in Plyler v. Doe. oN these LeGAL GroUNDs 22 U.s. states, several organizations, and undocumented mothers sued in the federal trial courts. In fact, Judge John C. Coughenour of seattle, an appointee of ronald reagan, a republican, surprisingly issued a temporary restraining order stopping the implementation of the eo for 14 days pending a final judgment.

Note, however, that by its own terms (section 2-b), the eo “shall apply only to persons who are born within the United states after 30 days from the date of this order.” In other words, the eo has

no retroactive effect on babies born before Jan. 20, 2025. Unlike here, the scotus has no appetite to ingest original cases regardless of their importance or urgency. It exercises merely appellate jurisdiction from the U.s Court of Appeals and at times from the highest courts of the 50 states. Nonetheless, after going through the judicial mill, the cases will end up in the scotus. how would the scotus, with six out of its nine justices appointed by republican presidents, (three by trump during his first term) try to uphold this “blatantly unconstitutional” eo? though trump expects a resounding victory, will the scotus surprise the world by thrashing the eo? (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.

* * *

Comments to chiefjusticepanganiban@ hotmail.com

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

Clergy’s call: Go beyond ‘ayuda-driven budget’ Business groups buck P200 legislated wage hike

by Dexter CAbALzA Inquirer.net

mANILA — the country’s Catholic clergy amplified its concern over the way the P6.3trillion national budget had been loaded with billions of pesos for “ayuda” (aid) through antipoverty programs that might only end up promoting patronage politics and corruption ahead of the midterm elections.

“It is time that we each take a stand about corruption, and that we be able to do something positive towards overcoming corruption. We must lobby, we must protest, yes, but more importantly, we must agree to come together and become the light to overcome the darkness of corruption,” fr. tito Caluag said in his homily during an online mass on sunday, february 2.

Doing so is a “non-negotiable moral imperative,” added Caluag, executive director of Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“While ayuda is needed for the poor not to get mired deeper into poverty, it is also important that we provide them with programs that will truly give strength and opportunity to empower them and to genuinely improve their lives. they should be masters of their lives and not need to depend on ayuda,” he said.

“I think it is high time — and this is the source of corruption— it is high time that our national budget must transition from an ayuda-driven budget into working toward programs that really empower people, human development,” Caluag added.

“We can be [a] light to our people, to our society. And I’m sure there are many leaders in government who will be welcoming our support and our participation in helping create a government that is really not corrupt, and a government that will really push for the genuine development of our people,” he also said.

‘Dynasty, patronage’

In a pastoral letter issued on sunday titled “Is there still hope?” the CBCP, through its president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, cited various conditions in the country that were causing “frustration and anguish” for many. Aside from economic, ecological, security, and international concerns, David

noted the “scandalous misuse [in the political realm] of public funds and resources; the questionable insertions, cuts, and adjustments in the national budget; and the antipoverty programs that promote a culture of patronage and mendicancy.”

“As the elections draw near, we see how platforms of popularity, dynasty, and patronage are again exploited, making politics into a family business,” he said.

Despite these, David cited “sparks of hope” in principledriven leaders who champion good governance and in the idealism of young people and responsible citizens who do not sell their principles.

“We sense a strong surge of hope, above all, in the feeling of uneasiness and disturbance— symptoms of an inner affliction, prodding us that something is wrong, yet at the same time urging us that something can and must be done within, among ourselves, and our institutions,” he said.

Call to action David called on the country’s leaders “to breathe the spirit of sincerity of God-directed service, breathe transparency and accountability.”

he also urged the youth to stand up for change and responsible leadership and the “dear faithful” in government, business, and religious or public communities “to harness a tempest of change by a sincere witness to our Christian values and fidelity to conscience.”

this was the first time the CBCP openly criticized the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) enacted on Dec. 30, although some of its members had earlier cited its flaws.

Various critics of the budget, including members of the

Catholic Church, held a rally at edsa shrine last friday, January 31 to protest its provisions.

the protests called on Congress to rectify the flaws in the 2025 GAA by passing a supplemental budget to strengthen social services and defund noncritical public works projects.

In a pastoral commentary last month, former CBCP president Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop socrates Villegas called on the faithful “to study diligently, judge critically and act with vigilance on the moral concern of the 2025 national budget.”

he criticized the budget cuts for the education sector and the zero subsidy for the Philippine health Insurance Corp.

Comelec exemptions

Advocates and budget experts have flagged the 2025 GAA for allotting hundreds of billions of pesos for various ayuda programs that could be used by unscrupulous politicians running in the may elections to sway voters.

Under the omnibus election Code, public officials and employees are prohibited from releasing, disbursing or expending any public funds for social services and housingrelated projects 45 days before election Day—or from march 28 to may 11—unless exempted by the Commission on elections. the Comelec, however, has exempted various aid projects, including the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (P26.26 billion) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis situation (P18.29 billion) of the Department of social Welfare and Development, as well as the tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers Program (P26.16 billion) of the Department of Labor and employment. n

by LoueLLA DesiDerio Philstar.com

mANILA — Business organizations on Wednesday, february 6 expressed their opposition to the proposed legislated P200 across-the-board daily wage increase, warning of its damaging effects on the economy if implemented.

In a joint position paper, the employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine exporters Confederation Inc., Philippine hotel owners Association, Philippine Association of Legitimate service Contractors, Philippine retailers Association, federation of filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Philippine Constructors Association Inc., People management Association of the Philippines and the semiconductor and electronics Industries in the Philippines foundation Inc. said they strongly oppose the proposed wage increase recently approved by the house committee on labor.

“While we acknowledge and respect the desire to improve the welfare of workers, we believe that the sweeping nature of this proposal will have devastating effects on business owners, particularly small and micro enterprises, and the Philippine economy in its entirety,” the groups said. they said micro, small and medium enterprises (msme), which account for 99 percent

of businesses in the country, are already struggling with rising operational costs, limited access to credit and the ongoing challenges following the CoVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation.

mandating a blanket wage increase of P200 a day will disproportionately burden these businesses, many of which are operating with slim margins and lack the financial flexibility to absorb such a significant increase in labor costs,” the groups said.

With approximately 70 percent of the Philippine workforce in the informal economy, the groups said these workers would not benefit from the wage hike and may even be driven further into the margins of the economy.

Another concern raised by the group is the potential for wage distortion or the sharp discrepancy between the wages of workers with similar skill sets and responsibilities, which can cause disruption in pay structures and lead to unfair wage disparities.

“this could create an imbalance, leading to dissatisfaction among employees, complications in wage negotiations and long-term problems for employers who will be forced to re-align their compensation structures across the board. the unintended consequence could be that employers face a fragmented workforce where salary levels no longer reflect productivity, experience or job complexity,”

the groups said. the proposal could also lead to higher living costs for filipinos as struggling businesses will be forced to pass on the costs of higher wages to consumers by raising the prices of goods and services.

Another unwanted consequence of the proposal is potential business closures, especially among msmes already operating on thin margins.

“Businesses that can no longer compete or cover the higher costs will be forced to downsize, reducing employment opportunities across the board,” the groups said. they said even large enterprises, especially those in highly competitive industries, could reduce hiring or let go of some workers as the wage increase raises their costs and forces them to streamline operations. moreover, the groups said the proposal, which includes penalties of up to P100,000 and/or imprisonment, along with double indemnity for unpaid benefits, could further discourage business growth and the creation of new jobs. Instead of imposing a one-sizefits-all approach, the groups said lawmakers should consider more targeted measures that address the root causes of poverty and inequality. It cited the need for more support for msmes, as well as to strengthen social safety nets for workers and improve access to education and skills training. n

US-trained doctor is new PhilHealth...

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gargantuan task in making Philhealth shape up to live up to its mandate of providing efficient, reliable and accessible universal health care to all filipinos.” the Philhealth members “who now cough up higher premium contributions must feel the benefits of the health care system, or at least have peace of mind that they can rely on it in case of need,” the senator said. the new Philhealth management should also settle its remaining deficiencies to health workers, hospitals and other institutions, Poe added. house lawmakers also welcomed mercado’s appointment. Batanes rep. Ciriaco Gato, chairman of the house Committee on health, said he was “very

AGrI Party-list rep. Wilbert Lee, who has been critical of how the state health insurer has

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David and Fr. Tito Caluag Inquirer.net file photos

optimistic” with mercado as Philhealth chief.

been run, said he hopes that the appointment of mercado would speed up its benefits enhancements that he has been seeking for more than a year. n

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Presidential Communications Office (PCO) photo

Bini sets new sights with ABS-CBN contract renewal

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

After debuting in 2020, the "Nation's Girl Group" Bini — composed of Aiah, Colet, maloi, Gwen, stacey, mikha, Jhoanna, and sheena — reaffirmed their commitment to ABs-CBN as they officially renewed their contract with the network in a signing event held at the Dolphy theater on feb. 4. Present at the signing were ABS-CBN's top executives, including ABs-CBN chairman mark Lopez, president and Ceo Carlo Katigbak, chief financial officer rick tan, head of entertainment production and star magic Lauren Dyogi, ABsCBN music head roxy Liquigan, and Bini's manager for Star magic mylene Quintana-mallari.

During the event, the members became emotional as they reflected on their journey and the unwavering support from ABs-CBN.

“I don’t think a single day is enough to express how truly grateful we are to all our bosses. But one thing I will say from the heart: thank you for believing in us since our teenage years. most of us were away from our families, and it was tough, but we put our trust in all of you. And thank you for trusting us in return. We will continue to trust you — whether it’s into our 30s or however many years to come,” the group’s eldest member Aiah expressed. the contract renewal also

served to put an end to ongoing speculations that Bini would be losing members.

Its leader Jhoanna directly addressed the rumors, stating firmly, “Yes, there have been so many fake news stories saying that Bini would lose members.

But hello, we just signed the contract. We are here to stay.”

With their contract extension secured, the group is setting their sights on even bigger aspirations.

Aiah emphasized that their journey is just beginning saying, even though we’ve been together since 2019, it’s only now that our tours, concerts, and brand partnerships are picking up. there is still so much to explore, and hopefully, we will gain more Blooms in different countries — not just to listen to our music, but also to introduce them to the incredible music and artists we have in the Philippines,” Aiah shared. Gwen also reflected on how much has changed for the group over the years.

“our daily routine is completely different now. Before, we would just train, finish our assignments, and prepare for performances. Now, we are blessed with so many events and opportunities. Back then, we were just waiting for invitations, but now, we are receiving so much love and recognition for our craft,” Gwen said.

As one of the leading girl groups in P-Pop today, Bini acknowledges the pressure that

comes with being a role model for aspiring artists.

sharing how it feels to be looked up to by the next generation of performers, stacey expressed, “It’s overwhelming, but at the same time, it’s a big responsibility. I remember when we were the ones looking up to idols, and now, we see people recreating our outfits and covering our songs. We’re seeing Pantropiko’ and ‘Salamin, Salamin’ being covered by K-pop fans. It’s amazing to see our dreams becoming reality. And whatever people see as the standard in us, we want to keep raising the bar.”

As Bini looks ahead, they are gearing up for an exciting chapter in their careers. the group is set to release their new single, “Blink twice,” on feb. 13, which will kick off their highly anticipated world tour which to be held on feb. 15 at the world’s largest indoor arena, the Philippine Arena. our new songs will still have that signature Bini sound. they’re not drastically different from what you already know and love about us and our music, but they will definitely be exciting. As for our concert, we have so much to show you — things we haven’t done before. It won’t be exactly the same as our last show. We’ve added a lot of twists and fresh elements. We really hope to see you there — not just at the Philippine Arena, but hopefully in other countries as well,” Aiah teased.

Sandara returns to PH as host of talent survival show

sANDArA Park, known affectionately as Dara of K-Pop girl group 2Ne1, returns to the Philippines to host "Be the Next: 9 Dreamers," the newest talent survival show premiering on feb. 8 on tV5. In a media conference, Park expressed her excitement about reconnecting with her "second home" and taking on the role of main host for the first time.

"I'm really excited and nervous at the same time because it's a new challenge for me. I've done a lot on stage — acting, doing a musical show — but this is my first time being the main host. so I'm really excited. I don't know how I'll do because, you know, 'krung krung' ako (i'm quirky)," Park enthused.

"But although I'm not a mentor, I'll be like an older sister to them and a friend. If they cry, I can be there to help them and remind them that they can do it," she continued. Despite her jam-packed schedule — including 2NE1's ongoing "Welcome Back" tour and solo projects — Park is still determined to give her best.

"No more friends for now, no alcohol, no rest, no vacation, just focus. I'm really focusing on my work. If I have time, of course I go to massage. It's still important to stay healthy so I can do all the schedules in my best condition," shared the 40-year-old global

star. the show, produced by tV5 and mLD entertainment Ph, brings together 75 aspirants selected from global auditions in 2024. these contestants will compete for nine coveted spots in a new boy group, undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of a stellar panel of mentors. The mentors include AB6IX's Park Woojin, Bang Ye-dam, Hori7on's Vinci, Hyebin (formerly of momoland), choreographer Bae Wan hee, producer Bullseye and Exo's Chen. these mentors bring a wealth of experience to the show, each

Marvin and Jolina’s secret to enduring chemistry

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

feW love teams in Philippine cinema have stood the test of time quite like marvin Agustin and Jolina magdangal. from their heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s, their tandem, fondly known as marJo, became household names through their hit movies and tV shows such as "Labs Kita... okey Ka Lang?" (1998), "hey Babe" (1999) and "Gimik" (1999), among many others. their onscreen chemistry was effortless — equal parts kilig (swoon) and comedy — that made them relatable to their fans. In fact, their dialogues from these films became iconic, even referenced in workshops for young actors today.

During the media conference for their anticipated reunion film, "ex ex Lovers," Agustin and magdangal reflected on their impact that even the new generation look up to.

Agustin shared how touching it is to hear songs that mention their names, see stories and films seemingly inspired by their past work, and learn that their lines are still used in acting workshops.

"We never expected that what we did back then, when we were just kids and it felt like we were just playing, would turn out to be meaningful and become a beautiful part of the film industry in terms of performance," Agustin shared.

Agustin admitted that there was some pressure that came with this popularity, which may have been why it took them a while to finally agree to make a reunion movie.

"We didn't want to force it — we wanted a film that, in some way, would be on par with the ones we made before. Not just a great story, but something that truly connects with the hearts of the audience. That's why I can say that this movie will make people fall in love again with the marvin and Jolina they grew up with since the '90s," he continued.

magdangal echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of fans who have stayed with them since the beginning.

"I guess our energy just bounces off each other onscreen. even I still get kilig with our love team. And even though we've gone our separate ways in life — marvin with his restaurant business and me with my own projects — we never had any fights or conflicts, which is why there will always be 'MarJo' and

there will always be marvin and Jolina. When you truly love the industry, it gives back to you in beautiful ways," she said.

Unlike many onscreen couples who fell out after real-life relationships ended, MarJo's bond remained intact. According to them, their romantic connection — though never confirmed with an official label — might have been the secret to their enduring chemistry.

"Back then, when we were young, labels were different. mutual Understanding, or mU, was common at the time — so in a way, we were like that. since we had both a personal and professional relationship back then, maybe that's why the magic remains," explained Agustin. he also pointed out that artists who were in real relationships often struggle to reunite onscreen because their love and conflicts were too intense. maybe we got this chance because our relationship was just right — enough to create a strong bond. And our comeback didn't have to wait until we were grandparents," the 46-year-old laughed.

magdangal agreed, adding, "Back then, we used to have little fights, but after we stopped working together, every time we saw each other, we would just catch up and share stories. It was only during our first time working together that we had those small arguments."

fans had long awaited their reunion, and finally, "ex ex

Lovers" brings Agustin and magadangal back to where audiences first fell in love with them — the romantic comedy genre. Director JP habac and screenwriter Kristine Gabriel revealed the project had been in the works since 2019, but it wasn't until after the pandemic that producer Antoinette Jadaone and her team revisited the idea with a fresh perspective. shot partially in picturesque malta, "ex ex Lovers" asks the question: Can old love have a second chance? the story begins when sC (Loisa Andalio) asks her mother, Joy (magdangal), to bring her estranged father, Ced (Agustin), home from europe for her wedding. setting aside years of anger and unresolved feelings, Joy heads to malta, delaying the wedding and reconnecting with Ced. Along the way, Joy unexpectedly rediscovers her own feelings for Ced — all while scheming against sC and her fiancé, Joey (JK Labajo). the film highlights themes of forgiveness, rekindling old love, and the complexities of family relationships.

Interestingly, "ex ex Lovers" was initially slated for streaming, but after a heartfelt discussion between the oG love team and the producers, they decided it deserved a theatrical release. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime reunion that has to be experienced on the big screen," shared Jadaone.

Catriona Gray tears up over TJ Monterde’s ‘Hanggang Dito Na Lang’ performance

by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net

with unique perspectives on what makes an ideal idol. one of them, Bae Wan hee emphasized the importance of hard work saying, "It will be very tough to choose, but for me, I would like to see how hard and diligent they work." for Vinci, leader of P-Pop group hori7on, confidence is the key.

"I am very honored to be part of a very unreal panel of mentors because hori7on is very new to the industry so it's a big responsibility for me. But as a young artist myself, I think I also have insight on how to navigate towards their dreams. I hope I can give insights on how I navigated through mine," Vinci said.

"I think it's very useful to be using my leadership skills kasi I can also look at my trainees as my members as well and see how they can do well as a group as well. As for the qualities I look for, I think members with confidence and passion show through their performances," he added.

Bullseye highlighted the balance between talent and visual appeal, saying, "the first thing I would look at is the tone of their voice. second will be the visuals because K-Pop and P-Pop is not only just for the singing; visuals also play a very important role." (ManilaTimes.net)

CAtrIoNA Gray attended singer tJ monterde’s concert and was visibly moved by his performance of his song “Hanggang Dito Na Lang,” with the beauty queen shedding tears over the heartbreak song.

“isa sa pinakamahirap na part ng relationships ‘yung goodbyes. five years, seven years, three years, tapos sa isang iglap wala na siya,” monterde said prior to his performance of the song last sunday, february 2, as seen in the videos shared by concertgoers on social media.

“Akala ko’y habangbuhay tayo / Akala ko’y hanggang dulo / Kay haba pa ng kalsada / Dito na ba tayo bababa?” the lyric goes. In a tiktok video shared by one @ynahsecretarioflo, Gray is seen leaning her head on her friend Isabel oli’s shoulder after she saw herself on the screen.

Di mo alam saan ka magsisimula [kasi] sanay ka nang nand’yan siya…sanay na ‘yung buhay mo na kasama mo siya,” he added. “If that’s you, this song is for you.” monterde was only a few lines into the song when the LeD screen showed Gray wiping tears from her eyes and covering her lips, seemingly in an attempt to suppress her emotion.

It can be noted as well that the beauty queen was seated just a few seats away from actor sam milby, amid rumors of their breakup. Gray did not immediately comment on her being emotional at the concert. Gray and milby, whose relationship was confirmed to the public in may 2020, announced their engagement in february 2023.

A year later, the pair’s talent management company said that they were “facing some challenges in their relationship” but that the couple were “actively working to resolve these issues together.” however, in may 2024, eagleeyed fans noticed that the beauty queen had removed her engagement photos with milby from her Instagram page. In the same month, milby celebrated his birthday without Gray. the pair has yet to publicly confirm the rumored breakup as of this writing.

The phenomenal eight-member group Bini composed of (from left) Stacey, Sheena, Mikha, Jhoanna, Maloi, Colet, Gwen and Aiah during the network contract signing. Photo from Facebook/@BiniPH.Official

Beloved love team Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal, fondly known as MarJo.

Photo from Project 8

Sandara Park Photo from TV5

Catriona Gray

PH Consulate General in SF launches 2025 VIP Tour

sAN frANCIsCo over forty travel enthusiasts joined the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco during its official launch of the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) tour on January 21, 2025 at the Kalayaan hall of the Philippine Center.

Philippine Consul General in san francisco Neil frank r ferrer invited travelers to join this year’s iteration of the VIP tour which will bring participants to historic and vibrant manila, the rich and cultural heritage sites of Laoag and Vigan in Ilocos, and the white sand, clear water, and natural beauty of the coastal city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

Consul General ferrer said, “As we launch the 2025 VIP tour here in san francisco, I wish to note that the Philippines continues to attract travelers worldwide. In 2024, the Philippines welcomed 5.4 million foreign visitors. A significant part of this growth is still the country’s globally recognized beaches, which cement the Philippine position as a tropical haven.”

“I invite you to join us in this

year’s remarkable journey, as we collectively fall in love with the Philippines all over again!” he added. Ambassador Jose manuel G. romualdez, through a video message, also invited the attendees to join the 2025 VIP tour and celebrate the country’s rich heritage, diverse cultures and the undeniable beauty of the islands.

tourism Attaché ms. soleil tropicales briefly discussed the Department of tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign and the Travel Philippines' digital travel tool.

the 2025 VIP tour packages and the itinerary covering manila, Cities of Laoag and Vigan, and Puerto Princesa City, scheduled on July 6-15, 2025, was presented by Jose Clemente III, president of rajah tours.

Delia merano, Philippine Airlines area manager, introduced special airfare rates available for the tour, and additional discounts for the first 50 registrants and business class travelers. the launch also introduced the

VIP Next Gen tour, which will take avid travelers with active lifestyles to manila, siargao, and Puerto Princesa. the detailed itinerary was presented by shaina Manlangit, founder of Industry's finest.

elizabeth espinda, a participant in the 2023 VIP tour, delivered a testimonial on the trip describing her experience as exceptional and wonderful, and enjoined all the guests to consider joining this year’s VIP tour offering.

Now in its 16th year, the VIP tour has developed to be the flagship tourism activity of all the eight Philippine foreign service posts in the United states, which enables filipino Americans and foreigners to visit the Philippines and experience filipino culture and hospitality. over the years, it has gained more following, and more than 200 participants from across the United states join the VIP tour annually. for more details, including rates and registration, visit the VIP tour website at http:// viptourphilippines.com. (PcGSF release)

From left: Rajah Tours President Jose C. Clemente III, Industry’s Finest Founder Shaina Manlangit, Consul General Neil Ferrer, Philippine Airlines Area Manager Dell S. Merano, and Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil Photo courtesy of Rajah Tours

Sky River Casino celebrates Lunar New Year with

SKY River Casino is excited to celebrate 2025 Year of the snake with big prizes for sky river rewards members. We wish everyone a prosperous new year; may your new ventures be blessed with “infinite luck"! sky river hosted a Dragon and Lion Dance performance on february 1, 2025, at 3 p.m. to commemorate the Lunar New Year. The lions for this event were specifically designed for the property, with sky river branding and colors, and were presented in a special performance by Leung's White Crane Dragon and Lion Dance Association. this remarkable performance served to symbolize auspiciousness and the welcoming of good fortune for the year ahead. To celebrate Lunar New Year, guests can play their favorite slot machines and table games every day in february for a chance to win up to $25,000 in cash every saturday with the $800,000 Lucky red envelope Drawings! Guests get one free daily entry, plus 100 bonus entries every sunday and friday when they earn 100 tier Credits. enjoy over 2,100 slot machines and more than 80 table games at sky river Casino and experience the height of hospitality. Don’t miss out on the chance to win big and have a great time at sky river Casino during the Lunar New Year!

mouth-watering dim sum, wok rice and noodles dishes are available at sky river Casino inside Dragon Beaux, as well as Koi Palace express, a fast casual experience inside the market at sky river. open six days a week in february, Dragon Beaux also offers special hot pot and Lunar New Year delicacies. for more information and to make a reservation, please visit skyriver.com/dining-and-drinks/

dragonbeaux. [*must be at least 21 years of age or older and a sky river rewards member. Visit sky river rewards Club for complete details. management reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAmBLer.] Join sky river rewards sky river rewards, is one of the most hi-tech rewards programs among casinos in Northern California, allowing guests cardless play, cashless wallet, and more. the sky river rewards card is your key to receiving points for all your activities and those points can be redeemed for free Play or

dining credits. Visit the sky river rewards club or an enrollment kiosk on property to sign up. earn 25 same-day tier Credits for a chance to receive up to $2,500 in free slot Play. sky river Casino was built by the Wilton rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is building and managing the property for the tribe. the casino opened in August 2022 and includes 100,000 sq ft of gaming, 2,100 slot machines, 80+ table games, and 18 bars and restaurants. to learn more, visit www.skyriver.com (Advertising Supplement)

Public welcome to observe opening & processing of vote by mail ballots for the March 4

REDWOOD CITY – Mark Church, Chief elections officer & Assessor-County Clerkrecorder, announced that starting monday, february 3, the san mateo County registration & elections Division will begin opening and processing returned Vote by mail ballots for the march 4, 2025 special election. the public and the media are welcome to observe these activities. election officials may open the return envelopes containing voted mail ballots beginning 29 days before election Day. envelopes will be opened and processed monday through friday in our office at 40 tower road in san mateo. Daily opening and processing will proceed from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. hours may change based on the number of ballots to process. Weekend processing will be added as needed. for each ballot, an election official will first compare the voter’s signature on the outside of the envelope to the signature on the voter’s original registration application or other updated signatures on file from previous elections and the Department of motor Vehicles. the ballot is separated from the envelope, once the signature has been verified, to preserve secrecy. the envelope is saved for the mandatory retention period, and the ballot is digitally scanned. the scanned ballots will not be counted or reported until the close of voting at 8 p.m. on election Day, march 4, 2025. those interested in observing

this process, or any other election process, may come to the registration & elections Division office at 40 tower road in san mateo at any time. space is limited, and there may be a wait. time-specific appointments may be made online by sending an email to electionobserver@ smcacre.gov. observers will receive a copy of the election observer Program Guidelines, which specifies observer rights, responsibilities and limitations, and a copy of the Vote by mail Processing Procedures. for more information regarding the registration & elections Division or the march 4, 2025 special election, please call or text 650.312.5222, visit smcacre.gov, or follow us on X @smcvote. (SMcAcrE release)

Mayor Laurie, Supervisors celebrate overwhelming vote in support of Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance

sAN frANCIsCo – mayor

Daniel Lurie and the Board of supervisors on tuesday, february 4 celebrated an overwhelming 10-1 vote in support of mayor Lurie’s fentanyl state of emergency ordinance. following a unanimous positive recommendation from the Budget and finance Committee last week, tuesday’s vote reflects the new era of cooperation between the mayor’s office and Board of supervisors that mayor Lurie promised in his inaugural address.

mayor Lurie’s fentanyl state of emergency ordinance seeks to swiftly unlock resources and tools the city needs to get drugs off the street and keep san franciscans safe. It delivers on his commitment to treat the fentanyl crisis as the emergency it is, accelerating the implementation of several initiatives necessary to get fentanyl off the streets. specifically, it will unlock funding and expedite hiring and contracting – allowing for expanded treatment and shelter capacity, new behavioral and mental health initiatives, and accelerated hiring of key public safety and behavioral health staff. the ordinance has six cosponsors: Board of supervisors President rafael mandelman and supervisors matt Dorsey, Joel engardio, stephen sherrill, Bilal mahmood, and Danny sauter.

After tuesday’s vote, the ordinance will return to the full Board of supervisors next tuesday, february 11 for a second and final reading. If approved, the ordinance will be sent to mayor Lurie for

signature.

“As a candidate for mayor, I promised san franciscans that I would work in partnership with the Board of supervisors to take action on the critical issues facing our city. As mayor, I am proud to be delivering on that promise today,” said mayor Lurie. “the fentanyl state of emergency ordinance gives us the tools to treat this crisis with the urgency it demands. And with our partners on the board, that’s exactly what we will do.”

“I appreciate the mayor’s willingness to work with members of the Board to address their concerns regarding this legislation. I’m happy to support the result – a package of sensible reforms to streamline the city’s response to the crisis on our streets that also preserves an oversight role for the Board,” said Board of supervisors President mandelman. “I look forward to working with mayor Lurie and his team to advance policies that will support recovery in san francisco and reclaim our public spaces for use by all members of the public.”

“I don’t think there’s a problem facing san francisco today that isn’t caused by or made significantly worse by street-level drug addiction — and mayor Lurie’s emergency ordinance aims to surge resources that deliver solutions as big as the problems,” said supervisor Dorsey. “this is a needed approach to restore order to our streets, to diminish san francisco’s attraction as a drug-use and drug dealing destination, and to save lives.”

Addressing the fentanyl crisis requires bold and swift action.

sAN frANCIsCo – the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco successfully held a hybrid learning forum titled “2025 Critical Updates in Us Immigration Law” last January 23, 2025, at the Philippine Center in san francisco. the event was attended by all PCG personnel, including representatives from attached agencies, and joined by 30 participants from other Philippine foreign service posts across the United states.

renowned immigration attorney, Atty. Lourdes “Lou” tancinco, served as the keynote speaker, providing valuable insights on topics such as the current immigration landscape, policy changes under the new trump administration, and consular access rights under the Vienna Convention. Atty. tancinco also outlined practical ways consular offices can assist the filipino community, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, legal representation, emotional support, and collaboration with community

But first we have to make bold and swift changes to the bureaucracy that gets in the way,” said supervisor engardio. “these ordinances will streamline the path to solutions so we can finally treat fentanyl like the emergency it is.”

“today’s vote demonstrates that our unified Board of supervisors is committed to enacting life-saving measures on our city streets,” said supervisor sherrill. “san franciscans are demanding tangible and permanent solutions, and I’m grateful that mayor Lurie and our co-sponsors responded to this call for action. By passing this ordinance, we empower departments to be thoughtful and resourceful while leveraging every tool at our disposal.”

“At its core, this ordinance will help the city get out of its own way to deliver life-saving resources to those of our neighbors who need it most,” said supervisor mahmood, who represents the tenderloin neighborhood. “We’re tackling an evolving crisis that has gone on for too long — this is a first step to providing our government the tools we need to improve public safety, bring meaningful change to our communities, and begin to restore hope for our residents.” the legislation passed today will save lives, improve street conditions, and help steer san francisco towards recovery,” said supervisor sauter. “I am grateful to mayor Lurie for his leadership on this bold emergency package and to my colleagues on the Board for their support.”

(SF Mayor’s office release)

Urgent immigration issues under Trump in...

Club of New York (FAPCNY) to address pressing concerns surrounding immigration policies in Trump's new administration. With fear and uncertainty rising among undocumented filipinos, this discussion provides muchneeded clarity and guidance. this episode examines crucial topics such as what constitutes illegal entry, potential changes to family-based petitions, and the impact of trump’s stance on h-1B visas. the panel also discusses ICe procedures— specifically whether detained filipinos are legally entitled to Consulate notification—and what kababayans should keep in mind as they navigate the next four years. the case of journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, who went from being undocumented to securing legal status, is also explored for lessons that others might apply.

Atty. Gurfinkel and ConGen mangalile respond to tough questions from FAPCNY members, including momar Visaya, Don tagala, marivir montebon, Lindy rosales and marilyn Abalos. the Philippine

the Philippine Consulate General stands ready to extend consular services and appropriate assistance to filipinos across its jurisdiction, regardless of immigration status,”

Remembering former Pres. Cory Aquino on her birthday

My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)

Rogelio Constantino medina

I sAW a facebook post from Jose ma. montelibano that said: “old friends gathered to reminisce about a great lady that they all served directly or indirectly from 1986, or 39 years ago. It was a different era but a proud one, and the memories remain strong and vibrant. may generation after generation never forget.” he was referring to former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, whose birthday is January 25, a day before my birthday.

I vividly remember I was the Information officer 3 at the office of the Press secretary. how I missed the late fritzi Aragon

and my good friends margie Juico and marisse reyes. Ballsy Aquino-Cruz was so kind to me and she even called me up at my home then.

*

* * february is the month of love. I will feature different stories of love. I asked each respondent: (1) how do you define love? (2) Are you in love with whom and why?

their replies are as follows: PX Ilano is happily married to she Ilano and has a child actress-daughter elia: (1) “Love for me is an unshakable commitment to protect, provide and stand firm no matter what the storm is. It’s when you look at someone and know you’d face the world’s chaos just to see her smile.”; (2) Yes, I am very much in love with my wife every day. I love her because she gave meaning and direction to my life. she is incomparable and she is a blessing from God.”

Basketball coach and sportscaster frederick francisco is

married to hershelyn David francisco and has a son Luka: (1) “true love is choosing to be with someone who can’t live without you.”; (2) “my wife and baby boy. I’m in love with life and the hope it brings with my family.”

Ping Diaz fetizanan is married to robert rJ fetizanan and they are in New York City celebrating their anniversary: (1) “Love after 30 years of marriage is not just a feeling — it is a legacy. It is a commitment built through the years, marked by struggles, joys, and the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Aging may bring physical and emotional challenges, but love at this stage becomes a testament to the promises you made long ago. hormonal changes and irritability are natural, but they also offer the chance to redefine love. It becomes less about grand gestures and more about quiet acts of care. Love is brewing a cup of tea for your spouse when they’re too tired to ask, choosing to walk away instead of snapping back, or holding hands in silence when words feel too heavy. these small acts of kindness remind you both why you chose each other. this love is also a gift to your family — a reminder to your children and grandchildren of what true commitment looks like. It shows them that love is not fleeting; it is a constant effort to choose one another every single day, even when it’s hard.”; (2) “my husband because he is the one whom God chose for me, and in his, I find a partner who walks beside me through every high and low. When we stood before God and our loved ones on our wedding day, we made a commitment to love, honor, and cherish each other. that promise was not just for a season, but for a lifetime. It was a vow to embrace the good and the bad, to adjust to life’s changes, and to grow together in faith and love. my love for my husband goes beyond the things he does for me. It’s about the life we’ve built together, the family we’ve nurtured, and the shared dreams we continue to pursue. With him, I’ve found not just love, but purpose. he is my blessing, my strength, and my greatest gift from God.”

Comedian roger ocampo, hailed as the filipino mr. Bean, has lost his right foot and is

Treasurer Ma announces approval of loan modification for DHLP

Borrowers still struggling can seek deferral or forgiveness of original loan

sACrAmeNto – state treasurer fiona ma announced thursday, January 30 the approval of a loan modification process for hospitals that have received funds under the Distressed hospital Loan Program (DhLP). the DhLP provided nearly $300 million in one-time funding for zero-interest loans to 16 California hospitals in significant financial distress, with the goal of helping them stay open or reopen and achieving long-term financial stability. the DhLP is jointly run by the California health facilities financing Authority (ChffA) and Department of health Care Access and Information (hCAI). Loan modification, as approved by ChffA and hCAI, consists of a two-step process when certain eligibility measures have been met. Borrowers can first apply for a 12-month extension of the deferral period and maturity date. the original loans carried a

72-month term with an 18-month payment deferment period. If step one is approved, borrowers may later apply for step two, if still experiencing financial distress, which would forgive the following 12-months of debt service payments. many of these hospitals provide the only healthcare services for their communities, and ensuring their long-term viability is critical,” said treasurer ma. “for those borrowers still struggling to find their footing, the loan modification process gives them two paths to needed breathing room.”

Borrowers applying for either step must provide justification that, despite best efforts, the borrower remains in financial distress. Borrowers denied in either step may reapply after 12 months.

With thursday’s approval, ChffA will now alert borrowers of the loan modification

application. the application and additional information about the loan modification process can be found at https://www.treasurer. ca.gov/chffa/programs/dhlp.asp.

Complete materials from the recent meeting, including a list of existing borrowers and the loan modification application can be accessed at https:// www.treasurer.ca.gov/chffa/ programs/dhlp.asp. ma is California’s 34th state treasurer. she is the first woman of color, and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position. treasurer ma serves as the state’s banker and is agent of sale for all state bonds and trustee of billions of dollars of state indebtedness. the state treasurer’s office also processes more than $3 trillion in banking transactions annually and manages a $150 billion investment portfolio.

(cA Treasurer’s office release)

blinded on the left eye: (1) “for me true love is unconditional, just how Jesus Christ loved us. Love is knowing how God really loves us by giving his one and only son to die on the cross for all of us. for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in Jesus Christ will not perish.”; (2) “I’m separated with my original wife and three kids for 24 years. they’ve left after I had an accident losing my middle finger on my left hand on board ship as I worked as a seaman. I lost my job and I couldn’t provide the needs of my family. my mother-in-law took away my wife and my three kids and I was left all alone. I was accused falsely, that’s why my three kids neglected me and they have forgotten me as their father until now...But I’m so in love with Jesus Christ and I’m happy walking on his side holding and leaning in his everlasting arms. Jesus Christ is everything to me. I’m so blessed that he never leaves me even in my hardest time.”

* * * It is very much appreciated

always the first one to greet me a happy birthday. I turned 65 on January 26 this year.

* * * thanks to my mother rosita Constantino medina as well as to my sister Victoria medina Isip and her loving husband Vicente santiago Isip (they plan to spend this year their wedding anniversary in London) for treating me

in hawaii and my sister and brotherin-law surprised me with their birthday presents.

* * * 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

Senate Republicans urge veto of anti-Trump slush fund bills

sACrAmeNto – on monday, february 3, California senate republicans submitted a formal request to Governor Gavin Newsom asking that he veto both senate Bill X1-1(Wiener) and senate Bill X1-2 (Wiener), which together make up Democrats’ efforts to wage a legal war on the newly seated trump-Vance Administration. taxpayer funded lawyers to help criminal illegal immigrants fight deportation. that’s what Democrat lawmakers want to spend $25 million on?! And another $25 million waging legal warfare against the newly elected president, while we simultaneously beg for his assistance with wildfire recovery. this slush fund isn’t about solving any real problems — it’s a political stunt designed to distract from the urgent issues our state faces and it won’t bode well for fire victims,” said senate minority Leader Brian W. Jones (r-san Diego). “Californians have had enough of these political games and the waste of our tax dollars. We strongly urge the governor to do the right thing and veto these bills.”

senate Bill X1-1, passed on monday by Assembly Democrats and sent to the governor’s desk for his signature or veto, would allocate $25 million to create a slush fund controlled by Democrat Attorney General rob Bonta to use in pursuing unspecified future litigation against the federal government.

senate Bill X1-2 would allocate $25 million to provide illegal immigrants in California with legal services to fight immigration proceedings against them. Legislative Democrats claim the funds are not intended to be used to help the “worst” illegal

immigrant offenders from being deported, but there are no restrictions in the bill to prevent it. Democrats in the Assembly rejected proposed amendments that would have ensured the funds do not help dangerous criminal illegal immigrants stay in California. the number one goal for the federal government, and one we should all be advocating for, is to go after folks that are a public safety threat,” said sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) during debate on the senate floor. “Quite frankly, I don’t want folks that are peddling fentanyl from other countries in our state. I want them out. I don’t want cartel members in our state, I don’t want folks that are engaging in human sex trafficking, we should be working with the federal government to get these people out.” Governor Newsom has 12 days to sign or veto the legislation before it becomes law automatically without his action. senate republicans remain hopeful he will heed their calls to veto the bills prior to that deadline.

“We have a public safety problem in California and a big component of that is international gangs and cartels. human trafficking has exploded and it knows no bounds,” said sen. suzette martinez Valladares (r-santa Clarita) during a floor debate on the bill. “our children and girls are the victims and let me tell you; if you’re in this country illegally, and you are a criminal that continues to create more victims, I don’t want you here. this bill is going to undo some of the very important work that the legislature has done to make California safer.”

(cA Senate republicans caucus release)

Former Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and Rogelio C. Medina

Frederick and Hershelyn Francisco with their son Luka

Robert and Ping Fetizanan

From left: Birthday celebrant Rogelio C. Medina, Victoria Medina Isip and Rosita Constantino Medina behind Kohl’s Sephora in Vallejo, California.

Photo above shows (seated, from left) Popoy and Margie Juico, Elfren Cruz, Maria Montelibano, Ball Dominguez, Mimi de Jesus, Mariasun Azcuna, Ballsy Cruz, and Neni Sta. Romana Cruz; (standing, from left) Dodo Dee, Cesar Sarino, Jose Ma. Montelibano, Eldon Cruz, Viel Dee, Tina Sarino, Sonny Dominguez, Ping de Jesus, and Adolf Azcuna. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina

PX and She Ilano

Wick and Cayen Veloso with their cute, talented grandchildren.

Adorable Roger Ocampo bringing cheers to children as Mr. Bean Pinoy.

that each year my very good friend Wick Veloso, De La salle University alumnus and Ceo of the Philippine National Bank, greets me an advanced birthday greeting. many thanks, Wick, you are

to hibachi Grill and Buffet along Gateway Blvd., fairfield, California for my 65th birthday after attending a sunday mass at Northgate. Birthday cake was courtesy of my niece Aiko Kumano