Filipino advocates condemn ICE detention conditions, call out PH gov’t for inaction
FILIPINO migrant advocates from the Tanggol Migrante Campaign denounced the inhumane conditions in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers and the lack of response from the Philippine government during a virtual press conference held on Wednesday, February 5. The conference came in the wake of recent ICE raids targeting Filipinos, including the detention of multiple caregivers in the Chicago area. Advocates underscored the urgency of addressing these violations and called on the Philippine Consulate to take decisive action in protecting overseas nationals.
Nerissa Allegretti, president of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) USA reported that ICE raids have been sweeping through Chicago, which she described as “ground zero” for mass deportations under Trump’s immigration policies. The said ICE raid on January 24 at a suburban care home included eight Filipino caregivers, six of whom
Fil-Am attorney general vows to protect health care amid Trump’s funding freeze
“AS California goes, so goes the nation,” said state Attorney General Rob Bonta — and in the face of federal funding cuts, that goes for health care too.
As President Donald Trump realizes his campaign promises with a near-daily blitz of executive orders and funding cuts that put Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the chopping block, California isn’t backing down — and other states are following suit.
“The chaos flooding us is their strategy, and as we see more, protecting the state’s decision to expand its Medicaid program to all low-income residents, regardless of immigration status, is a top priority,” said Bonta at a February 4 panel on health and politics held by Insure the Uninsured Project in Sacramento.
“We will vigorously defend against any new federal policies that interfere with state laws and state-funded Medicaid. Regardless
US senators reintroduce bipartisan bill to reunite Filipino WWII veterans with family
by AJPress
to reunite permanently with their loved ones in the U.S.,” said Hirono in a statement. “The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act would help expedite this process so these veterans can finally be
PH candidates hit campaign trail
by Catherine s. Valente, Bernadette e taMayo,
red Mendoza, FranCo Jose C. Baroña and ariC John sy Cua ManilaTimes.net
PHILIPPINE candidates for the 2025 general election took their advocacies to the people on Tuesday, February 11 as the 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups began.
The administration’s Senate slate, under the banner of Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, officially launched its campaign in Ilocos Norte, rallying support in the political stronghold of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
President Marcos himself led the campaign kickoff at the province’s centennial arena to
endorse a powerhouse lineup of senatorial candidates under the Alyansa banner. Sen. Imee Marcos, who earlier declined the endorsement of her brother, was also present during the rally.
Tulfos, Go, Sotto top Pulse Asia Senate picks
by FranCisCo tuyay ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — If the midterm elections were to be held today, incumbent ACT-CIS party list Rep. Erwin Tulfo would top the senatorial race while ACT-CIS would rank first among all party list groups, based on Pulse Asia’s latest “Pulso ng Bayan” PreElectoral national survey.
by Janine alexis Miguel ManilaTimes.net
tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump said he would announce this week could disrupt Philippine exports, analysts warned on Tuesday, February 11. The move will be particularly damaging for the country, Moody’s Analytics economist Sarah Tan told The Manila Times, “because duties levied on U.S. imports are higher than the tariffs on Philippine imports imposed by [the] U.S.”
If the United States aligns its tariffs accordingly, she added, the cost of Philippine exports to the U.S. will rise, making these less attractive to American buyers.
“More broadly, President Trump’s state commitment to respond to any retaliatory tariffs creates uncertainty in the global economy,” Tan also noted. She said that this would dampen capital investments and slow mergers and acquisitions as businesses adopt a wait-and-see attitude.
Trump, who kicked off a trade war this month by announcing tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China, on Monday, February 10 fired another salvo by raising tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
Aside from Senator Marcos, the administration’s Senate slate also included former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Lito Lapid, former Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Bong Revilla, former Senate President Tito u PAGE 4 Senate President Francis Escudero Senate photo by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net
was followed by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who was in second to third place with 50.4 percent potential votes, and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto, in second to fourth place with 50.2 percent potential votes.
The results of the survey conducted from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25 showed that Tulfo was the favorite among 62.8 percent of respondents who said they would vote for him in the May 12 national and local elections. He
In third to eighth place was Tulfo’s older brother, Ben, with 46.2 percent of potential voters. Sharing fourth to eighth place were incumbent Senators Pia Cayetano with 46.1 percent and Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. with 46.0 percent. Next were Sen. Imee Marcos with 43.3 percent and former Sen. Panfilo “Ping”
MANILA — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will commence after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address, according to Senate President Francis Escudero. Escudero confirmed this in a press conference on Monday, February 10 when he was asked when the “actual impeachment trial” against the country’s second-top leader would begin.
“Most likely when the new Congress already enters into its functions — after SONA. SONA, I think it is on July 21. So [the] trial will commence after that day,” he told reporters.
Earlier, Marcos said that he would willingly call a special session of the Senate to tackle the impeachment of Duterte if the upper
ACT-CIS party list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (left) and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go Inquirer.net file photos
Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment...
PAGE 1 chamber asked for it. But Escudero, in the same presser, said he has no intentions of requesting for a special session, maintaining that “it is not one of the reasons” to call for such a thing.
“Dagdag pa rito, sino pa ang may gusto na mag special session kami at mag trial kami bago mag election? Sino ba ang humihiling nun? Sino? Hindi, sino nga? Yung pro. Sabi ko na, sinumang pro or anti VP Sara hindi namin papakinggan,” said Escudero.
(Apart from this, who else is calling for a special session, urging us to conduct the trials before the election? Who is asking for it? Who? Those who are pro-impeachment or anyone against the impeachment of the vice president will not be considered and heard.)
He likewise argued that
previous impeachment complaints that reached the Senate were tackled thoroughly, and wondered why there’s a need to alter that practice.
“Bakit ko iibahin ang pagtrato dito sa impeachment complaint na ito? Hindi ito espesyal. Hindi ito kakaiba. Ang tingin dapat namin dito ordinaryong
impeachment complaint lamang laban sa isang impeachable officer,” said Escudero. (Why would we change our treatment to this impeachment complaint? This is not special. This is not different. We only consider this an ordinary impeachment complaint against an impeachable officer.) n
US senators reintroduce bipartisan...
1
existing visa quotas, removing the decades-long backlog that has kept them apart.
Nevada, home to one of the largest Filipino American communities in the country, stands to benefit significantly from this legislation. “Filipino veterans served our country admirably during World War II, but outdated laws have prevented them from reuniting with their loved ones in the United States,” said Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), who helped introduce the legislation. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to expedite visa processing for the children of these heroes to ensure they can reunite. I’ll always push to honor our veterans for their service to our nation.”
More than 260,000 Filipino soldiers fought under the American flag during World War II, answering the U.S. call to defend the Philippines and the Allied cause. However, despite their bravery and sacrifices, these veterans were denied U.S. citizenship and military benefits due to the Rescission Acts of 1946, which stripped them of the same rights granted to other Allied soldiers.
It was not until 1990 that President George H.W. Bush granted citizenship to approximately 26,000 Filipino veterans, but the law failed to extend citizenship or residency
rights to their children. As a result, many families remained separated, with visa applicants often waiting decades due to immigration caps.
To address this, in 2016, Senator Hirono successfully advocated for the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) program, allowing veterans to temporarily reunite with their adult children and other close relatives. However, FWVP did not provide permanent residency solutions, and the backlog continued.
The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025 provides a long-term fix by ensuring these children can obtain green cards without being subjected to global visa limits.
The bill enjoys bipartisan and bicameral backing, with cosponsors in both the Senate and the House, including Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (DHI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
In the House, Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Raúl Grijalva (DAZ), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) have also signed on in support.
“The Filipino veterans who fought for their homeland and for the Allied cause in World War II are seeing their numbers dwindling and have been patiently
PH hit seen from reciprocal...
waiting for the time when they can finally reunite with their loved ones,” said Representative Ed Case. “As these veterans near the end of their lives, they deserve the certainty of a non-revocable permanent solution.”
The bill has been supported by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO, Church World Service, Filipino Young Leaders Program, Human Rights First, Immigration Hub, Interfaith Welcome Coalition - San Antonio, Japanese American Citizens League, Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), National Immigration Forum, Pilipino Workers Center, PWC, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, UndocuBlack Network, Veterans for American Ideals, Wind of the Spirt Immigrant Resource Center. If passed, this legislation would mark a historic step in recognizing the sacrifices of Filipino WWII veterans by ensuring their families are finally given the chance to reunite in the United States. As the number of surviving veterans dwindles, lawmakers and advocates stress that time is running out to grant these families long-overdue justice. n
He also reiterated plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on other countries within two days, and said that he was looking at raising duties on cars, pharmaceuticals and semiconductor chips.
The Philippines is the world’s ninth-largest chip exporter according to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, with the semiconductor sector the country’s largest export industry.
Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the reciprocal tariffs
would hit key exports, including electronic products that account for over half of total merchandise shipments to the U.S. Also likely to be affected are shipments of ignition wiring sets, other manufactured goods, coconut oil, machinery and transport equipment.
“[Reciprocal tariffs] could slow down international trade between the U.S. and the Philippines ... [and] would make Philippine exports to the U.S. more expensive,” Ricafort said.
Beyond bilateral trade, he noted that a broader slowdown in glob-
al trade was possible, indirectly affecting Philippine exports, particularly those that serve as inputs in global supply chains linked to U.S. markets.
The U.S. was the biggest buyer of Philippine-made goods as of December last year, having purchased $947.77 million or 16.8 percent of total exports. Electronics remained the country’s top export, accounting for $2.80 billion or 49.6 percent of total exports during the month. Manufactured goods and coconut oil followed at $355.36 million and $283.56 million, respectively. n
Filipino advocates condemn ICE detention...
PAGE 1 PAGE 1
were detained and deported without a judicial warrant within a 24-hour turnaround while two of them were able to show proper documentation.
“It was very quick. It was truly what President Trump wanted—expedited. There was no warrant given,” Allegretti said, emphasizing that caregivers and other migrant workers remain at the highest risk. “Many of them are only trying to pursue livelihood for themselves and their families, and are already taking up backbreaking work to do so.”
Allegretti also talked about two recently arrested Filipino women who remain unaccounted for as advocates struggle to determine their whereabouts. A health worker affiliated with Tanggol Migrante reported the incident, which happened in Albany Park on February 3, noting that bystanders were too afraid to intervene. Witnesses overheard four agents asking the women if they were U.S. citizens before taking them away in a “dark van with Homeland Security markings”. Efforts are underway to identify their names and locate their detention center.
PH government’s response under fire
The press conference took place a day after Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega claimed that no undocumented Filipinos had been arrested under the Trump administration. This assertion was strongly refuted by the advocates and community organizers, who cited numerous cases of
detentions and deportations.
“I am painfully frustrated when I saw that article that said there are no Filipino immigrants during Trump’s crackdown. It’s not true, it is happening in Chicago,” Allegretti said.
Kort M. Lee, an attorney with the Mission to End Modern Day Slavery (MEMS) Legal Network, condemned the Philippine government’s inaction. “In instances where Filipinos have sought out support from the Philippine Consulates for Assistance to Nationals (ATN) funds, they’ve been ignored without response or given false promises. I would go as far as to call it reckless behavior.”
Heightened fear Filipino communities in the U.S. are experiencing heightened anxiety in the wake of aggressive immigration enforcement.
“At first, many were not so worried, but now we are really seeing people more anxious and afraid because Trump is actually implementing what he said he would do,” said Angela Albay of Anakbayan Inland Empire. “Filipinos are not showing up to work because they are afraid of threats of raids. Youth are also afraid to go to school in case ICE shows up.”
Atty. Lee also highlighted the additional vulnerability of queer and transgender Filipinos. “There are queer and trans Filipinos in the Northeast experiencing similar things—paranoia, not going out in public. All federal facilities are expected to house people according to assigned sex at birth, leading to transwomen—Filipinas—facing
an additional layer of fear due to the mistreatment they would likely face.”
Ligaya Jensen, a Filipina migrant detained by ICE for over six years at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, described the persistent climate of fear faced by detainees and revealed through a phone call with members of the network that there is a climate of anxiety that detainees face under the Trump administration.
Speaking via phone, she stated, “Every single day people are scared that their name will be called. We need to have some kind of empathy for our experiences, and know we are human beings too.”
Albay criticized the Philippine Consulate’s failure to support detained Filipinos.
“We want the consulates to be active in reaching out to Filipinos in detention and respond to Filipino nationals in distress,” she said. “People are being held in torturous conditions. That’s why we demand that Ligaya be released immediately. We demand a full pardon to stop her deportation.”
The recent deportations bring the total number of Filipinos deported under Trump’s administration to over 30 within his first two weeks in office.
Advocates are urging both the U.S. and Philippine governments to take immediate action to protect the rights and dignity of Filipino migrants and as raids continue and deportations rise, community organizers vow to persist in their fight for justice and humane treatment. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)
Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterte
Fil-Am attorney general vows to protect...
of who’s in the White House, we’re going to keep moving forward,” he added.
Medicaid is the country’s largest health insurance program, covering nearly 80 million Americans.
In 2023, US Medicaid spending was $871.7 billion, with $591.4 billion, or nearly 68 percent of that, from federal funds.
Overall, Medicaid represents nearly $1 out of every $5 spent in the U.S. Bonta said that California was poised to repeat and, if needed, surpass actions taken during the first Trump administration, including instigating a Supreme Court lawsuit upholding the ACA; defending state sanctuary and vaccine mandate laws; and obtaining court injunctions that put stops on public charge, “a cruel policy designed to force immigrant families to forego public programs like health care out of fear that it will jeopardize their immigration status.”
An executive order issued by Trump on Jan. 27 — which attempted to disrupt health care spending and other federal programs like food, housing and child health, all totaling nearly $3 trillion — was sued the next day by 22 Democratic state attorneys general, including Bonta.
On Friday, February 7, U.S. district court judge John McConnell Jr. granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from freezing those federal loans, grants and aid to 22 states, until McConnell can hear the states’ request for a
longer-term block. A hearing date is not yet set. These attempted freezes also accompany Trump’s campaign promises to end enhanced ACA subsidies which, passed under Biden and set to expire at the end of 2025, cut premium payments nearly in half for millions of Americans and doubled enrollment, especially in red states.
“Health has become more politically determined than ever. We’re making sure that our patients know that they should vote, because it’s going to impact their health,” said Louise McCarthy, president and CEO of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC), a coalition of 118 clinics serving two million patients annually and one in three Medi-Cal enrollees in LA County.
“Medi-Cal saved my own life,” she continued. “In 1996, I was in the hospital in Fairfield, California with a $22,000 bill. Pre-ACA, I narrowly qualified for emergency Medi-Cal, and it took the bill away. Without that, I wouldn’t be a homeowner, an employer or a taxpayer at my level. Healthcare transforms lives, and so does voting to keep it.”
“Eight years ago, folks stopped coming in for visits. They were afraid to enroll in coverage, even to drop their kids off at school. And now, we’ve lost our sensitive location status, which makes it even more challenging,” she continued.
“They gave us the plan in Project 2025, and now they’re executing it. Our challenge now is to support
people who are rightfully afraid to leave their homes.”
On Jan. 21, the Trump administration ended a 2011 policy that had protected sensitive locations — including hospitals, schools, churches, funerals, weddings and public demonstrations nationwide — from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations like undocumented immigrant arrests.
“We use the word ‘coup’ about other countries, never about ourselves, because we’re exceptional, it would never happen here. But it’s absolutely happening here,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance, a coalition of 50 communitybased organizations serving 1.6 million AAPI, or 16 percent of LA County.
“Misinformation is free, while reliable information is behind a paywall. If you know your rights, share that knowledge. We share it in our health clinics, we host ICE workshops, and it works,” she continued.
Kulkarni cited as an example ‘border czar’ Tom Homan’s comments on CNN that late January ICE raids in Chicago were not as successful as expected due to immigrant education.
“They’re attempting to weaponize the ways we protect ourselves, even the words we use to describe ourselves,” added McCarthy. “What happens after this depends on who controls the narrative, and that depends on who’s the most unified.” (Selen Ozturk/Inquirer.net)
As ICE sightings flood social media, Immigration advocates push for accuracy
AS reports of alleged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sightings flood social media and new interactive mapping platforms, immigrant rights advocates are urging people to verify claims before posting.
Posts documenting suspected immigration enforcement have been spreading online since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, whose administration has reportedly directed ICE to set quotas for arrests. Trump also ended policies that prevented immigration officers from arresting immigrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches.
On Jan. 26, Homeland Security Investigations’ L.A. office posted on X that it was working with local ICE and DEA partners to conduct “enhanced law enforcement operations” in line with Trump administration priorities.
Well-intentioned, unverified and unclear posts documenting immigration activity can lead to “fear and hysteria,” said longtime community activist Carlos Montes, and in turn, “people don’t take the kids to school, don’t go to work, don’t go out shopping.”
“It creates this semblance of paralysis in the community,”
said Montes, a member of social justice group Centro CSO.
Groups like Centro CSO and Legalization For All have shared guides for the public to grasp how to film immigration enforcement activity ethically and to recognize the differences between raids, checkpoints, and arrests.
They urge the public to take photos or video from a safe distance without exposing the identities of those being targeted and to take note of exact date, time, and location.
Some guides recommend against livestreaming to avoid creating unnecessary fear if the event is not an immigration operation.
An illustration by Barrio Drive titled, “Spread Power Not Panic,” urges the public to report ICE sightings to local rapid response networks.
The Los Angeles Rapid Response Network has been in place since about 2006, but it has taken on an added sense of urgency after Trump was elected president in November.
Led by the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the network is seeking volunteers to help verify reports of immigration activity.
CHIRLA’s spokesman JorgeMario Cabrera said the public should share their documentation
with the network by calling their hotline at 888-624-4752. He urges people to be as descriptive as they can in their reporting. Once they receive a report, the network activates volunteers to investigate and determine if it needs to send an attorney or case manager to the scene, Cabrera said.
By publicly posting unverified reports, Cabrera said, “We’re then spreading panic and we are assisting in the psychological warfare that the Trump administration is pursuing.”
“We should be spreading information about ‘Know Your Rights,’” Cabrera said. “We want to help the community empower themselves.”
On the Eastside, the Boyle Heights Immigrant Rights Network was recently reactivated and also offers a rapid response team. People can call (323) 8051049 to report a suspected ICE sighting.
A new interactive mapping site called People over Papers displays a map of the United States dotted with pins of anonymous users reporting immigration activity in several states like Alabama, Texas and California. It urges people to use the information “with caution and account for human error,”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta vows to protect the state’s public health care at a Feb. 4 panel on health and politics held by Insure the Uninsured Project in Sacramento. Inquirer.net photo by Selen Ozturk
PRICE SURGE. A flower vendor arranges her wares at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday, February 11. Three days before Valentine’s Day, a dozen roses sell for PHP600, up from the regular price of PHP180. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Ysabel Jurado, LA’s first Fil-Am councilmember, sworn into office
by Klarize Medenilla AJPress
HOUSING rights attorney
Ysabel Jurado was sworn in as a Los Angeles City councilmember on Saturday, February 1 during a public ceremony at the historic LA Central Public Library.
Jurado, 35, is the first councilmember of Filipino descent. She represents the city’s District 14 (CD 14), a vastly diverse region of the city that includes downtown LA (including Skid Row), Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, and much of Northeast LA.
Her parents were immigrants from the Philippines who migrated to Los Angeles with very little money—a core part of Jurado’s family history that colors much of her political ideology.
“Today is a moment to celebrate our collective commitment to usher in a new era centered around community and grounded by our integrity,” Jurado said at the packed Mark Taper Auditorium, which included supporters, other elected officials, and members of CD 14, as well as Jurado’s family, many of whom traveled from the Philippines.
During her speech, Jurado thanked her supporters and volunteers and celebrated the diversity of those who helped her get elected. She said that given the recent tumult of natural disasters and the new presidential administration’s attack on marginalized communities, she promised to stay true to her progressive ideals
“With the backdrop of the fires and also the national political agenda we need unity more than ever,” Jurado said.
Present at the ceremony were prominent local figures and
including LA
“It’s moments like this that we need leaders like you who keep her eyes on the prize,” Bass told Jurado during her speech.
In her speech, Huerta—who founded the National Farm Workers Association and helped organize the historic Delano grape strike of 1965—honored not just the Filipino organizers she worked with, like Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, but also those who fought for the U.S. during World War II.
“That courage from the Filipino legacy continues down to Los Angeles City Council with Ysabel Jurado, who represents, not just the Filipino community but all communities,” said Huerta, who administered Jurado’s taking of the oath of office.
Recognizing the multicultural makeup of CD 14, Huerta said,
“We have all of these colors in [CD 14] that forms a rainbow that will be the light that we need to go through these difficult times that we’re facing, and we need leaders like Ysabel Jurado who
understand that.”
As a housing rights attorney, Jurado fought against gentrification and advocated for permanent solutions to the ongoing housing crisis in LA.
LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, who is also Filipino American, told LA This Week that he is “so excited to share this space with her as one of our elected officials. Ysabel is out here fighting for the people.”
“She’s inspirational, and I’m positive she’ll actually represent the people in City Council, something that so many [city leaders] failed to do,” Bianca Torre, a Filipina American student at USC who canvassed for Jurado in the fall, told the Asian Journal.
In addition to her plans to expedite housing solutions and providing resources for the city’s homeless population, one of Jurado’s first projects as city councilmember has been to renovating the Benjamin Franklin Public Library in Boyle Heights.
She also introduced a motion to address street lighting issues across CD 14. n
As ICE sightings flood social media...
and to cross-reference with state or local rapid response networks.
Pins in L.A. County on People over Papers range from an alleged sighting of a federal immigration vehicle near a popular shopping center to a photo of a text thread detailing a suspected raid in a warehouse.
People Over Papers appears to have gone live last week on the digital platform Padlet. Celeste, a user on TikTok, says the site emerged after she and other TikTok creators began collecting ICE activity on a Google spreadsheet. Celeste requested her last name remain private for security reasons. The Beat has not independently confirmed the ownership of the account.
The mapping tool began without any restrictions,
allowing anybody to submit and automatically publish a sighting, said Celeste. Moderators now review submissions before publishing.
Users are asked for the time and location of their sightings, as well as to detail the number of vehicles they’re documenting and to describe the kind of uniform or clothing officers are wearing.
Pictures or videos can be uploaded. Some submit photos of other social media postings from Snapchat, TikTok, or Instagram alleging ICE sightings.
As of Wednesday, Celeste said a team of about 25 volunteers was moderating submissions.
“Hopefully this reduces false reporting, duplicate reporting, inappropriate reporting,” she said.
The work has been exhausting, Celeste explained, with hundreds of submissions arriving daily since the tool went live. “I can’t guarantee that those are all accurate; some of these are just alleged sightings,” she said.
With time, Celeste hopes to improve the process of removing spam or false reporting.
The work is personal for Celeste, who comes from an immigrant household.
“Right now, this is a team of people that have come together with this cause in our heart, that we want to help, and provide assistance, and we’re doing that with the labor of love,” she said. “In the future we’re going to be more organized and we’re going to be able to set it up in a way that is sustainable.” (Ethnic Media Services)
Alexander Baldonado, 69, received kickbacks and bribes in exchange for ordering unnecessary laboratory tests
LOS ANGELES Alexander Baldonado, a Filipino American physician from Queens, New York, has been found guilty of submitting over $24 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for unnecessary laboratory tests and orthotic braces.
Court documents show Baldonado, 69, received tens of thousands of dollars in kickbacks and bribes in exchange for ordering laboratory tests, including expensive cancer genetic tests that were billed to Medicare.
Baldonado authorized hundreds of cancer genetic tests for Medicare beneficiaries who attended COVID-19 testing events at assisted living facilities, adult day care centers and a retirement community in 2020.
“Baldonado was not treating any of the patients who attended the testing events and, in many cases, did not speak to or examine the patients prior to ordering cancer genetic tests and other laboratory tests for them,” stated a press release from the US Department of Justice, dated Feb. 11.
Baldonado also billed Medicare for office visits but many of the patients testified that they had
Tulfos, Go,
Sotto top Pulse Asia Senate... Fil-Am doctor convicted of $24M Medicare
Lacson with 42.4 percent, who were ranked fourth to 12th place.
Television personality Willie Revillame was in the seventh to 13th spot at 41.9 percent, followed by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, and former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, all sharing the seventh to 14th spot with 41.2 percent, 41.1 percent, and 40.6 percent, respectively.
Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar was in the ninth to 14th spot with 38.4 percent, while Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid took the 10th to 14th spot with 37.7 percent.
Also notable were former Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who took the 15th to 16th spot with 29.1 percent, and Bam Aquino took the 15th to 18th spot with 27.4 percent.
never met the Fil-Am physician.
In some cases, the patients never received the results of the tests billed to Medicare. An undercover video presented as evidence showed Baldonado receiving a large sum of cash in exchange for signed prescriptions for orthotic braces.
“The medically unnecessary laboratory tests and orthotic braces that Baldonado ordered in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes caused Medicare to be billed more than $24 million,” the press release said.
“Medicare paid more than $2.1 million to the laboratories and
Former Sen. Gringo Honasan and former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos shared the 16th to 18th spot with 25.2 percent and 24.8 percent, respectively.
Mind made up The survey also showed that with over three months to go before the May national elections, half of the registered voters had already picked the senatorial candidates they would vote for, with 72 percent of respondents in Mindanao and 64 percent in the Visayas having a complete slate of 12 candidates.
On the other hand, awareness of the party list system at the national level was recorded at 79 percent.
Based on the survey results, among the 155 party list groups, about five have a chance of securing the maximum number of seats. These were ACT-CIS (with a preference of 7.96 percent), 4Ps (7.42 percent), Tingog (6.29 percent), Uswag Ilonggo (4.83 percent), and Senior Citizens (4.44 percent). Each group was assured of one seat, with varying percentages for the number of additional seats.
the durable medical equipment supply company involved in the schemes.”
Baldonado was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud; six counts of health care fraud; one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive and solicit health care kickbacks; one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to receive and solicit health care kickbacks; and one count of solicitation of health care kickbacks.
Baldonado is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.
(Inquirer.net)
Other party list groups with a chance of getting one seat were Ako Bicol (3.32 percent), PPP (2.52 percent), Malasakit@ Bayanihan (2.46 percent), Asenso Pinoy (2.44 percent), Duterte Youth (2.38 percent), Agimat (2.06 percent), and Gabriela (2.06 percent).
The survey used in-person interviews among 2,400 adult Filipinos nationwide. It had a margin of error of plus-orminus 2 percent for national percentages, plus-or-minus 6 percent for Metro Manila, plusor-minus 3 percent for Luzon outside Metro Manila, and plusor-minus 4 percent for both Visayas and Mindanao. Of the top 14 senatoriables, 10 are from the administration coalition Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Go and Dela Rosa are running under former President Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino while Revillame and Ben Tulfo are running as independents. (Inquirer.net)
PH candidates hit campaign...
Sotto, Sen. Francis Tolentino, former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar. Campaign manager and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco said the Alyansa was not just a slate of candidates but a coalition of experienced leaders committed to real solutions.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Tiangco said that each candidate on the slate has a proven track record and was ready to work alongside the Marcos administration to advance crucial reforms.
With 434,114 registered voters, Ilocos Norte remains a critical base for the administration, which is looking to leverage Ilocano unity to build momentum ahead of the midterms.
“This is not just a campaign launch — it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to build on the progress we have made under President Marcos Jr.,” Tiangco said.
“Ilocos Norte has always been a cradle of transformative leadership, and from here, we are sending a message: to continue delivering results for every Filipino,” he added.
As the campaign trail heats up, Tiangco said Alyansa would highlight its candidates’ qualifications, achievements and shared vision of governance,
positioning itself as the team that will deliver real results for the Filipino people.
He said that Alyansa was framing itself as the ticket that will champion economic recovery, inflation control, job creation and government efficiency — key issues that will shape the May 2025 midterm elections.
Ilocos Norte, the bailiwick of the Marcos family, served as a symbolic starting point for the Alyansa campaign, reinforcing its strong ties to the administration.
The Ilocos Norte campaign launch marked the beginning of an aggressive nationwide push to introduce the Alyansa slate to voters, with upcoming sorties scheduled across key provinces and regions.
Alyansa will also hold rallies in Iloilo City, Carmen in Davao del Norte and Pasay City, representing three other major regions in the country. If elected, Binay on Tuesday vowed to push for better health care and education and to increase the purchasing power of workers by removing taxes on overtime pay and 13th month pay.
Binay bared her social agenda on Tuesday, the start of a 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups for the May 2025 elections.
“When government gives
priority to better health and education, our people become more productive. And by removing taxes on overtime pay and 13th month pay, we help spur economic growth by increasing the purchasing power of our workers,” Binay said in a statement.
On her first day on the campaign trail, Binay proposed a comprehensive health care program that would provide free medicines and pharmaceutical products for hypertension, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other diseases.
Binay said she also wanted to provide free and unlimited dialysis and chemotherapy, promote preventive care, and improve health facilities, especially in the provinces.
Makabayan in Manila Meanwhile, the Makabayan Bloc kicked off its rally in the Kartilya ng Katipunan
in Manila early Tuesday morning, promising to end “rotten
Los Angeles Councilmember Ysabel Jurado of CD14 takes the oath of office, administered by labor activist Dolores Huerta, on Saturday,
February 1 during a community swearing-in ceremony in at the Central Public Library in Downtown LA. Photos courtesy of Los Angeles Council District 14
Photo from Facebook/AlexBaldonado
Los Angeles Councilmember Ysabel Jurado of CD14 (center left) is joined by Dolores Huerta
(left), LA Mayor Karen Bass (center), former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido (center right),
LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia (2nd row, center), and members of the City Council and community leaders during Jurado’s swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, February 1. activists,
Mayor Karen Bass and legendary labor activist Dolores Huerta.
The Makabayan bloc kicks off its campaign at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Feb. 11, 2025. In attendance were Arlene Brosas, Jerome Adonis, Alyn Andamo, Ronnel Arambulo, Teddy Casino, Mimi Doringo, Mody Floranda, Danilo Ramos, and France Castro. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene H. Dilan
DAteline PhiliPPines
Impact of US aid freeze on PH: It’s small anyway NBI files grave threat,
by Cristina eloisa baClig Inquirer.net
MANILA — In a major policy
shift, United States President Donald Trump ordered a suspension of U.S. foreign aid, a move that has profound consequences for many countries, including the Philippines.
The abrupt halt to funding affects ongoing development programs, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response efforts — raising serious concerns among international organizations and aid recipients.
The decision, which comes just weeks into Trump’s new term, signals a broader reevaluation of U.S. foreign assistance priorities.
Rooted in his “America First” policy, the suspension reflects Trump’s long-standing stance that U.S. taxpayer dollars should be primarily used for domestic needs rather than foreign assistance.
He has frequently criticized foreign aid as “wasteful spending” that does not directly benefit American citizens.
However, analysts warn that cutting aid programs may backfire, affecting not only millions of recipients worldwide but also the United States’ geopolitical influence, particularly in regions where American assistance has historically countered the growing presence of China and other global powers.
The Philippines, a key U.S. ally in Southeast Asia, stands to lose a significant source of financial and humanitarian support should this suspension extend beyond the initial 90-day review period.
What is USAID?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the primary U.S. government agency responsible for delivering civilian foreign aid.
Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy through an executive order, USAID was designed to promote economic development, global stability, and humanitarian assistance in countries recovering from war, natural disasters, and economic distress.
Since its founding, USAID has played a crucial role in addressing major global challenges. Some of its most significant contributions include:
• The Marshall Plan’s Legacy:
Although USAID itself was created after the Marshall Plan, it carried forward similar economic assistance programs that helped rebuild war-torn Europe after World War II.
• The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR): Launched in 2003, this initiative has provided more than $100 billion to combat HIV/AIDS worldwide, saving millions of lives.
• Global food security programs: USAID has led global food assistance efforts, providing millions of tons of food aid to famine-stricken regions in Africa and Asia.
• Disaster response and reconstruction: The agency has responded to some of the world’s worst natural disasters, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, by providing immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts.
• Democracy promotion: USAID has supported initiatives to strengthen democratic institutions, promote free elections, and fight corruption in many developing countries.
For over 60 years, USAID has been an indispensable partner in the development and funding of infrastructure projects, education programs, disaster resilience efforts, and health initiatives in the Philippines. The agency’s presence has helped alleviate poverty, improve governance, and strengthen disaster preparedness in one of the most climatevulnerable nations in the world.
Why is USAID being suspended?
Shortly after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order freezing all U.S. foreign assistance for 90 days, pending a comprehensive review of foreign aid policies.
The order stated that the “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values” and that they “serve to destabilize world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that are directly inverse to harmonious and stable relations internal to and among countries.”
According to the Trump administration, the goal is to reassess aid spending to ensure it aligns with Trump’s “America
First” agenda. The executive order directs USAID and the State Department to evaluate whether existing programs provide tangible benefits to U.S. interests.
Consequently, the order declared that “no further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the president of the United States.”
The administration has cited concerns that foreign aid is often misused, either through bureaucratic inefficiencies or corruption in recipient countries.
Trump’s allies argue that billions of taxpayer dollars have been funneled into nations that do not provide reciprocal benefits to the U.S., further justifying the aid freeze.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration’s approach to foreign aid, stating:
“Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”
Additionally, some administration officials have suggested that funds allocated to foreign nations should instead be redirected to bolster domestic programs, such as infrastructure, border security, and economic stimulus efforts.
Critics of the freeze, including bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress and international aid organizations, argue that the decision was made hastily and without proper consultation with agencies overseeing these programs.
They warn that a prolonged freeze could have catastrophic consequences, particularly in countries heavily reliant on U.S. aid for food security, health programs, and disaster recovery.
“Humanitarian and development assistance accounts for only around one percent of the federal budget; it saves lives, fights diseases, educates millions of children, and reduces poverty,” Oxfam America President & CEO Abby Maxman explained in a statement.
u PAGE 7
by EJ Macababbad Philstar.com
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed grave threats and inciting to sedition charges against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, February 12 over her assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said a six-man investigating panel, including him, unanimously agreed that Duterte is liable for inciting sedition and committing grave threats against the president, First Lady Liza Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez during an online press conference on Nov. 23, 2024.
“Our lawyers and myself weighed in on the case and we are one in our findings: our decision is to file a case against the vice president,” Santiago told reporters in Filipino.
The ball is now with the DOJ whether its prosecutors will file a case in court against the vice president or not, Santiago said.
Asked for comment, Duterte curtly said, “as expected.”
The National Prosecution Service (NPS), an office under the DOJ tasked to conduct preliminary investigations and pursue criminal cases, said it would check whether the evidence is “complete” before referring the matter for preliminary investigation.
Santiago, a former regional trial court judge, expressed confidence in the strength of the evidence supporting their recommendation to file grave threats and inciting to sedition charges against the vice president.
“(Our recommendation) was studied by five lawyers, in addition to me… I think it will prosper,” he said in Filipino during an interview with “Storycon” on One News on Wednesday.
According to Santiago, the penalty for grave threats depends on the crime that was threatened to be committed. The penalty is one degree lower if the threat was fulfilled, while it will be two degrees lower if it was not fulfilled.
In the case of Duterte,
Santiago said she threatened to commit murder, which carries a penalty of reclusion perpetua up to 40 years in prison.
Under the Revised Penal Code, the next penalties are reclusion temporal (12 years and one day to 20 years) and prision mayor (six years and one day to 12 years).
And while Duterte’s supposed threats were not fulfilled, meaning the penalty if convicted is prision mayor Santiago noted that the act was committed online.
Under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, penalties for crimes committed online will receive a penalty one degree higher than that stipulated in the Revised Penal Code, or back to reclusion temporal for Duterte if convicted.
Santiago, however, admitted that it remains unclear if a sitting vice president can be imprisoned while in office. Under the Constitution, the vice president may only be removed from office through impeachment.
“We don’t have jurisprudence that we can follow regarding that. This is the first time that a vice president was charged,” the NBI director said. “We’ll just cross the bridge when we get there.”
Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives and is awaiting trial.
DOJ to evaluate
The DOJ will evaluate the criminal complaints filed against Vice President Duterte, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said on Wednesday. Fadullon explained the DOJ will assess the sufficiency of evidence for the complaint filed by the NBI before proceeding with a preliminary investigation.
“We are checking with our docket if documents have been received pertaining to that case. If it is with the NPS already, it will again be evaluated to determine if the evidence is complete. If it is, then that is the only time it can be referred for preliminary investigation,” Fadullon said.
“Pending the results of the evaluation, we cannot say anything more for now, in order not to preempt the results and
prejudice the rights of any party,” he added. DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said investigating prosecutors must determine if there is a prima facie case with reasonable certainty of conviction, the process of which involves case buildup.
He explained that the crime of grave threats is determined based on whether there was an intent to intimidate or cause fear, even if the target does not take the words seriously or comes to harm.
Clavano noted that this is what the Supreme Court has ruled and is what the DOJ will consider when it evaluates the criminal complaint against Duterte, who earlier claimed she had contracted a person to kill the president, the first lady and the speaker if she is killed. The assassination threat is the subject of one of the seven Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, which the House transmitted to the Senate on Feb. 5.
No bearing Senate President Francis Escudero clarified that the NBI’s filing of inciting to sedition and grave threats charges has no impact on the impending impeachment proceedings against the vice president.
“No, that has no bearing on the impending impeachment proceedings – none at all. In fact, it can proceed simultaneously, precede, or follow. It has no relevance to the impeachment process that will be conducted by the Senate,” Escudero told Senate reporters.
For his part, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III considered the impeachment case against Duterte a nonelection issue, while the majority of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates have remained silent on the matter.
“I don’t think it’s going to be an election issue. There are no (senatorial) candidates involved in the impeachment. We do not yet know who the senators will be admitted to the 20th Congress. I don’t think so,” Sotto noted.
Outgoing Makati Mayor Abby Binay, who is seeking a Senate seat in the May 2025 u PAGE 7
and up to 30% on
OPiniOn FeAtures
HOPE springs eternal
THE official campaign period for the midterm elections started on Tuesday, February 11 for the national races. As in previous electoral exercises, stakeholders are again working for HOPE – honest, orderly and peaceful elections. Unfortunately, there has always been a yawning gap between the aspiration and reality.
The start of the campaign period means the Commission on Elections finally has authority to regulate the conduct of the campaigns of candidates for the Senate and the party-list system.
Editorial
There’s a lot to regulate. Electoral anarchy has descended on the land, thanks to self-serving legislation and the interpretation of laws by the Supreme Court. Across the country, campaign materials of “unli” sizes have been inflicted on the public. Billboards and streamers are displayed everywhere, on vacant lots, walls and fences of public and private structures alike. Campaign materials dangle from electric posts, trees and utility wires, assaulting environmental laws and aesthetics.
Local government officials, who should be regulating the display of such materials using laws against littering and the display of outdoor advertising materials, are often the ones leading the space polluters. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which could invoke environmental laws in going after the polluters, has washed its hands of the issue.
The Comelec has a lot on its plate, apart from
OVER the past two and a half weeks since President Donald Trump took his oath of office as the 47th President of the United States, we’re very pleased to note that our relationship with the U.S. is very positive and continues in its upward trajectory. While there are some issues surrounding the relationship – with one of them obviously involving the new U.S. government’s immigration policy which may affect many Filipinos in the United States – we are confident that our longstanding alliance and special relations will enable us to resolve these concerns in a positive and mutually satisfactory manner.
At the onset, the general tenor has been very cordial and pleasant, beginning with that congratulatory phone call to then president-elect Donald Trump by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed his “continuing desire to strengthen” the relationship between the two countries which is “as deep as can possibly be” because it has been in existence for a very long time.
Subsequently, the call of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to our Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo – actually one of the first phone calls made by the former senator as
THE story goes something like this. When Roberto Romulo, who was a former IBM executive was secretary of Foreign Affairs, excited staffers presented an ambitious computerization plan during a departmental budget review. The famously peppery Romulo took one look at their presentation and asked, “But what about the typewriters? What do you do when there’s a brownout?
This is the Philippines, you fools!” True or not, I was reminded of that story as the world’s been both astounded and horrified by the dismantling of the United States government going on under the auspices of Elon Musk, who cleverly transformed an obscure office, the U.S. Digital Service, into the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Service, and subsequently sent
dealing with campaign litter. It must monitor campaign spending and battle disinformation and other malicious campaign-related content online, now facilitated by artificial intelligence. It must confront vote-buying in the time of e-wallets. It is again working with the uniformed services to prevent election violence, which has undermined every electoral exercise in this country.
In working for HOPE, the Comelec will need all the help it can get. Rival candidates can watch each other’s camps for possible electoral violations. The Comelec is encouraging the public to alert the poll body about violations on the display of campaign materials in public spaces as well as possible vote buying and the abuse of state resources for personal or partisan purposes. Honest, peaceful elections have been elusive in a country where thievery by public officials has become institutionalized, but people cannot give up and hope springs eternal. HOPE is best realized with public cooperation and citizen vigilance against efforts to undermine the vote.
(Philstar.com)
Continued upward trajectory: US-PH relations under Trump
Secretary of State – was also very encouraging, with the U.S. Cabinet Secretary reiterating the ironclad commitment of the U.S. to the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, along with an exchange of views on how security cooperation and economic ties can be expanded for shared prosperity.
This was followed by our inperson meeting with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, as well as Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong and National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy at the West Wing of the White House.
Just last Thursday, February 6, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had an introductory phone call with Secretary Teodoro to discuss the alliance and the importance of re-establishing deterrence in the South China Sea by working with allies and partners. Like State Secretary Rubio, Defense Secretary Hegseth also reaffirmed the “ironclad commitment” of the United States to the 1951 MDT and its importance in maintaining “a secure and prosperous IndoPacific.”
What was also significant was the discussion about enhancing the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines –which is another positive sign that the support for our AFP modernization program will
Not
agents to barge into government offices to seize control of their computer systems, putting payroll and human resources into the hands of an agency meant to do to bureaucrats what Musk has done to the private sector: slash and burn at warp speed. Beds were moved into the DOGE office so Musk’s team of young programmers can work 24/7, a frenetic, private sector pace bureaucracy, which clocks out at regular hours and doesn’t work weekends, can’t match. It sure couldn’t happen here! But it’s happening in Washington. The Guardian reports that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the world’s biggest donor and provides 42 percent of the world’s humanitarian assistance (a staggering percentage). If you still suffer from the delusion that things on the internet last forever, the disappearance of data on the Philippines, such as Mindanao programs, should finally disabuse
continue, among them the $500-million long-term military financing for the Philippines, which is an initial tranche as we will continue to work with our friends from both sides in the U.S. Congress who all support this initiative.
On the economic front, the balance of trade between the U.S. and the Philippines has generally been in our favor, considering that the U.S. continues to be our largest export market, and the trade imbalance has not been very big, unlike other countries such as China, for example.
Before proceeding to Manila, I joined a luncheon forum where former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross was one of the guests, together with former National Security Advisor Ambassador Robert O’Brien. Both men, who served under the first Trump administration, told us that nations that have a good relationship with the U.S. on the aspect of defense and trade will always be favorably looked upon by President Trump – unlike some nations that they feel are “taking them for a ride,” so to speak, charging high tariffs for American goods entering their countries.
We have been doing the rounds not only in Washington, D.C. but in other states as well, interacting with business leaders and university students taking up foreign relations and diplomacy to strengthen not only our peopleto-people ties but our economic relations to elevate the profile of
the Philippines.
During an event arranged by the East-West Center in Washington on the growing trilateral partnership between the United States, Japan and the Philippines and how consequential this is for the Indo-Pacific, I spoke about the Reciprocal Access Agreement signed last July between the Philippines and Japan, mirroring the Philippines-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement that facilitates joint military training and exercises.
I underscored that the U.S. and Japan have committed to bolstering the Philippines economically through initiatives that include coordinated infrastructure development along the Luzon Economic Corridor together with other like-minded partners, supporting the efforts of the Philippines to become economically resilient to withstand economic coercion.
There are so many things in the pipeline that we have been working on not only with regard to defense and security cooperation but on the economic aspect as well. As a matter of fact, we had a visit from a private American businessman who paid a courtesy call on the President – which is another encouraging indication that the Philippines is still very much in the radar of potential investors.
We will also be hosting a reception for the U.S.-Philippines Society (USPS) co-chaired by the highly respected diplomat and
former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines John Negroponte, and Ayala head Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala. Since its founding, the USPS has been a bridge connecting both nations to ensure continuity in the relationship from one administration to another –building on whatever has been achieved to make it grow and flourish even more.
* * * 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.
A private, non-profit organization composed of American and Filipino businessmen, the U.S.Philippines Society has made it a mission to build on our longstanding ties and boost economic, trade and investment prospects between the United States and the Philippines. As I have continuously underscored on many occasions, the Philippines must be economically strong and resilient in order to become a strong as well as a reliable partner and ally of the United States. (Philstar.com)
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
friends, not partners, not even allies
you of that notion. All that’s left of what USAID once upon a time used to do (to the tune of at least $100 million a year: Rappler reports us being “the secondlargest recipient of USAID funding in the East Asia and Oceania region”), is the ghostly presence of cheerful press releases on the U.S. Embassy website. (But for how long?) For once, our usually infinitely resourceful man in Washington, Babes Romualdez, seems at a loss. He’d been able to nimbly position the Philippines positively in terms of defense and the economy, but like everyone else, he seems blindsided by the sudden U.S. decision to suspend foreign aid pending a review, which has now become a kind of deathwatch as people place bets on how much longer USAID has left to live.
Considering Americans are a giving culture, what accounts for this sudden revocation of the post-World War II donor policy of the U.S.? In trying to describe Trump’s might makes
right, go it alone unless there’s a transaction mindset, most analysts have described it as his being an isolationist. It’s not that, per se, writes Jennifer Mittelstadt who calls it Trump’s being a “sovereigntist,” instead. At the heart of such thinking, which dates back to opposition to Woodrow Wilson’s proposing American membership in the post-World War I League of Nations (itself the failed precursor of today’s United Nations), is a rejection of international organizations because they diminish national sovereignty (consider Brexit).
When Malaysia cut the umbilical cord of Moro rebels because continued conflict risked spreading to Sabah, USAID was instrumental in helping to build up civil society not just in Moro areas but in warlord-dominated Mindanao in general. Indeed, as civil society in general has withdrawn from active political involvement, it’s been the American umbilical cord that has kept NGOs viable. It helped
ensure a steady investment in boring democracy- and economiccompetency-building activities as our political class spent more and more of its time and energy in a kind of arms race with voters, who have become increasingly mercenary even as leaders have run out of ideas (but not appetite).
What now? Like the media, NGOs are going to discover that even if they die, no one, relatively speaking will miss them. There will be many celebrating their demise along with the evaporation of American soft power.
As former President Rodrigo Duterte used to say, with contempt, the American idea of official hospitality was coffee and a donut while—and here, his expression would become dreamy—the Chinese laid out lauriats for officials. Two decades ago, a Chinese Filipino civil society leader from Mindanao told me that when the U.S. ambassador went to their part of Mindanao, it was like “a visit of a governor-general,” practically
“an armed invasion,” while the Chinese ambassador, by way of (a very pleasing) contrast, would make a point of visiting Chinese business associations and give them gifts of motorcycles— without preaching. In 1997, ironically during a journalist’s trip to Seoul, Washington, and Pearl Harbor cosponsored by the State and Defense departments, a senior Korean editor took me aside and advised me in a low voice, “Never trust the Americans.” It’s a fundamental lesson that nonAmericans who like to believe they are “friends, partners, allies,” can once again be told by America’s enemies to take to heart.
(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.
* * * Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @mlq3
Babe’s Eye View
The Long View
U.S. President Donald Trump White House file photo
Impact of US aid freeze on PH... NBI files grave threat, sedition raps...
PAGE 5
“Suspending and ultimately cutting many of these programs could have life or death consequences for countless children and families who are living through crisis. Suspending it casts uncertainty over all [U.S.] humanitarian and development programming, which makes aid experts unable to effectively plan or operate,” Maxman added.
Further, foreign policy experts caution that halting aid may create an opportunity for geopolitical rivals, such as China and Russia, to step in and exert greater influence in regions that have historically depended on U.S. assistance.
“The sea dispute will certainly become a bargaining chip in U.S. relations with China, especially in regard to trade and tariffs. Everything is on the table to be bargained because Trump is no cold warrior. He is a deal maker who may even sell his own mother,” Roland Simbulan, a retired professor of Development Studies and Public Policy and chair of the Center for People’s Empowerment in Governance, told the South China Morning Post.
Simbulan noted that this approach could be advantageous for the Philippines, as it may lead to a reduction in military tensions between the two superpowers, shifting their interactions toward pragmatic negotiations and strategic compromises rather than an arms race.
How much has the U.S. spent on foreign aid?
The U.S. has been the largest single donor of foreign aid globally, allocating substantial resources annually to tackle global crises and foster economic development. In 2023, the US disbursed a total of $72 billion in foreign assistance, with funding distributed across 209 countries and regions.
This substantial allocation included approximately $58 billion for economic development and $14 billion for military aid.
The U.S. supported over 20,000 projects globally, spanning sectors such as health care, education, climate resilience, and governance.
That same year, Ukraine was the largest recipient of U.S. aid, receiving $16.62 billion in economic and military support as it continued to face a continuing invasion by Vladimir Putin. Israel followed with $3.31 billion, primarily in military assistance to
ensure regional stability.
Ethiopia and Jordan received $1.77 billion and $1.72 billion respectively, with funds focused on food security, economic development, and military needs.
Egypt secured $1.45 billion, mainly for military aid, while Afghanistan received $1.27 billion to support post-conflict recovery.
Other significant recipients included Somalia with $1.21 billion for humanitarian relief and Nigeria with $1.01 billion for health care and security challenges.
USAID assistance to PH Since 2001, USAID has distributed over $473 billion globally, with disbursements steadily increasing from $7.2 billion in 2001 to a record $43.7 billion in 2023. These funds have been essential in addressing pressing global challenges, including pandemics, humanitarian crises, and economic development.
In 2023 alone, USAID allocated $18.35 billion to economic development, $11 billion to humanitarian assistance, $7.78 billion to health programs, and $3.56 billion to operational and program support. Additional resources were directed toward governance, education, and security initiatives.
The Philippines has been a key recipient of USAID aid since the agency’s establishment. Over $5 billion in assistance has been provided to the country since 1961, with $2.81 billion disbursed between 2001 and 2023. Annual disbursements during this period typically ranged from $100 million to $200 million, supporting disaster recovery, health care, education, and governance reforms.
In 2023, the Philippines received $198 million (approximately P11.1 billion) in USAID assistance, with a large portion allocated to disaster response and health care programs.
USAID has played a crucial role in supporting the Philippines during times of crisis. Following Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, it provided $143 million — around P8 billion — in emergency relief to rebuild homes, infrastructure, and livelihood. Beyond disaster response, the agency has funded programs to boost economic opportunities in underserved areas and strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Health initiatives have been a key focus of USAID’s work in the Philippines. The agency has led efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis while promoting family planning, communitybased drug rehabilitation, and mental health awareness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID provided critical resources, including vaccines and medical equipment, to support the country’s response.
From 2018 to 2023, the agency invested over P14.6 billion, approximately $260 million, in health programs, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to improving public health in the Philippines.
What’s next?
Despite widespread concerns over the suspension of U.S. foreign aid, the Philippine government has sought to downplay its potential impact.
Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega expressed confidence that the country would not be significantly affected, noting that U.S. assistance has been relatively small compared to broader economic engagements.
“And while the U.S. involvement in our economy as a trading partner is still very high, I think even with the freeze, it’s not like it’s going to severely affect us because the aid packages from the U.S. are small right now,” said De Vega.
Similarly, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan acknowledged that while the U.S. has historically been an important provider of grants, the suspension is unlikely to cause major disruptions to the Philippine economy.
“Not so much directly. And in the short term, much of our loans now are with other countries and multilateral institutions,” Balisacan said.
He added, “If you are talking about the economy, that’s a small part.”
USAID Mission Director in the Philippines Ryan Washburn reaffirmed that the country remains a priority for U.S. assistance despite shifting budget priorities under the Trump administration.
“There are always difficult budget environments and a new administration changes budget priorities, but we understand that Asia and the Philippines will remain a priority in the new Trump administration,” Washburn said last January 15. n
elections, said it would be “premature” and “unfair” for senatorial candidates to state their position on Duterte’s impeachment.
“I think because we as senators will be judges, so we will have to be impartial. To answer the question will give a premature position,” she added.
Armando Virgil Ligutan –senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Law and one of the authors of the third impeachment complaint against Duterte –said the filing of cases against the vice president could serve as evidence in the impeachment trial against her.
“That is evidence that I see the House prosecutors will surely raise before the impeachment trial,” he said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
Before SONA
The impeachment trial against Duterte should start before the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos in July as it will be difficult to initiate after as the 20th Congress convenes, according to former Supreme Court associate justice Adolf Azcuna.
At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Azcuna noted that after the president’s SONA, which also coincides with the opening of the 20th Congress, there will be a new set of members of the House of Representatives following the 2025 elections.
The validity of the continuation of the impeachment complaint, which the House of 19th Congress filed, could be called into question since the 20th Congress will have a different composition.
“In my opinion, starting the trial after SONA cannot happen, because there should be an identity for the same complainant and same complaint. Maybe there should be a change in the approval of another complaint under the 20th Congress,” he said.
“The complainant of the House of Representatives will change; therefore, it will be questionable whether we can try the complaint filed by the previous House. Maybe it can’t,” Azcuna added.
Azcuna said the trial does not necessarily have to be concluded under the 19th Congress but it must start before it ends, with
the Senate convening and formally accepting the Articles of Impeachment, taking their oaths and informing the House accordingly so the latter could confirm their prosecutors.
“The trial need not be finished under 19th Congress; it just needs to be started. Because if you don’t start it, the jurisdiction of the tribunal may not be attached and it will be too late to attach it under the 20th Congress,” Azcuna added. But Senate majority leader Francis Tolentino supported the view of Escudero that the impeachment trial of the vice president should start during the 20th Congress.
“I respect the decision of the Senate president, out of respect to him as his majority leader,” Tolentino said, noting that Azcuna had a point that the Charter mandates the Senate to act immediately on the impeachment complaint.
Lawyer Rene Sarmiento, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, said the Senate can convene as an impeachment court even during the current recess of Congress.
Anti-terror charges
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a known critic of the Dutertes, on Wednesday said Vice President Duterte should be charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act for publicly admitting to plotting the assassination of the country’s top political leaders.
“Duterte did not just threaten to kill an ordinary person, she publicly admitted to plotting to kill the political leadership of the country, specifically the president and the speaker of the House of Representatives,” Trillanes told The STAR through Viber.
“If any other ordinary person did the same act, they would be charged under the Anti-Terror Law, and that should be the proper charge against her,” Trillanes added.
Duterte, also facing multiple impeachment complaints, will be charged only upon the DOJ’s determination of probable cause.
NBI lauded Allies of President Marcos in the House of Representatives commended the NBI for filing sedition charges against the vice president. Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, Manila 1st District Rep. Ernix Dionisio and La
Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said the move was in the right direction.
“There’s a possibility that they found evidences and probably people behind such threats. So kudos to NBI, we salute you for doing your job. We hope that we get to the bottom of it. To the men and women of NBI, we salute you,” Dionisio said.
For Ortega, the recommendation and filing of criminal charges is par for the course. “It’s really expected because I really don’t know how could they ever deny that when this was shown live, and it has an accompanying video footage,” he said.
1Rider party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez said Duterte’s impeachment was a “culmination, logical conclusion” to House probe she repeatedly snubbed.
Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong agreed. “I guess this is a logical conclusion of what we have discussed during those previous committee hearings. That the end result would be this, the actual filing of the impeachment complaint,” he said.
“VP Sara should be held accountable for threats. I hope it will not suffer the same fate that the charges I filed against her father,” House deputy minority leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said.
“These recommended charges are just the tip of the iceberg. The vice president must be held accountable not only for her threats but more importantly for the misuse of confidential funds,” former ACT Teachers lawmaker Antonio Tinio emphasized.
Deputy majority leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre warned senators that the threat to the life of President Marcos grows every day they delay the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the mandate of the Constitution is for the Senate trial “to proceed forthwith” if the impeachment complaint is filed by one-third of all members of the House.
(With reports from Cecille
Suerte Felipe, Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano, Mark Ernest Villeza, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Daphne Galvez, Janvic Mateo)
Pinoy artist Ez Mil on his way to conquer the global stage
by Boy aBunda Philstar.com
I’M extremely proud of Ez Mil,
who is ready to conquer the global stage with his music. I first met the young musician during the 2021 The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Awards, which was held at the Carnegie Hall in New York City. I have been hosting the prestigious event for the past 12 years.
Ez Mil was a TOFA awardee for youth in 2021. I had this gut feel that he was going to be a big star the moment I saw him perform his hit song Panalo. He received a standing ovation from the Carnegie audience.
The formal affair paved the way for my first interview with Ez Mil on “The Interviewer,” which can be viewed on the Boy Abunda Talk Channel. The episode was aired in November 2021. The interview took place at the house of my good friend Elton Lugay, the executive producer and founder of TOFA.
Ez Mil was shy and humble throughout the conversation. We talked about his exciting journey while making his way around the American music scene. I asked Ez who his musical influences are.
He replied, “Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, ASAP Rocky, Gloc 9, saka si Dello po.”
The stars have aligned in his favor as he is now under contract with global superstars Eminem and Dr. Dre. Eminem has an eye for someone with talent like Ez
Mil. The young Filipino artist is featured in the 12th album of Eminem called The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). His powerful voice can be heard on the 14th track titled Head Honcho, where he delivered some of his lines in Tagalog. I recently had a chance to meet Ez Mil again when he came home to the Philippines for a couple of days to shoot a commercial. He was still the same young man I saw backstage at Carnegie Hall. He remains shy and humble in spite of his promising music career in the U.S.
Ez Mil always remembers my advice to tell his story, which
he is keeping in his heart as he navigates his way across the American music scene. He shared that Dr. Dre welcomed him by saying, “Hey, superstar,” the first time they met. I noticed that Ez Mil was looking at my trench coat, while we were having dinner with his family. I gave it to him as a gift even if he was not asking for it because I wanted to be part of his journey. Who knows if this talented musician will someday wear the trench coat in one of his pictorials?
Mabuhay ka, Ez Mil! Make Filipinos proud with your music that celebrates being a Filipino.
‘Into the Woods’ becomes a family affair for Lea Salonga and Nic Chien
THEATRE Group Asia (TGA) is staging Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT) this August, featuring an all-star cast led by Olivier and Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga.
The Broadway icon who will take on the role of The Witch, is making her highly anticipated return to Philippine musical theater after six years — and this time, she will be sharing the stage with her son, Nic Chien, who has been cast as Jack.
Lea’s last major stage production in the Philippines was “Sweeney Todd” under the direction of the late Atlantis Productions head Bobby Garcia, a beloved figure in Philippine theater. Now, with “Into the Woods,” she finds herself immersed once again in Sondheim’s emotionally rich music.
“The last show I did in Manila was a Stephen Sondheim masterpiece. Now, I’m coming in “Into the Woods,” yet another Sondheim masterpiece! If all I do for the rest of my life is perform in Sondheim shows, I’ll be very happy,” Lea shared in a media statement. “But most of all, to my dear friend, ‘This one’s for you, Bobby!’”
Lea first played The Witch at the age of 23, and now, three decades later, she is eager to revisit the role with new depth and perspective.
“It’s very exciting, as well as, exhausting. Sondheim is no joke! Learning the material before day one of rehearsals takes a few weeks because his patterns can be puzzling and challenging but so rewarding once it all comes together,” she said. “It’s also cool that I get to revisit a role that I played as a younger adult. I was about 23 years old when I previously played The Witch. Playing her again 30 years later is going to be illuminating. So much life has happened in the intervening years. I’m hoping to bring as much of that as I can to this production.”
Adding another layer of excitement to this production is the inclusion of Lea’s only child, Nic Chien, in the role of Jack.
Nic made his professional debut as Alice in Atlantis Productions’ “Matilda” and has since been honing his craft on stage.
“I’m very excited to play such an innocent character. In the past, I’ve played characters who know what’s going on, but Jack is
such a pure character. I think it will be so much fun to play,” Nic shared.
“And I love everything about this show! The music, lyrics, the way things reference each other, how crazy and complicated it may be. Overall, it’s just beautiful! It’s beautiful music with smart, heartfelt, meaningful lyrics. You don’t always find that nowadays.”
For Lea, the chance to act alongside her only child in a fullscale musical is a dream come true.
“I’m most looking forward to working with Nic. We’ve done numerous concerts over the years, but this will be our first musical together,” she enthused.
TGA’s production of “Into the Woods” boasts a stellar cast, with Arielle Jacobs as Cinderella, Joaquin Valdes as Prince Charming/Wolf, Nyoy and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as The Baker and The Baker’s Wife, and Eugene Domingo as Jack’s Mother.
Tony Award-winning creative visionary Clint Ramos, who serves as co-producer, overall artistic director, and stage and costume designer, expressed excitement for Lea’s involvement in the show.
“We are so pleased and proud to have an actress of Lea’s caliber lead the spectacular and stellar ensemble of TGA’s production of ‘Into the Woods,’” Clint said. “This is Lea’s first musical in the Philippines in six years, and what a grand comeback it’s sure to be! ‘Into the Woods’ is a very complex and thought-provoking piece. We want to create a version that considers the Filipino condition. Hopefully, our context will give more meaning to the already rich work that is this Sondheim musical. And Lea,
AMONG the roles she has played with ease and depth, the one she knows best — like the back of her hand — is that of a mother. Pokwang, a mom of two daughters, takes on that familiar role once again as Mayumi in the GMA Afternoon Prime series “Binibining Marikit,” with Herlene Budol in the titular role.
The last time Pokwang did a TV series was around two years ago. She appeared in “Lolong” Season 1 and “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa” prior to “Binibining Marikit.”
“Madalas kasing nanay ako na mahirap (I usually play a poor mother). Dito, nag-Japan pa kami (But in ‘Binibining Marikit,’ my character and others went to Japan),” the versatile actress said in a recent group interview.
“Exciting yung lagi sa set at natutuwa ako na ang mga kasama ko ay mahilig kumain na kagaya ko. At mahilig naman akong magpakain. (It’s always exciting on set and I’m happy being with people who enjoy eating. And I also love serving food.)
“It’s fun. Eating together is how we bond.”
So, work is fun and easybreezy.
It’s also the first time for Pokwang to work with Herlene in a TV series, although their rapport has been established since the two became hosts of the Kapuso one-of-a-kind countdown variety show, “TiktoClock.”
“Ang gulo, gulo namin sa dressing room, hanggang dito (We’re so chaotic in the dressing room of ‘TiktoClock’ and also in ‘Binibining Marikit’),” shared Pokwang, adding that they complement each other well and know each other’s strengths.
“Nagkukwentuhan kami. Mahusay naman talaga yan. Lumalabas ang naturalesa niya. (We exchange stories. She’s really good. Her being a natural comedienne comes out.)”
Aside from playing Mayumi, the biological mother of Herlene’s character Marikit oncam, Pokwang is a friend and a mother figure to the lead actress’ off-cam.
“Yes, minsan nga ang dami ng tsinitsika niya sa akin (Sometimes, she shares a lot of stories with me),” she said.
“But it’s about her family. Kasi alam naman natin na ‘pag dating sa pamilya, ano ito, eh, tutok
ito (Because we all know that when it comes to family, she’s focused),” said Pokwang.
“Binibigyan ko siya ng advice kung papaano mo (iingatan yung) pinaghihirapan mo (I give her advice on how to value the things she has been working so hard for). I tell her, ‘Anak, hindi kasi tayo lagi sa spotlight, dapat nag-iisip tayo ng fallback (We’re not always in the spotlight. We should think of a fallback).’
“Hindi tayo laging may project so ipon, ipon (It’s not all the time we have projects so save and save).”
In an interview with “Kapuso Insider,” Pokwang also gave Herlene pieces of advice on love and life.
“Mahalin mo muna ang sarili mo, day. Unahin mo muna yung pamilya mo, sarili mo, tsaka na yang love, love, love na yan (Love yourself first, day. Prioritize your family and yourself. That ‘love, love, love’ can wait)
“Bata ka pa… maging mautak ka, lalo na sa mga pinagpapaguran mo (You’re still young… be smart, especially when it comes to the things you’ve worked hard for).”
Pokwang said in the group interview that she is happy to see that today’s young stars know how to give importance to their
earnings, and save for the rainy days, as one may put it. Pokwang was also asked to describe her co-star, who is a beauty queen, comedienne, social media influencer and host, and her answer was, “What you see is what you get.” With that, Herlene is true to herself.
In an interview with “Kapuso Insider,” on the other hand, Pokwang said that she and Herlene are “super excited about the project,” even describing her co-star as Pokwang Jr. “Nakikita ko yung kakulitan ko sa kanya nung mga 10 years ago (I see my own playful side in her, just like how I was 10 years ago).” As for what viewers can look forward to the unfolding story of Binibining Marikit,” Pokwang had this to say: “Ito yung iiyak ka, biglang tatawa ka. Yung may bawi, may ganun (It’s the kind of show that makes you cry and suddenly laugh. You know, there’s always a twist).”
“Super-duper kilig, and a touch of drama na storya po ng mag-ina at mag-ama (There’s really romantic thrill and touch of drama that tells the story about the relationship of a mother and child, and a father and child),” said the Sparkle GMA artist in the media chat.
with her remarkable talent and abilities, will be very instrumental in imparting that message.”
Directing the production is Chari Arespacochaga, who steps in as a tribute to her late creative partner, Bobby Garcia.
Based on James Lapine’s book and featuring Sondheim’s unforgettable music and lyrics, “Into the Woods” weaves together the lives of familiar fairy tale characters as they navigate their dreams, choices and the consequences of their actions.
“What I love about this piece is the whole ‘what if’ premise of fairy tales. Continuing past ‘happily ever after’ is very interesting. Through the material, we realize that a witch isn’t always bad, and good people aren’t always entirely good,” Lea mused.
“The famous line from the musical, ‘nice is different than good’ is one that hits home every time. The message is so poignant. The final song, Children Will Listen, is a reminder that what we do as adults impacts impressionable minds. Act One is about fairy tales, but Act Two explores darker, less defined territory. That’s when things get interesting!”
Following the success of TGA’s “Request sa Radyo” in 2024, which also featured Lea alternating with Golden Globe nominee Dolly de Leon , “Into the Woods” is another milestone for the group as pushes for more world-class theater offerings to Filipino audiences while grounding the narratives in themes that resonate locally.
For details about “Into the Woods,” visit www. theatregroupasia.com or follow @theatregroupasia on Facebook and Instagram. (Philstar.com)
GMA Network has officially announced that Gabbi Garcia will be the first-ever Kapuso host of the highly-anticipated “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)” Celebrity Collab Edition.
The announcement was made on Sunday, February 9 during GMA’s weekend variety show “All-Out Sundays.”
Gabbi expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the iconic reality show, calling it a dream come true.
“I’m super excited, biruin ninyo magkakaroon ng collab ang ‘PBB!’ This is history and I am happy to be part of history. And you know, I also auditioned for ‘PBB’ way back in 2012,” she revealed.
She added, “Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a housemate at that time, I was meant to host it! Fast forward to 2025, eto na nga. This is a huge milestone, and I can’t wait to share this experience with all of you!”
Gabbi also took to Instagram to share the good news with her followers, along with photos of her past audition to become a housemate of the fourth season of “PBB” Teen Edition.
“Fun fact: Back in 2012, I auditioned for ‘PBB’ Teen Edition Season 4! Fast forward to 2025 — looks like I was meant to host it instead! Or who knows? Maybe there’s still more in store,” the actress and host shared.
The latest collaboration between the media giants will
Pokwang plays Mayumi, the biological mother of Marikit, portrayed by Herlene Budol, in ‘Binibining Marikit.’ It’s the actress-comedienne’s return to TV series acting after
Ez Mil is now under contract with global superstars Eminem and Dr. Dre. The young Filipino artist is featured in the 12th album of Eminem called The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace).His powerful voice can Head Honcho, where he delivered some of his lines in Tagalog. Photo from Instagram/@ ezekielmiller
feature ABS-CBN’s Star Magic artists as well as GMA’s Sparkle talents. The new season marks the show’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Graton Resort & Casino
HAPPY New Year! Join us at Graton Resort & Casino as we welcome the Year of the Snake with festive traditions, thrilling entertainment, and exciting giveaways. The Lunar New Year celebrations kicked off at Graton Resort & Casino on Friday, January 31 at 8 p.m. with a traditional Dotting of the Eyes Ceremony, exciting Lion Dances, and appearances from the God of Fortune, who shared special giveaways to bring luck and prosperity.
Fortune awaits you every Saturday in January from 7 PM to 11 PM! Participate in the Over $800,000 Lucky Red Envelope Giveaway for a chance to win up to $28,888 cash every hour. Plus, 50 winners will receive $500 in free slot play each week.
Graton Resort & Casino is ringing in the New Year with two upcoming concerts featuring incredible world-renowned stars:
• Saturday, January 25: The legendary Hong Kong singer Frances Yip graces the stage with her iconic renditions of classics like “Shanghai Beach,” promising a performance you won’t want to miss.
• Friday, February 7: Experience the electrifying performance of Chinese superstar Richie Jen. Don’t miss your only opportunity to see him live in Northern California this year!
• Graton Resort & Casino is
proud to sponsor this year’s San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade & Festival!
• Saturday, February 15: Watch our spectacular Year of the Snake float adorned with glittering gold coins and lucky playing cards as we celebrate with the community.
• Saturday, February 15 & Sunday, February 16: Visit our booth at the community street festival to win exciting prizes including free slot play, cups, key chains, tote bags, and other special gifts! Ring in the Year of the Snake with Graton Resort & Casino — where tradition
meets excitement, fortune, and unforgettable entertainment. Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort & Casino has a commanding presence among the rolling hills of Northern California's wine country. Owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Resort & Casino features table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, plus entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. For more information, please visit www. gratonresortcasino.com or call 707-588-7100.
(Advertising Supplement)
Exclusive: Consul General Senen Mangalile reveals crucial consular insights on ‘Citizen Pinoy’
THIS week, “Citizen Pinoy” delivers an exclusive and insightful episode featuring a rare, in-depth interview with seasoned Philippine diplomat, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile of the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
The episode, hosted by leading U.S. Immigration
Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, offers a deep dive into the consular services available to Filipinos in the U.S.
Northeast and addresses some of the most pressing concerns of the Filipino community.
ConGen Mangalile assumed his post as 19th Consul General of the Philippines in New York in January 2023, and has since successfully fostered collaborations among organizations and individuals to promote Philippine culture, protect the rights of Filipino migrants, strengthen economic ties, and celebrate the contributions of Filipino Americans in the U.S.
Tackling key issues facing Filipinos in the U.S.
Northeast
With the Philippine Consulate in New York covering ten states, Atty. Gurfinkel takes the opportunity to ask ConGen Mangalile essential questions about consular services and the assistance available to Filipino nationals. Among the critical topics discussed in this special episode are:
• Privacy concerns: “When Filipino nationals give their personal information for passport processing, does the Consulate share this information with U.S. agencies?”
• Assistance for undocumented Filipinos: “When a TNT asks for assistance from the Consulate, would they report him to ICE?”
• Passport issues: “Why can’t a Filipina who divorces and then remarries obtain a passport using her second husband’s last name?”
• Dual Citizenship rights: “Are dual citizens able to own property in the Philippines?”
• Judicial processes: “How is it possible for a Filipino who is stuck in the U.S. to attend a court hearing from the Philippines?”
These crucial discussions aim to clarify the role of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and inform the Filipino community about their rights and the services available to them.
Tune in this weekend to gain valuable insights that could impact the lives of Filipinos in the U.S. Watch this informative one-on-one interview on Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, February 16 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
DEMI Moore has been one of my favorite actresses since I saw her in the romance-thriller 1990 film “Ghost,” also starring Whoopi Goldberg and Patrick Swayze. In the film “The Substance,” she won at the Golden Globes this year as best actress. I am hoping and praying Demi will capture the Oscar’s best actress accolade this year.
* * * Foremost Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Gahol Orlina celebrated his 81st birthday recently at Two Roxas Triangle in Makati City.
* * * 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 (the second batch) are as follows:
Noted actress Evelyn Vargas-Knaebel, who is Switzerland-based: (1) “To answer your question on love, let me share the message of my husband when he was courting me overseas. According to Kahlil Gibran, love gives naught but itself and takes naught from itself, love possesses and not it would be possessed for love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say, ‘God is in my heart,’ but rather, ‘I am in the heart of God.’ And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must need to have desires, let these be your desires: to melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night; to know the pain of too much tenderness; to be wounds by your own understanding of love and to bleed willingly and joyfully; to wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; to rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstacy; to return home at eventide with gratitude; and then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.”; (2) “He courted me for two years. But it was not easy
Demi Moore predicted to be Oscar’s best actress
for me since it was the height of my career as a theater and film artist. Finally, he proposed and sent me another quote of Kahlil Gibran on marriage. He was former festival artistic director of Fribourg International Film Festival for 15 years. We met in the Hawaii International Film Festival and I never wanted to uproot myself but we both found love and respect that we decided to be wed. In 1997 after the Cannes Film Festival, we were married. There were many adjustments but we are happy to face any challenges that come our way. Thanks and praise God for His guidance, love and compassion!”
2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Remarkable Achiever awardee and Better Boneless Chicken and Beyond entrepreneur Cheska Bansil Costes, who is married to Mac Costes, and they have two kids Clay and Caly: (1) “For me, love is about passion, dedication, and unconditional support. It’s the driving force that motivates me to work hard, overcome challenges, and make sacrifices for the people and things that matter most.”; (2) “I am in love with my family and my passion (my business). My family is my rock, my safe haven. They provide me with unwavering support, encouragement, and love. My family inspires me to be a better person and to work hard for them. My business is my passion. I am deeply invested in its success and dedicated to making it grow. I love the thrill of entrepreneurship, the challenge of solving problems, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. My business allows me to pursue my dreams, and make a positive impact. So, my love is rooted in a deep sense of commitment, responsibility, and care. I strive to nurture and grow these loves every day.”
Engineer Boyet Jose, who has been happily married to Merle Jose for 47 years, and together they have three children: (1) “For me, the example of true love is the selfless love of our Lord Jesus, who offered and sacrificed His self to save us. Love must be felt through action with a heart not by mouth, with humility. He or she can forgive and forget without resentment, helping others with no return.”; (2) “Yes, I’m always in love first to God, to my
family, to my wife and children and to everybody. Life is short and I must do the right thing to save my soul and everyone’s soul.”
John Michael Gahol, married to Mercedes R. Gahol, through the test of time: (1) “It’s an unconditional love. It’s not necessarily without expectations. It’s love that survives and thrives. A comforting love that understands.”; (2) “I have still fallen in love with my wife despite us having already seven children. She is so very understanding in many ways.”
* * * It has caught my attention and interest on women power in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Cabinet: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Next month is Women’s Day, March 8. Ms. Leavitt, 27, a Catholic, is the youngest White House press secretary. She previously served as the national press secretary for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. She was an assistant press secretary and presidential writer during the first Donald Trump administration as well as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump Super PAC.
She is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer, and she gave birth to their son on July 10, 2024. She had planned to go on maternity leave, but changed her mind after seeing the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, and resumed her professional duties. She advocates for private education and credits her Catholic schooling (at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire) for instilling pro-life values, discipline, and the importance of public service.
On the other hand, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem served as U.S. representative for South Dakota and became the first female governor of South Dakota in 2018. Noem, a Protestant, is also a farmer and a rancher. She published her first autobiography, “Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland,” in 2022. She married Bryon Noem in 1992 in Watertown, South Dakota. They have three children. In 2011, when Noem moved
to live in a ranch near Castlewood, South Dakota.
Mayor Lurie, Senator Wiener announce legislation to tackle dangerous fencing of illegal goods on SF streets
SAN FRANCISCO
– Mayor
Daniel Lurie and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) on February 3 announced the SAFE Streets Act (San Francisco Allows Fencing Enforcement on our Streets). This legislation allows San Francisco to combat illegal fencing — the sale of stolen goods — through targeted interventions from law enforcement. Rampant fencing on city streets has disrupted a number of San Francisco neighborhoods, fueling retail theft and leading to chaos and violence that displace legitimate street vendors and undermine public safety.
Authored by Senator Wiener and sponsored by Mayor Lurie, the SAFE Streets Act protects legitimate street vendors — who enrich San Francisco neighborhoods — while allowing law enforcement to issue infractions, and a misdemeanor after multiple violations, against those who sell commonly stolen goods without a permit or proof of purchase. The bill does not apply to prepared foods.
Under the SAFE Streets Act, San Francisco can require vendors to obtain a permit to sell merchandise frequently obtained through retail theft, as determined by the Board of Supervisors. The bill then provides that selling such merchandise without a permit, or alternatively proof of purchase, is punishable with an infraction. On the third offense, the violation is punishable with an infraction or a misdemeanor and up to six months in county jail.
The new criminal offenses in the bill do not apply to the vast majority of street vendors, including those who are:
• Selling any goods with a permit
• Selling goods on the list, with a permit or with proof of purchase
• Selling prepared food, with or without a permit.
Mayor Lurie’s first state legislative proposal, the SAFE Streets Act represents a continued focus on public safety and street conditions. His Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance is advancing in partnership with the Board of Supervisors, passing the Budget and Finance Committee unanimously recently.
“With this bill, we are stopping people from stealing goods and then turning around to sell them on our streets, while also removing a key driver of our public safety crisis. I want to thank Senator Wiener for his partnership in making San Francisco safer,” said Mayor Lurie. “By taking on fencing, we are addressing retail theft, improving public safety, and adding another tool to help us clean up our streets.”
“We need to end the sale of stolen goods on our streets, while supporting the legitimate street vendors who bring so much vibrancy to our neighborhoods,” said Senator Wiener. “Criminal organizations are fueling retail theft and bringing violence and chaos to our streets, displacing legitimate street vendors, harming local businesses, and undermining public safety. The SAFE Streets Act holds these disruptors accountable and allows our communities to flourish.”
“This bill will help empower vendors, while enabling the city to address fencing,” said Rodrigo Lopez, president of the Mission Street Vendors Association. “I
have been a vendor for 4 years, and I strongly believe that we need this bill so that we can continue to safely make a living.”
“Street vending has always been an integral part of the Latino culture in the Mission District; fencing has NEVER been supported in our community!” said William Ortiz-Cartagena, founder of CLECHA and Latino Task Force's Subcommittee Chair for Small Business. “We are here to support our street vendors, many of which have served the community for decades, and ensure they have a safe, robust, and cultural centric environment in which to thrive and prosper in.” In 2023, the city issued a temporary moratorium on street vending in the Mission after escalating disorder connected to illegal fencing created an environment that was increasingly unsafe for residents, small businesses, licensed vendors, and the city Department of Public Works inspectors leading enforcement in the neighborhood. Too often, large fencing operations and the danger that accompanies them force legitimate vendors out of communities. The displacement and risks to public safety resulting from the current situation have caused many vendors to call for a limited role for law enforcement in enforcing street vending rules. Leading community groups, including MEDA, CLECHA, and the Mission Street Vendors Association are supporting The SAFE Streets Act. The SAFE Streets Act has been crafted to avoid immigration consequences. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing at the White House.
Cheska and Mac Costes with their kids Caly and Clay.
Demi Moore with her famous pet Pilaf, a micro Chihuahua. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Gahol Orlina with his Malaysian wife lawyer Lay-Ann Lee Orlina.
Home Security Secretary Kristi Noem (extreme right) with her family.
John Michael Gahol with his wife Mercedes R. Gahol
Merle Jose with hubby Engineer Boyet Jose
Renowned theater and film artist Evelyn Vargas-Knaebel with her husband Martial Knaebel, former festival director of Fribourg International Film Festival Switzerland.
to Washington D.C. to take her congressional office, her family continued
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s survivorship portal gives researchers free and unparalleled data analysis
New data platform incorporates clinical and genomic information from thousands of cancer survivors
SCIENTISTS from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have announced the first data portal for sharing and analyzing pediatric cancer survivorship data. The portal integrates data involving whole genomic sequencing, treatment exposure and outcomes — creating an unprecedented research system that houses 400 million genetic variants from over 7,700 childhood cancer survivors.
The portal is free to use and open access as a part of the St. Jude Cloud ecosystem. Research at St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates over the past 61 years, and today approximately 85 percent of childhood cancer patients in the U.S. are successfully treated and alive five years postdiagnosis.
This growing population of survivors is at risk of developing a wide range of adverse health effects that can be linked back to their cancer or its treatment. Such outcomes include premature mortality, organ dysfunction, secondary cancers and psychosocial challenges, among others. By studying this unique population of childhood cancer survivors, investigators can gain insight into how to best tailor therapy up-front and provide screening and support later in life to avoid adverse outcomes.
Some new findings from the data in the Portal include:
• Platinum chemotherapy has been used for decades to treat cancer and is known to cause hearing damage, but the data in the portal were able to show that not all types cause the same amount of damage.
• Gene mutations are associated with placing cancer survivors of African ancestry at greater risk for developing heart disease later in life.
• A novel association was discovered between mental
“With the portal, with just one click, you can make new discoveries,” said cocorresponding author Jinghui Zhang, PhD, St. Jude Department of Computational Biology. “In the past, people would spend weeks downloading, analyzing, organizing and summarizing data into figures — now you can do all that in just minutes.”
health, age and limb amputation. Receiving an amputation at an older age (teenage compared to earlier childhood) is associated with increased resilience against poor mental health.
“There are half-a-billion clinical data points in the portal, hundreds of terabytes of genetic data supported by dynamic and interactive visualization analysis,” said Xin Zhou, PhD, St. Jude Department of Computational Biology.
“We aren’t just sharing data,” said Yutaka Yasui, PhD, St. Jude Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control. “We are facilitating the analysis and visualization of data and making it free to anyone — that’s a tremendous resource for the cancer survivorship community.”
About 15,000 children are diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year in the United States. The most common childhood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors. However, there are over 100 different types of cancers that occur in children.
Danny Thomas, the son of immigrant Lebanese parents, founded St. Jude in Memphis in 1962 to care for some of the world’s sickest children regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs or ability to pay. In October, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was recognized as one of the top 10 pediatric cancer hospitals for the 17th straight year by U.S. News & World Report. (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Release)
Co-corresponding authors of the Cancer Discovery paper on the St. Jude survivorship portal (L to R): Xin Zhou, PhD, Jinghui Zhang, PhD, and Yutaka Yasui, PhD. Photo courtesy of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
