PH consulate hosts immigration briefing amid mass deportations
The second part of the hybrid seminar is scheduled for March 13
LOS ANGELES – As the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement across the U.S., the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles recently hosted the first of two scheduled immigration briefings to support Filipino migrants.
The first installment of the two-part hybrid seminar titled, “Briefing on Immigration Developments for Filipinos in the U.S.,” featured Filipino American legal experts, who addressed community concerns following what has been described as the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
Deputy Consul General and Acting Head of Post Maria Alnee A. Gamble, who opened the Feb. 18 seminar, highlighted the importance of knowing one’s rights and legal options u PAGE 4
Under Trump, press freedom under heat
THREE weeks into Trump’s second presidency, press freedom is in danger for newsrooms nationwide.
San Francisco radio station KCBS is facing a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) investigation after broadcasting information about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation; Associated Press journalists are barred from White House events after refusing to follow Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America; and major media houses like ABC and CBS faced Trump lawsuits even before he took office.
“What power is the FCC asserting? It appears to be a claim that reporting the news is not in the public interest if the government doesn’t like what news is being reported,” said David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition at a Friday, February 14 Ethnic Media Services briefing about recent press freedom threats.
The FCC primarily regulates broadcast media like radio and television. Print and digital content is beyond its jurisdiction.
The organization’s authority depends on a “public interest” standard — rooted in the Radio Act of 1927 and the Communications
Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
MANILA — The United States has exempted a
“portion” of its military assistance to the Philippines from its foreign aid freeze, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday, February 24. The DFA did not disclose the exact amount the U.S. exempted.
“Both countries are committed to the treaty alliance and to efforts to further strengthen our defense cooperation and interoperability,” DFA spokesperson
Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement.
“We will continue to engage the U.S. government on the importance of our bilateral work in supporting our shared goals and priorities,” she added.
A Reuters report cited a list of exemptions it reviewed and the $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, mostly for security and counter-narcotics programs exempted from U.S. President Donald Trump’s order for a 90-day pause on foreign aid.
Security exemptions included $870 million for programs in Taiwan, $336 million for modernizing Philippine security forces and more than $21.5 million for body armor and armored vehicles for Ukraine’s
Philippines, Japan boost security ties amid rise of China
by FranCes Mangosing Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Philippines and Japan have agreed to establish a high-level dialogue to expand defense exports from Tokyo and start talks on protecting shared military information amid their common concerns over China’s increasing maritime aggression in the region.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani met in Manila on Monday,
Malacañang: ‘Awkward’ for Marcos to call for session on Duterte impeachment
by ZaCarian sarao Inquirer.net
MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday, February 25 said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. believes it is more appropriate to wait for the Senate to request a special session on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte before calling one himself. This was Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro’s answer when asked if Marcos could compel the conduct of a special Senate
national police and border guards.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. expressed optimism that the defense agreements between the Philippines and the U.S. would not change even as the U.S. State Department ordered an immediate stop to almost all U.S. foreign assistance pending a review.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. remains focused on maintaining a strategic advantage over China and on keeping the world free, after speaking to leaders of the Philippines, Australia, Japan and South Korea. u
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains firm on his stance regarding the United States’ Typhon missile system, despite China’s demand for its removal, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Thursday, February 27. On Wednesday, Fenruaru 26, Chinese state media urged the Philippine government to remove the U.S. Typhon missile system from the South China Sea. The report claimed that the Philippines had “repeatedly gone back on its word and acted in bad faith,” as quoted People’s Daily the official newspaper of the Communist Party.
Speaking at Thursday’s Palace briefing, Castro said, “We will repeat the latest pronouncement of the president; the president has not changed his pronouncement—he has demands—if China wants
February 24 for their first bilateral defense meeting. Nakatani, who took office in October, is in his second tenure as defense minister after last serving in 2015.
Part of the discussions included the security situation in the East and South China seas, where both the Philippines and Japan have territorial disputes with China. China claims sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, and its coast guard ships have acted aggressively against
PH prays for Francis’ health
by eveLyn Macairan Philstar.com
MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is seeking continuous prayers for the 88-year-old Pope Francis, whose health continues to be “critical.”
In its official Facebook page, the CBCP posted a one-line request: “Let us continue to pray for Pope Francis.”
It attached a health update released by the Holy See Press Office which said, “The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained on Sunday, February 23, the pope is not out of danger.”
On Saturday morning, February 22, Francis reportedly experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.
His blood tests also reportedly showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, that required the administration of blood transfusions.
“The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more uncomfortable than yesterday (Sunday). At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded,” the Vatican said.
Several church leaders have been asking for prayers for the
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang file photo
US exempts $336 million...
He said the focus is also on the Indo-Pacific region, citing phone calls and meetings he had with leaders of the four countries.
Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines during a call with Teodoro on February 5.
The defense chiefs held an introductory call to discuss defense cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines.
They discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners and enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The U.S. security commitment to the Philippines was reaffirmed by Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo in his speech at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle for Manila at the Manila American Cemetery last Saturday, February 22.
“Our nations have stood together for decades, confronting common challenges and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region,” Paparo said.
“The liberation of Manila was a triumph for universal values of human dignity, self-determination, and the human spirit. As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of freedom and our enduring partnership,” he said. “May the sacrifices of our forebears inspire us to stand firm in the face of challenges, and may our bonds of friendship and cooperation grow stronger in the years to come.”
During his Philippine visit from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, Paparo met with President Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Secretary Teodoro, Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino and U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
Japan defense chief in Manila
Underpinning rising security concerns, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received at Malacañang on Monday Japanese defense chief Gen Nakatani who was in Manila for a three-day visit. His itinerary included a meeting with Teodoro.
“I hope that with the many changes that are occurring in our region, that your visit will – we will be able to discuss some of those anticipated changes that we are looking at in view of strengthening our relations between Japan and the Philippines,” Marcos told the Japanese official during a courtesy call at Malacañang.
Nakatani, for his part, cited
“great developments” in the areas of defense cooperation and security cooperation between the Philippines and Japan under the leadership of Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
The defense minister said he visited Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga and Wallace Air Station in San Fernando, La Union.
“I was able to observe with my eyes the air surveillance radar system which was transferred by the Japanese government,” he said.
Later on Monday, Teodoro had a meeting in Makati with Nakatani where they discussed China’s unilateral effort to change the international order by intimidation and spreading of its false narrative.
“We look forward to the discussions this morning into even enhancing our partnerships with the shared values of a rulesbased international order, a free and open Indo-Pacific, a resilient Japan and the Philippines against unilateral attempts by China
and other countries to change the international order and the narrative,” Teodoro said in his opening remarks.
The Japanese defense chief said the regional and international security environment has become increasingly complexed and intensified, noting that “there is an increasing need for Japan and the Philippines to further enhance defense cooperation and collaboration in order to contribute to the peace and stability in the region and the international community.”
“Under such harsh security environment, I look forward to a deep strategic discussion with you secretary from the broader perspective, in order to raise the level of our defense cooperation and collaboration between Japan and the Philippines to an even higher level,” Nakatani said.
Teodoro said amid regional challenges, the Philippines and Japan have managed to sustain bilateral and multilateral security ties.
“The best proof that bilateral relations, to include defense and security relations between Japan and the Philippines are robust, enduring, and strong is that our multilateral arrangements likewise remain robust and strong,” Teodoro said.
During the meeting, both defense leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral security and defense ties, including the future implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement once it enters into force, and the ongoing capacity-building programs and cooperation on regional security challenges.
The meeting also highlighted Japan’s continued support for the modernization of the AFP through its Official Security Assistance Program. (With reports from Helen Flores)
West PH Sea: Marcos unfazed by...
1
to make a demand, we have a counter demand; our stance is still the same; the president ‘s stance is still the same.” Castro was referring to Marcos’ “deal” with China that the Philippines will “return” the
Typhon missile launchers to the United States if China stops its claim on the West Philippine Sea and its harassment of Filipino vessels.
“Let’s make a deal with China— stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let
them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water-cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior, and I’ll return the Typhon missiles,” Marcos said in a media interview last January. n
Malacañang: ‘Awkward’ for Marcos to call...
1
session even without a request from the chamber.
“The way we see it, it would be an awkward position on the part of the president to voluntarily call for a special session, considering that there is this ongoing [allegation] that the president is behind the impeachment proceeding,” Castro told reporters.
“So it is better for the Senate to request, considering
even the president made this pronouncement that if the Senate would ask him to call for a special session he would do so,” she added. Asked if it was legal for the president to call for a special Senate session that would only be limited to the impeachment trial, Castro responded that the president may call for a special session anytime under the Constitution.
“It is not limited to the urgency of a bill or legislation, but we believe it also includes the impeachment trial because it’s anytime, without any condition,” she explained.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte last February 5.
On February 18, she filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to stop the impeachment proceedings. n
pope, who has been confined at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since Feb. 14 because of a respiratory infection, which was later confirmed to be double pneumonia.
Last Feb. 19, CBCP President Kalookan Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David solicited prayers for the pontiff. On Feb. 20, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma led a eucharistic vigil for Pope Francis’ healing at the San Carlos Seminary College’s Martyrs of Lisieux Chapel in Cebu City. The next day, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula led a prayer service for the health of Pope Francis. Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has been pope since 2013 and has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because as a young adult he developed pleurisy – a condition where the layers of tissue between the lungs and chest wall become inflamed – and had part of one lung removed. n
Pope Francis during his apostolic visit to the Philippines in
Philippines, Japan boost security ties amid...
Philippine vessels near disputed shoals and atolls that fall inside Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
Japan and China have also repeatedly faced off around uninhabited Japaneseadministered islands that Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing calls the Diaoyu.
At the start of the talks, Teodoro said he looked forward to a resilient partnership with Japan to guard against “unilateral attempts by China and other countries to change the international order and the narrative.”
Nakatani, for his part, said the regional security environment has become “increasingly severe,” calling on both countries as strategic partners to further boost defense cooperation.
Strategic talks
The two officials agreed to start discussions between senior officials and defense industry representatives to further enhance cooperation “in a mutually beneficial manner,” according to Nakatani.
Security ties between Japan and the Philippines, both close U.S. allies, have deepened in recent years amid China’s increasing military activities.
Tokyo’s only export to Manila was an air surveillance radar system built by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. as part of a P5.5billion deal signed in 2020.
The Philippines is in the third phase of its military modernization program, where it seeks to build up its military
in the next decade with more equipment, including missiles, fighter jets, and frigates.
Nakatani said they also agreed to start a “strategic dialogue” between high-level military officials on deeper information sharing and protecting military information “in order to elevate bilateral cooperation.”
Tokyo’s security cooperation with Manila is expected to get a boost in the coming years after the two countries signed a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) last July, allowing their troops and equipment on each other’s territory for combat training and disaster response.
The RAA is awaiting ratification from the Japanese parliament.
Stronger alliances
Nakatani on Sunday, February 23 toured Basa Air Base in Pampanga province, one of the nine military bases where the U.S. military has access under an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, as well as Wallace Air Station in San Fernando City, La Union province, where some of the air surveillance radar systems sold by Tokyo were in place.
He visited the command and control centers of both sites, where future cooperation between the Philippine Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force was being looked at.
Aside from strengthening bilateral defense ties, both officials also agreed to enhance their three-way partnership with the United States and the quadrilateral grouping with the U.S. and Australia, collectively
known as the “Squad.”
“We are not only to enhance existing alliances in terms of the scale of mutually cooperative activities but also the scope of these arrangements by inviting like-minded partners potentially to join these alliances. In any case, the upholding of international law and the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a free and open South China Sea and East China Sea, in accordance with generally accepted principles of international law, is a shared initiative,” Teodoro noted.
Also on Monday, two Japanese warships—JS Ariake, a Murasame-class destroyer, and JS Hamagiri, an Asagiriclass destroyer—arrived in the country for a goodwill visit, according to the Philippine Navy.
The two ships were on an overseas training cruise and were making stops in partner nations.
On Friday, February 21, the French Navy’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle also made its first visit to the Philippines, making a stop in Zambales, the province facing the West Philippine Sea.
The aircraft carrier docked in Subic Bay along with two multimission destroyers, an air defense destroyer, and the auxiliary oil replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier.
The French Navy forces conducted combined naval and air exercises alongside the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force in the West Philippine Sea. (With a report from Kyodo News)
Mayor Todd Gloria forges economic, military...
He highlighted San Diego's strategic advantages, including its robust innovation economy, worldclass educational institutions, and significant military presence. The discussions focused on fostering economic collaboration and exploring mutual opportunities for growth.
San Diego County is home to a thriving Filipino-American community of roughly 215,000 people – the second-largest concentration in the United States. An average of 184 people fly between Manila and San Diego every day.
According to a news release from the Mayor’s Office, Gloria’s visit was at the invitation of Audie de Castro, honorary consul for the Philippines. The trip involved a series of high-level meetings aimed at bolstering economic investment, highlighting military partnership and celebrating robust cultural ties.
Mayor Gloria secured commitments from several business leaders to explore investment opportunities in and with San Diego. Increased foreign investment would lead to job creation and expanded business development in San Diego – key objectives for the Mayor’s visit.
In addition to economic discussions, Mayor Gloria met with top military officials to discuss the longstanding partnership between San Diego and the Philippines. The conversations focused on the importance of continued collaboration in ensuring regional
security and stability. Gloria’s visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Manila, when U.S. forces partnered with Filipino counterparts to liberate the city from the Japanese occupation during WWII. He commemorated this event at the Manila American Cemetery – the largest for U.S. servicemembers outside the United States, where more than 17,000 U.S. servicemembers, including many from San Diego, are memorialized.
Mayor Gloria paid his respects during a wreath-laying ceremony, reflecting on San Diego’s crucial role in preserving international stability, as well as his own enduring commitment to veterans and active-duty personnel. Cultural connections were also a focal point of the trip. Mayor Gloria visited historical sites and met with local leaders to deepen
the cultural understanding and bonds and to celebrate the rich heritage shared between the two communities.
“Mayor Gloria’s Filipino heritage and deep ties to San Diego’s Filipino-American community uniquely positioned him to establish trust and build partnerships that will benefit the region’s businesses through increased trade and cultural connectivity,” the release noted.
Reflecting on the visit, Mayor Gloria emphasized the importance of such exchanges in promoting mutual prosperity and understanding. He expressed optimism that the strengthened relationships would lead to increased economic opportunities, enhanced security cooperation, and a deeper cultural appreciation between San Diego and the Philippines. n
DEEPER COOPERATION. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (right) meets with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Monday, February 24 to discuss deeper security cooperation between the Philippines and Japan. DND photo
Under Trump, press freedom under...
Act of 1934, when airwaves were scarce — requiring broadcasters to operate in a way that serves the public interest. In laws, lawsuits and regulations since then, however Congress, courts and the FCC itself have been unclear on the meaning and scope of “public interest.”
‘The process is the punishment’
In a case toeing this gray area of public interest last January, Trump’s new FCC chair Brendan Carr ordered an investigation of NPR and PBS for “broadcasting underwriting announcements that cross the line into prohibited
commercial advertisements.”
“It’s not the government’s business to dictate what the press reports, or how … and who is doing what on the government dime is, by definition, public business and newsworthy,” said Loy. “There’s a reason that the press is the only private institution expressly named in the Constitution, where the First Amendment guarantees its freedom.”
“The process is the punishment when it comes to freedom of speech,” he continued. “I think the most pernicious danger is self-censorship, and this is not just a red state or federal issue. Local officials have been
threatening reporters for years,” with many recent instances in California alone.
In May 2019, for example, San Francisco police obtained a warrant to raid the home of a freelance journalist — taking a sledgehammer to his gate and seizing his computers, phones and other devices — after he refused to name a source related to the death of San Francisco public defender Jeff Adachi that February.
In April 2022, a Los Angeles County sheriff gave a press conference calling for the investigation of an LA Times journalist who reported on a leaked video of a deputy kneeling on the head of a handcuffed inmate for several minutes.
Last December, a San Joaquin County sheriff announced that journalists who legally obtained county Superior Court documents could face criminal prosecution for having “conspired to break the law.”
“This erosion of norms and legal safeguards for journalists is part of a global trend,” said Joel Simon, founding director of the Journalism Protection Initiative at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. “There’s not a lot of examples where press
PH consulate hosts immigration briefing...
amid the changing immigration landscape.
Fil-Am immigration law experts discussed the rights of Filipino immigrants and offered practical tips for dealing with immigration authorities.
Atty. Marlon B. Baldomero provided background information on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and what to do when encountering ICE authorities.
Atty. Ed Allan Lindain explained the jurisdictions covered by law enforcement and immigration agents, and the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Meanwhile, Atty. Maria Theresa T. Calimag, with the Reeves Immigration Law Group, talked about people’s rights under the criminal justice system and during removal proceedings.
The session culminated in a Q&A session, where participants sought clarifications on rules they need to follow in specific scenarios.
Closing the briefing, the Consulate reminded Filipino immigrants about their rights and the consular assistance available to them.
The briefing was presented live on the Consulate General’s official Facebook page and may be viewed here.
The second part of the seminar is scheduled for March 13. Meanwhile, a coalition of more than 25 immigrant rights, legal, labor and faith-based
organizations known as the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network has created a hotline to report ICE activity, connect migrants with legal aid and prevent wrongful detentions.
“Community is what keeps us safe,” LA Councilman Hugo SotoMartinez said in a statement. “If you see ICE in LA, call the Rapid Response Network at 888-6244752 so we can verify, report and take action to protect those at risk.” (Inquirer.net)
Meet Philadelphia Eagles’ Johnny Wilson: Proud of his Filipino roots
by Elton lugay Inquirer.net
PHILADELPHIA — On Feb.
9, the Philadelphia Eagles made history by overcoming the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, and Filipino American wide receiver Johnny Wilson, in his first year with the team, is part of that victorious legacy.
In New Orleans, Wilson’s dream came true as the Eagles clinched victory over the Chiefs with a commanding score of 40-22.
Surrounded by teammates and the deafening cheers of Eagles fans, he felt an overwhelming surge of pride.
“Winning the Super Bowl as a Filipino American is something special for me and my family,” he told Inquirer.net USA. “It’s a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter where you come from.”
“This victory is not just mine; it’s for everyone who believed in me. It’s for my family, for my community in Pacoima, and for every young athlete out there.”
Despite appearing in five Super Bowls, the Philadelphia Eagles have only been victorious twice. Their first win was in 2018, defeating the New England Patriots, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII.
At 23, Wilson grew up in a vibrant household that embraced diversity. His Filipino roots on his mother’s side blend beautifully with the influences of his African grandfather.
“Growing up in Pacoima shaped who I am,” he said. “It taught me the value of hard work and community.”
Wilson’s journey to the NFL began at Calabasas High School, where he emerged as a four-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports, catching the attention of major college programs.
After initially committing to Oregon, he ultimately chose Arizona State, where he laid the groundwork for a successful college career. “It was a big decision, but I knew I had to follow my heart,” he recalled.
His journey was not without challenges. After transferring to Florida State, Wilson faced the pressure of proving himself.
“Every step was a learning experience,” he said. “I had to adapt and keep pushing forward.” His hard work paid off, culminating in a sixth-round draft selection by the Eagles in 2024.
Johnny Wilson: ‘I could eat lumpia every day’
When discussing his heritage, Wilson’s warmth shines through.
“Visiting the Philippines was life-changing. The warmth of the people and the culture—I felt so connected to my roots. It made me realize how important it is to represent my heritage on the field.”
Food is also a significant part of Wilson’s connection to his culture. “I could eat lumpia every day,” he said. “It’s the perfect comfort food! Whenever I have it, I’m reminded of family
gatherings and the joy they bring.”
At 6’6”, Wilson defies the stereotype often associated with Filipino Americans. “I find it funny when people say Filipinos are short. I mean, look at me!” he quipped. “But that’s just another way to break stereotypes. Success isn’t defined by height or background—it’s about heart and determination.”
As a role model for aspiring athletes, Wilson offers this simple yet profound advice:
“Stay focused, work hard and believe in yourselves. There will be moments when people doubt you, but it’s your journey. Keep pushing through.”
Looking ahead, the Fil-Am wide receiver envisions a future where he not only excels on the field but also gives back to the community.
“In five years, I hope to still be playing at a high level and expanding my impact— whether through charity work or mentoring young athletes. I want to make a difference,” he said.
Balancing his football career with his cultural identity is crucial for Wilson. “No matter how busy life gets, I always stay connected to my family and heritage. It’s part of who I am, and it gives me strength.”
As confetti fell in New Orleans, Wilson stood proudly with his teammates, celebrating their victory. His journey is just starting, but he is ready to inspire the next generation. n
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson . ‘Winning the Super Bowl as a Filipino American is something special for me and my family,’ says Wilson.
Photo from Instagram/@jjohnnywilson
Deputy Consul General and Acting Head of Post Maria Alnee A. Gamble delivers opening remarks. Photo from Los Angeles PCG
Three weeks into Trump’s second presidency, press freedom is in danger for newsrooms nationwide. Pexels.com photo by Brotin Biswas
Under Trump, press freedom under...
freedom has declined and then rebounded … Once your rights deteriorate, it’s very difficult to reclaim them.”
Press freedom violations in the U.S. are even older than the country itself, spanning landmark cases including a 1734 libel suit against a publisher by New York’s colonial governor; the 1798 Sedition Act criminalizing criticism of the government, repealed two years later; and President Nixon’s far more recent Watergate breach in 1972.
‘Defending our ability to do our work’
“What makes these issues potentially more damaging now is that the institutional power of the media is greatly diminished,” said Simon. “During the first Trump administration, the battle was over who controls the narrative. That’s not where we are now. Now, we have to focus on defending our ability to do our work. If we don’t, we’re going to see those rights erode.”
“Outside the U.S., a lot of legal harassment targeting media is not related to the production of content, but other things like tax issues, fraud allegations and workplace practices,” he explained, recommending that U.S. journalists brace themselves for the same.
Legal resources for journalists
include pro bono aid through Lawyers for Reporters, ProJourn and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), and legal hotlines through RCFP and the First Amendment Coalition.
“Self-censorship is not good because people will not get the news. It’s as simple as that,” said Zach Press, senior staff attorney at Lawyers for Reporters at the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice. “The question we should ask ourselves is: What measures do we put in place to have the confidence to do that reporting?”
He added that with Trump’s attacks on this confidence, Lawyers for Reporters has seen an increase in “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” or SLAPPs; these are lawsuits brought by people and entities to dissuade negative publicity by forcing the critics accused to spend extensive time and money on defense.
The good news?
In recent years, many states have adopted anti-SLAPP laws, almost all involving fee shifting — meaning that if, for example, a court dismisses a case or rules against the suing plaintiff, that plaintiff must pay the defendant’s lawyer fees and possibly even more in damages.
Adopting states include Virginia in 2017; Colorado,
Virginia and Texas in 2019; New York in 2020; Washington in 2021; Kentucky and Arizona in 2022; Pennsylvania and Minnesota in 2024; and Ohio last January.
“It’s a very strong deterrent,” said Press of the laws. “If the plaintiff knows they’ll be on the hook for a claim they just wanted to raise to shame a journalist, maybe they’ll think twice about it.”
Against SLAPP and other threats, he encouraged journalists to make their work as factually, digitally and legally bulletproof as possible through extensive editorial fact-checking; media liability insurance; encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Telegram; and — especially for nonprofits, which comprise many local media — updated tax and employment filings.
Through actions like these, “press freedom begins at home,” added Loy. “I can’t guarantee that the FCC or any other arm of government will not attempt to abuse its power, but autocracy depends on acquiescence.”
“Ignore your rights and they will go away. The best way to stand up to a bully is to fight a bully,” he continued. “Yes, there are risks … but the press should not allow those risks to prevent it from fulfilling its function: to report the news.” n
On Medicare, Medicare Advantage plan, LIHEAP program
THE two important Medicare enrollment period will end on Mach 31, 2025. Additionally, be sure not to miss the application open period for home energy assistance.
<Q1> I realized that I missed my Initial Enrollment Period. When can I enroll in Medicare?
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare and you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period. This period takes place every year from January 1 to March 31.
If you enroll during this time, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. For example, if you sign up in March, your coverage will start in April. However, be aware that late enrollment penalties may apply, which can increase the cost of your monthly premiums.
<Q2> I am currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, but I found a better plan that fits my medical needs after the deadline of the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Should I wait for the next open enrollment period to switch to the better plan?
If you found a better plan after the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends (which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year), you don’t necessarily have to wait until the next open enrollment period. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
During this period, those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare with a Part D prescription drug plan. Keep in mind you can make only one change during this period, so choose wisely!
<Q3> I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with my energy bills. Are there any programs or assistance options available to help manage these expenses? You can get assistance from the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). This is a federally funded program that helps lowincome households to meet their immediate home energy needs. This program provides an eligible household with an annual cash grant to help you pay for your home heating and cooling costs. The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company. To be eligible a household must have an income that does not exceed the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guideline (e.g., monthly $2,555 for a two-person household).
While assets are generally not a primary factor, some states may count assets as part of the eligibility requirements.
Enrollment periods may not be
This
OPiniOn FeAtures
More reforms needed
FOUR years after being placed under close monitoring by global dirty money watchdog Financial Action Task Force, the Philippines has finally exited the gray list of the Paris-based FATF.
The country was placed on the gray list in June 2021 for failure to address deficiencies tagged by the FATF. Following talks with Philippine officials in Paris from Feb. 17 to 20, the FATF deemed the country to have achieved significant progress in strengthening measures on anti-money laundering and combating terrorism and proliferation financing.
Among the measures cited were the efforts to stop the flow of dirty money through casino junkets, tightening of rules on money transfers as well as the application of sanctions on illegal remittance operators. The FATF said the country also demonstrated effective risk-based supervision of designated non-financial businesses and professions. Increased use of financial intelligence led to more money laundering probes and prosecutions, the FATF noted. Law enforcement agencies gained greater access to beneficial ownership information. Rules were also tightened on nonprofit or nongovernment organizations.
Exiting the gray list eases financial transactions including the remittance of overseas workers’ earnings. Philippine officials are hoping that the exit will also boost the chances of the country for a credit rating upgrade.
PHILIPPINE STAR columnist
Iris Gonzales’ thought-provoking article “How about a tycoon or CEO for president?” caught many people’s attention the other day.
In her column, Iris noted that an “air of frustration” seems to be seeping into the minds of “many of our big businessmen” who are getting increasingly “impatient with our dizzying political landscape,” the “glaring corruption among some of our lawmakers,” including the “move to tinker with our budget.”
“Would a businessman or a tycoon be an effective president of the Philippines? Someone with effective management and leadership skills who can steer our rudderless ship to better shores? Someone who has the brilliance to manage our resources so that our government can provide the right social services to our people? Someone whose goal is no longer just about making money but building a nation for
The Broader View
H
VICE President Inday Sara Duterte has only just begun.
Last February 18, Vice President Sara took her impeachment fight to the Supreme Court when she asked the issuance of a temporary restraining order to stop her impeachment trial at the Senate. Senate President Francis Escudero has already asked the Office of the Solicitor-General to act as the lawyer of the Senate.
The impeachment case against the highest voted official in Philippine history is obviously a legal farce railroaded by the unholy alliance of the MarcosRomualdez-Araneta triumvirate with the Reds and Pinklawans.
The alleged promise of P25million allocation for AKAP, P25 million for AICS and P100 million for infrastructure under DPWHOsec has been exposed by congressmen themselves in their defense of their impeachment vote. The impeachment process raised a constitutional issue, as VP Sara accused the House of Representatives of “grave abuse of discretion” for deliberately circumventing a constitutional
The exit strategy is not without critics. NGOs have decried the action plan for paving the way for restrictive measures against their groups, and for facilitating what they describe as the red-tagging and freezing of assets of organizations classified as terrorists.
Other groups, meanwhile, are calling for more reforms, including the lifting of bank secrecy laws and the passage of campaign finance reforms. Lawmakers, however, have consistently resisted such reform measures. Instead of promoting financial transparency, the country is moving in the opposite direction, with access to top government officials’ statements of assets, liabilities and net worth now strictly restricted. This restricted access is the perfect complement for bank secrecy laws that effectively conceal slush funds and kickbacks paid to politicians.
Even worse than casino junkets are election campaigns, which have become major laundromats for dirty money, with the Commission on Elections lacking the authority and capability to regulate campaign finance. Combined with the world’s toughest bank secrecy laws, politicians enjoy full protection for their dirty money. The country missed deadlines to exit the gray
Philippines, Inc.
generations and generations to come?” Iris wrote.
This idea got many people thinking that perhaps it is time to consider having a tycoon or CEO for our next president. In fact, a businessman friend even messaged me that this could be “a takeoff from what is happening in the U.S. with Donald Trump, a real estate mogul and celebrity television host, now managing the White House.”
The millions of Americans who voted for Donald Trump believe that he will bring “common sense” back into government, together with his chief advisor, tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) tasked to streamline operations and cut “government waste,” has drawn criticism and flak but has also gathered support from many who believe government should not squander taxpayers’ money.
Just recently, a proposal to issue “DOGE dividend” checks to taxpayers is gaining traction, especially after President Trump said he is considering a “new concept” where 20 percent of
DOGE savings will be given to American taxpayers while another 20 percent goes to paying down debt.
An article in forbes.com written by Shahar Ziv said the proposed $5,000 DOGE dividend checks could “provide a one-time boost to American households and help improve their financial health by paying off debt or increasing their savings.”
Disclosing the Financial Health Network’s “Financial Health Pulse 2024” report that “70 percent of American households remain financially unhealthy with day-to-day financial realities worsening for many,” the article quoted FHN president and CEO Jennifer Tescher, who said the data indicates that financial health in the U.S., “especially that of moderate and middle-income households, remains precarious and is influenced by a reliance on credit to stay afloat.”
Saying the proposed DOGE dividend check of $5,000 would be more than double the average tax refunds of a little over $2,000, the author believes this move could provide a substantial financial boost to taxpayers.
Definitely, Filipino taxpayers would appreciate a “financial boost” since many are grumbling that they are always at the tail-end (if not missing) in the list of beneficiaries for government ayuda (aid).
As one reader emailed, “I am a mid-level executive in a modest company, but I also need financial assistance. Why am I (and others like me) being deprived of government ayuda just because I am employed? I wish congressmen would also show sensitivity to taxpayers like me who contribute to government revenue, and realize that I also need help,” the reader ranted.
Perhaps there is really wisdom in having CEOs as presidents since successful corporations are run “professionally” without fear of, or favor to, anyone, because priority is to ensure the company’s profitability and sustainability.
One country that has shown dynamic growth in recent years is the Dominican Republic, with the International Monetary Fund projecting a five percent GDP growth rate for 2025. Led by President Luis Abinader (who obtained his economics degree at the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology, studied Corporate Finance and Financial
Inday Sara’s petition
safeguard against more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within one year.
To remind our dear readers, there were three impeachment complaints filed in December 2024, which the House of Representatives Secretary General deliberately did not refer to the committee on justice. The fourth impeachment complaint filed on Feb. 5, 2025 was used with the necessary signatures to fast-track the process.
Here we can see that the 19th Congress allowed multiple impeachment complaints against the VP, directly violating the Constitution.
On the same day of VP Sara’s filing, a group of lawyers filed a similar petition before the High Court challenging the legality of the impeachment and referring to the impeachment case as “procedurally defective, constitutionally infirm and jurisdictionally void.”
It is good that the vice president argued, citing the Constitution, that “no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within the period of one year.”
“The fourth impeachment complaint is prohibited by the one-year bar as respondent House of Representatives
already took initial action by deliberately freezing the first three impeachment complaints; respondent Senate should be enjoined from acting on the Fourth Impeachment Complaint,” VP Sara stated in her petition for certiorari and prohibition filed by her legal team.
Incidentally, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is part of the legal team of the VP, alongside VP Sara’s father-in-law Lucas Carpio Jr. and lawyers from Fortun, Narvasa and Salazar Law. Frankly, with the former president as an impeachment counsel, the impeachment trial would be an absolute cinema for millions of Filipinos. Filipinos are getting excited.
The petition added, “There is no question at this point that the freezing of the first three impeachment complaints was calculated and deliberately made by respondent House of Representatives in order to avoid the application of the one-year bar.”
As expected, anti-Duterte forces led by the Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives strongly condemned the legal move of the vice president to halt the Senate impeachment trial, calling VP Sara as “desperate” and “scared.”
As an impeachment veteran of sorts, I share the legal view of VP
Sara that the fourth impeachment complaint is prohibited. A similar impeachment case took place more than 20 years ago. I filed a petition in the Supreme Court prohibiting the House of Representatives from transmitting to the Senate the Articles of Impeachment against then chief justice Hilario Davide. We won the case on the ground that the second impeachment complaint filed against CJ Davide is invalid because of the one-year bar rule.
The first impeachment complaint was filed against then CJ Davide on June 2, 2003, referred to the House committee on justice on Aug. 5, 2023 and dismissed by the House committee on justice on Oct. 22, 2003. A day later, Oct. 23, a second impeachment complaint against then CJ Davide was filed. It is very clear in the Davide impeachment that it violates the constitutional prohibition against the initiation of impeachment proceedings against the same impeachable officer within a oneyear period.
In its decision, the High Court ruled that “initiation takes place by the act of filing, coupled with Congress’ taking action on the complaint.”
The question that needs to be addressed in the Duterte impeachment is: when did the
Engineering at Harvard University and Advanced Management at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire), the Dominican Republic is the fastest growing economy in Latin America.
Abinader was executive president of Grupo Abicor (a consortium founded by his father) engaged in real estate, construction, tourism and cement industries before becoming president of the Dominican Republic.
Tiny Palau is also displaying phenomenal economic growth with businessman and politician Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr. as president. Of Palauan and American lineage, Whipps finished a Business Administration and Economics degree from Andrews University in Michigan and his MBA from UCLA. He also founded a group of companies engaged in import, logistics, retail, wholesale, construction and travel. Last July, the World Bank upgraded Palau as a high-income country, and its economic growth is expected at eight percent this 2025, according to the Asian Development Bank’s Asian Development Outlook issued in September 2024. It seems the idea of a businessman or CEO as president is catching fire, with many talking
about the column of Iris Gonzales.
Since the Philippines has a high potential of being a “profitable” country, there are those seriously thinking that we need someone with a corporate mindset to run the country efficiently as it navigates the complexities of a highly competitive global arena.
Just like President Trump’s “America First” agenda that prioritizes the welfare of American citizens, this country also needs a leader who will share the vision of President Marcos to transform the economy and make sure that the “return on investment” will redound to the major shareholders and stakeholders – who are none other than the Filipino people.
But the question is, who is that person?
The 2028 Philippine presidential election is still three years away – there’s plenty of time for people to think about this idea. Surely, somebody that fits the bill might just emerge. (Philstar.com) * * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
beginning or the initiation of the impeachment proceeding take place? Yes, there is the filing of the complaint but there is no referral to the committee on justice. Is the non-action, or freezing, on the three impeachment complaints considered action? We leave it up to the Supreme Court to decide. The impeachment of VP Inday is not about people’s quest for the truth and the accountability of public officers. It is about the Marcos Forever scheme and the only way for this evil plan to succeed is to disqualify the vice president from holding public office for life.
However, in their obsession to kick out Inday Sara Duterte, the dominant candidate, in the political landscape, these anti-Duterte forces, beaming with their Merry Christmas smiles, committed their biggest blunder with their invalid fourth impeachment complaint. And as the campaign season begins, we are seeing impeachment as the election campaign issue. The next battleground is the Senate and the stakes are high. The composition of that august body is crucial to the conviction or acquittal of the VP. Let us ensure all the candidates of the PDP, including their guest candidates, win in 2025. (Philstar.com)
Babe’s Eye View
ManilaTimes.net photo
Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterte
DAteline PhiliPPines
Amid revamp rumors, Marcos evaluating Cabinet
by HeLen FLores Philstar.com
MANILA — Amid rumors of an impending revamp, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “evaluating” all Cabinet officials to determine whether they are “doing well” for the government and the people, Malacañang said on Tuesday, February 25.
Palace press officer Claire Castro made the announcement at a press briefing when asked to comment on the reported reorganization in some agencies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Presidential Security Command (PSC). Aside from the resignations of transportation secretary Jaime Bautista and communications secretary Cesar Chavez, there were no changes in leadership in other agencies as of Tuesday, according to Castro.
“As of now, there is none yet. It’s still under evaluation. There has been no removal, transition, transfer of position, nothing yet,”
Castro said, adding that Maj. Gen. Nelson Morales is still the PSC chief.
The PSC is tasked with securing the president and vice president as well as their families and highprofile visitors.
“The president is still evaluating if there’s a need for a change of leaders in each department. So, there is none yet, everyone is under evaluation,” Castro said when asked whether DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy had been replaced.
Asked whether the evaluation has something to do with the president entering the middle of his term or if it is something done regularly every year, Castro said, “Maybe if he sees the need to replace someone or someone has resigned. There are some who are resigning, we cannot do anything about that.”
“It’s just normal for the president” to evaluate the officials of his administration, she added.
“So, when the president sees that, ‘Oops, this person doesn’t seem to help anymore,’ we have to find a new leader and it’s
for the people. But as of now, there’s no change yet,” she pointed out.
The PCO, meanwhile, announced the names of new officials appointed by the president for different agencies.
Among the appointees were Johannes Paulus Acuña as assistant secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Emmanuel Gison Jr., as commissioner in the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.
He also named Ferdaussi Masnar as deputy executive director of the Dangerous Drugs Board and Larry D.R. Lacson as administrator and member of the National Food Authority Council. Ser-me Ayuyao has been appointed as regular member of the National Amnesty Commission.
Marcos also named Junie Cua and Jose Emmanuel Guillermo as members of the Board of Directors of the John Hay Management Corp., which is under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. n
Trillanes files supplemental complaint vs Paolo Duterte over 2017 shabu shipment
by ian Laqui Philstar.com
MANILA — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed a supplemental affidavit in connection with his drug smuggling complaints against Rep. Paolo Duterte (Davao City, 1st District) and several others over the P6.4-billion shabu shipment seized in Valenzuela City in 2017.
Trillanes submitted the supplemental affidavit on Monday, February 24, at the Department of Justice (DOJ), reinforcing the complaints he originally filed in July 2024.
Among the respondents in the complaint are former Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon and lawyer
Mans Carpio.
In an ambush interview with reporters, Trillanes — who is also running for mayor of Caloocan — said the additional evidence includes documents and testimonies from the House of Representatives' quad committee hearings.
“We heard in the quadcom hearing that Mark Taguba said he gave money for protection to Pulong Duterte and that he was chosen to import this. So, ultimately, it leads to Pulong Duterte," Trillanes said in Filipino.
He added that the evidence used to convict Mark Taguba, along with the affidavits of Taguba and Jimmy Guban, further reinforced Duterte’s involvement in the case.
The complaints filed by
Trillanes against Duterte and others in 2024 allege violations of Section 4 in relation to Section 26(a) of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended by RA 10640) and Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
The case stemmed from a May 2017 incident in which 602.2 kilograms of crystal meth (shabu), valued at P6.4 billion, was released by the Bureau of Customs at the Manila International Container Port. This led to the conviction of Taguba, Eirene Mae Tatad and Dong Yi Shen Xi, who were sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of P500,000 each. n
Escudero not interested in VP post
by Marc Jayson cayaByaB Philstar.com
MANILA — Senate President Francis Escudero is not interested in being vice president in case the impeached Sara Duterte gets convicted during trial.
In an interview with The Philippine STAR’s online show
“Truth on the Line” on Friday, February 21, Escudero put the issue to rest.
“That is an unfair question because the entire Congress above the age of 40, and all of the senators, can be a choice of the president (for vice president),” the Senate president said.
“I am simply one of them.
But if you ask me, I am not interested,” he added.
Section 9, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states:
“Whenever there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President during the term for which he was elected, the president shall nominate a vice president from among the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.”
Escudero said that while the Senate president is third in the line of succession, it is
not automatic that he will get elevated to vice president if the position gets vacated.
He said delicadeza would dictate upon them as senatorjudges in the upcoming impeachment trial to reject an offer to become vice president because they will be the ones rendering judgment on Duterte.
“It would not be good to look at. It would be more prudent for those who voted to, if at all, remove the vice president, to decline any such offer or nomination,” Escudero said. Escudero said he would not
succumb to pressure from some quarters to either delay or fast-track the impeachment proceedings.
He maintained that the Senate can only start tackling the Articles of Impeachment while in session. He scoffed at his critics saying the Senate committed a constitutional breach because it did not convene the impeachment court after receiving the impeachment complaint on Feb. 5, when the chamber had two more days that week before the break. n
by aLexis roMero Philstar.com
Dutertes
MANILA — The word
war between the Marcos administration and the Duterte camp raged on Monday, February 24 as Malacañang accused the former president and his allies of resorting to defamation to regain power.
Reacting to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks that the impeachment of his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte was meant to bar her from running in the 2028 polls, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro pointed out that the erstwhile leader and his supporters have been maligning the government in their rallies.
“We can really see where they are heading to. We can see it in all of their rallies. We have seen them defaming the government and the president. So we know where they are going. They want to regain power, authority,” Castro, who also serves as Palace press officer, told reporters on Monday.
Castro said President Marcos was not supportive of efforts to impeach Sara, but does not have control over the House of Representatives because of separation of powers.
“He won’t interfere. He won’t act whether it pushes through or not,” she said.
Earlier this month, the administration-dominated House of Representatives impeached Sara for her alleged failure to properly account for the confidential funds given to her office and for her threat, if she is assassinated, to have Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez killed.
A total of 215 members of the chamber signed the complaint, which had already been transmitted to the Senate for trial.
In an earlier media interview this month, Marcos distanced himself from the impeachment but claimed that the House was just performing its mandate under the Constitution.
During an indignation rally in Mandaue City, Duterte said politics was behind the move to impeach his daughter and that efforts were being made to destroy her reputation before the 2028 elections. The elder Duterte also accused Marcos of “veering toward a dictatorship,” claiming the president won’t step down after his term expires in 2028.
“We cannot just believe in intrigues without evidence. Perhaps you can recall that during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte, he admitted that when he was still a fiscal, he was an expert in sowing intrigues and in planting evidence,” Castro said.
“Perhaps we have proven that during the time of Senator Leila de Lima. So what do we expect from former President Rodrigo Duterte? Sow intrigue. Plant evidence,” she said, referring to drug charges against De Lima that led to her detention for more than six years during the Duterte administration. She was later cleared of all the charges and ordered released.
Castro also hit Duterte for saying that Marcos had sold the Philippines’ gold reserves.
“Isn’t this another campaign joke by former President Duterte? Aren’t we used to his jetski promise? When we believed those who supported him, we were called ‘stupid.’ If we believe what he said, we might be mistaken again as stupid,” she said, referring to Duterte’s statement in 2016 that he would ride a jet ski to the Kalayaan Islands to assert Philippine rights in the West
Philippine Sea. “But anyway, we will take this seriously so there won’t be any fake news, especially among people listening to him and those who may still believe in him.”
Castro said Duterte’s allegation on the gold reserves was already addressed in October 2024.
“I am wondering why President Duterte keeps on repeating it. Does he not have economic experts who can inform him about the regular activities of BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)?”
she said.
“According to the BSP, selling gold is just a regular activity. Why? To pump up the economy. Even at the time of former President Duterte, it has been the job of BSP. Is he not aware of that?”
Asked if the Marcos administration would file charges against Duterte, Castro replied: “No. We will just answer the jokes he keeps on saying.”
Castro also responded to Duterte’s claim that crimes are rampant in the country and that illegal drugs are again flooding Manila, Cebu and Davao.
“Including Davao City? If we are talking about Davao City, who is the mayor of Davao City? It’s his son, right? Mayor Baste Duterte. So that means his son is very inefficient,” Castro said.
“Where is the data? At least now, there is a record of the fatalities. During his (Duterte) time, was there a record of people who suddenly disappeared? Let us ask that. Maybe he should find it out also.”
In defense of Marcos Senate President Francis Escudero also defended the president from Duterte’s disparaging remarks, which he called “inconsistent, irrational and untrue.”
“I do not agree and do not subscribe to his accusation at all,” Escudero said.
“When their accusation that PBBM (Marcos) was a weak leader who was not in control did not fly, now they are accusing
him of the exact opposite and now supposedly has dictatorial tendencies. It is not only inconsistent but also irrational and untrue,” Escudero said.
Allies of President Marcos in the House of Representatives also defended him.
“I’m sorry to say it’s fake news once again. Hello, fake news, Mr. Fake News. Let’s not bombard people with fake news all over. He just keeps on spewing fake news. Maybe it’s about time he changes tune,” House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union told reporters. His colleague from Mindanao, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, also belied Duterte’s claim.
“The former president is open, he’s entitled naman to have his own opinion. We all have our own interpretations of all things. Of course, you cannot discount the fact that the vice president is his daughter,” the Muslim legislator stressed.
Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said on Sunday, February 23 that he is willing to testify against Vice President Sara Duterte if called by the impeachment court. He said, however, that it would still be up to the Department of Justice and the prosecution panel to decide whether CIDG’s participation in the trial would be required.
The CIDG launched an investigation in November 2024 to track individuals whom Duterte allegedly contracted to assassinate the Marcos couple and Romualdez should a separate kill plot against her succeed.
“For now, let me not put the cart before the horse, because the investigation into VP Sara is being conducted jointly by the National Bureau of Investigation and the CIDG, under the DOJ,” Torre said during a news forum. (With reports from Cecille Suerte Felipe, Mark Ernest Villeza)
NO. 2025-9003459 Sunset Breeze Apartments LLC located at 3721-3727 Sunset Lane, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: W And M Properties LLC, 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/13/2004. Signature: Dennis H Pennell II. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/19/2025. AJ 1636 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte Malacañang file photo
Senate President Francis Escudero
Philstar.com file photo
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Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002738
California Produce Market LLC located at 1736 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: California Produce Market LLC, 1736 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Jovy Darwin Mina. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/07/2025. AJ 1620 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1620
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Crest Home II located at 35822 Bay Sable Ln., Fallbrook, CA 92028.
Registrant: a. Frank Douglas Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028.
b. Katherine Mary Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028
This business is conducted by A Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT
BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/27/2010. Signature: Frank Douglas Dowden. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1627 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1627
CASE NUMBER: 25CU010238C TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Huang Hsien Elbaz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Huang Hsien Elbaz to Linda Lee Elbaz. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/17/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB 26, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT
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a. Gaslamp Medical Center located at 250 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101.
b. Alfredo Quinonez MD located at 250 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Alfredo Quinonez MD INC, 250 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2005. Signature: Alfredo Quinonez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/29/2025. AJ 1611 02/07, 02/14, 02/21, and 02/28/2025. AJSD 1611
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A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1633
non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1622 CASE NUMBER: 25CU009270C TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Maria Alejandra Adame Hernandez, a.k.a Alex Adame, a.k.a Alejandra Adame, a.k.a Alejandra M. Adame filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Maria Alejandra Adame Hernandez, a.k.a Alex Adame, a.k.a Alejandra Adame, a.k.a Alejandra M. Adame to Alejandra Maria Adame. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/14/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB 20, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1633 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001721
Linda View Services located at 6456 Tooley St, San Diego, CA 92114. Registrant: Gerardo Lopez Burgoa, 6456 Tooley St, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Gerardo Lopez Burgoa. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/24/2025. AJ 1621 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1621
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003092
Crest Home III located at 4791 Marblehead Bay Dr., Oceanside, CA, 92057
Registrant: a. Frank Douglas Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028. b. Katherine Mary Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028 This business is conducted by A Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/25/2003. Signature: Frank Douglas Dowden. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1628 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1628
Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1635 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1635
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003104
Treasure Listing located at 17028 Garden Walk Way, San Diego, CA 92127. Registrant: Sullaway Solutions, P.O. 28789, San Diego, CA 92198. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Keaton Sullaway. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1623 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1623
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003354 Cruz Consulting located at 895 39th St, San Diego, CA 92102. Registrant: Juan Samuel Cruz, 895 39th St, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/12/2025. Signature: Juan Samuel Cruz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/18/2025. AJ 1629 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1629
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001862
THE CUT located at 1315 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911.
Registrant: AES Branding LLC, 171 Palomar St Apt 202, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Joseph A Shipley.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/28/2025. AJ 1614 02/07, 02/14, 02/21, and 02/28/2025. AJSD 1614
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002766
CACIO SAN DIEGO located at 41 E 8th St #105, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Natalia Angelica Corradino, 41 E 8th St #105, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Natalia Angelica Corradino. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/07/2025. AJ 1617 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1617
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002748
ISTINA FIAMMA located at 9324 SanFrancisco Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Kendal Davis, 9324 SanFrancisco Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Kendal Davis. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/07/2025. AJ 1624 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1624
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002254 EVK Empire located at 3 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Rebekah Lombrozo, 3 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/29/2025. Signature: Rebekah Lombrozo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2025. AJ 1630 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1630
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001966
MabuHi Food Truck located at 2034 Campo Verde Ct, Escondido, CA 92026.
Registrant: MabuHi Enterprises LLC, 2034 Campo Verde Ct, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Alyssa Ordonez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/28/2025. AJ 1615 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1615
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001866
College Grove Apartments located at 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: PW INC General Partner Of PW Holdings LP, 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2012. Signature: Robert E Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/28/2025. AJ 1618 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1618
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002296
AK Painting located at 2466-B Van Ness, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: ANAUAK INC. , P.O. BOX B02, Imperial Beach, CA 91933. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/12/2024. Signature: Salvador Verastegui. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/03/2025. AJ 1625 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1625
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003319 Proper HVAC Inc. located at 839 First Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Proper HVAC Inc., 1111 6th Ave Suite 550, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/16/2025. Signature: Luis B Rasmuzzen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/18/2025. AJ 1631 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1631
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000198
VAS AH VER located at 4916 Imperial Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: a. Cesar Ricardo Fimbres Jr, 4916 Imperial Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92113. b. Cindy Irasema Espindola, 4916 Imperial Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2025.
Signature: Cesar Ricardo Fimbres Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/06/2025. AJ 1616 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1616
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002886
DANIELS PARTY
RENTALS located at 4554 Moraga Ave, San Diego, CA 92117. Registrant: a. Jose Antonio Becerra, 4554 Moraga Ave, San Diego, CA 92117244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. b. Angelica Morales, 4554 Moraga Ave, San Diego, CA 92117. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/08/2023. Signature: Jose Antonio Becerra. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/11/2025. AJ 1619 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1619
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003090
a. Crest Home Care located at 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028. b. Crest Care located at 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028. Registrant: a. Frank Douglas Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028.
b. Katherine Mary Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028
This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/1994. Signature: Frank Douglas Dowden. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1626 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1626
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003776
CERTIFIES located at 12004 Calle Naranja, El Cajon, CA 92019. Registrant: Alexander Mcclung, 12004 Calle Naranja, El Cajon, CA 92019. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2024. Signature: Alexander Mcclung. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/24/2025. AJ 1632 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1632
SAN DIEGO
Chef Leah Cohen on expanding Pig & Khao, embracing Filipino flavors, and her next chapter
FROM her breakout moment on Top Chef to helming one of New York City’s most beloved restaurants, Leah Cohen has built a career on authenticity and bold flavors. Her flagship restaurant, Pig & Khao, has been a fixture on the Lower East Side for over a decade, blending her Filipino and Jewish heritage with Southeast Asian influences. Earlier this year, she brought that same energy to the Upper West Side, offering a more refined but equally vibrant take on her signature dishes.
In this Q&A, Cohen shares the biggest lessons she’s learned from opening multiple locations, how her multicultural upbringing shaped her approach to food, and what excites her most about expanding beyond New York. She also teases her next cookbook, reflects on her father’s influence, and reveals which Filipino food myths she’d love to bust.
What was the biggest lesson you learned from opening Pig & Khao on the Lower East Side, and how did that shape your vision for the Upper West Side outpost?
Leah Cohen: The biggest lesson was having a clear vision from the start. The first time around, it was kind of thrown together. This time, I made sure we were intentional with everything—from the art to the plating. It’s the same vibe but a more mature version.
How does this location push your culinary vision forward?
We’re keeping true to authentic flavors but introducing more playful elements, like the new “rotaria” section with roti tacos. It’s a fun way to incorporate street food flavors in a new format.
What excites you most about bringing Pig & Khao to the Upper West Side?
We’re reconnecting with
by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
longtime customers who have moved uptown, and at the same time, introducing the brand to a new audience who might not have ventured to the Lower East Side.
How did your multicultural upbringing influence your approach to food?
I grew up Jewish but deeply connected to my Filipino roots because of my dad’s passion for the culture. We visited often, and I was always in the kitchen, helping my mom or other family members prepare food.
Is there a misconception about Filipino food you’d love to change?
People think it’s all heavy, fried dishes, but there’s so much more—grilled seafood, fresh vegetables. It’s an incredibly diverse cuisine that deserves more recognition. What’s the first thing you eat when you land in the Philippines?
I spend a couple of days in Manila, checking out new restaurants, then head to Romblon. It’s all about reconnecting with family and rediscovering flavors that shaped me.
Q: Speaking of Filipino food, you wrote Lemongrass and Lime—any plans for another book?
A: I’d love to! I’m actually working on a book proposal as we speak.
Q: Can you share any details about it yet?
A: My goal is to write a Filipino cookbook based on the dishes I grew up eating— both at home in New York and during visits to the Philippines. I also want to include foods my mom grew up eating.
Q: You’ve been sharing a lot of your mom’s favorite dishes on Instagram. Your top recipe for 2024 was the soy garlic version of soy garlic chicken, right?
A: Yes!
Q: How do you put your own spin on these traditional
dishes?
A: That version was a boneless take on what my mom used to make, with a few tweaks. My mom had about five dishes she cooked really well, and her fried chicken was one of them. I try to stay true to the flavors I grew up with while making them my own— sometimes just by using what I have in the kitchen that day or through multiple rounds of recipe testing.
Q: You’re opening a restaurant in Philadelphia! When is the target launch?
A: We’re aiming for July or August, but restaurant openings always take longer than expected.
Q: Will the new restaurant also be Pig & Khao?
A: Yes! This is our first venture into Philly, so we want to come out strong. We’ll bring our top dishes from both the downtown and uptown locations, plus we’re planning a combined offering as well.
Q: How much of the downtown menu is available uptown?
A: Around 40%, which is about five or six dishes. The rest of the menu is new.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self— especially the version of you that went on Top Chef just to enjoy the experience?
A: I’d tell myself to stop caring so much about what other people think.
Q: That’s easier said than done! How long did it take for you to figure that out?
A: Honestly? Yesterday! laughs But really, as you get older, you care less about what others say and focus more on being authentic to yourself.
Q: If you could cook a meal for anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
A: My father. He passed away during COVID, and the last time I cooked for him, he wasn’t feeling well. I just made something from what I had in
US-based Filipina named finalist for global recognition: Empowering new mothers and newborn caregivers for generational impact
RUBY Sibal, founder and CEO of Beyond Baby Care and cofounder of Himba Placement Agency Inc., has been named a finalist for the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards. Her work as a 4th-trimester care professional and her commitment to nurturing new families have earned her a spot in five categories of the prestigious global awards.
The Women Changing the World Awards, presented by Oprah Winfrey’s all-time favourite guest, Dr. Tererai Trent, celebrate and recognize women achieving outstanding success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian work, leadership, advocacy, tech, product development, education, health, and innovation. The awards are designed to recognize the growing number of women who are leading the way in making the world a better place for us all and inspire other women to answer the call to take action.
Dr. Trent explains, “These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all. The rising of women is the awakening of everybody.” As a 4th-trimester care professional, Ruby’s heart and life’s work revolve around supporting new parents, especially mothers, during one of the most tender and vulnerable stages of parenthood. “My journey began with a deep passion for helping families navigate the newborn phase, which oftentimes brings uncertainty and can be overwhelming,” Ruby shares. “I genuinely understand how important it is to not only care for a baby but to also empower parents to trust their instincts and understand their little one’s unique cues, as I have experienced all this firsthand from working with over a hundred newborns, mostly around the clock, for over a decade.”
my fridge and drove it up to him in Westchester. I’d love to cook him a proper meal.
Q: What were some of his favorite dishes that you made?
A: He loved everything I cooked, but he especially loved a mussel dish we had when Pig & Khao first opened. We took it off the menu after a year but brought it back at our Jersey City location because it felt perfect by the water. He also loved sisig. n
“I owe so much of who I am to my Filipino roots,” Ruby adds. “We Filipinos are known for being ‘maaruga’ ( deeply caring and nurturing ) and ‘marunong makipagkapwatao’ ( treating others with compassion, empathy, and genuine respect ). These values are the heart of everything that I do, and it no longer feels like work to me; it’s second nature.”
Ruby’s cultural heritage has profoundly shaped her approach to newborn care and parental support. Residing and practicing in America, Ruby is a proud daughter of the Philippines. “I draw on centuries-old values of community, compassion, and resilience – principles that are integral to Filipino culture,” she explains. In every family she supports, Ruby weaves these values into her practice, creating a nurturing environment that honors tradition while embracing modern best
Cocktails Cheers
Moo Ping Al Pastor Roteria
Assorted Desserts Tocino Wings
Assorted Starters
Sibal
An aerial view of Pechanga Resort Casino with The Cove in foreground. Between March and May, Pechanga Resort Casino gives
Murtabak
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
Rogelio Constantino Medina
HOCKEY is a popular sport that can be a favorite for many reasons, including its physical benefits (for it can help improve cardiovascular fitness, lower body strength, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination), cultural significance, and the opportunity to develop teamwork.
One of my favorite hockey teams is the Florida Panthers, a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference.
The 2024 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers was recently honored by President Trump at the White House.
* * * Solano County-based Brothers David and Vincent Isip are supporters of the train therapy (the former started it even before the COVID-19 pandemic, while the latter during the post-pandemic), an emerging intervention for coping with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia that relies on a railway travel simulator.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities.
David Isip, founder of Budget Window Coverings, a lowvolume provider of window treatments, in 1980 (now being continued by his son Miguel), has railways train simulator that features minimalist and artistic elements merged in an immersive experience where
Florida Panthers visit the White House
the perks of a train trip are emphasized.
In the case of Vincent Isip, a Contra Costa County employee in California, his loco simulator can pull 20 train cars and has a caboose, a boxy railroad car attached to the end of freight trains (cabooses are used to house the train crew and monitor the train for safety). The number of train cars a locomotive can pull depends on the locomotive's horsepower and the weight of the cars. He has also a vintage or classic train simulator where patience is a virtue.
To succeed, you need to wait for the right moment and use your train management skills to drag the trains from one railway to another. Imagine your thoughts and feelings as a train, and notice them without judgment. This can help you get some distance from your thoughts and feelings.
*
* * February is the month of love.
I will feature different stories of love. I asked male respondents: (1) How do you define love? (2) Are you in love now with your spouse and why?
Their replies (fourth batch) are as follows:
LA-based Roderick Gutierrez of City of Hope Medical Center, who has been married to Jane Taguding-Gutierrez of Davao del Sur for 37 years and has sired four children: (1) “Love is such an ambiguous word that could be defined depending on the context on where to use it.”; (2) “As for my wife, I could say that cherishing her for the rest of my life would be the only definition I had and still have.”
Vallejo-based Alan and Jelynne Valentin are happily married and the couple has 5 kids: (1) “Love covers a lot of sacrifices. In the Bible, 1
You
10
Corinthians 13:4–7 NIV, ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres’.” (2) “Love looks to build each other's up, even at the expense of self.”
Oregon-based Dale Villar Acelar, a former actor who works at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville, is married to Megan Powers-Acelar for 7 years and they have five kids: (1) “Love is something you feel — it’s not just in your mind, but in your body and soul. It’s a force that moves through you, beyond logic or explanation. It’s that unshakable connection, the kind that doesn’t need words to be understood. When it’s real, you don’t just experience it — you live it, you become it. And I am blessed to share it with my wife.” (2) “Yes, I’m in love with my wife, Megan. She’s not just my partner—she’s my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the person who truly understands me. Love isn’t just about the good moments; it’s about choosing each other every day, through every challenge and every joy. And with her, that choice is easy. We understand each other and I am so happy God brought me to her.”
* * * I am glad that the second child of Danilo Jubay Marella, Mariano III Seldura Marella of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, who graduated from University of Saint La Salle with Bachelor of Physical Education, is now a Licensed Professional Teacher. Another teacher in our family!
can win & move into a brand new house...
a Club card. Pechanga Resort Casino introduces more fun ways to earn drawing entries on multiple days through the week and special kiosk events starting in April. Visit the Home Sweet Win webpage at Pechanga.com/homegiveaway for details.
Every Friday, starting March
7 and through May 30, guests must visit Pechanga Resort Casino and use their Club Card to activate entries. At 10 p.m. each Friday during the promotion, one winner will be selected to move on to the finale drawing on May
30. A total of 12 finalist spots will be awarded during each of the Friday night drawings. House hopefuls still have a chance at a lucky key and finalist spot during the May 30 Qualifier Drawing. On May 30, a minimum of four lucky key winners will be selected at 9:30 p.m. from entries and join the finalist ranks.
Three more finalists will include the top Pechanga Club member point earners between March 1 and May 23. The final finale spot goes to a fan of Pechanga’s social media. To be eligible for social media entries, Pechanga Club members must first follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Instagram and Facebook. The resort/casino’s social media team will ask followers to complete weekly challenges in order to receive entries.
The more active Pechanga social media followers are on the channels, the more entries they earn. The grand finale winner of Home Sweet Win will win keys to their new abode courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino.
Guests must be 21 or older and a Pechanga Club member to participate. Signing up for The Club is free and easy.
Simply stop by The Club desk during an upcoming Pechanga Resort Casino to start earning valuable perks every time you play your favorite slots or table games. In addition to the home giveaway, Pechanga is giving $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) to aid in their rebuilding efforts following January’s devastating wildfires.
Habitat LA has a long history of assisting vulnerable households after disasters. The organization recently launched REBUILD LA™ as a long-term emergency response campaign to help those affected rebuild homes, relocate, provide essential supplies and restore lives. For more information, visit Pechanga.com or pechanga. com/join.
Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best resort/casino in America by Condé Nast Traveler and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 5,500 of the hottest slots, table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features an unrivaled destination in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, on Instagram and on X @PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort Casino is open 24 hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino. Habitat for Humanity of
Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) transforms neighborhoods throughout greater Los Angeles by bringing the community together to build affordable homes, provide critical home repairs and help families rebuild after natural disasters. Habitat LA strengthens families through helping them access affordable loans, housing counseling and down-payment assistance. For more information about Habitat LA visit https://www. habitatla.org/ . Meritage is the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the United States, based on homes closed in 2023. The Company offers energy-efficient and affordable entry-level and first move-up homes. Operations span across Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Meritage has delivered almost 200,000 homes in its 39-year history, and has a reputation for its distinctive style, quality construction, and award-winning customer experience. The Company is an industry leader in energyefficient homebuilding, an eleven-time recipient of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award and Residential New Construction Market Leader Award, as well as a four-time recipient of the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS Leader Award. (Advertising Supplement)
* * * The Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Memorial Stadium has won the 2025 Building of the Year Awards - Sports Architecture from Archdaily showcasing the value of social architecture. This recognition highlights the stadium’s world-class design, innovation, and significance as a premier sports venue in Ilocos Norte. It is a testament to Filipino architecture and creativity and is hopefully the first of many more to come.
* * * Pam Bondi was recently confirmed as U.S. Attorney General. It is believed to reaffirm President Trump’s commitment to “restoring law and order and defending American values.” She has been a fierce advocate
On Medicare, Medicare Advantage plan, LIHEAP program
THE two important Medicare enrollment period will end on Mach 31, 2025. Additionally, be sure not to miss the application open period for home energy assistance.
<Q1> I realized that I missed my Initial Enrollment Period. When can I enroll in Medicare?
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare and you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period.
This period takes place every year from January 1 to March 31. If you enroll during this time, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. For example, if you sign up in March, your coverage will start in April. However, be aware that late enrollment penalties may apply, which can increase the cost of your monthly premiums.
<Q2> I am currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, but I found a better plan that fits my medical needs after the deadline of the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Should I wait for the next open enrollment period to switch to the better plan?
If you found a better plan after the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends (which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year), you don’t necessarily have to wait until the next open enrollment period. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
During this period, those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare with a Part D prescription drug plan. Keep in mind you can make only one change during this period, so choose wisely!
<Q3> I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with my energy bills. Are there any programs or assistance options available to help manage these expenses? You can get assistance from the LIHEAP (Low
Florida Panthers hockey players with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vincent J. Viola (left, beside President Trump) in the White House. Photos collated by Rogelio C. Medina
Dale and Megan Acelar, who are based in Oregon.
Mariano Marella at the Iloilo Convention Center.
President Donald Trump with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi
Happily married couple Alan and Jelynne Valentin.
Roderick and Jane Gutierrez have been married for 37 years. The Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City.
David Isip’s railways train simulator with astonishing
Veteran TV home show host Ty Pennington
SELLING a property in the
Philippines can be a rewarding yet challenging process, especially if you’re looking for the best value and a seamless transaction.
Whether you’re based locally or overseas, the key to a successful sale lies in preparation, marketing, and working with the right professionals. Here’s a stepby-step guide in selling your Philippine property.
1. Understand the market
• Research current property prices in your area to set a competitive price.
• Identify peak seasons when buyers are more active, such as during the holiday season or before school starts.
• Consider hiring a real estate agent with local expertise to provide insights on market trends.
2. Prepare your property for sale
• Conduct minor repairs and maintenance to enhance property appeal.
• Declutter and stage the home to make it more attractive to buyers.
• Secure necessary documents such as the title, tax declaration, and official receipts for utility payments.
3. Set the right price
• Get a professional property appraisal to determine a fair market value.
How to successfully sell your property in the Philippines
• Avoid overpricing, which can deter buyers, or underpricing, which can lead to losses.
• Be open to negotiations while ensuring you don’t compromise too much on value.
4. Market your property effectively
• Utilize online platforms such as real estate websites, Facebook Marketplace, and property listing sites.
• Take high-quality photos and create a compelling property description.
• Consider paid advertisements or social media promotions to reach a wider audience.
5. Work with a trusted Real Estate Broker
• A licensed broker can handle inquiries, negotiations, and legal documentation.
• Brokers have access to a wider network of potential buyers, expediting the sale process.
• Ensure you work with someone reputable by checking their PRC license and client reviews.
6. Be ready for legal and financial matters
• Ensure your title is clean and free from encumbrances or disputes.
• Be aware of taxes and fees involved, such as capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, and broker’s commission.
• If selling remotely, provide an authorized representative with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to handle the transaction on your behalf.
7. Negotiate and close the deal
• Be responsive to inquiries and flexible with viewing schedules.
• Prepare the deed of sale and other necessary paperwork for a smooth closing.
SAB Realty specializes in connecting property sellers with the right buyers, offering comprehensive real estate services for both local and overseas clients.
With extensive experience in the Philippine real estate market, Sab Realty provides expert guidance in pricing, marketing, and legal compliance to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Whether you are looking to sell a family home, a commercial property, or an investment asset, Sab Realty is committed to delivering professional and personalized service.
At SAB Realty, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re buying a family home, diversifying your portfolio, or preparing for retirement, we’ll help you every step of the way.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro, a licensed real estate broker in the Philippines for ten years, is also a proud member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in America. For inquiries, questions, or if you’re interested in buying or selling a property, feel free to reach out:
practices. This approach ensures that every new mother receives the comprehensive support she needs, boosting her confidence and ability to thrive as a parent.
“It brings me so much joy to see how the care we provide has a ripple effect – helping one family at a time, one generation at a time,” Ruby says. “When we empower caregivers, we uplift communities and create lasting change for the future.
‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ as the African proverb goes. That is the very core of our company’s name HIMBA. HIMBA is a tribe in Namibia whose women are responsible for taking care of other women’s children. It also stands for Helping Infants and Mothers Bond and Adapt.” Ruby’s work is rooted in empowerment. As a mother of two grown children, she understands the joys and challenges of early parenting.
“Every new mother I encounter is on the brink of discovering her strength, and my mission is to empower her with the confidence and knowledge to navigate this new chapter of life,” Ruby explains. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right guidance and support can transform a mother’s journey into parenthood, which is why I’m deeply passionate about helping them trust their instincts and embrace their new roles with confidence.”
Ruby’s professional journey has also been marked by
Maris Racal’s ‘Sunshine’ wins Crystal Bear at 75th Berlinale
Feature Award last year.
significant achievements. One of her most humbling milestones this year was receiving the Top Alumni Achievement Award from her alma mater, the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, Philippines. This recognition is more than just an award –it’s a testament to the lasting impact of Ruby’s work in caregiving, parental support, and newborn care. “This award validates the dedication I’ve poured into training caregivers and empowering new parents,” says Ruby.
“It reinforces my mission to continue making a difference, not just in individual families but in the industry as a whole.”
Another key milestone for Ruby was completing a comprehensive four-day public speaking course with world-renowned speaker and best-selling author Brian Tracy, who is now her mentor.
“This was a strategic step in my journey,” says Ruby. “It allowed me to refine my ability to communicate effectively and inspire a broader audience. Public speaking is a powerful tool, and with this new skill, I can reach more new parents, equipping them with knowledge and confidence in their journey. It will also help me train and mentor more newborn caregivers, empowering them to embrace this field with skill, heart, and purpose.” This achievement positions Ruby to expand her impact beyond one-on-one care, turning her mission into a larger movement of education
and advocacy. By improving her ability to communicate her message, Ruby aims to make newborn care education more accessible and impactful worldwide. Ruby’s vision extends to the Philippines, where Ruby is expanding her programs to offer culturally attuned newborn care training. She believes Filipinos are among the world’s best caregivers, and by providing robust training, she hopes to elevate global caregiving standards and create job opportunities both locally and internationally. “This initiative will not only improve the quality of life for women but also contribute to brighter futures for their communities,” she says. Ruby’s work is not just about caring for families one at a time – it’s about creating a lasting impact. She has seen the powerful shift from vulnerability to empowerment in the families she supports and realized that true change comes when we empower others. Through her mentorship and training programs, Ruby has set in motion a ripple effect of care, support, and hope that extends far beyond individual families, reaching communities and generations to come. By investing in the growth of caregivers, Ruby is shaping the future of newborn care and inspiring a new generation of compassionate, skilled professionals who will continue to uplift families worldwide.
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
ANTOINETTE Jadaone’s
“Sunshine,” starring Maris Racal, won the Crystal Bear at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).
Dutch filmmaker Emma Branderhorst, German filmmaker Asli Özarslan, and Toronto International Film Festival curator Ikoro Sekai were part of the Generation Jury.
Producer Bianca Balbuena noted that “Sunshine” marked the third time a project she produced won at Berlinale. The previous two were Lav Diaz’s “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” winning the Silver Bear in 2016 and Pham Ngoc Lan’s “Cu Li Never Cries” winning the Gesellschaft zur Wahrnehmung von Filmund Fernsehrechten Best First
The Crystal Bear is awarded to the Best Film of both the Generation Kplus and the Generation 14plus competition, the latter where “Sunshine” competed in. Jadaone and one of the movie’s actors, EJ Canlas, attended the European premiere of “Sunshine” in Berlinale. Maris was also at the Berlinale for the opening ceremony and even hit the red carpet, but she left Germany before her movie’s premiere.
Jadaone told Philstar.com last year that her team plans to bring “Sunshine” to more international film festivals before premiering in the Philippines, which Jadaone later confirmed she is working on.
The film stars Maris as the titular young rhythmic gymnast who dreams of joining the national team but she finds out that she was pregnant days before her tryout.
“On her way to a seller of illegal abortion drugs, Sunshine meets a mysterious girl who eerily thinks and talks like her,” goes the film’s synopsis. Apart from tackling teen
pregnancy and abortion, the film also focuses on the struggles of local athletes aspiring to join prestigious competitions like the Olympics.
Co-starring with Maris and EJ are Xyriel Manabat, Jennica Garcia, Annika Co and Meryll Soriano.
This is Maris’ third project and first movie with Jadaone, who also wrote the screenplay. They previously worked on the shows “The Kangks Show” and Simula Sa Gitna.” This is also Jadaone’s first feature film since her 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival-winning movie “Fan Girl,” starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino.
