Health clinic workers brush up on constitutional protections as immigration raids loom
the lobby at this st. John’s Community health clinic in south Los Angeles bustles with patients. But community health worker Ana ruth Varela is worried that it’s about to get a lot quieter. many patients, she said, are afraid to leave their homes. the other day I spoke with one of the patients. she said: ‘I don’t know. should I go to my appointment? should I cancel? I don’t know what to do.’ And I said, ‘Just come.’” since Donald trump’s return to the White house, fear of mass deportations carried out by U.s. Immigration and Customs enforcement has gripped immigrant communities. for years, a long-standing policy prevented federal immigration agents from making arrests at or near sensitive locations, including schools, places of worship, hospitals, and health centers. It was one of the first policies trump rolled back in January, just hours after his inauguration.
Mayor Todd Gloria forges economic, military, and cultural ties between San Diego and the Philippines
sAN DIeGo mayor todd Gloria led a delegation of filipino American business and community leaders on an economic and cultural exchange to the Philippines last week, aiming to strengthen the city's ties with the southeast Asian nation. During the visit, mayor Gloria engaged with the three largest and most influential chambers of commerce in the Philippines, representing over 30,000 businesses. he highlighted san Diego's strategic advantages, including its robust innovation economy, world-class 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
Marcos not a weak leader, will never be – Palace
by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com
mANILA — Why
the soft-spoken and diplomatic President ferdinand marcos Jr. hurling tirades at his fiery predecessor rodrigo Duterte during the campaign rallies of administration allies? As far as malacañang is concerned, even the highest official of the land needs to parry attacks by his critics who are “encouraging” people to be furious with the government. According to Presidential Communications
Undersecretary Claire Castro, such a move also imparts a message about marcos’ leadership. the president has to be transparent about his insights sometimes and to relay to the people that he is not and will never be a weak leader,” Castro said at a press briefing on thursday, february 27. In his speeches during the campaign sorties of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, marcos assailed the policies of the Duterte administration, including its pivot to China and its brutal war on illegal drugs that he said claimed innocent lives. Not to be outdone, Duterte also slammed the president in various “indignation rallies,” accusing marcos of “veering toward a dictatorship” and of seeking to stay in power after his term expires in 2028. Duterte, who had accused marcos of being a “weak leader,” also claimed that the impeachment of his daughter Vice President sara Duterte by the house of representatives was meant to prevent her from running for president in 2028. malacañang responded by calling Duterte a “tyrant” and a “one-man fake-news factory.” the house, which is dominated by the
US exempts $336 million PH aid from freeze
Visit of Japan defense chief to boost security cooperation
by 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 national police
mANILA — filipinos remain divided over Vice President sara Duterte’s impeachment, a recent noncommissioned survey showed. While a plurality opposes the house’s move to impeach Duterte, one in five filipinos remains undecided on whether the vice president should have been impeached.
Public opinion research firm Wr Numero found that 33.3% of filipinos support the impeachment, while 46.7% are against it — falling short of an outright majority.
Wr Numero President and Ceo Cleve Arguelles, speaking as a political scientist, said in a press briefing on Wednesday, february 26, that filipinos are shaping their views on impeachment based on “existing affiliation,” primarily driven by regional differences. the survey was conducted from february 10 to 18, the week following Duterte’s impeachment on february 5, through personal interviews with 1,814 respondents representing filipino adults aged 18 and above. the survey has a 95% confidence level
by Dominique nicole Flores Philstar.com
mANILA — Both President ferdinand marcos Jr. and Vice President sara Duterte have seen a sharp drop in their performance ratings, according to a recent noncommissioned survey.
Public opinion research firm Wr Numero released on Wednesday, february 26, the first issue of its 2025 Philippine Public opinion monitor. only 30.1% of filipinos found marcos’ performance satisfactory as of february 2025 — a steep 15 percentage point drop from the 45% recorded in september 2024. most of those who expressed satisfaction were from the rest of Luzon (41.6%), a region with parts considered a marcos stronghold.
Dissatisfaction with marcos was strongest in the Visayas and mindanao, where a majority of respondents disapproved of his performance. this is equivalent to nearly six in 10 filipinos expressing disapproval. Duterte also saw her satisfaction rating decline, dropping six percentage points from 47% in september 2024 to 41% in february 2025.
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
A. Gamble, who opened the feb. 18 seminar, highlighted the importance of knowing one’s rights and legal options 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
Post maria Alnee
Deputy Consul General and Acting Head of Post Maria Alnee A. Gamble delivers opening remarks.
Photo from Los Angeles PCG
u PAGE A2
Marcos not a weak leader...
president’s allies, impeached the vice president over her supposed failure to properly account for the confidential funds given to her office, the alleged extrajudicial killings in Davao and a supposed plot to kill the president, the first lady and speaker martin romualdez, among other allegations.
Destabilization?
In the same press briefing, Castro hit sara for saying that people have the right to show their anger to the government. the vice president made the remark in a recent radio interview in Cebu.
“It is saddening that the second highest leader of the country is encouraging people to be angry with the government,” the Palace official said. the question is during the time of her father, did she say that you can be angry (with the government)?” she added.
Castro said it would be better if the vice president encourages the people to help the government instead of sowing hatred.
“Why only now? more things happened during the time of her father. Does her encouragement
of people to be angry have a link with the reported destabilization?” Castro added. Asked if the administration has received information about a destabilization, Castro replied: “We do not have information about destabilization, but if you notice their statements if there are rallies, they are sowing hatred and are trying to make people believe that the government now is abusive and excessive. Based on that, we can see and feel where they are heading to.”
Castro said nothing was heard from marcos when the alleged anomalies in the sara-led
Department of education (Deped) surfaced. the vice president served as Deped secretary for nearly two years. the Palace official cited the wasted food under the Deped’s feeding program, which had a total amount of P5.6 billion.
Asked why the president did not say anything on the food wastage issue, Castro replied: “he (marcos) does not malign his colleagues in the government. he lets the authorities and agencies investigate. he does not ask the people to be angry. that’s not the personality of the president.” n
PH consulate hosts immigration briefing amid...
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)
Marcos, Duterte performance ratings...
In December 2023, she had a 73% approval rating, while marcos had 66% during the same period. mindanao, Duterte’s political bulwark, had the highest approval of her performance, with 68.3% of respondents expressing satisfaction. however, her strongest disapproval came from metro manila, where 41.5% of respondents said they were dissatisfied. Compared to December 2023, more than half of those who previously rated marcos’ performance as satisfactory now believe otherwise or are uncertain about his leadership. Duterte’s decline, while less severe, suggests a similar trend. the ratings have been in free fall since early 2024, as tensions between the marcos and Duterte
camps deepened, with both sides trading barbs. the drop also comes amid an investigation into the vice president’s alleged misuse of confidential funds and her impeachment, as well as renewed scrutiny of former President rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. the Wr Numero survey was conducted from february 10 to 18, with 1,814 adult respondents nationwide. n
Poll: Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial...
and a ±2% margin of error. Political bulwarks’ strong influence
According to the survey, opposition to the impeachment was strongest in mindanao, where 65.6% of respondents rejected the move, while only 16.6% were in favor.
meanwhile, Luzon outside metro manila had the most evenly split opinions, with 38.5% against impeachment and 38.8% in favor.
In metro manila, 40.1% opposed impeachment, while a stronger 48.1% backed it. the capital region also had the lowest percentage of undecided respondents at 11.7%.
“We are still in the middle of somewhere, and I think opinions would form more whether in favor or against once the trial proceeds,” Arguelles said.
But who is the opposition? he noted that opposition supporters not fully backing impeachment was “counterintuitive,” as the fallout between President ferdinand marcos Jr. and Duterte has led some of her supporters to identify as “opposition.”
marcos’s revelation that he had urged the house to abandon impeachment efforts
may have also influenced some administration supporters to oppose the move, he added. this reflects how “there is no unified stance on the issue” amid shifting political alignments, Arguelles said.
Across socioeconomic classes, opposition to impeachment was strongest among Class D or the lower middle class at 49.8%. however, the same group also had the fewest (13.3%) undecided respondents, with 36.9% supporting impeachment.
In contrast, Classes A, B and C — the middle to upper classes — had the weakest opposition, with only 38.4% against impeachment and 42.9% in favor. Nearly one in five respondents in this group (18.7%) remained undecided.
Public opinion to ride on trial proceedings
Could the divided public opinion and the number of undecided voters influence filipinos' preferences based on the candidates' stance on impeachment?
Arguelles told Philstar. com that it is “not a primary consideration now,” but suggested that this could be why the senate has yet to proceed with the trial, even during
recess, as impeachment could become a “key election issue.” however, he noted that if developments such as petitions before the supreme Court — either compelling or halting the senate trial — resolve during the campaign period, impeachment could take center stage in the elections, pressuring candidates to disclose their stance.
Wr Numero also asked respondents whether the senate should convict or acquit Duterte, though it remains early in the process. A significant 42.7% said they were unsure.
“It’s clear in how the opinions are divided so far that there is no national consensus whether to convict or to acquit,” Arguelles said. he added that public opinion on the impeachment will largely be shaped by the narratives and stories filipinos are exposed to in the lead-up to the proceedings, if they push through, as well as how the trial unfolds.
senate President Chiz escudero remains firm on holding the trial when Congress resumes in June, but some lawmakers and civil society groups are pushing for an earlier start despite the upcoming 2025 midterm polls. n
Mayor Todd Gloria forges economic, military...
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. h e 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. (AJPress)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo
ALYANSA IN BULACAN. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (5th from left) graces the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign rally at City College of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan province on Friday, Feb. 28. In his speech, Marcos said he would not be surprised if candidates of the opposition party and other political parties are getting nervous because the administration team members are most qualified to occupy Senate seats.
PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
During his visit, Mayor Gloria briefed the three largest and most influential chambers of commerce in the Philippines, representing more than 3,000 companies from a wide variety of sectors including healthcare, biotech, clean energy and defense.
Mayor Todd Gloria
Mayor Todd Gloria’s visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Manila. 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 our veterans and active-duty personnel. Photos courtesy of the United States Embassy in Manila
US exempts $336 million PH aid...
and border guards.
Defense s ecretary 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.
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.
Año, secretary teodoro, Armed forces of the Philippines (AfP) chief of staff Gen. romeo Brawner Jr., Presidential Assistant for m aritime 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.
“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.
by AngelA HARt KFF Health Newa
ALtADeNA — As flames
engulfed a nearby canyon, dozens of residents in a sober-living home fled to an unoccupied building about 30 miles south. the evacuees, many of whom were previously homeless, watched helplessly as their home burned on live tV.
When they awoke on air mattresses the next morning, loss set in. some feared uncertainty. others were jolted back to lives they thought they’d left behind.
“I had nothing but the clothes on my back. It just brought back all of those feelings of being homeless and a drug addict,” said one resident, sean Brown. “Kind of like I was back at square one.” the large two-story Altadena house, known to staff and residents as Art house, was surrounded by fruit trees and rugged mountains. for many, it was a safe space that enabled them to achieve and maintain sobriety, rebuild relationships, and hold down jobs.
Brown, 35, was among nearly 50 people displaced in January after the massive eaton fire destroyed one property and damaged another operated by the nonprofit Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse. supported by public dollars, the organization provides housing and behavioral health treatment to people struggling with addiction, many
who had been living on the streets. operators say both properties are uninhabitable and that they are searching for permanent housing for those displaced.
“our residents are still in temporary lodging. right now we’re looking for something on an interim basis, but we still need to identify long-term housing for them,” said Juan Navarro, Ceo of the nonprofit. “And we need even more beds. We’re seeing even bigger demand for treatment and services after the fires.”
In the weeks since one of the nation’s costliest natural disasters, it’s become evident that the Los Angeles wildfires have not only displaced people who had dug themselves out of homelessness and gotten into housing, but also dealt a blow to the region’s homelessness response. that farreaching system of care formed by government agencies and local nonprofits has been buoyed by billions of dollars from the city, county, and state in recent years to combat California’s homelessness epidemic.
Now, wildfires are adding pressure to a system already under tremendous strain in getting chronically homeless people indoors. homeless service operators and street medicine providers have been putting pressure on state and local leaders to allocate more funding to house people on the streets, but they are running up against competing
demands for wildfire recovery — and tighter budgets.
many of the people we work with have already lost everything and they’re trying to rebuild their lives, and now there’s a whole other group of people doing the same thing and competing for the same resources,” said Jennifer hark Dietz a licensed clinical social worker and the Ceo of PAth, which provides services and housing for homeless people.
In recent years, state and local leaders have leveraged unprecedented investments to open thousands of shelters and temporary and permanent units. that’s helped Los Angeles County and the state notch meaningful gains, even as more than 187,000 people remain homeless in California, including 75,000 people across Los Angeles County. the 2024 homelessness tally showed a 45% increase in the number of people who in the past year moved off the streets into permanent housing, and the number who moved from tents into temporary housing rose 32%, according to Va Lecia Adams Kellum, Ceo of the Los Angeles homeless services Authority, which leads the countywide homelessness response system. that’s nearly 30,000 permanent housing placements across Los Angeles County. And while homelessness rose 18% nationwide from 2023 to u PAGE A4
t he 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
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 m arcos 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.
t he 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.”
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)
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 year-round. the application period typically runs during the winter months, often starting in November and ending in April, depending on the state. this is the ideal time to apply for assistance with the winter heating costs.
* * * National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. It operates a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and resources are available in 5 different languages. If you have additional questions about senior public benefits, there are 3 ways you can reach us today – Call: (English) 1-800-336-2722; Email: askNAPCA@napca.org; Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101.
Health clinic workers brush up on constitutional...
Acting Department of homeland security secretary Benjamine huffman revoked the directive on Jan. 21. In an accompanying press release, a Dhs spokesperson said the action would assist agents searching for immigrants who have committed crimes. “the trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense,” the statement said.
the speed of the change took Darryn harris by surprise.
“I thought we had more time,” said harris, chief government affairs and community relations officer for st. John’s.
harris is racing to teach more than 1,000 st. John’s workers how to read warrants as they train for a new role — teaching patients their constitutional rights.
California Attorney General rob Bonta, a Democrat, is advising clinics to post information about patients’ right to remain silent and to provide patients with contact information for legal-aid groups.
Bonta is also urging health care providers to avoid including patients’ immigration status in bills and medical records. his office directs that while staff should not physically obstruct immigration agents, they are
Los
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under no obligation to assist with an arrest. even though immigration arrests took place in hospitals during trump’s first term, the overall policy was still one of deference to “sensitive locations.” Now, however, Dhs states that the previous rules hindered law enforcement efforts by creating sites where people without legal status could evade capture.
matt Lopas, director of state advocacy and technical assistance for the National Immigration Law Center, said that in order for immigration officers to access health information or go into private spaces such as exam rooms, they must present a warrant signed by a judge. “It’s incredibly important that every health care center has somebody who is trained to be able to read those warrants” and determine their validity, Lopas said.
In the san francisco Bay Area, Zenaida Aguilera has been tapped to read warrants for La Clínica de La raza. she is the compliance, privacy, and risk officer for the clinic network.
If immigration agents show up, she’s on call for all 31 of the organization’s community clinics.
Aguilera is also now in charge
of training hundreds of health staffers. she has trained about 250 thus far, but the majority of that work is yet to come.
“We have about, probably, a thousand more staff,” she said. she fears the trump administration will target California for immigration enforcement because of its approximately 2 million residents without legal status, the highest of any state, according to the Pew research Center. In 2022, 11 million people were in the U.s. without authorization.
Aguilera said La Clínica plans to post patients’ constitutional rights in clinic lobbies and will provide resources such as contact information for legal-aid groups.
“We would like to just do the work of caring for our patients rather than train our staff on what to do if there’s an ICe official that tries to come into our clinics,” Aguilera said. (Jackie Fortiér/KFF Health News)
This article is from a partnership that includes NPr and KFF Health News.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Angeles County has cut homelessness...
2024, according to the most recent federal estimate, it increased only 3% in California. more strikingly, Los Angeles County reduced overall homelessness, albeit slightly.
the number of people living outside fell 5.1% in Los Angeles County, and in the city of Los Angeles, the number of unsheltered people dropped 10.4%. that hard-fought progress is now in peril as the wildfires displaced tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents and destroyed more than 16,000 structures. Affordable housing, already in short supply, is being further strained.
formerly homeless people who have experienced addiction, domestic violence, or mental illness now worry they won’t be prioritized for placements, despite losing their homes and qualifying for state and local homelessness initiatives to get people indoors. many homeless people who have long waited for housing will be forced to wait even longer, as more displaced people face homelessness and compete for costly housing.
Homeless again
It’s unclear how many formerly homeless people are homeless again. street medicine providers and other front-line workers say some are temporarily living in hotels, while others moved in with friends or family members.
there’s evidence that some have fallen back into homelessness.
“We’re already seeing some people have moved into their vehicles because they don’t have the money to pay for even temporary housing,” Adams Kellum said. “Before the fires, we were already seeing very vulnerable people unable to manage their rents, so this competition for housing puts people at even greater risk for homelessness.”
Adams Kellum said coordinating resources and services across a vast region has led to major progress but that more money is needed to help move people from short-term to permanent housing.
for now, residents of the burneddown Art house will be allowed to reside in an empty building in santa fe springs that the nonprofit had planned to redevelop for residential treatment, Navarro said. he said the nonprofit is looking for more stable housing for those displaced but that rehousing them at Art house remains out of reach for now.
residents grieve the loss of the Art house’s transformative setting,
which they call an “empowerment campus.” Brown said that he has embraced that ethos, even as he has been displaced and remains traumatized by the wildfires. he is currently working two jobs and taking classes toward a bachelor’s degree. Paul rosales, a 24-year-old in recovery from meth, said Art house was a place of healing. that’s where I found myself; it’s where I built my recovery. there was a beautiful orange tree, and the mountains were just a short walk away where you could meditate and watch the sunset.
“It was away from skid row. I knew I was safe,” rosales said. that’s all gone now.”
residents say they’re grateful they aren’t on the streets, but anxiety grows by the day, especially for queer and transgender people who had formed a community there.
“It’s constant stress of not knowing if I’m going to be in a stable housing situation,” said Alexandria Castaneda, 29, who was addicted to meth but got sober after getting indoors.
Battle for resources
sarah hoppmeyer, chief program officer for Union station homeless services, which provides housing for people on the streets, said she worries about dwindling resources. she and other providers stressed the importance of not overlooking people currently stuck in homelessness, many of whom have been waiting years for housing.
“We don’t want the wildfires to de-prioritize people who were already experiencing homelessness,” she said. elected leaders have pledged to preserve the gains Los Angeles County has made in reducing homelessness by allocating existing resources and demanding more. several voter-approved initiatives in Los Angeles are critical, they say, but so too is lobbying for state support.
“Without continued and expanded support and resources, we risk losing ground” in reducing the number of people living on the streets, said Los Angeles County supervisor Kathryn Barger, chair of the county board. Previous massive fires have led to increases in homelessness, including in 2018 in sonoma County and in 2024 on maui, whose homelessness rate soared the year after fires. state sen. sasha renée Pérez, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Los Angeles County that burned in the wildfires, said she will continue pressing for
additional homelessness funding as a member of the senate budget committee. While Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration says the state has plowed an unprecedented $27 billion into local homelessness response and prevention initiatives, he didn’t include any new money for battling the homelessness crisis in his proposal this year.
“Unfortunately, this year we didn’t see additional money being placed into that fund,” Pérez said.
“But we have to keep making these investments.”
Newsom said monday the state should not continue to “fund failure.” he said he is open to negotiations with cities, counties, and state lawmakers so long as any new homelessness funding comes with greater accountability, meaning that local governments use the money to clear encampments, dismantle tents, and reduce unsheltered homelessness.
Newsom officials stressed that the state budget is tight — it’s narrowly balanced and under greater strain than in previous years, with threats from the trump administration and the potential loss of critical federal funding for programs such as medicaid. the governor said he is “hopeful that we can land on an agreement,” but he warned the state could claw back funding if local governments aren’t adequately addressing street homelessness.
“We have been too permissive as it relates to encampments and tents. We need them cleaned up,” Newsom said. “We’re providing unprecedented support. Now we need to see unprecedented results.”
Assembly member John harabedian, another Los Angelesarea Democrat, said additional homelessness spending is critical for wildfire victims and to continue combating the crisis statewide.
“those folks who were already homeless, who just got into some sort of housing stability but then lost it again — they’re going to need immediate attention,” he said. “our system is failing people.”
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes california Healthline, an editorially independent service of the california Health care Foundation.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
ENOUGH SUPPLY. Tomatoes for sale abound
Dateline PhiliPPines CTA
by iAn lAqui Philstar.com
acquittal of Ressa, Rappler in tax cases
mANILA — the Court of tax Appeals (CtA) has upheld the acquittal of rappler Ceo maria ressa and rappler holdings Corp. (rhC) in multiple taxrelated cases, reaffirming that the media company did not violate the National Internal revenue Code (NIrC).
In a decision promulgated on feb. 21, 2025, the CtA en banc denied the petitions for review and certiorari challenging its first Division's 2023 ruling, which found ressa and rhC not guilty of three counts of failure to supply correct information and one count of tax evasion, allegedly involving P141 million in taxes. the Bureau of Internal revenue (BIr), represented by the office of the solicitor General, had filed a petition questioning the ruling after the fiirst Division junked its motion for reconsideration.
the appellate tax court reaffirmed that rhC's issuance of Philippine Depositary receipts (PDrs) was not a taxable transaction, as it did not constitute a regular purchase and resale of securities. Instead, the court found that rhC issued PDrs solely to raise capital for its
subsidiary, rappler Inc. evidence on record shows that rhC was not habitually or regularly engaged in the purchase and resale of securities, as the issuance of the PDrs was done pursuant to a legitimate business purpose," the ruling read. since no gain or profit was made from the transaction, and it was not classified as a sale of shares, the court ruled that rhC was not required to pay income tax and value-added tax (VAt) on the PDr transactions.
the court also pointed out that the PDrs were issued by rhC itself and were not purchased from another party and then resold.
finally, the PDrs were issued by rhC and were not purchased from rappler Inc. and resold to NBm rappler L.P. and omidyar Network; thus, its subscription is not considered dealing in securities as defined under the NIrC of 1997, as amended, the securities regulation Code (srC), and revenue regulations No. 6-2008," the CtA said. the CtA en banc also rejected the BIr's arguments, stating that they were mere rehashes of previous claims that had already been extensively addressed by the fiirst Division.
"Accordingly, the court en banc finds no reason to modify or reverse the disposition in the assailed decision and assailed resolution," read the decision penned by Associate Justice Corazon ferrer-flores.
the en banc further stressed that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the first Division in rendering its earlier decision.
here, petitioner was able to present documentary and testimonial evidence, which the court in division appreciated and evaluated during trial," the CtA said.
Background of the case the BIr initially filed complaints against ressa and rhC on march 8, 2018, alleging that the company had outstanding tax liabilities arising from trading income earned through the issuance of PDrs to foreign investors. the agency accused rhC of deliberately avoiding income and VAt payments in 2015 by allegedly acting as a securities dealer. however, the CtA has now ruled twice in favor of ressa and rappler, stating that the transactions in question were lawful and did not warrant tax evasion charges. n
Speaker Romualdez slams fake news on Pope Francis’ health
by gaBriel PaBico lalu Inquirer.net
mANILA — house of representatives speaker ferdinand martin romualdez called out those spreading misinformation and disinformation about Pope francis’ health, saying it highlights the dangers of irresponsible internet use.
In a statement on tuesday, february 25, romualdez said reports claiming that Pope francis had passed away is a “disturbing display of reckless misinformation,” urging the public to remain vigilant against fake news.
this is a troubling reminder of how ruthless and irresponsible fake news has become. spreading false information about the holy father not only causes unnecessary alarm but also undermines the truth at a time when facts matter more than ever,” romualdez said. social media must not be a tool for deception,” he added. over social media networking sites, different posts claimed that francis, 88, has passed away already after a bout with respiratory illness. however, major news sites including Vatican News, the news outlet headed by the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, have noted that while the pontiff is still in critical condition, he is stable.
According to the Vatican’s evening update on Wednesday morning (february 26, Philippine time), francis underwent a follow-up CAt scan on tuesday evening to check the lung infection. there were no further respiratory crises affecting the pope.
“In the morning, after receiving the eucharist, he resumed work activities,” the Vatican statement said. romualdez called on the public to verify information first before sharing it, saying that everyone has the responsibility to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“We all have a duty to be responsible with the information we consume and share. misinformation can erode
trust, create confusion, and cause distress, especially when it involves a leader as deeply respected as Pope francis,” he said.
rather than spreading baseless rumors, let us turn our energy toward prayer and goodwill. Pope francis inspires millions with his wisdom and compassion, and we pray for his continued strength and good health,” he added.
furthermore, romualdez also said that digital platforms must strengthen their fight against disinformation, as stricter measures must be placed to curb the spread of fake news. this is a serious issue that demands action. We must work together—governments, media organizations, and tech platforms—to ensure that truth prevails over deception,” he noted.
this is not the first appeal for filipinos to be cautious about the information they share online. rome-based filipino priest Gregory Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio filippino, said that that the public must avoid spreading false and unverified information about the health condition of Pope francis.
“Please be cautious about spreading false reports regarding Pope francis’ [supposed] death,” Gaston said, as reported by the news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on monday, february 24.
Pope francis was admitted to hospital on february 14, initially for bronchitis, after appearing weak for several days and complaining of shortness of breath. the Vatican later said he was suffering from a “polymicrobial respiratory infection,” before revealing on february 18 that he had pneumonia affecting both lungs — part of what it called a “complex” clinical picture.
his condition deteriorated on saturday, february 22, with a “prolonged asthmatic attack” which required him to receive “high-flow” oxygen via nasal cannulas.
francis also required blood
transfusions on saturday due to a low platelet count, while on sunday, february 23, the Vatican said doctors had detected a mild renal insufficiency, which it later said was not cause for concern. on monday, the pope’s condition showed a “slight improvement.” n
net or for further information email Andrew Coppolo at coppoloa@metro.net.
3/1/25
CNs-3898452# AsIAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
ART SHOWCASE. The La Herencia Davao Art & Events Pavilion hosts the 4th Davao Art Kollective 2025: The Core, featuring works by Davao’s finest artists, a digital and interactive art exhibit, workshops, and an art market on Thursday, February 27. Open to the public from Feb. 26 to March 2, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event celebrates National Arts Month and Araw ng Dabaw 2025. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
OPiniOn Features
Nipping fake news in the bud
In a widely lauded move, Philippine national Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Brig. Gen. nicolas Torre III on Saturday, February 22 lodged a formal complaint against a vlogger for falsely claiming on social media that the general was hospitalized and in critical condition.
this caused worry and distress to my family and friends,” torre said, addressing vlogger ernesto “Jun” Abines Jr., a known supporter of the Duterte family.
Editorial
“Actions have consequences,” torre responded after Abines complained on social media about authorities seizing his electronic devices while serving a search and seizure warrant.
Abines is facing charges for violation of Article 154 of the revised Penal Code, or the Unlawful Use of means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances, in relation to section 6 of republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
he was among the 40 social media personalities invited by the house of representatives as resource persons for its joint inquiry on the spread of fake news and disinformation. Like the others, he did not attend the probe but instead filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition at the supreme Court.
Terrorists and enemies of the state
“In today’s digital age, truth matters more than ever,” several house leaders said in commending torre for “upholding facts and holding accountable those who deliberately mislead the public.” fake news, they added, “is a serious threat to our society. It misleads people, distorts public discourse, and even puts lives at risk.”
recall that so many individuals were arrested, detained, and even killed by unknown assailants, no thanks to false information from the National task force to end Local Communist Armed Conflict. the task force red-tagged outspoken Duterte critics which automatically labelled them as terrorists and enemies of the state who could be disposed of with impunity.
the house hearing on fake news also noted how misinformation and disinformation can endanger national security as seen in the contentious discourse on the West Philippine sea issue. It could weaken trust in democratic institutions as well, and lead the country astray, with the looming midterm elections presenting the perfect opportunity for paid trolls, including vloggers and influencers, to pimp their services to the highest bidder.
Keyboard warriors As admitted in 2019 by Christopher Wylie, a Cambridge Analytica whistle-blower, the data collection firm used the Philippines as a “petri dish” to refine the political tactics it subsequently used in the trump campaign in the United states. It rebranded Duterte as a tough, no-nonsense leader who could solve the country’s problems with unequivocal resolve and force.
A paper on Duterte’s keyboard warriors presented to the National Chengchi University quoted a University of oxford study, which found that $200,000 was spent to hire trolls who would spread propaganda for Duterte and target his opposition. fake accounts using “bots” were also used to amplify messages, likes, and shares, thus initiating a bandwagon effect that enticed grassroots voters to openly support their bet. this could easily be the same scenario in the may elections, but torre’s court case against Abines might have preempted that. In a similar bid, the Commission on elections issued in November a resolution requiring the registration of the social media accounts and other online and internet-based campaign platforms
of candidates and parties, ostensibly to stop the spread of falsehoods and level the playing field in online campaigning. It would also empower the poll body to monitor the online campaigns and spending by candidates. however, election watchdogs and other stakeholders have slammed the resolution for having an overly broad scope that might infringe on the right to free speech and privacy.
Tall order
Academics and press freedom groups have expressed the same concern, warning that government regulations that penalize fake news could be weaponized against activists and journalists and may impinge on free speech. Press freedom activists have also repeatedly called for libel and cyber libel to be decriminalized, saying
it is outdated, undemocratic, and can be used to silence criticism and dissent. finding balance and being conscious of the thin line between regulation and suppression of freedom of expression and of the press is the tall order that seems to be an abiding challenge in this issue. Just as important is how media scholars and practitioners can collaborate and find ways to promote media literacy and responsible journalism. And yes, while there is a need to update some of the country’s laws because of the emergence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence or deepfakes that could be used to produce harmful content, individuals on their own can help nip fake news in the bud.
As one media expert noted: to combat fake news, we must make sure not to share it. (inquirer.net) Babe’s
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
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
The Broader View Inday Sara’s petition
Corporate finance and financial 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.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com 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 DPWh-osec 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 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 fatherin-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 oneyear 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 one-year 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 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 u PAGE A7
Amid revamp rumors, Marcos evaluating Cabinet Voters will go for champions of agri, food security
by Helen FloRes Philstar.com
m ANILA — 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 (DIC t ) 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 m aj.
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. t he PC o , 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 s ocial 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 h ay m anagement Corp., which is under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. n
mANILA — Nine out of 10
filipinos will vote for candidates who have agriculture and food security as their centerpiece agenda, according to a recent social Weather stations (sWs) survey. Conducted from feb. 15 to 19, the survey yielded results consistent with the findings of an sWs poll done a month before, showing that gut issues remained the top-of-mind concerns of the electorate. Commissioned by the think tank stratbase, the latest poll showed that 90 percent of filipinos would support candidates whose advocacy is geared towards agriculture
development and food security. eighty-one percent of the respondents said reducing the prices of basic services and goods is their prime consideration in making their choices.
the survey had 1,800 respondents nationwide, with a 2-percent margin of error.
According to stratbase
President Dindo manhit, the results highlighted the top priorities of the filipino people as food inflation continued to put a strain on household incomes.
“We need candidates who will prioritize food security and take
decisive action to address the rising prices of essential goods that filipinos rely on,” manhit said. he recalled that in a sWs survey conducted in January, 59 percent of the respondents identified rice as the commodity with the most significant price increase over the past three months, followed by meat at 25 percent. “this persistent upward trend in prices highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring food affordability and accessibility, making it a critical issue that candidates must address in the upcoming elections,” he said. (inquirer.net)
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.
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.”
senate
by evelyn mAcAiRAn, Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com
mANILA — following the arrest of Chinese nationals allegedly spying on malacañang, military and police camps, the marcos administration on thursday, february 27 vowed to strengthen security measures.
Chinese Ni Qinhui and Zheng Wei were nabbed along with three filipinos by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged espionage activities in malate, manila on feb. 20. the suspects reportedly targeted the Villamor Airbase, Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame, the U.s. embassy in manila and malacañang.
“of course, that news is alarming. We will intensify our forces to fight the alleged spies,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said. “We need to beef up the security of the Palace and the president.” the Bureau of Immigration (BI) database reportedly showed there are several foreigners bearing the same name as the
two Chinese arrested by the NBI.
“We are verifying the identities and profile of the Chinese suspects,” BI spokesperson Dana sandoval said. she said the BI would submit the information to the Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government to help in the case build-up. the NBI said its units were alerted about suspicious vehicles using international mobile subscriber identity or ImsI catchers frequenting military, police camps and other government facilities in metro manila on feb. 14. meanwhile, President marcos would thoroughly study the bill granting Philippine citizenship to Chinese businessman Li Duan Wang, according to malacañang.
sen. risa hontiveros is opposed to the measure, citing Li’s alleged ties to Philippine offshore gaming operators (PoGos).
POGO, SIM card malacañang is open to amending the policies on PoGos and sIm card registration to
intensify the government’s crackdown on scams.
Although the government has banned PoGos, sen. risa hontiveros expressed concern over the reported resurgence of the gambling entities, saying they are reinventing themselves into scam hubs.
senate President francis escudero scolded authorities tasked to crack down on the remnants of the banned PoGo saying agencies still lacked coordination.
escudero made the remark following the raid on a PoGo hub in Pasay, just near the senate building. over 400 PoGo workers, mostly Chinese and Vietnamese nationals, were arrested. fiftytwo filipinos were also rounded up.
escudero tasked the police, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Presidential Anti-organized Crime Commission to coordinate with the NBI and BI to better track down the PoGo players who continue to evade the ban. (With reports from Marc Jayson cayabyab)
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
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
Inday Sara’s petition
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)
JoUrNAL (L.A.)
Financial considerations for multigenerational households
F or many families multigenerational living is a cherished aspect of home life. It can also be good for your family’s overall wellbeing.
Research indicates there can be financial benefits to multigenerational living, and when executed intentionally, having multiple family members under the same roof can potentially help improve health outcomes, reduce loneliness for older adults and bolster educational outcomes for children.1
While multigenerational living has many positives, it also comes with a unique set of financial matters and planning needs. From saving and budgeting to dividing costs and estate planning, navigating the financial landscape of a multigenerational home calls for foresight and strategy.
Below are some financial considerations for people living in multigenerational households and those considering moving in with family members.
Helping to build family wealth
In a 2022 study, the Pew Research Center found people in multigenerational households were less likely to live in poverty,2 and some multigenerational households had more earners than the non-multigenerational households, which can help provide a safety net in case someone loses a job. It can also encourage homeownership -- 14% percent of all home buyers in the study said their purchase was motivated by a desire to accommodate multiple generations in their family.
Having diverse financial needs
Savings and budgeting plans can be more complicated because of the wide range of ages among family members. Seniors might require more for health care and retirement, for example, while children can bring daycare and tuition costs. Be flexible with your planning to accommodate different saving and budgeting needs and set short- and long-term goals for your savings with all generations in mind.
Expenses should be handled with fairness and equity
Multigenerational households have to ensure fairness by dividing costs such as mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries and household expenses based on each member's financial capacity and usage. A sense of transparency can be maintained among family members by openly discussing financial contributions and expenses.
Find balance between cultural values and financial health
Cultural traditions and familial structures can also play a significant role in money management, and it’s important to consider how multigenerational living can impact family wealth. Cultural heritage can shape financial attitudes and practices within multigenerational households, including saving habits, investment strategies and perceptions of wealth. Understanding how your cultural values connect to your beliefs and practices related to money can be essential for effective financial management within diverse family structures.
Communication is key to managing conflict and disagreement
The more people living in a home, the more likely they’ll face conflicting financial priorities. Navigating disagreements over spending habits and adapting to changing income levels or unexpected expenses are necessary to maintain financial stability in multigenerational households.
Future planning is vital
Estate plans should be tailored to accommodate the financial needs and goals of each generation within the household and strategies should be developed for transferring ownership of businesses or properties to ensure continuity and preserve the family's legacy. Make sure to compile essential legal documents -- including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives -- to outline the distribution of assets and clarify end-oflife wishes.
The bottom line
Multigenerational households can foster financial harmony and wellbeing by accounting for their individual financial goals and their shared responsibilities. Family members should be clear about plans, needs and expectations to promote financial stability and satisfaction for all. Communicating about these issues early can help avoid tension later on.
By addressing these considerations holistically and prioritizing open discussion and collaboration, multigenerational households can build a solid financial foundation, helping them achieve prosperity and security for their family members now and in the future.
Read more about financial considerations for multigenerational households here on chase.com/ theknow
