Trump signs executive order declaring english as official U.S. language
WASHINGTON — In a historic policy shift, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States, marking the first time in the nation’s nearly 250-year history that a national language has been formally designated at the federal level.
The order will direct federal agencies to prioritize English in official government communications, documents, and public services. While it will not ban the use of other languages, it rescinds Executive Order 13166, signed by former President Bill Clinton on August 11, 2000. That order, titled “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) to ensure meaningful access to government services.
“America has always welcomed people from all over the world, but a common
Filipinos up for deportation from US now at
MANILA – At least 80 Filipinos have received deportation notices from United States authorities as the new administration pushes through with its plan to kick out illegal aliens.
The Filipinos are not detained and still have the opportunity to legalize their stay, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said in an interview Tuesday, March 4.
“So far, they have just received the notice (that they are up for deportation) and some of them, if I’m not mistaken, already departed voluntarily,” he said.
The U.S. government's crackdown on undocumented migrants began immediately after President Donald Trump was sworn into office in Jan. 20.
Earlier this month, the U.S. deported illegal aliens from Africa and Asia, some
of the Lenten season—a period of penance, reflection, and fasting to remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
House to educate public on VP Duterte impeachment amid trial delay
BI still clueless on Alice Guo escape details
MANILA — House lawmakers supportive of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment will help the prosecution team prepare and educate the people about why the process is necessary if the trial remains delayed, a legislator said on Tuesday, March 4.
Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre admitted in a press briefing that they have no other option
as the proverbial ball on the impeachment proceedings is now with the Senate, as the House of Representatives has finished its task of sending the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.
“For us, our choice is only to prepare well for our prosecutors. As of now, the pre-trial preparations on the part of the prosecution is the best way to go for us, but we are also happy to see that there are steps taken by ordinary Filipinos, like the people’s impeachment
MANILA — Almost seven months after dismissed Bamban mayor and suspected Chinese spy Alice Guo escaped to Indonesia, immigration officials are still clueless about how she left the Philippines to evade an arrest order of the Senate.
At a Senate hearing Tuesday, March 4, Sen. Risa Hontiveros expressed frustration with the
Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s dismal performance in figuring out the details of Guo’s escape in August last year.
“We are inutile as a country. It’s been four months and we still don’t know how fugitives got past our borders undetected,” Hontiveros lamented.
BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. agreed with the senator.
Ports or sub-ports used by Guo
reportedly from China and Vietnam, to Central American nations that are acting as third-country stopovers.
Romualdez said none of the Filipino deportees have been put on similar deportation flights to another state so far.
“It only goes to show that, for me, many of those Filipinos in the U.S. have the chance to be able to have a legal path.
PH envoy: Defense is each country’s call
by Frances Mangosing Inquirer.net
MANILA — Amid concerns triggered by a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that put Kyiv’s future uncertain in the absence of fresh security assurances from Washington, the Philippines should be ready to beef up its own defenses, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Monday, March 3.
The high-profile meeting at the Oval Office that unfolded in front of the media turned into a tense exchange as the two leaders clashed over the future of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy left the meeting without signing a mineral deal in exchange for additional U.S. military support to help Ukraine.
“We have to all be ready for that type of situation. It may be some other president in the future, but at the end of the day, each country
MANILA — The Philippines has reaffirmed its stance against the proliferation of nuclear weapons in a key United Nations conference that one of its major defense partners has snubbed for the third time.
Speaking at the third meeting of signatories to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in New York on March 3, the Philippines' representative to the United Nations underscored the dangers posed by nuclear
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
by gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
by AJPress
by cecille suerte FeliPe Philstar.com
Filipinos up for deportation...
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That is my hope, that they will look into what status they can work on,” he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said it is ready to extend necessary assistance to
Filipinos who may be affected by the immigration crackdown. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
Philippines reaffirms stance...
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weapons.
"We gather at a critical moment where the universalization of the [treaty] has never been more urgent," Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo said in his address.
Nuclear weapons "pose an unacceptable risk to humanity and our environment — a reality that has been repeatedly validated by scientific research and historical evidence," he added.
"The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to work collaboratively with all States toward the realization of a nuclear-weapon-free world," Lagdameo said.
The ambassador outlined the Philippines' concrete actions supporting the antinuclear treaty, which include the launching the Fissile
Material Cut-off Treaty Friends initiative and hosting an event on the consequences of nuclear weapons use.
The Philippines has also been actively advocating for the ratification of the treaty and co-sponsoring key resolutions on victim assistance and research on the effects of nuclear war, Lagdameo said.
The ambassador also welcomed Indonesia, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Principe, and the Solomon Islands as new states parties to the treaty, noting that their participation reinforces the global consensus against nuclear weapons.
The Philippines "fully supports the intersessional work and continued dialogue to implement the [treaty], ensuring a safer, more secure future for all," the Philippine
ambassador said.
Japan, one of the Philippines' key defense partners in the region, announced last month that it would once again not attend the U.N. meeting as observer. It also snubbed the last two meetings held in June 2022 and November 2023.
Tokyo said its decision not to participate as an observer to the conference stemmed from its policy of nuclear deterrence amid a challenging security environment.
In 2017, the Philippines signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which bans the development, testing, production, acquisition, possession and stockpiling of nuclear weapons. The Senate unanimously approved its ratification in 2021. (Philstar. com)
PH envoy: Defense is each...
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now has to be ready to be able to beef up its own defense, beef up its own economic security. And that’s always been what we have been doing … that we would like to put up our own resources to be able to modernize our armed forces and to be able to bring our economy to where we want it to be,” Romualdez told foreign correspondents in a forum in Manila.
Defense agreements
He remained optimistic, however, that Washington’s support for Manila would continue and there were no indications that what happened to Ukraine could happen to the Philippines.
“I think all of that will remain. I am confident that it will,” Romualdez said when asked whether defense agreements and military aid would continue under the Trump administration.
The Philippines has also carried out a number of joint patrols with the United States since January under the new Trump administration in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea that China claims almost entirely.
Manila has a Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington in effect since 1951 that calls for each side to come to the other’s defense in case of an armed attack.
The Philippines is also the biggest country recipient of U.S. military assistance in the region.
Marcos-Trump meeting
“The Philippines faces an existential threat in the South China Sea, and our desire to develop our defense capabilities to address this threat aligns closely with U.S. interests to maintain peace and stability in this part of the world,” he said.
Mr. Marcos, who took office in 2022, moved the Philippines closer to the United States since replacing Rodrigo Duterte, who pivoted the country’s foreign policy away from Washington and toward Beijing.
Alliances
On Monday, March 3, the Philippine Army launched a large-scale exercise to test and improve its ability to quickly deploy in response to a potential conflict.
The Combined Arms Training Exercise (Catex), set from March 3 to 22, will highlight the Army’s efforts to shift to external security operations.
The exercises will simulate the defense of northern and Central Luzon from an invasion and test newly delivered light tanks and artillery, such as Sabrah light tanks and Pandur 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles.
He confirmed a Reuters report that Washington exempted $336-million worth of military assistance to Manila from its foreign aid freeze and said he was hopeful that “succeeding monies will be made available to us in the next couple of years.”
Both U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio and defense chief Pete Hegseth have reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad commitment” to the Philippines during their respective engagements with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. last month.
Plans are already underway for a possible meeting between President Marcos and his American counterpart, likely in the spring, Romualdez said.
“I believe that an in-person meeting with President Marcos would be crucial in further bolstering the U.S.’ continued support for the Philippine-U.S. relations and continued presence in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
“It’s really a matter of timing. But President Marcos has clearly said that when President Trump is available, he would definitely like to fly to Washington and meet with him,” Romualdez said.
Around 6,000 Army troops will take part in the Catex.
During the weekend, top Army officials from the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia also gathered in Manila to discuss collective approaches to deter shared threats amid rising tensions with China.
The meeting of the “CORE 4 Technical Working Group” on March 1 and 2 focused on “enhancing interoperability and aligning military exercises among regional partners and allies,” which aimed to reinforce “collective defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said. n
BI still clueless on Alice Guo...
and her siblings to escape also remain unknown, Manahan said.
“How did they manage to escape? Or was there a government official who helped them? Which port or coast of our archipelago did they flee from?” Hontiveros asked.
Counterparts of the BI across Asia have not replied to inquiries about the Guo siblings’ escape, Manahan said.
“We will check with the office of the commissioner if any reports have been submitted from November to this year,” he said.
No BI personnel helped Guo escape, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony
Viado said.
Guo’s most probable mode of exit was through a backdoor in the southern part of the country, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said.
Aside from wanted criminals, human traffickers are using this backdoor to transport victims who end up working in scam hubs abroad, the BI previously reported.
Private coastlines and airstrips are not manned by the BI, Viado noted.
Viado has thanked the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for its efforts to curb illegal backdoor exits.
Guo is currently detained and facing charges of qualified human trafficking, among others, stemming from her
involvement in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Roque’s whereabouts Hontiveros pressed the BI about the whereabouts of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is also being probed for his reported involvement in POGOs.
“Where, for God’s sake, is Harry Roque?” she asked.
Roque had served as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corp., which leased a property to a raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Hontiveros said she received a tip that Roque – who is allegedly hiding in Dubai –flew to Shanghai, China on Dec. 8 last year and stayed there for a day before flying to Macau. n
Non-citizens ‘between a rock and a hard place’ as Trump pushes for national registry
by Peter schurMann
Ethnic Media Services
THERE’S a video circulating on social media of a Latino man walking into a Target store with a U.S. passport glued to his forehead. “Me walking around with my passport to avoid ICE questioning me,” the caption reads, a laugh track in the background.
It’s dark humor, for sure, and the comedy only works because it’s true. Now more than ever.
On February 25, the Trump administration issued its latest guidelines on immigration enforcement, creating a national registry requiring the estimated 13 million undocumented immigrants now living in the country to register or face criminal prosecution.
“They are reanimating a provision of U.S. immigration law that has been dormant for decades that requires certain groups of non-citizens to register with the government,” said Nayna Gupta, policy director with the American Immigration Council.
That provision, the Alien Registration Act of 1940, passed on the cusp of WWII and the onset of the Cold War, targeted with a broad brush any non-citizen for suspected ties to communist or fascist groups. It cast a shadow of fear in immigrant communities across the country.
“This will force many people… to make a very hard choice between two options that carry serious risk,” Gupta explained. “Either register as required and be subject to removal, or don’t register to avoid mass deportation and then be subject to criminal prosecution.”
She added, “It leaves noncitizens between a rock and a hard place.”
Gupta spoke during a virtual press briefing hosted by the immigrant advocacy group America’s Voice looking at the latest steps taken by the Trump administration as it pursues its campaign of mass deportations.
Under the new requirements, all individuals who entered the country without a visa—regardless of how long they have lived here—will be required to
register and carry proof of that registration at all times.
Immigrant rights groups say the language of the current measure is a draft and that further amendments or changes could be made. In the meantime, Gupta warns it will likely lead to cases of racial profiling.
“If you are a federal agent and asked to find people in violation of this requirement, you are being incentiv-ized to profile,” she said. “And that will be targeted toward citizens, non-citizens with status and the undocumented.”
Carlos Guevara, senior director of policy at the Immigration Hub, described the measure as a “nationalization of the ‘Show Me Your Papers’ laws,” first passed in Arizona and Texas in 2010, authorizing law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect of not being in the country legally.
While the ACLU and others sued to block implementation of the Arizona law, known as SB1070, arguing it violates the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure, the Supreme Court has largely left it and similar legislation untouched.
Any litigation around the current measure would come once the language is finalized and issued, explained Gupta, noting several organizations are already considering filing suit.
According to Guevara, children are increasingly vulnerable under these new regulations.
“We have six million American kids who live with an undocumented loved one,” he noted, adding the “climate of fear
House to educate public on VP Duterte...
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calls made earlier,” he said in Filipino.
“I hope this becomes an avenue to relay to the people, to ordinary Filipinos to study the importance and merits of the impeachment case that will be tackled at the Senate trial. So I think if the Senate would not start a trial immediately, I think for many of us in the House and with many more advocates, we would bring the discussions to the people,” he added.
According to Acidre, there are many ways of making the people informed about the impeachment procedures aside from staging rallies.
and uncertainty” is driving families to keep their kids home from school, the hospital, church, all places no longer seen as off limits to federal immigration agents.
Reporting out of San Diego recently noted the presence of ICE vehicles outside a local clinic, with health care providers attesting to a subsequent drop in the number of patients they are seeing.
Guevara said these moves are in sync with Trump’s broader “deportation agenda,” including a reduction in the number of immigration judges and a recently passed house bill that threatens to strip public funding for vital health care programs.
The goal is to make conditions such that migrants will opt to self deport, said David Leopold, former presi-dent and general counsel with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, an unlikely option for many, if not most migrants here.
“We are dealing with folks who have been here for decades. They’ve raised their families here. Selfdeportation or just going back to a country you have no memory of, is not as easy as it sounds.”
An estimated 80% of undocumented immigrants in the US have lived here for 15 years or longer, data show.
Pointing to the economic harm Trump’s policies could inflict given the pivotal role immigrants play across a number of vital sectors, he adds, “This policy is about self-deporting our own economic advantages.”
The number of deportations during
understanding of these issues,” he added.
Duterte was impeached after 215 House of Representatives members filed and verified a fourth impeachment complaint, citing several issues like alleged misuse of confidential funds lodged within her offices, threats to ranking officials including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and conduct unbecoming of a vice president.
Under the 1987 Constitution, a trial should start forthwith if at least one-third of all House members — in this case, 102 out of 306 — have signed and endorsed the petition.
He said the signature campaign launched by religious groups and other non-government organizations calling for the immediate start of the impeachment trial is “a good way to show th e Senate what is the true sentiment of our people.”
“Many schools are conducting forums about the impeachment; that is an important step as we can explain to the people the matter, which would allow them to have a deeper
Trial however has yet to start because the Senate did not discuss the Articles of Impeachment at the plenary before the session adjourned on February 5.
Recently, Senate President Francis Escudero said that the trial would start on July 30 with the new set of lawmakers sitting as senator-judges.
There have been concerns, however, with the trial being set as late as July. Acidre said Duterte would benefit the most from the delay as it may be indicative of a culture of
impunity, where observations made by different House committees are not given much weight.
In September 2024, the House committee on good government and public accountability started the hearing on fund use anomalies involving the Department of Education (DepEd) under Duterte and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
The committee found several glaring concerns, like a high likelihood that fake identities were used in signing the acknowledgment receipts (ARs) for confidential fund (CF) disbursements.
At one point, Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop said the name Mary Grace Piattos, which was used to sign off the ARs, bears a first name similar to a coffee shop, and a surname that is a famous potato chip brand.
Later on, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong showed two more ARs — one for OVP and another for the DepEd — which were both received by a certain Kokoy Villamin. However, the signatures and handwriting of Villamin differed. n
Photo from Picryl
Egg prices soar: How Filipino families and businesses are coping with the surge
by AJPress
LOS ANGELES — The rising cost of eggs has hit Filipino households and small businesses hard, as prices continue to climb due to supply shortages and inflation. Once an affordable kitchen staple, eggs are now among the most expensive items in grocery stores, with prices soaring over 50% in the past year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This sharp increase is forcing families and businesses to make difficult adjustments.
Why Are Egg Prices Rising?
The primary driver behind the price surge is the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, which has led to the loss of millions of egg-laying hens across the country. With fewer hens producing eggs, supply has dwindled while demand remains high, driving up costs. In addition to bird flu, higher feed prices, increased fuel costs, and persistent supply chain disruptions have further contributed to the spike.
Impact on Filipino Food Businesses
For many Filipino restaurants and bakeries, eggs are a core ingredient in countless dishes, from baked goods to traditional meals. The price increase has put a strain on small business owners, forcing them to make tough choices — whether to raise
prices, reduce portion sizes, or find ingredient alternatives.
“We use eggs in so many of our baked goods and main dishes,” shared a Filipino bakery owner in Los Angeles. “We’re trying to absorb some of the cost, but we’ve also had to slightly increase our prices. It’s tough because we know our customers are also struggling with rising grocery costs.”
Filipino bakeries have been especially impacted, as eggs are essential for many traditional pastries and desserts like ensaymada and leche flan. Some have turned to smaller farms or wholesalers to manage expenses, but balancing affordability with sustainability remains a challenge.
How Filipino Families Are Adjusting
For many Filipino households, eggs are a versatile and reliable protein source, making them a staple in daily meals. With prices skyrocketing, families have adapted with creativity and resourcefulness. They buy in bulk when prices drop, explore local Asian markets for better deals, and substitute eggs with alternatives in recipes. Some families have even reserved eggs for special dishes, carefully balancing tradition with practicality.
These inventive cooking adjustments allow families to stretch ingredients without compromising on taste or cultural heritage. By sharing tips and insights within their communities, they help
preserve beloved dishes and strengthen their collective resilience in the face of rising costs.
Government Response and Possible Solutions
To address the crisis, the USDA has announced measures such as increasing biosecurity protocols to prevent further bird flu outbreaks, providing financial aid to poultry farmers to help repopulate egg-laying flocks, and exploring egg imports from other countries to stabilize supply and ease domestic shortages. However, experts warn that it may take several months before production normalizes and prices begin to stabilize. In the meantime, consumers can help mitigate the impact by supporting local farms, joining community co-ops, or exploring alternative protein sources to ease reliance on eggs.
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
Filipino small businesses are responding to rising costs with resilience, leaning on community support to navigate these tough times. They are adjusting with creativity and determination, while families carefully manage their meals and budgets to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges, families are embracing resourcefulness, discovering new ways to sustain themselves, and holding onto hope for relief as they continue to make the most of every meal. n
Trump signs executive order...
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language unites us,” Trump stated. “This order ensures that English remains at the heart of our national identity and government operations.”
Policy and Practical Implications
The executive order represents a significant departure from language access policies that have accommodated the nation’s linguistic diversity.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 350 languages are spoken in American households, with 21.7% of individuals aged five and older speaking a language other than English at home. Additionally, about 25.1 million individuals in the U.S. are considered LEP, comprising approximately 8% of the population. Many LEP individuals rely on multilingual services in government, healthcare, and legal sectors to access critical information.
By rescinding Executive Order 13166, the new directive eliminates federal requirements for language assistance, giving agencies the discretion to provide translations or multilingual services but no longer mandating them. This shift could significantly impact non-English speakers, particularly in communities where government-provided translations are essential for accessing voting materials, healthcare services, emergency response, and legal aid.
Critics argue that the order will create barriers for immigrants and non-English speakers, making it harder for them to participate fully in civic life.
Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America’s Voice, expressed concern, stating:
“This isn’t just a symbolic move — it will have real consequences. Removing language assistance means millions of people will struggle to access critical services, from healthcare to the justice system.”
State and Local Impact
Although more than 30 states already recognize English as their official language, the federal directive may create tensions with state and local governments that have extensive language-access programs. In California, New York, and Illinois, for example, where local laws mandate multilingual services, officials are assessing whether the executive order conflicts with existing policies.
Education officials are also reviewing its potential effects on English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in public schools,
particularly in districts with high numbers of nonEnglish-speaking students.
The Road Ahead
As the executive order is signed and implemented, its legal and practical ramifications remain uncertain. Advocacy groups are expected to challenge the measure in court, arguing that it disproportionately harms immigrant communities and non-English speakers by restricting access to government services. Meanwhile, federal agencies will need to determine how to implement the directive while navigating existing state and local languageaccess policies. The decision reignites long-standing debates over language, identity, and inclusion in American society. Whether the order stands or faces legal challenges, it signals a shift in federal language policy that could reshape the country’s approach to multilingualism. n
Non-citizens ‘between a rock and a hard place’...
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Trump’s first month in office are in fact lower than numbers seen during former President Joe Biden’s final months in office. But the panelists agreed the administration is actively taking steps to bolster infrastructure—including through the expansion of private detention centers— to house an expected increase in the number of migrants detained.
“The administration is trying to rapidly expand its infrastructure to carry through on its threat of mass depor-tation,” Gupta said.
“They are asking congress for money to set this up, to expand detention capacity.”
With the new registry, the government can also now rely on federal prisons.
“They can prosecute someone and put them in federal prison for 6 months before initiating a removal process.”
With that expansion into private prisons comes a loss of accountability, transparency, and access by legal aid providers, something Gupta said is already being seen in places like Maryland, where lawyers struggled to meet
with clients detained for a prolonged period.
According to Leopold, when it comes to immigration, the media needs to help the public better distinguish fact from fiction, including the fact that being undocumented is not a criminal act warranting imprisonment but a civil violation.
“Pick any term you want from 1930s Germany and replace it with immigrant,” he said, describing the current atmosphere. He added, “It is going to get much worse than we see today… This is just the beginning.” n
President Donald Trump signed a historic executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States, marking a significant policy shift in the nation’s history. This order directs federal agencies to prioritize English in government communications and services, while rescinding a Clinton-era Executive Order that required language assistance for individuals with limited English proficiency.”
Photo from X/ @WhiteHouse
FeAtures OPiniOn
How did they escape?
managed to flee the country in July last year.
Finding out how the Guos escaped could expose the weaknesses that allowed it to happen, and identify and hold accountable those who helped them escape.
Editorial
At a hearing of the Senate committee on justice and human rights on Tuesday, March 4, Sen. Risa Hontiveros raised a valid point: seven months after the three escaped, the government still has not validated Alice Guo’s story, as told to the Senate on Sept. 9 last year.
Guo, facing the committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, said she and her siblings traveled to Manila where they boarded a small white boat, which seemed to be a yacht. They transferred to a bigger vessel that appeared to be a fishing boat, and again transferred a few days later to a smaller boat that brought them to Malaysia. Multiple government agencies have offices
THE bold immigration plan of President Donald Trump that offers foreigners a pathway to U.S. citizenship through a “gold card” visa is now a hot button topic, opening up discussions and debates on whether it can spur the U.S. economy or if it will further drive inequality.
Dubbed the “golden visa” program that allows individuals to be granted permanent
around the Port of Manila.
There are supposed to be patrols by state forces around Manila Bay, including the Manila Yacht Club where the yachts dock. How hard is it to find out where the Guos boarded the “white boat” and who facilitated the escape?
The Bureau of Immigration could only tell Hontiveros on Tuesday, March 4 that BI personnel had no hand in the escape.
At the same hearing, Hontiveros lamented the escape of three Chinese POGO bosses wanted in their country. Lyu Xun, Kong Xiangrui and Wang Shangle reportedly escaped during a layover in Hong Kong en route to China following their deportation from the Philippines.
Authorities are also still trying to piece together how former presidential
President Trump’s ‘golden visa’
U.S. residency by investing $5 million, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the proposal will replace the current visa program for foreign investors known as the EB-5 which grants “green cards” (permanent resident cards) to foreigners (plus their spouses and children under 21) who will invest $1 million in a business or company with 10 employees at the very least. Created in 1990 by the U.S. Congress, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services and aims to “stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.” Green card holders including those who have EB-5 visas have to live lawfully in the U.S. for five years before they can apply for U.S. citizenship.
According to Secretary Lutnick, the new “gold card” initiative would not have the job creation requirement under the EB-5 program which he described as “low priced” and full of “nonsense, make believe and fraud.” In a recent interview, the U.S. Commerce
Secretary said there are already 250,000 individuals now “waiting in line” to get one of the gold cards, giving the assurance that everyone will be “deeply vetted.”
“Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card; they’ll be wealthy and they’ll be successful, and they’ll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people, and we think it’s going to be extremely successful,” said President Trump, disclosing that they can offer as many
as 10 million “gold cards” to raise $50 trillion to pay off the $35-trillion U.S. national debt and still have a $15 trillion surplus.
There are those, however, who are concerned that the initiative could promote divisiveness and inequality as it would allow the very rich, or the “ultra-high net worth individuals,” to “buy their way” into U.S. citizenship and, unlike the EB-5 visa, will not be required to create jobs or put up businesses. On the other hand, those who approve of the new “golden card” initiative say it will boost the U.S. economy. Critics of the EB-5 program also say it is rife with loopholes and has
been prone to abuse, such as alleged backroom deals that have not benefitted rural and distressed urban areas which are supposed to be the intended beneficiaries of the investor visa program. The 10,000 annual limitation in issuing the investor visas has also resulted in long waiting times that turn off potential investors.
The fact is, a lot of other countries are also luring investors by offering “golden visa” programs for wealthy individuals who can obtain citizenship by purchasing real estate or investing money, with the amounts varying in each country.
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Babe’s Eye View
BaBe Romualdez
President Trump’s ‘golden visa’...
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According to Henley & Partners, a leading investment migration consultancy firm based in London, golden visa acquisition is a “process whereby qualified, vetted candidates are granted residence rights in exchange for a defined economic contribution to the host country.”
Data from the British firm says the golden visa legislation is now in place in over 100 countries all over the world, among them Greece, Portugal, Italy, the UK, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and Malta.
One of the most popular golden visa countries is Spain that is also popular among tourists because of its natural beauty, rich history and diverse culture. Under the Spain Residence by Investment Program, a foreign individual and his immediate family members can become
a minimum value of €500,000; investment funds, bank deposits or listed company shares in Spanish financial institutions with a minimum value of €1 million; or a government bonds investment with a minimum value of €2 million.(Unfortunately, Spain is suspending its golden visa program effective April 3, 2025 due to concerns about rising property prices and housing affordability for citizens.)
The Golden Visa Program of Greece is also much sought-after with its diverse qualifying options that include a specialized real estate investment of €250,000 to convert commercial buildings into residential use; €400,000 for the purchase of a single property with a minimum size of 120 square-meters and $800,000 for the purchase of
marketing consultancy, with Portugal and Greece as top choices.
The golden visa program is something that we should also try to do in the Philippines to attract quality investors to come in as this will help boost the economy. While the Philippines has the Special Investor’s Resident Visa that allows foreign visitors to stay indefinitely and then apply for citizenship after 10 years of continuous residency, the minimum required amount of $75,000 is “too cheap and too low,” said a local businessman.
I certainly agree with him. The Philippines has become a very attractive investment destination with the government offering various incentives to investors and a skilled, educated and Englishproficient work force who are worth their weight in gold.
PSA: Top 10 causes of death in Philippines in 2024
MANILA — Heart diseases, neoplasms and stroke were the top three causes of death in the country from January to August of 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
In a March 3 report, the PSA said ischemic or coronary heart diseases topped the list, with 67,856 cases accounting for 19.7 percent of the total deaths nationwide.
The latest ranking was consistent with the top causes of death for the same period in 2023, the PSA said.
Ischemic heart disease, also called coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease, is caused by narrowed heart (coronary) arteries that supply blood to they should or do not die when they should." It may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Cerebrovascular diseases ranked third, with 34,464 perfusion or vasculature. It added that the leading cause of ischemic stroke is hypertension, whereas clotting disorders, carotid dissection, and illicit drug abuse are common causes in
Pneumonia emerged as the fourth leading cause of death with 22,525 cases (6.5 percent), while diabetes
The Chinese Cemetery in Manila
Photo by Ramon FVelasquez
DAteline PhiliPPines
Positive surprise: Philippine inflation eased to 2.1% in February
by Ian CIgaral Inquirer.net
MANILA — Inflation slowed to 2.1 percent in February from 2.9 percent in January on the back of easing price pressures from food, utilities and transportation, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, March 5.
The latest reading was better than the median estimate of 2.6 percent in an Inquirer poll of economists last week. It was likewise lower than the 2.2 percent to 3 percent forecast range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
That price hikes had stayed within the 2 to 4 percent official target means the BSP has enough room to continue with its gradual easing cycle,
which would help support economic growth.
Key indices soften
The downtrend in the overall inflation was primarily influenced by the lower yearon-year growth rate of the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages at 0.8 percent during the month from 2.4 percent in the previous month, the PSA reported.
Likewise, the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels index rose at a slower pace of 1.7 percent during the month from 2.4 percent in January.
The transport index also eased to 0.2 percent from 1.7 percent in the previous month.
Commodity groups
The PSA also noted lower annual rates in the indices of the following commodity
groups:
• Clothing and footwear, 1.9 percent from 2.3 percent;
• Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 1.9 percent from 2.4 percent;
• Health, 1.8 percent from 2 percent;
• Recreation, sport and culture, 4.2 percent from 4.5 percent;
• Restaurants and accommodation services, 3 percent from 3.4 percent; and
• Personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services, 2.7 percent from 3 percent.
In contrast, higher annual growth rate was noted in the index of alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 4 percent in February from 3.9 percent in January. n
Marcos: Supporters of admin’s candidates are real people, not trolls
by FaIth argosIno Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once again warned the public about fake news, pointing out that supporters of the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are real people and not trolls.
On his official YouTube vlog uploaded on Sunday, March 2, Marcos said fake news is among the challenges faced by Alyansa, especially amid the campaign season.
“Fake news is everywhere. That’s why we, as citizens, must be careful. As we always say, the new generation of Filipinos knows how to discern between true and false information. Now that
fake news and disinformation are spreading again, we must be extra cautious about what we read online,” he said in Filipino.
“One of the things that makes me happy about the rallies we attend is that I get to see our supporters in the Alliance firsthand. They are real people, real Filipinos— not just keyboard warriors or trolls. They are real individuals whom we shake hands with, talk to, and check in on,” he added.
Marcos also said the testimonies from Alyansa’s supporters, whom he claimed thanked them for various government initiatives and programs, cannot be faked.
“That is why we must continue what we have
started. Whether it’s a campaign or not, fake news is always there. Campaign or not, nothing will stop our government from serving,” he added.
Although it was unclear why Marcos released such a statement, netizens posted photos of Alyansa bets interacting with a crowd of supporters.
This is not the first time Marcos addressed an issue related to troll farms during campaign season.
In the 2022 polls, Marcos revealed that he was offered to use online troll farms to boost his campaign, but he rejected the offer and even urged his critics to find even just one of his supposed trolls. n
Hontiveros
by CharIe abarCa Inquirer.net
MANILA — “Kung talagang travel lang yan, bakit iligal ang pag-alis mo sa bansa – at bakit ayaw mo nang bumalik dito, Harry Roque?”
( If that’s only for travel, why did you leave the country through illegal means and why don’t you like to go back, Harry Roque? )
Sen. Risa Hontiveros couldn’t help but blurt this question on Wednesday, March 5 after former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that he is not fleeing from Philippine authorities because he is not a fugitive and he has a right to travel.
In a post on Facebook, Roque argued that there was no warrant of arrest issued against him.
Citing Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Roque said he is only “being pursued not as a criminal but as a resource person.”
This, however, did not sit well with Hontiveros.
“Travel lang ba talaga
rebukes elusive Roque
yang ginagawa ni Atty. Harry Roque, o paglabag na sa batas ng Pilipinas? Hindi ba pagtakas iyan?” said Hontiveros in a statement on Wednesday.
(Is that only for travel or is that a violation of Philippine laws? Isn’t that fleeing?)
“In his own words, he explains his extended disappearance as flight from a congressional contempt. That is a clear admission of his liability for the crime of disobedience to summons by Congress under Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code,” she emphasized.
According to the opposition lawmaker, it is extremely ironic that Roque is talking about his right to travel, when the Bureau of Immigration has declared that it is studying the filing of cases against him for leaving the country via illegal means.
“Ayon nga sa BI, malamang ay gumamit si Roque ng falsified immigration clearances para makapasok sa iba’tibang bansa, o di kaya
ay tinutulungan ng masasamang indibidwal,” said Hontiveros.
(BI said Roque most likely used falsified immigration clearances or he was helped by erring individuals in order to enter various countries.)
“That is on top of the qualified human trafficking complaint he is already facing in connection to his ties to the massive, crimeridden POGO complex in Porac, Pampanga,” she added.
During the Senate subcommittee on justice and human rights’ hearing on Tuesday, March 4, Hontiveros questioned Roque’s whereabouts.
The Bureau of Immigration, during the inquiry, said Roque attempted to go to the United States, but failed to do so after being held in Japan.
Apart from this, BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said they have no other information at present as to where Roque and his wife Mylah are. n
BACK TO GUO. Senator Risa Hontiveros chairs the Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing on the cancellation of passport of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo at the Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Guo is detained due to qualified human trafficking, a nonbailable offense.
PNA photo by Avito Dalan
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
PCO chief decries ‘demolition job’
MANILA — Nothing but a “demolition job.”
This was how Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz described the allegation that he benefited from a P206-million deal with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Speaking to Malacañang reporters on Tuesday, March 4, Ruiz branded as “fake news” a Politiko report stating that he is a co-owner of Digital8 Inc., which entered into a joint venture with state-run Intercontinental
Broadcasting Corp. (IBC-13) last year for the production and broadcast of PCSO’s lotto draws and other games.
“Actually, I did not want to dignify the story because it’s fake news. First of all, I don’t own a share. I’m not a stockholder. I am not an owner of Digital 8. I represented Digital8 in the joint venture agreement between IBC-13 and PCSO. I never owned that company,” Ruiz said.
As PCO secretary, Ruiz said his goal is to crack down on fake news, not knowing he
himself would be victimized by it.
He urged the media to check the owners of Digital8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Asked what could be the motive behind the publication of the story, Ruiz cited the reorganization in the PCO.
In Congress, House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman backed President Marcos’ stand against fake news. (Jose Rodel Clapano/ Philstar.com)
PAF locates missing fighter jet, confirms death of 2 pilots
by cristina chi Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippine Air Force confirmed Wednesday, March 5, that search teams have located the wreckage of the FA50 fighter jet that went missing Tuesday night, with both pilots found dead at the crash site in Bukidnon province.
The wreckage was discovered in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon on Wednesday following a full-scale search and rescue operation that involved over 100 personnel, according to the PAF.
"With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard," the PAF said in a statement.
The FA-50 fighter jet with tail number 002 lost contact with the rest of the flight involved in its mission "several minutes before they reached the target area of operations" past midnight on Tuesday, March 4.
The jet was part of a flight providing air support for ground troops engaged in an operation in Bukidnon. An earlier PAF statement said it was engaged in "tactical night operations."
The crash marks the first recorded accident involving the Philippines' FA-50 fleet since the aircraft were acquired between 2015 and 2017.
Following the incident, all 11 remaining FA-50 jets have been grounded pending a thorough investigation.
PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said they cannot "conclusive say anything" about the cause of
the accident.
"This will have to undergo thorough investigation. There could be various reasons why this happened," Castillo said. "Hopefully, through the investigation, we will know the real reason why this happened."
The crashed FA-50 fighter jet was located using signals from the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter and locator beacons.
The aircraft was "totally wrecked," said Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante at a press conference on Wednesday.
The remains of the two pilots were found inside the aircraft, Bergante said.
According to the PAF, the search and recovery operation faced significant challenges due to the mountainous terrain and weather conditions. Over 100 rescuers, including special forces teams from the Philippine Army and civilian volunteers, were deployed to locate the crash site.
Information from the crash site was described as "intermittent" due to weak signals in the area, which complicated initial assessment efforts.
"We can't provide specific statements about the condition of the wreckage or details about the pilots yet, as we're still gathering all the facts," Castillo explained during the press conference.
Well-trained pilots
While the PAF spokesperson declined to reveal the identities of the
Marcos to clean up 'Duterte's mess'
by CatherIne s. Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is committed to addressing the "mess left behind by the previous administration," particularly in eliminating or reducing activities related to money laundering and terrorist financing, Malacañang said Saturday, March 1.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reaffirmed the President's commitment following the Philippines' removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
sanctions, and delays in enforcing the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
"Let us remember that Philippine offshore gaming operators were rampant back then," the Palace official said.
Castro also said regulator agencies at the time seemed to have ignored these issues, especially the supposed financial anomalies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
country.
Lacson attributed the country's improved standing to key legislative measures, including the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and the strengthening of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) — laws he either authored, co-authored, or sponsored.
He also cited the total ban on POGOs as a crucial factor.
pilots, she said they were well-trained members of the Air Force.
Castillo explained that to reach the level of flying an FA-50, pilots typically start with the S-211 trainer aircraft first, building up experience before being upgraded to the more advanced fighter jet.
"Our pilots are welltrained, especially if you are detailed to fly the FA-50 aircraft. Remember, this is our most prime fighter jets," Castillo said.
The PAF spokesperson said the investigation into the crash will be comprehensive and will examine multiple factors, including the aircraft's wreckage, maintenance records, pilot profiles, weather conditions during the mission and flight procedures.
Grounding of FA-50 fleet
Officials acknowledged that the grounding of the FA-50 fleet will have a big impact on Air Force operations, "especially if we don't have [other] fighter aircraft available."
Castillo said besides the FA-50, the Air Force has the S-211, which is used for training.
"We are committed to completing the investigation as soon as possible so that our fighter aircraft can get back to the air," the PAF spokesperson added.
In its official statement, the PAF requested "the nation's prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor," and committed to providing all necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time. n
In a video message, Castro said the Philippines' exit proves that the FATF saw the Marcos administration's efforts to fulfill its obligation to address money laundering and terrorism financing issues in the country.
"We, especially the President, will clean up the mess left behind by the previous administration. Let us pray that we will never again be included in the FATF's grey list or black list," Castro said, in an apparent reference to the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
"We were placed on the grey list in 2021 after the international watchdog identified 18 deficiencies that the government must address to combat money laundering and terrorism financing in the country," she added.
If a country is greylisted, it is under increased monitoring by the FATF due to certain deficiencies in its campaign against money laundering and terrorism financing.
Blacklisted countries, on the other hand, are those with significant strategic shortcomings or with a severe lack of measures to fight money laundering and terrorism financing.
Castro said the Philippines was placed on the FATF grey list in June 2021 during the Duterte administration due to regulatory weakness in gambling operations, failure to implement financial
To address these shortcomings, Castro said that Marcos issued Executive Order 33, which directed government agencies to take immediate action to remove the country from the FATF grey list.
"Removing the country from the FATF is a great accomplishment of the president," she said. "The FATF recognized the country's improvements in terms of money laundering and terror financial controls."
Castro said the country's removal from the FATF grey list was expected to facilitate smoother financial transactions, attract more foreign investors, and lower remittance fees for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
"Our President will not stop in eradicating activities related to money laundering and terrorist financing," she added.
The FATF is the global watchdog for money laundering and terrorist financing. It sets international standards to prevent these illegal activities and the harm they cause society.
The 39-member body also sets international standards to ensure national authorities can effectively go after illicit funds linked to drug trafficking, the illegal trade in arms, cyber fraud, and other serious crimes.
PH investor confidence
Meanwhile, administration senatorial bet and former senator Panfilo Lacson said the Philippines' removal from the FATF grey list would boost the confidence of businesses to invest in the
"Being taken off the grey list should increase investor confidence in the country. The provisions in the AntiTerrorism Act on terrorist financing, along with the strengthened Anti-Money Laundering Act, played a significant role," Lacson said in an interview.
Lacson said these combined efforts contributed to the FATF's decision, which he believed would encourage more investors to place their money in the Philippines. His legislative efforts include amendments to the AMLA, such as lowering the threshold for covered transactions from P4 million to P500,000, making it more effective in detecting illicit financial activities.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate underscored that these initiatives were part of a broader push to combat financial crimes.
"Our goal has always been to crack down on dirty money and hold accountable those who have tarnished the country's reputation as a hub for financial crimes," he said.
Lacson also called for consistent enforcement of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws to ensure the country does not fall back into FATF scrutiny.
He reiterated the need to exclude public officials from the Bank Secrecy Act to further strengthen transparency measures.
"We already have the necessary laws. The key now is consistent implementation," Lacson said. n
The nation must find out how people wanted in the Philippines and in
spokesman Harry Roque ended up in the Middle East as the House of Representatives ordered his arrest and detention for contempt. Roque has reportedly been spotted in Macau and Japan. The BI said he tried to leave for the U.S. from Japan.
other countries manage to slip past border controls. Uncovering what happened will allow the leaks in the system to be plugged. This can prevent impunity and more escapes. (Philstar.com)
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Gayle's inspiring journey to a new life: A success story on Citizen Pinoy
CITIZEN Pinoy is proud to share the inspiring success story of Gayle, a determined mother who, despite facing numerous challenges, achieved her dream of securing a future in the United States for herself and her daughter, Sofia.
Gayle married her U.S. citizen boyfriend in 2010, and in 2017, Gayle and Sofia came to the U.S., and her husband filed petitions for their residency. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. The marriage did not work out, and he abandoned Gayle and Sofia.
Left to fend for herself, Gayle took caregiving jobs, eventually finding a supportive Italian family who treated her as one of their own. Though the elderly parents she cared for passed away, their son Ernie continued to support Gayle.
PAGE 12
JOURNEY TO A NEW LIFE: A SUCCESS STORY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Gayle moved to the U.S. in 2017 with her daughter, Sofia, after marrying her U.S. citizen boyfriend in 2010. However, after he petitioned her, the marriage did not work out and he abandoned her. Left to fend for herself, Gayle took caregiving jobs and eventually found support from an Italian family, particularly their adult son, Ernie. Desperate for a solution, Gayle sought help from leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, after seeing an announcement on TFC that he was holding consultations in Chicago. Attorney Gurfinkel was able to secure her green card, and she is now living the American Dream. Watch this family success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, March 9 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
GAYLE'S
Health@Heart
PhiliP
S.
Chua, md, FaCS, FPCS
Aging Clock
MAN has always been fascinated about the “fountain of youth” which noted Spanish Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is reported to have fanatically searched for in Florida in 1513.
Today, beyond looking for that illusive “miraculous” potion, science, which has been searching for eons, appears to have partially cracked “the code” for longevity, a molecular metric called Aging Clock. While the calendar helps us count our chronological age, the Aging Clock measures our actual biological age – how old our body really is – like a running, ticking, digital stopwatch.
This newly discovered biologic Aging Clock tells us which lifestyle factors affect and control our longevity, and could be “quantified” by analyzing and evaluating our blood proteins as “Molecular Markers,” reported by Medical News Today.
This new study using the proteomic Aging Clock offers more evidence of how genetics, mental health, chronic illnesses, diet, lifestyles and environmental factors influence how we age, including smoking status, physical activity and living conditions.
Half a million
The clinical analysis evaluated “medical data from almost half a million individuals in the UK BioBank to find out the impact of 164 different lifestyle and environmental facts on aging, age-related illnesses and premature deaths.
Of the 25 lifestyle and environmental factors that are linked to mortality and proteomic aging, as well as biomarkers for major disease risks, 23, thank God, are modifiable.
Interestingly, these include “cheese consumption, ease of skin tanning, degree of education, employment status, ethnicity, frequency of feeling tired, gym use, financial difficulties, household income, physical activity, sleeping hours, smoking status, type of housing (house, apartment, mobile home, etc.) use of open fire for heating, and weight and height when the
subject was 10 years old.”
The researchers found that “smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and living conditions were the factors that had the most influence on mortality and biological aging. Smoking alone was associated with 21 diseases, and socioeconomic factors and tiredness frequency with 19 diseases.”
Back to basic
In this modern day and age of fancy new trends in health and wellness, this study highlights the fact that “getting back to the basic will possibly have the largest and most strategic impact on improving population health,” comments researcher Austin Argentieri, PhD.
The team, overall, “attributed 17% of the variation in risk of death to environmental factors, compared to less than 2% explained by genetic predisposition for 22 major diseases….and that environmental exposures had a greater effect on lung, heart, and liver diseases, while genetic risk still dominated for dementias and breast cancer.”
The fact that environmental exposures account for 17 percent of mortality risk compared to less than 2 percent from genetics is a great blessing and gives us a wise opportunity to live a healthier lifestyle and significantly lessen our exposure to environmental dangers and poisons, instead of being a hostage fated without hope to our genetic make-up.
Lifestyle versus genetics
Lifestyle and environments are almost 10 times more significant in mortality risk than our genetic predisposition for major disease-causing death. As highlighted in my book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children (on Amazon.com), a manual on healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, we have the power to maintain health and live to our maximal longevity, if a healthy lifestyle is started while in our mother’s womb, in the crib, as a toddler, and in an environment conducive to wellness, physically, mentally, and, biologically as well.
Prevention is our vital key health akin to vaccines as prophylaxis against infectious killers or cancers, like cervical cancer today, but vaccines to prevent other cancers are coming.
Aging and longevity are not
fully predetermined by our genetics, but by our habits and behavior and environment. Reducing harmful exposures to tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, and other dangerous elements in our environment are also vital to health.
The molecular marker proteomic Aging Clock will now enable researchers to fully integrate multi-omics data (genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) and provide us a more comprehensive view of how environmental and genetic factors interplay, and provide clinicians tools for a more individualized, personalized, approach to preventive care strategies for each person.
AI in medicine
Someday, with the help of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM), your physician would be able to predict illnesses EACH person will have and exactly what exact food items, habits, behavior, and preventive medications the individual should consume, or not consume, to stay healthy and preclude diseases. All from our DNA and various molecular markers in our system.
An example: Today, through clinical evidencebased research, we know that the so-called Nightshade (Solanaceae) veggies are bad for those with arthritis: raw tomato with skin and seeds, potato, eggplant, bell pepper, paprika, cayenne, chili. They are inflammatory foods and aggravate pains. These veggies also contain solanine which increase intestinal leakiness and adversely affects gastrointestinal microbiota. Tobacco actually belongs to the Nightshade family also.
Someday, science will also be able to tell which individual (as early as in childhood) who has a type of personal metabolism which would allow them to eat a lot of red meat and not suffer any untoward health consequences.
For now, let’s follow the guidelines today of eating mostly plant-based food items daily, minimum carbohydrates, eating red meat no more than 3 servings (total of about 12 ounces) a week, drinking a lot of filtered water, about 2 regular cups of coffee (or tea), if desired, eating fruits and healthy nuts and staying away from soft drinks. Of course, no smoking/chewing tobacco,
15
Fil-Am 'High School Musical' stars
Olivia Rodrigo, Vanessa Hudgens
reunite at Oscars 2025 party
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
MANILA — Different generations of FilipinoAmerican "High School Musical" stars reunited at one of the many Oscars parties held after the 97th Academy Awards.
Olivia Rodrigo and Vanessa Hudgens both attended the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party held in the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, coming together on the red carpet after snapping individual photos.
Both actresses-singers wore black outfits — Olivia in a leather halter top Roberto Cavalli dress and Vanessa in one-shoulder thigh-high feathery Dolce & Gabbana dress.
This marked Vanessa's
first red carpet appearance since giving birth to her first child with husband and American football player Cole Tucker who was her date for the night.
Meanwhile, Olivia was accompanied by boyfriend Louis Partridge, star of the "Enola Holmes" movies.
The two previously crossed paths at the 2022 Met Gala when Vanessa was co-hosting the red carpet and Olivia was an invited guest.
Vanessa starred in the three "High School Musical" films, while Olivia broke out in the "High School Musical: The Series" inspired by the trilogy.
In the show, Olivia's character Nini auditions to play the role of Gabriella Montez originated by
Vanessa.
Other former Disney stars in attendance at the after-party were Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Lindsay Lohan, as were new Oscar winners Mikey Madison and Zoe Saldaña. Palme d'Or winner "Anora" topped the Oscars this year as it won five of its six nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress for Madison, and filmmaker Sean Baker winning Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
The honors made the director the first individual to win four Oscars for the same film, and the only other person since Walt Disney in 1953 to win four Oscars in one night (Disney's wins were for four different categories). n
Gayle's inspiring journey to a new life...
PAGE 11
Facing insurmountable obstacles to obtaining permanent residency, Gayle sought the help of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel after seeing an announcement on TFC for in-person consultations in Chicago. Atty. Gurfinkel provided hope by advising
Gayle on pursuing her husband’s original petition despite his abandonment. Through Atty. Gurfinkel’s dedicated efforts, Gayle's adjustment of status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen was approved eventually, and she received her green card, ensuring a stable and promising future for her and Sofia.
Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, March 9 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Olivia Rodrigo and Vanessa Hudgens at the Vanity Fair Oscars 2025 after-party Getty Images Entertainment via Instagram
Hollywood star Hailee Steinfeld honors her Filipino roots
by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net
STEPPING into the spotlight with Filipino pride, Filipino American singer and actress Hailee Steinfeld is honoring her Filipino roots as she graces the cover of Vogue Philippines for its March issue, “The Wonder Years: The Fashion Issue.”
The “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Bumblebee” star stuns in a metallic ocean blue and silver mini dress paired with clear heels, with additional looks showcasing designs from Saint Laurent, Prada, Gucci, Max Mara, Et Ochs and Cong Tri.
Beyond the fashion, Steinfeld’s cover story highlights her connection to her heritage and the values instilled in her by her family.
She reflects on how her Filipino background has shaped her character and further emphasizes resilience, kindness and the importance of family bonds.
“I carry my Filipino heritage with so much pride. And I feel like [it’s] deeply rooted in the values that my parents have
instilled in both my brother and I: resilience and kindness and a deep sense of family,” she shared with Vogue Philippines.
The “Hawkeye” actress also teased her upcoming film, “Sinners,” hinting at its personal significance.
“I find that with what I do, there’s always something to learn about yourself. But when you get to learn about yourself and your family, that’s something that can be really special,” she said, adding that the film will make her sentiments clearer to audiences.
Even though she’s born and raised in the US, Steinfeld has her Filipino lineage to back her up.
Her maternal grandfather, Ricardo, hails from Panglao, Bohol – a family history that has kept the Philippines close to her heart.
As she juggles multiple projects, she thrives on a busy schedule and finds excitement in a packed calendar.
For her, the thrill of working on different ventures, from acting to music and beyond, keeps her passion alive.
‘It’s
Showtime’ hosts lament educational crisis in PH
by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
THE “It’s Showtime” hosts expressed concern over the “systemic and educational problem” in the Philippines, which was apparently highlighted after a show contestant admitted being unknowledgeable about the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
It can be recalled that during the Feb. 28 episode of the noontime show, Heart Aquino, one of the contestants of the “Sexy Babe” segment, was asked to give a message to the Comelec.
Aquino answered that she was unfamiliar with the government agency — a response that the show hosts found “bothersome.”
During the “It’s Showtime” episode on Monday, March 3, the TV hosts — led by Vice Ganda — then spoke about their realizations after the finale of their “Sexy Babe” segment.
“ Dalawang bagay ang narealize ko — napakarami talagang magagandang nilalang sa Pilipinas . ‘ Yung pangalawa, may systemic and educational problem sa Pilipinas May educational crisis sa Pilipinas na dapat
natin i -address,” Vice Ganda said.
Jugs Jugueta nodded in agreement, “I think we have to find the right balance, parang maganda at matalino .”
Vice Ganda stressed that the public should be alarmed and ask the necessary questions: “ Saan kaya nagsisimula ‘yung educational crisis sa Pilipinas ? Sino ang naaapektuhan nito ? Ano ang dapat nating gawin, at paano kaya dapat natin ito harapin ? Ito ba ay dapat pagtawanan lang natin? Ito ba ay dapat pagchikahan lang natin sa Twitter nang one day then tapos na ?”
Karylle shared the same sentiment as she pointed out how the instance with the segment contestant gave a temperature check on the youth.
‘ Yung malaman mo ‘yung totoong temperatura ng mga kabataan ngayon, na hindi pala alam ng karamihan yung COMELEC, ang sakit. Hindi ko alam kung anong gulat ‘yung naramdaman ko ,” she stated.
Vice Ganda further underscored that the youths make up a huge percentage of voters, and lamented how a part of the group might be uninformed. Ogie Alcasid
stressed that aside from the youth, parents should also be informed as voters.
“ May mga bagay kagaya no’n na napakahalaga na dapat may pakialam tayo ,” Amy Perez added.
Vice Ganda chimed in, “Even COMELEC, dapat ma -alarm din ang COMELEC na baka kailangan meron din silang gawin na pagdi -disseminate ng impormasyon — the government in general.”
“ Kaya siya tinawag na systemic kasi hindi lang isa , kundi marami ang may kinalaman ,” he continued. “ Lahat tayo bahagi ng krisis na ito .”
After unanimously agreeing that they should have more educational content, the hosts then went to have a quiz bee about Philippine history among the studio audience.
Meanwhile, the Comelec said it extended an invitation to Aquino to their event to brief her about the duties of the poll body.
“We fully understand her,” COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia said. “It is our solemn duty to explain who we are and what we are doing.”
“It is our failure,” he added. “We have to immediately rectify.”
(From left) “It’s Showtime” hosts Ogie Alcasid, Vice Ganda and Kim Chiu.
Photo from Facebook/Kim Chiu
Hailee Steinfeld
Photo from Instagram/@voguephilippines
Hailee Steinfeld Photo from Instagram/@voguephilippines
CARLA Pulido Ocampo, daughter of indefatigable Leah Pulido Ocampo (executive director of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions), is a film editor, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, and cultural worker residing in the indigenous territory of Bontoc, in the mountainous region of the Philippine Cordilleras. She is a co-founder of groups that are purveyors of alternative cinema culture in Northern Philippines: Habi Collective, Balay Habi Studio, and Pelicula Union. She started out in film by composing theme songs and guitar-based scores for her classmates’ shorts, at the then Film Department of the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines – Diliman, where she graduated cum laude in 2005 (Bachelor of Arts in Film and AudioVisual Communication). As tourism officer of Sanchez Mira Municipality in Cagayan, she is best known for her filmography centering on the culture and lore of the indigenous Bontok Igorot people. She is writer, researcher and editor for the seminal documentary “Walang Rape sa Bontok” (2014), which won the 38th Gawad Urian award for Best Documentary in 2015, and which was shown in the Festival Internacional Signos da Noite in Portugal for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) as well as in film festivals in the
United States, Thailand and France.
Her short film “Tokwifi” (she’s the director, screenwriter, editor and colorist) won the Special Jury Prize at the 7th QCinema International Film Festival in 2019. It also won the Best Short Film in the 16th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, 43rd Gawad Urian, and 68th FAMAS Awards. It was shown in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, Myanmar, Chile, and Taiwan film festivals.
Tokwifi (pronounced “tok-wee-fee”) is a short film that explores the what-ifs of differing love languages. But more than that, it is also a parable reflecting two significant issues in Philippine media – (1) how women characters are “boxed” within mendependent stereotypes throughout the history of local television; and (2) how famous Philippine personalities – labeling our indigenous mountain people as “primitive”, “uncivilized” or perennially unkempt –has time and again broken the indigenous heart.
During the last Sunday of February, Pastor Ken Jensen at non-denominational Northgate Church on Lake Herman Road in Benicia, California talked about Matthew 26:31-32 which states that “Tonight you will all desert Me; for it is written, ‘I shall strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I am raised up I will precede you to Galilee.” He mentioned about our flaws and failings are no surprise to God. Our pride can blind us to our flaws.
There is the portion in a song that has ingrained into my mind: “Who else is worthy? There is no one.
Only Jesus.”
After the church service, I happened to see at Northgate my niece Angela Valdez with her hubby Jose and her talented daughter Tali as we had a little talk.
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Even though I am here in the U.S., I extended my birthday greeting to Senator Jinggoy Estrada (February 17). I asked him about his three wishes on his birthday.
“Good health especially for my parents. Enact more bills that can help our marginalized sector of our society. To have a REAL UNITED country,” he said.
I hope and pray there will be real unity in the Philippines.
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Deanne Marie Mate, or Dia, from Cavite was crowned recently as Miss Reina Hispanicoamericana 2025 in Bolivia. She is the granddaughter of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla. A singer-songwriter, Dia is in a relationship with OPM singer Juan Carlos Labajo.
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President Donald J.Trump signed an executive order to protect all women and end the war on female athletics.
“From now on, women’s sports will be only for women,” said the president who wants to keep men out of the women’s sports.
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The late Au Kumano was a member of the famous Vicor Dancers and Solid Gold Dancers. She appeared in a Dolphy produced movie with Alma Moreno and Rolly Quizon. She was also seen in rapper-comedian Andrew E and Queen of All Media Kris Aquino’s films. She was a choreography instructor of the defunct German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment show on GMA7 and was a part of a dance group at Eat Bulaga noontime show. Singer Yeng Constantino used to call her “Ate Au” as a sign of respect.
Au came from a family of artists. Among them were National Artist for Dance Leonor Orosa-Goquingco, Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture Ramon Gahol Orlina, and LVN Director Felicing Constantino.
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When I interviewed Kris Aquino during the taping of her show directed by Jose Javier Reyes some
years ago, she was kind, accommodating and humble. I was then working during the day at Malacañang Palace and at night as a freelance journalist in a broadsheet.
Years have passed and Kris Aquino remains strong and and firm to go on with life. I am praying for her recovery.
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Paulo Xavier Ilano from the Philippines recently attended Alorica’s 2025 kickoff event in Las Vegas, Nevada, where company leaders gathered to celebrate achievements, discuss the future of
the organization, and strengthen partnerships. The event brought together more than 120 leaders from across Alorica, led by coCEOs Michael Clifton and Max Schwendner.
Pictured in a group photo somewhere in this column are Alorica’s Co-CEOs Max and Michael, alongside company leaders Anastasia Bellos, Jesse Rodriguez, Alexandra Spredemann, Cielito Merriam, Carlos Tala, Sarah Le Blanc, Ricardo Cantú, Annette Tucker, Luis Morales, Paulo Xavier Ilano, Lauren Cox, Maddie Kunik, Grace Chiu, Scott Karlin, Alejandro Vela, Lourdes
Gallero, Michelle Fernando, Ross Ong, Eduardo Heart, and Austin Levine.
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I was fortunate to be inside the office of Philippines’ First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in the Bahay ng Pangulo ( Presidential Residence ) in Manila.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Senator Jinggoy Estrada
President Trump signs an executive order that keeps men out of the women’s sports.
The new Miss Reina Hispanicoamericana 2025 is Dia Mate, a Filipina singersongwriter, who was recently crowned in Bolivia.
Promising filmmaker Carla Pulido Ocampo of ‘Tokwifi’ and ‘Walang Rape sa Bontok’ fame.
Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina
Au Kumano of the Vicor Dancers and Solid Gold Dancers.
Six-year-old Tali with her parents, Jose and Angela Valdez at Northgate Church in Benicia, California.
Kris Aquino
PX Ilano (standing, extreme left with long hair), representing Alorica-Philippines.
AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina inside the office of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; behind is her office desk.
Filipina actress Jaclyn Jose part of Oscars' 'In Memoriam' 2025
by jan Milo severo Philstar.com
MANILA — The late veteran actress Jaclyn Jose was part of the In Memoriam tribute of the 97th Academy Awards on Monday, March 3.
Jaclyn was joined by other Hollywood celebrities such as Gene Hackman, Maggie Smith, Gena Rowlands, Michelle Trachtenberg, Shannen Doherty and Olivia Hussey, among others, at the tribute.
“The Academy honors friends and colleagues we lost over the last year. Take a moment to remember the artists and filmmakers we lost in 2024-2025,” Oscars wrote on its website.
In Instagram, Jaclyn's daughter Andi Eigenmann posted the screenshot of Oscars' tribute for Jaclyn.
“My nanay is among other Hollywood artists and filmmakers who are remembered by The Academy this year,” she wrote.
Jaclyn succumbed to heart attack in her home in Quezon City last year. n
Black Eyed Peas returning to the Philippines for August show
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
MANILA — Pop-rap group the Black Eyed Peas are coming back to the Philippines for a one-night show later this year.
A local promoter announced that the Black Eyed Peas composed of will.i.am, Filipino-American artist apl. de.ap, and Taboo will be performing in the Mall of Asia Arena on August 27.
Ticket selling will begin on March 15 at noon via nationwide SM Tickets outlets and its website, with other details like ticket prices and the seat plan to follow.
The Philippine concert comes on the heels of the group canceling its firstever residency in Las Vegas, which would have started last February.
The Black Eyed Peas are expected to perform their greatest hits including "I Gotta Feeling," "Where is the Love?" "Pump It," "Boom Boom
Bianca Gonzalez excited to work with Gabbi Garcia, Mavy Legaspi in ‘PBB’
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
BIANCA Gonzalez is looking forward to welcoming Gabbi Garcia and Mavy Legaspi into the “Pinoy Big Brother” family, saying she’s happy for the opportunity to work with them despite coming from different networks.
Garcia and Legaspi were confirmed as the newest hosts of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition Collab,” a joint effort between ABS-CBN and GMA to celebrate the reality show’s 20th anniversary. The upcoming edition will witness housemates from the Kapamilya and Kapuso networks staying at the Bahay ni Kuya.
“This is the first time I will work with Gabbi. We did the pictorial together and we taped [for a show] which is so fun. With Mavy, I worked with him before where we did a panel discussion and I’ve always loved how articulate he is,” Gonzalez told INQUIRER. net during the MEGA Woman 100 book launch, when asked about working with the Kapuso stars.
“I’m looking forward to working with both of them. In another world, hindi mangyayari ‘to (this won’t happen). But we’re able to work with each other despite coming from different networks,” she added.
Touching on the working relationship among the “PBB” hosts, Gonzalez said they always make it a point to make their newest members feel comfortable. “Whenever we have a new addition to the family, for example, last season Alexa [Ilacad] joined
us. We always try our very best to [make them feel welcome].”
“Kasi kami na ang mga ate at kuya, lalo na ako (We are the ates and kuyas now, especially me),” she continued. “We always try to make them feel at home. Every host who joined us has a unique flavor to bring to the table.”
‘Pinoy Big Brother’s’ legacy As the new edition of “Pinoy Big Brother” is set to hit GMA’s airwaves for the first time, Gonzalez said she is still in disbelief over the reality show’s milestone.
“I keep on telling our staff that even if we did the pictorial and contract signing… For 19 years, it has been on ABSCBN and now even hearing our voiceover [being] different — because it’s the voiceover of GMA — hindi pa talaga siya fully nagsisink in. Feel ko during the launch when we air and the logo is up, d’un pa lang totally magsisink in,” she said.
(I keep on telling our staff that even if we did the pictorial and contract signing… For 19 years, it has been on ABS-CBN, and hearing our voiceover being different — because it’s the voiceover of GMA — it still
Aging Clock ...
The group last performed in the country during the closing ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games when the Philippines hosted. At the time, Fergie had left the group the year before so the Black Eyed Peas were joined by Filipino-American singer J. Rey Soul, a finalist from "The Voice of the Philippines" Season 1 under
apl.de.ap's team. Since then, J. Rey has continued performing with the group as a touring and session member, even featuring on the three latest albums "Masters of the Sun Vol. 1," "Translation," and "Elevation."
Prior to the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the Black Eyed Peas' last Philippine concert was in 2011 for its "The Beginning Massive Stadium Tour," also in the SM Mall of Asia Arena. n
and remember, there is no safe level of alcohol intake. Occasional (once or twice a month) indulgence in fast food is acceptable to pamper ourselves and for gastronomic delight. Most importantly, we must listen to our body and protect it from harm.
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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.
* * *
The main objective of this
column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
* * *
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical
hasn’t fully sunk in. I feel like it will totally sink in for me when we air and the logo is up.)
The host said one of the reasons why “Pinoy Big Brother” clicked is because it made the viewers feel involved with the lives of its housemates.
“For some reason, as Filipinos, we love cheering for people or tearing people down. ‘PBB’ is a show where you can do all that. [On our end], every season, people’s lives literally changed. ‘Yun pa lang, enough na ‘yun (Through that, it’s enough) to keep going,” she said.
During the interview, Gonzalez also expressed her gratitude to the lifestyle magazine for recognizing her through the many stages of her life.
“I’m honored because there are many women who juggle [their responsibilities] while being [in different stages] of their lives. Yet, ‘MEGA’ still chooses me as one of the women they acknowledge and they’ll share the story of. More than anything, I’m grateful and honored,” she said.
The “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition Collab” is set to air on Sunday, March 9. n
lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, scientists, and educators. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Amazon.com (“Where is My America?”); Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
(From left) Gabbi Garcia, Bianca Gonzalez and Mavy Legaspi. Photo from ABS-CBN Corporate Communications and GMA Corporate Communications
In Instagram, Jaclyn's daughter Andi Eigenmann posted the screenshot of Oscars' tribute for Jaclyn. Andi Eigenmann via Instagram/@andieigengirl
The Black Eyed Peas Photo release Pow," "My Humps," "Meet Me Halfway," and "Let's Get It Started."
