Filipino caregivers rally against home care agency for unpaid wages
California’s labor commissioner orders agency to pay $2.2 million in unpaid wages
THE California Labor Commis-
sioner’s Office has ordered a Torrance-based caregiving agency to pay $2.2 million in unpaid wages to dozens of Filipino home care workers in the South Bay Area of Los Angeles County, according to a Feb. 20 citation.
To celebrate this long-awaited victory for the dozens of affected workers, the Filipino Migrant Center and other allied workers’ advocacy groups organized a rally on Feb. 24 outside the headquarters of Amity In-Home Care Services.
“We’re here to uplift the efforts of the caregivers [who worked for Amity In-Home Care Services],
Former PH President Rodrigo Duterte to face ICC in The Hague
Klarize Medenilla AJPress
MANILA — Rising Filipino star Carl Jammes Martin will strut his stuff in the world’s boxing Mecca — Las Vegas — against Colombia’s Jose Sanmartin at the Mandalay Bay on March 22.
After beating his first two opponents in Mexico last year, Martin will be fighting in a 10-round, non-title super bantamweight bout, and a win should boost his chances to land a world title eliminator.
“I am so thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas, Nevada. When I was a little boy, I grew up watching some of the greatest fighters in boxing history all showcasing their talents in Las Vegas. I watched many Manny Pacquiao fights out there, and now I’m fighting in Las Vegas,” said the 25-year-old fighter from Lagawe, Ifugao.
FILIPINO Town Las Vegas will be on the agenda at Clark County Commissioners hearing on March 18 starting at 9 a.m. This is the County’s last meeting to vote on Filipino Town before heading for final resolution of the cultural designation on April 15.
Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting and highly encouraged to wear traditional Filipino attire to show their support of
the historic designation, encouraged Rozita Lee, founder and president of Filipino Town Las Vegas.
“The overwhelming support from our community for Filipino Town has been wonderful,” says Lee, who will make another presentation to the commissioners at the meeting. “It just goes to show that this is a project whose time has come for the Filipinos of Las Vegas and our supporters!”
The Clark County Commissioners
MANILA — U.S. President Donald Trump did not cause the deportation of 24 Filipinos from the United States, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday, March 10.
In fact, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said they were charged under Trump’s predecessor Joseph Biden.
“Hindi po si President Trump ang nagpa-deport sa kanila. Hinuli sila, kinasuhan sila, panahon pa ni Biden,”
De Vega said in a radio dwPM interview of the 24 deportees. (President Donald Trump did not deport them. They were caught and charged under Biden’s time.)
“Nagkataon lang na presidente na si Trump nang sila ay ma-deport,” he added. (It just so happened that they were deported under the Trump presidency.)
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said these Filipinos were deported due to their involvement in
79, on accusations of “crimes against humanity” for the extrajudicial drug killings that took place throughout his presidency. u
MANILA — Rodrigo Duterte, the 16th president of the Philippines, rose to power in 2016 on a promise to eradicate crimes, particularly illegal drugs.
A former Davao City mayor known as “The Punisher,” Duterte won with over 16 million votes. His campaign promise was to kill criminals. His presidency was defined by a bloody drug war that led to thousands of deaths and drew international scrutiny. Government data recorded at least 6,200 drug-related deaths, but human rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 20,000. Lawyer and Akbayan party-list nominee Chel Diokno cited an official report listing 20,322 drug-related deaths as “accomplishments,” with 3,967 in police operations and 16,355 in vigilante-style killings.
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
by Jown Manalo Inquirer.net
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has clarified that the Philippines has to comply with its commitments to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Otherwise, the government risks not getting any help in the future from the organization, he said. Malacañang file photo
Former PH President Rodrigo...
Duterte was stopped at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday morning; he had just arrived from Hong Kong with his family.
In videos posted by Veronica Duterte, the former president’s other daughter, the ex-president challenged Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon about his detention.
“What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” Duterte said.
“Show it to me now, the legal basis for my being here. As I, apparently, was brought here not of my own volition; it is somebody else’s.”
As reported in the
Asian Journal throughout Duterte’s presidency—from 2016 to 2022—the former president oversaw a massive crackdown on illegal drugs, which led to vigilante killings of suspected drug peddlers and dealers. The actual number of extrajudicial killings is uncertain, but the Philippine police confirmed the deaths of 6,248 individuals throughout Duterte’s presidency.
In Oct. 2024, Duterte said in a Senate inquiry that, when he was mayor of Davao, he had a “death squad of gangsters” on retainer to kill other criminals. These victims
were largely alleged drug dealers, petty criminals and street children, according to a 2016 report from Reuters. “I can make the confession now if you want,” Duterte told the Senate in October. “I had a death squad of seven, but they were not policemen. They were also gangsters. [I would] ask a gangster to kill somebody: ‘If you will not kill [them] I will kill you now.’”
But he denied that he authorized extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers by police as president. As of press time, the plane carrying Duterte has left the Philippines and is en route to The Hague. n
DFA clarifies: 24 Filipinos deported not...
criminal activities.
De Vega also downplayed this, noting that this number is very small compared to around 2 million Filipinos in the United States.
“Sabihin natin 24 deported. Ilang milyong Pilipino ang nasa U.S.? Two million. Ilan ang illegal? Maaaring 300,000. Ano yun? Napakakaunti,” he said.
(Let’s say 24 were deported. How many Filipinos are in the U.S.? Two
million. How many illegals? Maybe 300,000. What about that? It’s very few.)
During Trump’s first term, De Vega previously said that the United States deported “only a few hundred or less” undocumented Filipinos each month, which was fewer than during the Obama administration.
“Naiintindihan namin kung nababahala ang mga Pilipino diyan, pero sa magandang paraan. Wag sila masyadong magpapansin sa dyaryo.
Alam ko ang Philippine Daily Inquirer, it’s in English, eh di pwedeng basahin ‘yan ng U.S. Hinihingi mo eh, hindi na nga ikaw hinuhuli eh,” De Vega continued. (We understand if Filipinos are alarmed, but express it in a good way. They should not use newspapers to gain attention. From what I know, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, it’s in English, so the U.S. could read that. It’s as if you ask for it, you were not getting targeted anyway.) n
Rodrigo Duterte’s path to the...
With this, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2018 launched an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity under Duterte’s leadership, covering his tenure as Davao mayor from 2011 to 2016 and Philippine president from 2016 to 2019. Duterte responded by withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, a move widely seen as an attempt to evade accountability.
However, on March 11, 2025, Duterte was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upon returning from Hong Kong. His arrest followed an ICC warrant related to his administration’s drug war and alleged crimes against humanity.
The following timeline outlines Duterte’s rise to power and eventual ICC arrest, based on INQUIRER. net’s archives and previous reports.
2016
May 9 – Duterte won the 2016 presidential election with more than 16 million votes.
June 30 – Duterte was inaugurated as the first Philippine president from Mindanao, vowing to eliminate crime and corruption within six months.
July 1 – Duterte launched a nationwide anti-drug campaign, later known as the Philippine war on drugs. Government data recorded over 6,200 suspects killed in drug war operations, but human rights groups estimate a much higher toll, alleging police executions and cover-ups.
October 13 – Then-ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced her office was “closely following” the Philippines as drug war deaths continued to rise.
November –Duterte suggested withdrawing from the ICC, calling it “useless,” following Russia’s exit from the tribunal.
2017
April 24 – Lawyer Jude Sabio filed a complaint against Duterte before the ICC, accusing the latter of “mass murder” in the Philippines. Sabio represented Edgar Matobato, a confessed member of the Davao Death Squad, who alleged Duterte was behind the killings in Davao City as mayor.
June 6 – Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and then-Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano filed a “supplemental complaint” with the ICC, supporting Sabio’s allegations and linking Duterte to drug war-related killings.
2018
February – The ICC launched a “preliminary
examination” into alleged crimes against humanity in Duterte’s drug war.
March 17 – In response to the ICC probe, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute, which is the treaty that established the ICC. However, the treaty states that the withdrawal shall only take effect “one year after the date of receipt of the notification.”
2019
March 17 – The Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC took effect, seen as Duterte’s move to avoid accountability for the drug war killings. However, the ICC retained jurisdiction over crimes committed from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, when the Philippines was still a member-state.
2020
January 15 –Sabio withdrew his ICC complaint against Duterte, saying it was “not in the interest of justice” and was just “propaganda.” He claimed former senators Trillanes and Leila de Lima had influenced him to file the case.
January 18 – De Lima, still detained during this time, denied Sabio’s claim, saying she did not direct him to file the complaint. She also disclosed that she had filed her case against Duterte before the ICC in October 2017.
2021
August – Families of Duterte’s drug war victims under the Rise Up for Life and for Rights, with their counsel from the NUPL lawyers, urged the ICC to prosecute Duterte for leading the violent anti-drug campaign in the country.
September 15 – The ICC’s pre-trial chamber authorized a formal investigation into crimes against humanity in Duterte’s drug war, covering events from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019.
2022 June 24 – Citing dissatisfaction with the Philippine government’s probe into the numerous killings during the war on drugs, Khan requested the pre-trial chamber to resume its investigation into drug war-related deaths, including those linked to Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor. June 30 – Duterte’s sixyear presidency ended, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office. Despite stepping down, Duterte remained a polarizing figure in Philippine politics.
2023
January 26 – The ICC pre-trial chamber reopened its investigation into drug war killings, stating it was not convinced that the Philippines was conducting sufficient investigations to justify halting the probe.
November 24 – Marcos said his administration was studying the possible return of the Philippines as a member-state of the ICC.
2024
January 31 – Retired police officer Arturo Lascañas, a self-confessed member of the Davao Death Squad, revealed that he had testified before ICC investigators. Lascañas accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of masterminding the DDS and named several individuals involved in the previous administration’s bloody antidrug campaign.
November 14 –Marcos insisted that the Philippines would not cooperate with the ICC’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s drug war.
November 10 – The Philippine government, through then-Ambassador to the Netherlands Eduardo Malaya, formally requested the ICC to defer its investigation, claiming that the Duterte administration was already addressing drug war-related killings and that “the country’s justice system was working.” November 18 – ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan “temporarily suspended” the ICC probe to assess the deferral request.
2025 March 7 – Duterte traveled to Hong Kong and led the PDP-Laban senatorial campaign sortie among overseas Filipino workers. During the sortie, he asserted that everything he did during his term as president was for the Filipino people, amid a looming ICC arrest warrant. March 9 – The Marcos administration said it was “prepared for any eventuality” if the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Duterte, according to PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz.
March 11 – Upon returning from Hong Kong, Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity linked to his drug war. His detention sparked controversy, with his aides alleging constitutional rights violations, while drug war victims’ families welcomed the arrest. Duterte is now under police custody. n
THANKSGIVING. Photos of so-called extrajudicial killing victims under the Duterte administration’s drug war are displayed at Sacred Heart Parish in Kamuning, Quezon City where a Mass was held Tuesday, March 11. The Philippine government complied with the International Criminal Police Organization’s request to enforce the International Criminal Court order to arrest former
President Rodrigo R. Duterte for cases of crimes against humanity.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
TIGHT SECURITY. Members of the Philippine National Police were on standby outside the Villamor Air Base Gate 5 where former president Rodrigo Duterte was brought after his arrest at the airport upon arrival from Hong Kong. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, waits in a chartered jet for the flight to The Hague on Tuesday, March 11. Contributed photo
Former President Rodrigo Duterte Malacañang file photo
by Julie aPPleby KFF Health Newa
THE Trump administration issued its first major set of proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act on Monday that federal officials said are intended to crack down on fraud in the program. Policy experts said they will make it harder for consumers to sign up for coverage, potentially reducing enrollment.
Details were released Monday after a draft press release was inadvertently posted earlier.
About 24 million Americans signed up for insurance plans sold under the ACA, known popularly as Obamacare, for 2025.
The Biden administration achieved record enrollment levels after increasing premium subsidies for many lower-income people, which resulted in reducing the monthly cost of some plans to $0. It also made it easier for some very lowincome people to sign up at any time of year, instead of waiting for an enrollment period each fall. But the program became plagued by fraudulent enrollment last year, generating about 274,000 consumer complaints through August, most focused on rogue insurance agents and other bad actors, to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The Trump administration said in a statement Monday that the new regulations include “critical and necessary steps to protect people from being enrolled in Marketplace coverage without their knowledge or consent, promote stable and affordable health insurance markets, and ensure taxpayer dollars fund financial assistance only for the people the ACA set out to support.”
Policy experts said the changes, though, will impose new paperwork burdens likely to hamper enrollment.
“Under this banner of trying to crack down on the bad actions of some insurance brokers, they are penalizing consumers, particularly low-income consumers, with more burdensome requirements and more limits on their access to coverage,” said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor and the codirector of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University.
Among other new requirements, consumers would have to provide more information proving their eligibility for special enrollment periods and for premium subsidies when they enroll. The regulation would also shorten the annual enrollment period by a month. And it touches on social issues, limiting eligibility for “Dreamers” — a nickname for immigrants in the country illegally who were brought here as children, based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act.
The proposal would eliminate the year-round opportunity for a special enrollment period for people with very low incomes. But it would also set new requirements for the remaining special enrollment periods, which allow people to sign up after major life events, such as when their income changes, they lose their job-based coverage, or they get divorced, marry, or move. They would now have to provide evidence of their eligibility when applying under those special situations.
People auto-reenrolled into zero-premium
plans during the regular enrollment period would be charged a small monthly payment until they confirm or update their information.
The ACA marketplaces, according to the proposal, would have to seek additional data from consumers, including the self-employed or gig workers, who estimate their income for the coming year but don’t have tax return data filed with the IRS for previous years.
The Biden administration made changes to reduce fraudulent enrollment last year including requiring three-way calls among insurance brokers, their clients, and the federal insurance marketplace, healthcare.gov, when certain sign-ups or coverage changes were made.
Some of the Trump administration’s proposed changes could help warn certain consumers that they’ve been unknowingly enrolled in an ACA plan, such as a requirement that some customers on even the least expensive plans receive a small, monthly premium bill.
However, the additional paperwork and other eligibility requirements “will probably have a downward effect on enrollment,” said Cynthia Cox, a vice president and the director of the Program on the ACA at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. “Some of that could be protecting enrollees who were fraudulently signed up or don’t realize they’re still signed up.”
Still, it could prove difficult for some people if they’re not able to document an expected change in income. “They might have a legitimate claim but have a hard time demonstrating it,” Cox said.
u PAGE 4
American sentenced to 30 years in prison for exploiting Filipino children
Robert Maxwell Werner is accused of recruiting minors for the production of sexually explicit material
by Mary VilleGas Inquirer.net
A 46-year-old man from Walton, Kentucky, was sentenced on Friday, March 7, to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the Philippines, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Court documents show that Robert Maxwell Werner paid a Filipino individual between February and November 2021 to recruit minors for the production of sexually explicit material.
Residing in the Philippines at that time, Werner arranged five inperson meetings with the victims at hotels and rental properties, where he allegedly “livestreamed and recorded sexual acts,” according to a press release from the DOJ.
“The individual would
sexually abuse these minors and force the minors to engage in sexual acts together for foreign customers like Werner,” the DOJ said. In return, Werner provided money, food, clothing and basic needs to the Filipino minors, many of whom were in severe poverty.
Sexual exploitation of Filipino children
As part of his plea deal, Werner admitted to committing sexually explicit acts with at least one minor to produce the material between July and November 2021.
“Werner further admitted to transporting that sexually explicit material into the United States,” the DOJ said.
“Additionally, once he returned to the United States, Werner continued to solicit CSAM from the individual for at least
another month.”
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit conducted the investigation with help from the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation and the DOJ’s Office of International Affairs.
Acting U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey, Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti and FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough announced Werner’s sentencing.
The sentencing reflects the U.S. government’s strong commitment to dismantling child exploitation networks worldwide, the DOJ said. Werner’s case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ campaign launched in 2006 to combat online child exploitation. This initiative pools state, federal and local resources to rescue victims, apprehend offenders and prosecute predators. n
PRICE WATCH. Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra (left) and Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica (right), along with officials from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine National Police, and the Quezon City Market Development and Administration Department inspect the meat section at the Balintawak Cloverleaf Market in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 11. They checked the price tags and the costs of various agricultural goods, including
vegetables, rice, poultry, and other essential commodities,
PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Marcos on Duterte’s arrest: ‘We have...
prompting the Philippine government to oblige.
Earlier, Duterte was not allowed to leave the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 after coming home from Hong Kong. The Philippine National Police assisted Interpol in serving the arrest order from ICC. This arrest order is related to the crimes against humanity raps faced by Duterte, for his role in the drug war during his administration.
“Mr. Duterte was arrested in compliance with our commitments to Interpol, hours before his arrival Interpol Manila received an official copy of the ICC warrant. This prompted the prosecutor-general of the Department of Justice to serve the warrant,” Marcos said in a late night briefing in Malacañang.
“Interpol asked for help and we obliged because we have commitments to the Interpol which we have to fulfill. If we don’t do that, they will no longer help us with other cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad,” he
added.
Marcos also noted that they did not speak to ICC as he committed in the past, noting that the government assisted in the arrest because it was at the request of the Interpol.
“It’s very simple, it’s a request to the Philippine government from Interpol to enforce the arrest warrant. And of course, we comply with our commitments to Interpol. We did not do this because it was derived from or it came from ICC, we did this because Interpol asked us to do it, and we have commitments to them, and we live up to those commitments,” Marcos said.
“This is what the international community expects of us, as the leader of a democratic country that is part of the community of nations,” he added. At around 11:00 p.m., the plane carrying Duterte left Naia. Prior to boarding, he was at the Villamor Air Base where he was held after arriving from Hong Kong early morning.
Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte,
claimed that the ex-leader is being forcibly brought to a plane that will carry him to The Hague, the Netherlands, where the ICC is based.
There have been rumors over the weekend that the ICC will soon issue an arrest order for Duterte. During this time, the former president, his relatives and key allies, flew to Hong Kong to meet with overseas Filipino workers.
In Hong Kong, the older Duterte addressed talks of his arrest order, saying that his actions during the war on illegal drugs were for the Philippines’ benefit.
However, several official and independent investigations of the drug war have shown that there were many instances where innocent individuals were dragged into the anti-drug operations. In August 2017, 17-year-old Kian delos Santos was summarily executed in Caloocan City even if he was not the original target of the operation.
The three police officers involved in the killing of delos Santos were later convicted of murder. n
Filipino boxing prospect Martin takes...
“This is a dream come true,” he added.
Martin (25-0, with 20 knockouts) stopped Anthony Jimenez Salas via second round technical knockout in September 2024, then did the same to Ruben Tostado Garcia in the fifth round in December the same year — both in Mexico.
International matchmaker Sean Gibbons, also the president of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, expressed his all-out support to Martin’s campaign, hoping to arrange a world title shot for the Filipino by the end of the year.
“This is a very exciting time in Carl’s career. To have his first fight here in the United States to be in Las Vegas, where Carl’s idol Manny Pacquiao has fought so many times, is a dream come true.
Carl is looking to impress everyone next week on his way to his ultimate goal winning the world title in 2025,” Gibbons said. But Martin faces a tough
test in Sanmartin, a former world title challenger from Barranquilla, Colombia, who totes a record of 35-9-1, including 21 KOs. (Philstar. com)
Trump health care proposal billed as...
The annual open enrollment period would end Dec. 15, a month earlier than this year. The designated period is when most people sign up and is intended to prevent people from waiting until they get sick to enroll, a move that helps slow premium growth.
The Trump proposal also touches on social issues.
It would reverse the Biden administration policy that allows Dreamers to qualify for subsidized ACA coverage. That decision is already the subject of a court challenge brought by 19 states seeking to overturn it.
Also under the Trump proposal, gender-affirming care would not be considered part of the “essential health benefits” that all plans must cover.
According to an FAQ that accompanied the initial press release of the proposed regulations, the provision could “lead to increased out-of-pocket costs for individuals requiring sextrait modification services, as they may need to seek plans that offer this coverage as a non-EHB or pay for
services out-of-pocket.”
As a proposed rule, the measures now face a public comment period and potential revision before being finalized.
“None of it will go into effect right away,” said Katie Keith, director of the Center for Health Policy and the Law at Georgetown University. “The question is how much will apply in 2025 versus 2026.”
The FAQ acknowledged that some of the proposed changes, including ending year-round enrollment for very low-income people, “may increase the administrative burden for consumers associated with enrollment and verification processes or could deter some eligible low-income individuals from enrolling.”
But, it continued, “we believe that enhancing program integrity and reducing improper enrollments outweighs these potential impacts on access to coverage.”
Some lawmakers and conservative groups have pointed to the concerns about unauthorized enrollment and the role, if any, that ACA subsidies or
Filipino Town Las Vegas gets closer to...
Meeting will be located at Clark County Government Center (500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89155)
Lee and the officers and board of directors of Filipino Town have been garnering support as well as media attention for the project the past few months.
On February 25, Filipino Town Las Vegas was unanimously approved by members of the Paradise Town Advisory Board during their monthly meeting. The Paradise TAB meeting is one of the pathways to the Board of Clark County Commissioners in March.
The meeting room at Paradise Park Community
Center was standing room only with supporters of Filipino Town. The board members made an impromptu change to the agenda, moving Filipino Town from number 15 on the agenda to number 1, due to the limited space and enthusiasm of the attendees.
Last February 28, FTLV hosted a town hall meeting where Rozita Lee discussed the progress of the cultural designation for Filipino Town. More than 50 community leaders and supporters attended the event, which included a dinner sponsored by local restaurants.
Filipino Town Cultural District is a cultural designation which highlights the historic influence of Filipinos on the social, economic, and cultural aspects of that area. Filipino Town Cultural District is known to host flagship events in the Filipino community. The proposed area for the cultural designation is along Maryland Parkway between Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road. The area is home to some of the most recognized Filipino retail, restaurant and medical and professional brands. Filipino Town Las Vegas aims to celebrate the vibrant Filipino culture in Las Vegas as well as helping to promote businesses in its proposed area. n
Filipino caregivers rally against home care...
whose brave fight against wage theft and labor exploitation has culminated in a monumental investigation and outcome in this case,” said Romeo Hebron, executive director of the Filipino Migrant Center.
According to the Feb. 20 citation, Amity misclassified its agency’s caregivers “as independent contractors.” California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower said, “Misclassifying workers is not a simple paperwork error. It is a deliberate violation of the law that denies employees earned wages, protections and benefits they are legally owed and entitled to.”
Additionally, Amity had also violated several labor laws, including refusing to: pay for overtime, provide workers’ compensation insurance and give the proper wage statements to the workers.
The total citation, including interest and other penalties, amount ran up to $2,327,2577, with about $2.2 million that will be paid to the misclassified caregivers.
The citation followed a years-long investigation into dozens of complaints from at least 50 workers who began filing formal complaints against Amity in 2019.
According to its website, Amity In-Home Care Services serves as “a nonmedical service home care agency” that provides “assistance and custodial care” to patients. (Amity has not responded to requests for comment on
this story.)
Amity CEO Linda Reyes, who is also Filipino, was at the center of many of their workers’ complaints.
Precy Tanuyan, a former Amity employee who worked with the agency for three years, shared that she was supposed to be paid twice a month, but either she would not receive her check or the check would bounce.
Tanuyan said, “I would have to call Nancy and tell her I have to pay for my house and other bills, but she would make up excuses and make me run around to get my check. While workers like me were suffering, Nancy had multiple other businesses and appeared to be living a life of luxury.”
In 2023, Bet Tzedek Legal Services got involved in the case which led to a state inspection of Amity’s headquarters. The state then issued a stop order, because of the company’s refusal to provide workers’ compensation insurance, the Labor Commissioner’s Office said in a statement.
Among those affected include Alma Bernal, a Filipina caregiver who worked for Amity between 2019 and 2022. Bernal shared her story at the Feb. 24 rally, stating that Amity would not pay her on time, which caused her “anxiety from worrying” to the point where she needed “medication due to [her] high blood pressure.”
Once she got in touch with the Filipino Migrant Center, she learned about workers' rights and much of Amity’s treatment of its workers was not only
abnormal but illegal.
The state’s investigation into Amity found that employees frequently worked more than 12-hour work shifts—sometimes 24-hour shifts—without a break or overtime pay. Bernal also shared that her paychecks would regularly bounce “due to insufficient funds,” a common occurrence among Amity’s employees.
This citation, seen as a win for workers' rights, is somewhat of a rarity in California, a state that had a 47,000-case pileup in 2024 (according to an audit of the Labor Commissioner’s Office). Labor disputes such as this often take even longer, if they are ever investigated.
Filipino Migrant Center stated that in-home caregiving positions— which are often filled by undocumented immigrants and non-English speakers— are especially at risk for exploitation. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, many of these workers are often isolated and dependent on their employers who deprive them of their rights and wages.
“The citation against Amity and Nancy is a victory for the workers and community to hold Nancy and Amity accountable and for justice to be brought to the workers,” Bernal said at the rally. “We want the suffering and exploitation of the workers to end. To all the workers like me who were victimized by Nancy Reyes of Amity and other agencies, don't be afraid to stand up and fight back!” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
enrollment periods have in fueling the problem.
The right-leaning Paragon Health Institute, for example, released a report in June that, among other things, called for the Biden administration’s expansion of the special enrollment period for low-income people to be reversed.
“There is substantial amounts of fraud and waste in the ACA exchanges and the Biden administration pursued the enrollmentat-all costs strategy, and was tolerant of the waste, fraud and abuse,” said Brian Blase, a former health aide during Trump’s first presidency who is president of the Paragon Health Institute and influential within the current Trump administration. “Clearly a different approach to protect legitimate enrollees and taxpayers is needed.”
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.
International matchmaker Sean Gibbons (left) with Carl Jammes Martin. Contributed photo
Photos courtesy of Rozlind Silva / Kabataan Alliance
PROGRESS. Fishing boats make a stop near an ongoing bridge construction in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas on Monday, March 10. The bridge will serve as a faster route to Bacoor, Cavite.
PNA photo by Avito Dalan
DAteline PhiliPPines
SWS survey boosts support for Marcos admin’s Senate bets – lawmaker
by Jown Manalo Inquirer.net
MANILA — The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on Filipinos’ senatorial candidate preference regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute strengthens public support for the Marcos administration’s Senate slate, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said Sunday, March 9.
The SWS survey, conducted from February 15 to 19, found that 78 percent of Filipinos prefer candidates who assert the country’s rights in the WPS amid China’s aggressive actions.
The survey also found that preference for candidates who support the Philippines’ claims in the WPS was highest in Metro Manila at 87 percent and lowest in Mindanao at 67 percent.
Gonzales said the survey results indicate a strong backing for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s senatorial ticket, increasing their chances of victory over
“Team China” and “those associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte.”
“The survey proves that the people strongly support the candidates of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. They are the ones who make up Team Pilipinas,” he said in Filipino.
He added that the poll results also reinforced the advantage of administration candidates over those linked to Duterte, whom he associated with pro-China policies.
Gonzales also recalled that Marcos clearly distinguished his candidates from those of the opposition during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign launch in Ilocos Norte on February 11.
During the event, Marcos emphasized that none of his endorsed senatorial candidates are pro-China or support Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which he has outlawed.
“None of them applaud China or feel pleased when we are being water
cannoned, our Coast Guard rammed, our fishermen blocked, their catch stolen, and our islands seized as part of their territory,” he said in Filipino.
“None of them act like the acolyte of a false prophet who is now suffering the consequences of his abuse of our youth and women. None of them defend crime hubs and centers of exploitation of women—like the POGOs,” he added.
Gonzales also cited previous surveys showing that nine in 10 Filipinos do not trust China, reinforcing public rejection of candidates perceived to be aligned with Beijing.
“If our people do not trust the Chinese, they will not trust China’s defenders,” he added.
The SWS survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, polled 1,800 registered voters nationwide, including 300 from Metro Manila, 900 from Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), 300 from the Visayas, and 300 from Mindanao. n
by Jane bautista Inquirer.net
MANILA— The Philippines pushed back against China on Monday, March 10 after its top diplomat dismissed last week the tension between the two countries as a “shadow play,” with a “screenplay” for Manila written by external forces.
In a statement on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said, “China should recognize that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign state whose actions and decisions are driven entirely by national interest and the interests and well-being of the Filipino people.”
The DFA also disputed “the recent remarks of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi characterizing the developments and incidents in the South China Sea as mere theater staged under the direction of other countries.”
“No creative analogy or play of words will mask the real issue, which is
China’s refusal to abide by international law, particularly the 1982 Unclos and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the department said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Hague arbitral court’s ruling in 2016 affirming the Philippines’ sovereign claim over its adjacent waters.
“We call on countries to be circumspect and to avoid actions and words that only contribute to tensions in the region,” the DFA said, as it also noted the “adverse effects” of Beijing’s actions on Filipino fishermen and other communities confronted by Chinese harassment at sea.
‘Shadow play, chess pieces’
In a press conference on March 7, Wang resorted to various metaphors in articulating China’s view on its maritime tensions with the Philippines.
“For every move on the sea by the Philippines, there is a screenplay written by external forces, the show
is livestreamed by Western media, and the plot is invariably to smear China. People are not interested in watching the same performance again and again,” Wang said.
He also quoted “an official from a regional country” as saying that tensions between Beijing and Manila were “like a shadow play”—which Wang said was a “vivid analogy.”
“Infringement and provocation will backfire and those acting as others’ chess pieces are bound to be discarded,” he said.
“The Philippine side should stop misleading the international community, using the South China Sea issue to instigate disputes, and counting on external forces to undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea region,” he added.
The Philippines has embarked on what it calls a transparency initiative to shed light on Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly the waters PAGE 7
A brief scene during Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ rally in Laoag City
CRY FOR JUSTICE. Orphaned families and supporters of victims of so-called extrajudicial killings gather along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, March 11. They want ex-president Rodrigo Duterte jailed for what the International Criminal Court calls crimes against humanity.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
OPiniOn FeAtures
How did they escape?
FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte may finally be made to face the International Criminal Court for the thousands of people who were killed in his brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.
His arrest at the NAIA was based on a warrant or diffusion request issued by the ICC to the International Criminal Police Organization.
The Interpol relayed this to the Philippine government, which implemented the arrest, citing the country’s commitments as a member of the Interpol.
The arrest was quickly challenged on Tuesday, March 11 before the Supreme Court. Whether the challenge can bring Duterte back to the country, however, is uncertain.
The message in his unprecedented arrest by virtue of a warrant issued by a foreign tribunal is that there’s a price to pay for disregarding due process and the rule of law in fighting criminality.
Duterte’s camp is criticizing the government for allowing a foreign court to try a Filipino, despite the existence of a local law governing crimes against humanity, and especially after the country’s withdrawal from ICC membership. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, slammed his arrest
UNDOUBTEDLY, the Trump administration
2.0 is giving pause to many diplomatic posts in Washington, D.C. as they anticipate the changes that may come as President Trump ushers in “the dawn of the Golden Age of America.”
In his speech before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4, President Trump was unequivocal: “America is back,” he declared, recollecting that from the moment he stood beneath the dome of the Capitol, “it has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action to usher in the greatest and most successful era” in the history of the United States.
Predictably, the first few weeks of the new Trump administration has shown so many changes almost immediately as the president signed “nearly 100 Executive Orders and taken more than 400 Executive Actions…” to “restore common sense,
THERE are no secrets (not for very long, anyway) in the Philippines. So much so that speculation was rife that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to Hong Kong was a prelude to seeking asylum in China to avoid being apprehended by Philippine authorities upon the request of International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). A curious plan, if that was the case, considering China has made numerous use of Interpol’s red notices to enable the arrest of Chinese citizens in other jurisdictions. Not to mention that in November 2024, during the 92nd General Assembly of Interpol held in Glasgow, among those elected to a three-year term was the Delegate for Asia, Yong Wang of China. As part
as a “blatant affront to our sovereignty.”
The arrest must be complemented by genuine and sustained efforts to eliminate the factors that allowed Duterte and his aides to carry out one of the world’s bloodiest government campaigns against the drug menace.
Duterte has been unapologetic about his brutal crackdown, vowing to do it again if given the chance. He had previously cited laws that allowed even notorious drug dealers to be cleared or to flee after being granted bail. He cited the glacial pace of justice –also a reason why his anti-crime campaign enjoyed a measure of public support.
He pointed to corruption in the Philippine National Police, with rotten members among the biggest coddlers of drug dealers, or who are engaged themselves in trafficking. A police officer, Col. Jovie Espenido, described the PNP as the “largest organized crime group in the country,” although he later apologized for it. The PNP, even under Marcos 2.0, has
not moved a muscle to find one of its own, dismissed superintendent Rafael Dumlao of the Drug Enforcement Group. Dumlao remains free even after his conviction as the mastermind of the ransom kidnapping – in the guise of a drug bust – and gruesome execution of South Korean businessman Jee
New diplomacy in Washington
safety, optimism and wealth” all across the United States which, the president said, is what he was elected to do.
“The American Dream is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed, and perhaps will never witness again,” he told the members of Congress, urging Democrats to work with him to truly make America great again.
“Every day my administration is fighting to deliver the change America needs to bring a future America deserves and we’re doing it. This is a time for big dreams and bold action.”
Even before his over 90-minute speech – said to be the longest joint address to Congress in recent history – a lot of changes were already underway, especially in the field of foreign policy. There is no question the biggest one is in the European theater, in particular the conflict in Ukraine.
During the recent Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) “Prospects of the
of its projection as a country devoted to the international rules-based order in contrast to America, it wouldn’t have done for China to foil an Interpol warrant.
In the end, Duterte decided not to flee or publicly seek asylum. It would have dissolved his political persona. Returning home and defiance behind bars allows what remains of his political infrastructure to be deployed, and more to the point, a chance to try to sway the public.
In the battle for public opinion, two contending characterizations of public opinion are at play. The first believes that Filipinos are always for the underdog. The second believes that Filipinos worship power, and, by extension, despise the defeated. Corollary to this is that we consider rooting for the underdog as actually a sly cheering on of those who show that the powerful are really
Philippines” conference, one of the most asked questions was the meeting at the Oval Office between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky that resulted in a heated exchange.
In the interviews made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he made it very clear that President Trump is “trying to bring an end to this conflict” and the plan is to “get the Russians to a negotiating table” and explore whether peace is possible.
If signed, the minerals deal, Secretary Rubio explained, was supposed to be “an agreement that binds America economically to Ukraine,” which was going to be a “security guarantee in its own way” because America would be involved, and it would be in its own interest to protect Ukraine.
As I told the FOCAP members as well as local media who were present, one has to read between the lines and understand President Trump’s mantra of “America First” to see what he believes in. The bottom
line, I think, is that he does not want the United States to be a country that will continue to finance conflicts that are happening all over the world – a style he has practiced as “the art of dealmaking” in forcing Ukraine and Russia to come to the negotiating table.
The obvious lesson to be learned is that each country has to be ready to beef up its own defense and boost its economic security in the long run. That’s exactly what we have been trying to do even during the time of president Duterte – telling our friends in Washington that we want to be economically prosperous to achieve economic security so that we will have our own wherewithal and resources to modernize our armed forces – and be a real partner not only of the United States with our mutual defense treaty, but other like-minded countries as well.
There is no question that every country has its own role to play in the global arena – a give-and-take, quid pro quo kind of diplomacy where everybody does their
part and are not reliant or dependent on one country.
As I have always emphasized to legislators and officials in Washington, we are not there to ask for money – what we are asking for are opportunities to partner with investments so we can carry our own weight in defense partnerships –instead of us just asking and receiving.
In other words, diplomacy can also be approached as a business partnership where the conditions are mutually beneficial and satisfactory to both partners – which is perhaps the best way to navigate the foreign policy direction in Washington today with the business orientation of the Trump administration.
A lot of people I know are starting to think that perhaps this could also be applied to other countries as well. In the Philippines, we have never really had a businessman as president but recently, people have been talking about it and wondering whether a businessman or a CEO would be better as the next president, who could have the technical and
The last hurrah
powerless. More to the point: can someone contemptuous of the weak become a suitable martyr once he faces his comeuppance?
That’s what is at play in the coming days.
Now it’s a question of extradition ahead of mobilization. The handicap of the Duterte network is that its core identity is antipeople power, and so, antimobilization. The job of the faithful, after all, is to cheer as the strongman strongarms the weak, while those who can summon mass turnout, whether Apollo Quiboloy or the Iglesia ni Cristo, have themselves been neutralized. Even the Great Eagle Father’s lieutenants are now forced to contemplate that they themselves are liable for future arrest.
One observer tweeted:
“The next chess move is for the daughter (the older one) to speak out and test her might.” But to this one
might respond, you can only test your clout once and if you fail, what will that mean for your own trial? So it was the vice president who basked in the adulation of the crowds in Hong Kong but neither accompanied her father home nor made any statement once he was arrested.
And so, the Great Eagle Father came home, possibly for the last time. He was arrested with a degree of dignity, not to mention surgical precision and efficiency, I’d previously thought impossible to achieve in our shambolic republic. Anticipating his arrival, there was an undercurrent of expectation (or was it fear?) that Duterte’s return would transform him into the underdog and unleash protests. I was puzzled by this since his power and influence have always been based on the charisma of intimidation; of challenging his foes to go after him,
knowing they won’t dare.
Which only works so long as your opponents are held at bay. To be sure, his apprehension might provoke public opinion, but would it galvanize protest? After all, his rise to national power was accompanied by his being framed as an anti-protest, anti-people power leader. You cannot summon what you took pride in abolishing, or at least, repudiating.
But the original fracture in the Great Eagle Father’s coalition involved two women: his partner, referred to as his “common-law wife,” and his anointed political heir Sen. Bong Go on one side, and his daughter and sons on the other. It was noteworthy that his last moments of freedom were spent in the company of his second family. Victory, as Count Galeazzo Ciano once wrote, has a hundred fathers.
But defeat is an orphan. Readers by now will be familiar with the tale
administrative skills to run the country.
Realistically speaking, the Philippines plays a role in global security because of our geographic location – which is why we have to be strong enough both economically and militarily for us to be able to play a major role in the region.
A good indication of where President Trump has set his sights on is when he said, “We are going to conquer the vast frontiers of science, and we are going to lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars, and even far beyond.”
Who knows what it would be like 50 years from now – diplomacy could be conducted in space. Planets will have their own diplomats and armed forces – and that would, indeed, be literally out of this world. (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
I’ve chronicled of how circumstances have combined against the Great Eagle Father. One shouldn’t underestimate the resentment of the political and business classes over past, present, (and the threat of future) disruptions and past slights at the hands of Duterte, and the shambolic frittering away of the political advantage by his eldest daughter; not to mention the chronic inability of a fan base to palpably organize whenever there’s been a showdown, and of course the arrest, on his home (and Duterte’s) turf of Quiboloy and the shrugging off of the Iglesia ni Cristo rallies. (Inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @mlq3
Babe’s Eye View
BaBe RoMualdez
Ick-joo in his own car inside Camp Crame. Dumlao’s wife is herself a law enforcement officer in the active service. Such systemic weaknesses must be addressed decisively if the nation does not want a repeat of Duterte’s war on drugs. (Philstar.com)
After Duterte’s arrest, next step for PH is to rejoin ICC – Roman
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
MANILA
— The next logical step that the Philippines should take after former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest is to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman said on Tuesday, March 11.
In a press briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Roman said it is her view that the Philippines rejoins the ICC to show that the country respects human rights and obeys international laws.
Roman said this hours after Duterte was not allowed to leave the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 as local authorities assisted the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in implementing the arrest order from ICC.
“We left the ICC unilaterally, I think it’s about time that we return to the ICC and show the whole world that this country respects our law and international law,” she said in Filipino.
“There is nothing wrong with that my fellow Filipinos. The law is the only protection that people have against abuses, even us in positions of power need it. This is the only assurance that our courts have bases to give us justice if we are aggrieved by
anyone,” she added. According to Roman, rejoining ICC will be consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal to uphold the rule of law.
“So, my call is for us to return to the ICC. If this is a position that recognizes a rule-based order around the world, then let’s walk the talk. Let’s go back to the folds of the ICC because I believe that we have nothing to be afraid of. I also believe that our president is intent on upholding the rule of law, and he has nothing to hide,” she added.
In March 2018, Duterte declared that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC, claiming that there seemed to be a “concerted effort” between the United Nations special rapporteurs and the ICC special prosecutor to paint him as a “ruthless and heartless violator of human rights who allegedly caused thousands of extrajudicial killings.”
The ICC was already in the middle of investigating Duterte, who was charged with the crime against humanity of mass murder for his role in the war against illegal drugs, which rights defenders deemed as bloody.
However, several legal minds and even former ICC prosecutors Fatou Bensouda and Karim Khan maintained that the international body still had jurisdiction over the cases filed against Duterte,
as the cases were filed during and covered a period that the Rome Statute was still in effect.
The Rome Statute is the agreement that created the ICC.
Roman said she was saddened by Duterte’s arrest as it may potentially divide the country again, but she understands too that the developments are just “natural consequences.”
Over the weekend, rumors were already spreading that the ICC would soon issue an arrest order for Duterte. During this time, the former president, his relatives, and key allies flew to Hong Kong to meet overseas Filipino workers.
In Hong Kong, the older Duterte addressed talks on the arrest order, saying that his actions during the war on illegal drugs were for the Philippines’ benefit.
However, several official and independent investigations of the drug war have shown that there were many instances where innocent individuals were dragged into the anti-drug operations.
In August 2017, 17-yearold Kian delos Santos was summarily executed in Caloocan City even if he was not the original target of the operation.
The three police officers involved in the killing of delos Santos were convicted of murder. n
Manila
to Beijing: PH a ‘sovereign...
close to Manila which it calls the West Philippine Sea.
This initiative includes embedding journalists on maritime patrols and resupply missions. Manila’s approach has resonated with its allies, especially Washington.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said earlier that “The greatest external threat actually is Chinese aggression, Chinese expansionism and the attempt by China to change the international law through the use of force or acquiescence [and] reshape the world order to one that it controls.”
Manila and its allies will take the necessary measures if Beijing attempts to restrict freedom of flights in the South China Sea or impose an air defense zone, Teodoro also said.
‘Squid tactics’
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also issued a statement in response to Wang’s remarks, which he called “another blatant attempt to undermine our country’s legitimate concerns and distract the public from their persistent illegal incursions
and provocations.”
Estrada also called on the international community to denounce what he described as Wang’s “baseless assertions” and support the Philippines in defending regional peace, stability and the rule of law.
“Our sovereignty is not a performance, and our resolve is not an act,” the senator said in a statement.
“No amount of squid tactics can conceal the fact that China has been, and continues to be, engaged in a pattern of illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive
behavior at sea—and most recently, even in the airspace of the Philippines.”
Estrada was referring to a Chinese military helicopter that came as close as 3 meters to an aircraft of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources conducting a patrol last month on Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
“We cannot turn a blind eye [to] China’s escalating coercive tactics against our maritime scientists and personnel as well as their illegal presence in our territorial waters,” Estrada said. n
Bataan 1st district Representative Geraldine Roman Photo from Official Facebook page of Geraldine Roman
BEVERLY Hills – The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) capped its second edition with a successful, star-studded closing night and awards gala last March 7 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
In glamorous, glittering rites, the MIFF, which is sponsored by BingoPlus and Megaworld, presented Audience Favorite Awards, Lifetime Achievement, Visionary, Trailblazer and Special Awards, and honored Filipino American first responders in the Southern California wildfires.
King Palisoc’s “Song of the Fireflies,” a dramatization of the true story of the rise of the Loboc Children’s Choir from its small town roots in Loboc, Bohol to worldwide acclaim, won four of the six Audience Awards, voted on by MIFF goers. The drama-musical, written by Sarge Lacuesta and produced by Culturtain Musical Productions,
MQuest, Hartman and CMB Film Services, Inc., bagged Best Picture, Best Actress (Morissette), Best Supporting Actress (Rachel Alejandro) and Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia Jr.).
“Song of the Fireflies,” as the Audience Best Picture winner, received a $150,000 coproduction package deal from Birns & Sawyer, one of the oldest film equipment rental companies in Hollywood, run by CEO, FilAm Mari Acevedo.
“Song of the Fireflies” also won a Special Award for promoting Philippine music, arts and culture through the inspiring story of the Loboc Children’s Choir.
“My Future You,” a comedy-fantasy-romance about two people who meet on a dating app, but it turns out that they live in two different timelines, bagged Best Director (Crisanto B. Aquino) and Best Actor (Seth Fedelin).
Regina Aquino’s documentary, “Faith Healers,” nabbed a Special Award for spotlighting early Filipino healthcare professionals in America while touching on the history of Filipino migration and the Philippines.
Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s “Hello, Love, Again,” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, was honored as a Worldwide Box Office Hit Trailblazer for being the first Filipino film to gross over P1
TO celebrate Women’s Month, kindly allow me to give tribute to some remarkable women in their own quiet, simple way this March.
My mom, Rosita Constantino Medina, St. Mary’s and UST high school alumna, is a Kapampangan. She loves to cook and sing and joins Bible studies. She has many friends in the entertainment world being the niece of the late LVN director Felicing Constantino. She is related to former President Diosdado Macapagal on the Vitug side.
She remembers that it was her best friend actor Georgie Quizon (known for Stariray, Close to You and Captain Barbell films), comedian Dolphy’s brother, who arranged preparation for her debut that was published by the old Manila Times and Manila Bulletin. Singer Cenon Lagman, dubbed as the Prince of Kundiman, was her childhood best friend. Fernando Poe Jr., or FPJ, the King of the Philippine Movies, was also her childhood friend (Rosita’s relative was the gardener of the Poe family). Singer-actor Fred Panopio (his hit songs were Pitong Gatang, Tatlong Baraha, and Markado) was her neighbor in Quezon City. I was fortunate to recover a few photos of her younger years since most of them were included in a fire that destroyed our house years ago.
While doing the usual brisk walking with my mom in Green Valley, Fairfield in California, we happened to pass by the house of Fe Cangco, 68, a neighbor along Adagio Drive, who migrated to the U.S. in 1998. She used to work in a post office in San Francisco for two years and in Max’s Restaurant (already closed) Vallejo City for over ten years. She has five children, one of whom is a police officer in Suisun City, Alvin Cangco, a friend of my nephew Michael Isip.
* * *
One of the persons I could not forget during my CITEM days is Dr. Mina T. Gabor, founder and first executive director of the Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions. She has made significant contributions to the country’s trade promotion efforts. She is a former tourism secretary.
I learned a lot of managerial skills from her and she even trusted my foreign language skills in dealing with our product specialists. MTG is a name that echoes with reverence and admiration in the corridors of international travel and tourism. Her journey, from her early days to her present position of influence, is an inspiring narrative of unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and exceptional leadership. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be the editor of CITEM Trade Update that gained acceptance and recog-
nition locally and abroad.
* * * U.S. First Lady Melania Trump said in the past that “I’m proud of what this country continues to do for women. In the United States, women are playing vital roles in society. They are mothers, wives, doctors, CEOs and elected officials, to name just a few.”
She adheres to equality, freedom and the responsibility women have to help each other achieve success. “As an immigrant myself, having grown up in a communist society, I know all too well the value and importance of freedom and equal opportunity – ideals which this great nation was founded and has continued to strive towards throughout its history.”
* * * The Philippines’ First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos cites the exceptional role of women in society.
She recognizes women as “the primary caretakers and educators in the family and they are a big contributor to our workforce.”
She has thrown her support behind the worldwide movement to eliminate all forms of violence against women.
* * * Loida Nicolas Lewis, who is in the Philippines for a fireside chat and book presentation on March 16 from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. at The Studio Space of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Building 6, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, wrote that: “As I remember all the wonderful women around me, I am reminded of a scripture that speaks to women’s hearts: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:6-7). Let’s not be anxious or stressed — instead, let us keep going in joyful gratitude, knowing that God hears us and will help us at the right time.”
* * * Ed Sicam, husband of Pau-
billion at the box office and the first Filipino movie to break into the US box office top 10.
Louise Araneta-Marcos, the Philippines’ first lady who led the special guests in the exciting ceremonies at the International Ballroom, received the Visionary Award for championing Philippine cinema. Araneta-Marcos is actively working on a bright future for Philippine cinema, especially on the world stage. Through CineGang Inc., a groundbreaking initiative towards boosting the Philippine movie industry, the first lady seeks opportunities to continue uplifting local films.
In her message, the first lady said, “What a truly proud moment to witness our Filipino and Filipino American film luminaries coming together, side by side. Seeing our countrymen – regardless of where they are in the world – unite in creativity and passion is a testament to the boundless
lynn Sicam, was my editor at the Manila Chronicle. He assigned me to cover for the TV stations as I had then a column TV Network Update. I remember he assigned me to interview Lea Salonga, the little girl who was little no longer. So I went to a restaurant where I saw Lea and her mom. Lea’s mom was so sweet and thoughtful even when I was already working in Malacanang as information officer. Lately, I
potential we can achieve when we work together. May this be the beginning of many more meaningful collaborations that will allow us to showcase the vcry best
Rosita Constantino Medina with her daughter Victoria Isip at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Photos collated by Rogelio Medina
AJ columnist Rogelio Medina with Fil-Am Fe Cangco of Green Valley, Fairfield, Solano County, California.
Philippines President Bongbong Marcos with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
Ed Sicam (standing, 3rd from left) with his family
Left photo: Rosita Flores Constantino (3rd from left) with the Darling Twins (Aurora and Esperanza) of Premiere’s Kuskos Balungos’ film; Right photo: Rosita with Fernando Poe Jr. during their teenage years.
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump
The indefatigable Mina T. Gabor
of our talents to the world.” Honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema were
THERE is no question that we are what we eat, and that some food items are inflammatory, causing all sorts of ailments among us. Inflammation, like imbalanced microbiome (“good and bad,” gut bacteria) are the initiating factors for most diseases. Foods, besides habits and behavior, have grave influences on our health and longevity.
The association between processed foods (bacon, hot dog, sausages, etc., most deli meats) and cancer has been under scrutiny for decades. Studies have “shown that consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) which are manufactured and often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer…the association may be due to the high levels of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium in UPFs, which can contribute to weight gain and inflammation, both known risk factors for cancer… additionally, UPFs contain potential carcinogens, such as titanium dioxide and nitrites.” Various mechanisms on how UPFs increases the risk for cancer include increased inflammation, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalance.
There are countless ongoing research around the world seeking to validate and confirm these initial findings.
In the meantime, let’s abstain from eating processed foods and consume fresh meats, especially white meat (chicken, turkey, duck, pheasant, quail, etc.), healthy green leafy vegetables of various colors, some healthier nuts (walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, pecans, pine nuts, hazelnuts, a little macadamia nuts) preferably not peanuts (could have aflatoxin and has phytic acid), almonds (lots of oxalates), cashews (raw cashews contain urushiol, a toxic agent found in poison ivy, may seep into the cooked ones). For diabetics, include all food items consumed in the total caloric count.
Measles do kill
Measles, a most contagious viral disease, is a dreaded infection. I lost a professor of mine from measles pneumonia. Children, under 5 are most at risk for severe complications, and those unvaccinated children and adults are in danger. Measles do kill.
Food and cancer
First thought of to be anti-vax, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., emphatically stated that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, and that while Vitamin A in itself cannot prevent measles, it helps boost the immune system.
The World Health Organization had declared measles eliminated from the United States in the year 2000 because of its great success in the vaccination program. Travelers from abroad continue to reintroduce the measles virus, besides others, in the United States, and antivaccination sentiments (due to ignorance or fake news in the social media) make the situation worse.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported there were 285 cases in 2024, and the recent measles outbreak in Texas on March 7, 2025, “is believed to have started in a rural Mennonite community in Texas with low vaccination rates.”
This highlights the vital importance of vaccines for infectious diseases, like the Flu, COVID-19, RVS, measles, and others.
The mandated pre-school vaccination program has saved billions of children and adults around the world over since Edward Jenner, an English physician, introduced the first vaccine in 1796.
As I have highlighted in my upcoming book, “Civil Right Versus Science, America’s Achilles Heel,” vaccines in general are safe, effective, and save lives, and the anti-vax civil right protestors and the disinformation in the social media are risking the lives of millions of Americans (billions, around the world).
The FDA is recommending everyone get vaccinated with MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, which is safe and effective.
Children “get two doses: the first one at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second does at age 4 to 6. All those older children adolescents, and adults get one, or two doses of MMR if they don’t have evidence of immunity.”
Those going abroad should get fully vaccinated before they travel.
Viral cases stats
“So far this year, the CDC estimates that 5.3 million people nationwide have had the flu, and the virus has hospitalized 63,000 people, as well as contributed to 2,700 deaths, including 11 children.
“Nearly 19% of influenza tests are positive, as are about 13% of tests for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 7% of COVID tests, according to CDC data.
“Based on wastewater surveillance data, which can help predict whether
viruses are expanding or receding, RSV and COVID may still be on the upswing. The CDC says COVID wastewater activity detections are ‘high.’ (COVID-19 boosters are still highly recommended.)
“Meanwhile, norovirus rates have hit what is at least a 5-year high, with positive tests topping 22%, according to data through the end of December. Seasonal norovirus high positive test rates are typically 15% or lower.” –U.S. CDC
Deadly gas detectors
Our homes are full of dangerous chemicals in the garage, kitchen, and bathrooms, like cleaning bleaches, ammonia, lye, sulfuric acid, detergents, air freshers, carpet cleaners, etc. Minimizing the use of these poisons and using natural, environmentally safe non-toxic agents, is obviously healthier.
Besides those harmful agents, smoke, fire, and killer gases (carbon monoxide, butane, propane, radon, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) are potential grave hazards to life too. There are now detector-alarms to protect us and our family. One of them is the 4-in-1 Gas and Carbon Monoxide Temp and Humidity detector-alarms from Hakinaku available on Amazon. It detects other gasses besides carbon monoxide. Just plug this lifesaver in an electric outlet in the room you wish to monitor. That simple.
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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.
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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.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, health advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is 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, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Angel Aquino to aspiring artistas: ‘Respect is a big virtue’
by KatHleen a lleMit Philstar.com
ANGEL Aquino has a sound advice for those who aspire to join showbiz.
The model-turned-actress underscored a virtue that she believes makes a difference in staying in the business of acting.
“Respect is a big virtue that you should have when you enter this business. It's something that will, you know, give you a long life in this business if you respect yourself, your coworkers, everybody around you, and that boils down to the smallest player in the industry,” Angel emphasized.
Judy Ann Santos elated by ‘souvenir’ after Fantasporto best actress
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
NOT even an excess baggage charge can dim the happiness of Judy Ann Santos who bagged the Best Actress award at the 45th Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal for her performance in “Espantaho.”
On her Instagram account on Monday, March 10, Santos described her Best Actress plum as a “beautiful souvenir” from the film festival, as she shared a picture of herself while holding her trophy.
“Napakaganda ng souvenir na maiuuwi ko mula dito sa Porto, sa Fantasporto,” she said. “Ang lamig tapos ang bigat-bigat ng award. Iniisip ko gaano [kalaki] babayaran ko sa excess baggage ko pauwi pero masayang-masaya akong babayaran, maiuwi lang ‘to.”
(This is such a beautiful souvenir to bring home from Porto, at the Fantasporto Film Festival. It’s so cold and the award is so heavy. I’m thinking how much excess baggage I’ll shoulder going home. But I don’t mind paying for it as long as I can take it back with me.)
Santos also expressed her gratitude to Chito Roño, Chris Martinez, and Atty. Joji Alonso, who served as the director, writer, and producer of “Espantaho,” respectively, as well as her castmates and crew.
“Of course, congrats kay Direk Chito, Chris, Atty. Joji, and to all the cast and crew of ‘Espantaho.’ Siyempre, para sa atin ‘to. Hindi naman ako makakarating dito kung
hindi kayo ang kasama ko. To God be the glory. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” she said. (Of course, congratulations to Direk Chito, Chris, Atty. Joji, and to all the cast and crew of “Espantaho.”
Of course, this is for us. I wouldn’t be able to reach this stage without you. To God be the glory. Long live the Philippines.)
Sisterly friendship Following Santos’ win, Sharon Cuneta took to her Instagram page to congratulate her close friend for her recent milestone.
“Just a few days ago, my sister @officialjuday and I were texting while she was in Barcelona. Now she is in Porto, Portugal — and she just won Best Actress in the 45th Fantasporto Festival there for ‘Espantaho!!!’” she
wrote.
“CONGRATS AGAIN SIS KO (my sister). More pride for the Philippines (and for your Ate who LOOOOVES YOU!!!)!!! See you soon! I love you very much,” she continued.
The “Espantaho” star thanked Cuneta in the comments section, saying winning the award gave her a unique sense of fulfillment. Santos is the fourth Filipino to receive an acting plum from the Portugal-based film festival after Barbie Forteza, Ian Veneracion, and Cristine Reyes.
Her performance in the Chito Roño-helmed horror film also earned her a Best Actress win at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last December.
Successful, star-studded awards gala...
Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, actress and film industry worker advocate; Ricky Lee, venerable scriptwriter and mentor to generations of filmmakers and the Philippines’ National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts; the late Lily Monteverde, the producer popularly known as Mother Lily, who gave breaks to many filmmakers, actors and actresses; and Vilma Santos, regarded as the Star for All Seasons, who has won numerous accolades in her career that spans over six decades.
Cited as Trailblazer Awardees for helping pave the way for Filipinos in Hollywood were Tia Carrere, an accomplished film and television actress and a twotime Grammy award-winning musical artist; Nico Santos, best known for portraying Mateo on “Superstore,” which ran for six seasons on NBC, Oliver T’sien in the film “Crazy Rich Asians” and Recorder Theel in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”; and Gene Cajayon’s “The Debut,” celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 as the first Filipino American film to be released theatrically nationwide in the U.S. and a significant touchstone in Fil-Am history.
The evening also paid tribute to the late veteran actress Gloria Romero, hailed as the Queen of Philippine cinema.
In one of the night’s stirring moments, MIFF saluted some of the Filipino American first responders who represent the numerous men and women who battled Los Angeles’ recent wildfires. Actor and presenter Reggie Lee said on stage, “Tonight, we honor their heroism and say thank you. Maraming, maraming salamat for your tireless and selfless work and for the many sacrifices you and your families have
made for service to others, to us.”
Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox serenaded the Fil-Am responders, including Officers Edward Acedillo, Dexter Barras, Mariko Jackson, Eric Payumo, Arleen Rojas and Marlowe Viray; Fire Captains Allan Anolin, Arnold Anolin, Russell Arcebido, David Dantic, Jimmy de los Santos and Eddie Diaz; Sergeants Jonathan De Vera and Christian Ventura; and Battalion Chief Ramon Valdoria. Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino and Asian winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” Rachel Alejandro, Morissette, Deborah Cox, Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir and St. Genevieve Valiant Voices (both under choir director Pete Avendaño), with musical director Troy Laureta, delivered powerhouse musical performances. Star presenters included
Carrere, Mark Dacascos, Reggie Lee, Liza Soberano, Carlin James, Apl.de.Ap, Anna Perez De Tagle-Kline, California’s first Filipina assembly member Jessica Caloza, Dingdong Dantes, Krista Arrieta Kleiner, KaladKaren (Jervi Wrightson) and MJ Lastimosa.
The MIFF screened 16 films, including entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, world premieres, and select additional films.
Launched in 2024, the MIFF is headed by cofounders Omen Ortiz (Chairman), Ebradu Udarbe (President), Lisa Lew (Executive Producer), Celia Abaya Dy (Coordinator), Ruben V. Nepales (Media Relations) and Janet R. Nepales (Media Relations). The key team is composed of Leo Dela Cruz
Financial Officer), Ron
Meriden Angeles (Coordinating Producer) and Erickson Ilog (Coordinator).
Angel started out modeling when she was scouted by director Jeffrey Jeturian when she was 19. The 52-yearold eventually donned the dresses of famous designers, becoming their favorite muse, and then she ventured into acting. Angel has not been absent from TV these days, with one project after another. She was part of the longest running TV show “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” and now she reunites with Coco Martin in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” Her staying power in the fashion and entertainment scene is evident in her presence on TV, and Angel added that it is respect coupled with determination that has helped her keep in the right track. “You have to be committed to what you do. You have to have the right reasons for doing it,” she advised. Angel cautioned against those who believe in easy fame, arguing that it is not the only reason to enter showbiz.
“Kasi kung para ka lang sumikat, then maraming paraan. With the social media now, it's so easy to be famous, but to be remembered and to be respected, takes a lot more effort,” Angel said.
‘The Voice’ winner Sofronio Vasquez and Grammy nominee Deborah Cox deliver a powerful duet.
Photos by Steven Lam
Lifetime Achievement Awardee Boots Anson Roa
Judy Ann Santos holding her Fantasporto Best Actress plum. Photo from Instagram/@officialjudayph
Angel Aquino
Photo from Instagram/@imangelaquino
Tia
(Chief
Ramores (Coordinator),
Reggie Lee pays tribute to FilAm first responders.
