PRESIDENT Donald Trump has declared English the official language of the U.S., raising concerns about the accessibility of essential government services for nonEnglish speakers.
“Immigrant communities are already under attack,” said Marita Etcubanez, director of Strategic Initiatives at Asian Americans Advancing Justice|AAJC. “This executive order is doubling down on the message that we don’t belong here, and that we are not Americans,” she said in an interview with Ethnic Media Services. “But we are also taxpayers. These are programs and services we have contributed to, and to which we are entitled.”
In an executive order signed March 1 — Designating English as the Official
WITH minority-owned Los Angeles businesses taking a double-hit of the pandemic and recent fires, the county is stepping up help.
LA County houses approximately 1,397,434 small businesses, comprising nearly 99.96% of all businesses in the county — with more of these being womenand minority-owned than any other U.S. county.
To help these businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 2025 wildfires, the county Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched new programs including relief funds, legal aid, insurance navigation help, unemployment insurance extensions, a space-sharing site, and support for sidewalk vendors and home-based kitchens.
“Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of the LA County economy,” said DEO Director Kelly LoBianco. “They provide essential goods and services. They provide spaces for communities to convene … but in the last 60 days, there has been
Rodrigo Duterte not going home any time soon, says ICC lawyer
by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
before he was arrested on March 11 under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Asked what information the Palace had before
MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest has unleashed a flood of false information that mainly portrays him as a victim, with a fact-checking coalition reporting that spurious claims about his detention have exceeded that of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment.
Fabricated quotes from celebrities and world leaders, manipulated videos of unrelated events presented as pro-Duterte rallies, and a coordinated messaging
campaign that framed his arrest as a "kidnapping" have spread rapidly across multiple social media platforms since Duterte's arrest on March 11.
The 79-year-old former president was arrested and swiftly transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague last week, where he now faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration's anti-drug campaign.
Tsek.ph — a coalition of 24 organizations from media, academia, and civil society — has reported that fact checks on spurious
LOS ANGELES – State law enforcement officials Tuesday, March 18 warned Californians to take steps to protect themselves amid new reports of individuals impersonating U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) officers and other immigration scams.
In recent months, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued ways to help California immigrants better understand their rights and protections under the law and assist law enforcement, prosecutors and public institutions in complying with state law.
Bonta warned that as scammers and other bad actors seek to capitalize “on the fear and uncertainty created by the Trump Administration’s racist rhetoric and destructive immigration policies,” Californians should know it is a crime to impersonate a federal officer. He said he wanted to encourage everyone to
know their rights under the law and take steps to protect themselves from scams.
“We have received reports of individuals looking to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty created by President Trump’s inhumane mass deportation policies,” the Filipino American attorney general said in a statement.
“Let me be clear: If you seek to scam or otherwise take advantage of California’s immigrant communities, you will be held accountable. My office will continue to ensure our laws are fully enforced and the rights of California’s immigrants are respected and protected. I encourage anyone who is the witness to or victim of an immigration scam to report it.”
According to the AG, if you are approached
MANILA — The Palace reminded Vice President Sara Duterte, currently in The Hague, Netherlands, that she must continue fulfilling her responsibilities as the country’s second-highest official.
“I think she should consider that the Philippines also needs her as the vice president,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing on Wednesday, March 19.
“She should be working not just for her father, although it is acceptable and understandable what she is feeling right now… But she should also remember that she herself said millions of Filipinos voted for her, and she also needs to serve them,” she added.
The Office of the Vice President is once again under scrutiny after more alleged fake recipients of confidential funds — some with names seemingly inspired by food —
Rodrigo Duterte not going home...
for writ of habeas corpus is pending in the high court. However, Butuyan said that the appeal was already moot and academic.
Vice President Duterte, Rodrigo’s daughter, has also admitted that her father is unlikely to return to the Philippines.
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte believes former President Rodrigo Duterte will likely be unable to return to the Philippines following his arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court, saying instead that the country should "move on" and find a "way forward."
At a virtual press conference on Thursday, March 20, Duterte said harboring negative feelings about her father's arrest would be "pointless" as he would no longer be brought back to the country.
"Hindi na siya maibabalik, hindi na magbabalik si Pangulong Duterte sa Pilipinas (He can no longer be brought back, President Duterte will no longer return to the Philippines.)," Duterte told reporters through Zoom from the Netherlands.
The vice president's remarks come exactly nine days after the elder Duterte's swift arrest upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and subsequent transfer to The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces trial for crimes against humanity related to his brutal anti-illegal drugs campaign.
Sara flew to the Netherlands the day after her father's arrest and has since been coordinating his defense team.
When asked about her wellbeing, the vice president said she was not "angry" or "disappointed."
"Sa totoo lang wala talaga akong nararamdaman. Hindi ako galit, hindi ako disappointed, nothing at all. Kasi pointless naman na mag-harbor ako ng feelings about what happened (To be honest, I don't really feel anything. I'm not angry, I'm not
Allies of the former president have decried the arrest however, questioning the legality of the arrest and the government’s turnover to the ICC.
Duterte’s arrest has raised countless legal questions, which the SC now has to decide on. n
“He can no longer be brought back, President Duterte will no longer return to the Philippines,” Sara said in Filipino. The vice president is currently in the Hague to accompany her father as he faces his case. He is being detained at the ICC for crimes against humanity. Duterte’s arrest has sparked a divided reaction: with many human rights groups and drug war victims rejoicing at the chance for justice.
Sara Duterte admits dad unlikely to return to PH
disappointed — nothing at all. Because it's pointless for me to harbor any feelings about what happened.)," Duterte said. With her father now in ICC custody and the Palace unlikely to intervene, Duterte said Filipinos should "move on."
"What we should do as a country is move on from what happened. What will we do as our ways forward as a country and as a people from what happened?"
Duterte said.
"Magalit man tayo walang papupuntahan yung galit natin dahil hindi naman yan sila papanagutin ng pamahalaan (Even if we get angry, our anger will lead nowhere because they will not be held accountable by the government)," she added.
After saying she felt emotionally detached from the matter, Duterte then criticized government officials' explanations about her father's arrest and suggested they had abandoned reason and legal principles.
"Nakikita n'yo yung mga sagot nila, wala na sa ayos, wala na sa rason, wala na sa common sense, wala na sa batas. Pero walang magagawa laban sa kanila (You see their answers — they are no longer reasonable, no longer make sense, no longer follow common sense, no longer abide by the law. But nothing can be done against them)," she said.
The elder Duterte faced the ICC for the first time last week at his initial appearance hearing, where he was informed of the charges against him related to his war on drugs as Davao City mayor, and earlier, as Philippine president.
He was also told, among others, that he had the right to "make an application for interim release pending trial."
The next hearing is set for September 23, when the court will conduct a confirmation of charges hearing where Duterte u PAGE A4
Palace has ‘no information’ on Duterte...
Duterte’s arrival from Hong Kong, Castro said it was the only information they had concerning the former president.
“That he was already on the way home from Hong Kong — that’s it,” she said.
Duterte arrived in the country after attending a campaign rally for his endorsed senatorial bets in Hong Kong. He was arrested upon his arrival due to the alleged crimes against humanity he committed during his administration’s drug war.
The drug war left at least 6,000 people dead, according to the government, though human rights groups reported that number was at least 20,000. n
Palace to Sara Duterte: Don’t forget...
PAGE A1 were uncovered amid ongoing questions about “non-existent” beneficiaries.
The list of questionable names include “Jay Kamote” and “Miggy Mango.”
On Wednesday’s briefing, Castro said this needs to be investigated as the public deserves to know where their taxes go.
“If this was indeed discovered, it must still be proven because, as of the
moment, we assume there is a presumption of regularity regarding this matter. However, since it is being questioned, VP Sara must prove whether these receipts are genuine or not,” she said.
Aside from this issue, Vice President Duterte is also set to face an impeachment trial after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address in July.
In an interview after her father’s appearance before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 last Friday, March 14, Vice President Duterte said she would not return to the Philippines until her father’s legal team is formed and another relative joins them in The Hague. n
Vice President Duterte left Manila last Wednesday to join her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was sent to The Hague, Netherlands, to face the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity.
Fake rallies, false quotes: Duterte’s arrest...
posts about Duterte's arrest now account for nearly a quarter of the 127 articles curated from its partners since its relaunch in early February.
According to Tsek. ph's analysis released Wednesday, March 19, this surpasses the articles on Sara Duterte's impeachment, which accounted for only 18% of all fact-checked claims. The vice president was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5.
Manufactured celebrity support
The flood of disinformation began within hours of Duterte's arrest.
"Deceptive narratives, mostly favorable to the 79-year-old Duterte (83%), began flooding online platforms hours after he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Hong Kong," wrote Yvonne Chua, project coordinator of Tsek.ph and an associate professor at the University of the Philippines College of Media and Communication.
TV host and comedian Vice Ganda was among the first victims when a post featuring their image alongside a fabricated quote praising Duterte's leadership in the war on drugs and the COVID-19 pandemic began circulating across platforms. One TikTok post alone garnered 1.6 million views, while several Facebook posts collectively amassed 84,117 shares, according to Tsek.ph.
The Tsek.ph analysis also identified at least three manufactured statements falsely attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump. Logos of major international news outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC and Fox News were misused to create convincing but entirely fake content supporting Duterte.
In some cases, satirical content featuring fictional lawyers from American television shows like "Legally Blonde" and "Suits" was later presented as factual by large pro-Duterte online communities, including a Facebook group with more than 173,500 members.
Other forms of manipulation Tsek.ph also documented
numerous instances where footage of unrelated events was misrepresented as showing support for the former president.
"Old videos of domestic and foreign events unrelated to the former president’s arrest were mispresented as massive proDuterte rallies. The falsehoods were inserted primarily in the title, text overlay or caption," Chua wrote.
A YouTube video from sports media outlet ESPN FC showing four million Argentinians celebrating their 2022 FIFA World Cup victory was falsely presented as a pro-Duterte rally on Recto Avenue in Manila.
Similarly, footage of Serbian protesters demonstrating against their government on March 1 was misrepresented as protests in The Hague against Duterte's detention.
Tsek.ph partners also identified instances of synthetic images created with generative artificial intelligence circulating among pro-Duterte groups, including AI-generated images depicting massive crowds supposedly rallying behind "Duterte senators."
Cross-platform spread
The surge of disinformation spread widely across multiple platforms, with Tsek.ph finding that 92% of spurious content appeared on at least two different platforms.
Facebook was the main driver (73%), with significant distribution also occurring on TikTok (43%). This is followed by Instagram and YouTube (20%), X (17%), and Threads (7%).
'Kidnapping' narratives
In its previous report, Philstar. com also documented a coordinated campaign to frame Duterte's ICC arrest as an unlawful "kidnapping."
Approximately 200 Facebook accounts and pages simultaneously posted identical text within a 12-hour window between Duterte's morning arrest and his late-night flight to The Hague.
Hours after this messaging began spreading online, similar "kidnapping" terminology was echoed by Duterte's daughter, Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, who posted on Instagram: "This is the plane they used to kidnap my dad. #NeverForget." Vice
President Sara Duterte similarly told reporters at Villamor Air Base that night: "It's some sort of—I don't know—what you call 'state kidnapping.'" Harassment of victims' families
As disinformation about Duterte's arrest spreads, families of victims in his drug war have also faced increasing harassment from his supporters, according to human rights groups.
Rise Up for Life and Rights, an advocacy group for drug war victims, documented "a sharp spike in hate speech, threats and harassment, especially targeted at women who have been speaking out on the killing of their loved ones."
"The internet is also again suddenly flooded with misleading and downright false information deliberately designed to drumbeat support or magnify support for Duterte, some even resorting to victims' families' character assassination, sparing not even the judges of the ICC," the group said in a March 17 statement.
The organization cited these ongoing threats as evidence that Duterte should be denied interim release, noting his "penchant for revenge is strong" and that he "must be prohibited from any return to the Philippines."
The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) similarly condemned "the orchestrated campaign of disinformation, harassment, and gender-based online violence" targeting ICC assistant to counsel Krissy Conti, the families of drug war victims, and other human rights defenders in their March 19 statement.
"These attacks, driven by Duterte's network of trolls and enablers, aim to silence those seeking justice and obstruct ongoing proceedings before the International Criminal Court," the NUPL statement read. Duterte appeared before ICC pre-trial chamber judges Iulia Motoc, Socorro Flores Liera, and Reine Alapini-Gansou via video link from the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen on March 14.
The former president is currently running for mayor of Davao City in the upcoming May elections. n
ADMIN BETS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) raises the hands of the senatorial candidates of the administration-backed Alyansa Para
sa Bagong Pilipinas during a campaign rally in Trece Martires City, Cavite on Friday, March 21. The Alyansa ticket is fielding (from left) Manny
Pacquiao, Panfilo Lacson, Bong Revilla, Benhur Abalos, Senator Francis Tolentino, Erwin Tulfo, Abby Binay, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito
Lapid and Vicente Sotto III; with Senator Imee and Camille Villar, who both did not attend.
PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s initial appearance on Friday, 14 March 2025 before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court. Photo courtesy of the ICC-CPI
Amid plummeting diversity at medical schools, a warning of DEI crackdown’s ‘chilling effect’
by Annie SciAccA KFF Health News
THE Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI programs could exacerbate an unexpectedly steep drop in diversity among medical school students, even in states like California, where public universities have been navigating bans on affirmative action for decades. Education and health experts warn that, ultimately, this could harm patient care.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has issued a handful of executive orders aimed at terminating all diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives in federally funded programs. And in his March 4 address to Congress, he described the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision banning the consideration of race in college and university admissions as “brave and very powerful.”
Last month, the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights — which lost about 50% of its staff in mid-March
— directed schools, including postsecondary institutions, to end race-based programs or risk losing federal funding. The “Dear Colleague” letter cited the Supreme Court’s decision.
Paulette Granberry Russell, president and CEO of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, said that “every utterance of ‘diversity’ is now being viewed as a violation or considered unlawful or illegal.” Her organization filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders.
While California and eight other states — Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Washington — had already implemented bans of varying degrees on race-based admissions policies well before the Supreme Court decision, schools bolstered diversity in their ranks with equity initiatives such as targeted scholarships, trainings, and recruitment programs.
But the court’s decision and the subsequent state-level backlash — 29 states have since introduced bills to curb diversity initiatives, according to data published by the Chronicle of Higher Education — have
tamped down these efforts and led to the recent declines in diversity numbers, education experts said.
After the Supreme Court’s ruling, the numbers of Black and Hispanic medical school enrollees fell by double-digit percentages in the 2024-25 school year compared with the previous year, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Black enrollees declined 11.6%, while the number of new students of Hispanic origin fell 10.8%.
The decline in enrollment of American Indian or Alaska Native students was even more dramatic, at 22.1%. New Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander enrollment declined 4.3%.
“We knew this would happen,” said Norma Poll-Hunter, AAMC’s senior director of workforce diversity. “But it was double digits — much larger than what we anticipated.”
The fear among educators is the numbers will decline even more under the new administration.
At the end of February, the Education Department launched an online portal encouraging people to “report illegal discriminatory practices at institutions of learning,” stating that students should have “learning free of divisive ideologies and indoctrination.”
The agency later issued a “Frequently Asked Questions” document about its new policies, clarifying that it was acceptable to observe events like Black History Month but warning schools that they “must consider whether any school programming discourages members of all races from attending.”
“It definitely has a chilling effect,” Poll-Hunter said. “There is a lot of fear that could cause institutions to limit their efforts.”
Numerous requests for comment from medical schools about the impact of the antiDEI actions went unreturned.
University presidents are staying mum on the issue to protect their institutions, according to reporting from The New York Times.
Utibe Essien, a physician and UCLA assistant professor, said he has heard from some students who fear they won’t
be considered for admission under the new policies. Essien, who co-authored a study on the effect of affirmative action bans on medical schools, also said students are worried medical schools will not be as supportive toward students of color as in the past.
“Both of these fears have the risk of limiting the options of schools folks apply to and potentially those who consider medicine as an option at all,” Essien said, adding that the “lawsuits around equity policies and just the climate of anti-diversity have brought institutions to this place where they feel uncomfortable.”
In early February, the Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit against the University of California-San Francisco’s Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland over an internship program designed to introduce “underrepresented minority high school students to health professions.”
Attorney Andrew Quinio filed the suit, which argues that its plaintiff, a white teenager, was not accepted to the program after disclosing in an interview that she identified as white.
“From a legal standpoint, the issue that comes about from all this is: How do you choose diversity without running afoul of the Constitution?” Quinio said.
“For those who want diversity as a goal, it cannot be a goal that is achieved with discrimination.”
UC Health spokesperson Heather Harper declined to comment on the suit on behalf of the hospital system.
Another lawsuit filed in February accuses the University of California of favoring Black and Latino students over Asian American and white applicants in its undergraduate admissions. Specifically, the complaint states that UC officials pushed campuses to use a “holistic” approach to admissions and “move away from objective criteria towards more subjective assessments of the overall appeal of individual candidates.”
The scrutiny of that approach to admissions could threaten diversity at the UC-Davis School of Medicine, which for years has employed a “race-neutral, holistic admissions model” that u PAGE A5
by AJPress
In a world where gender often dictated destiny, Erlinda Arce Ignacio Espiritu defied expectations and forged her own path. A Filipina lawyer, she made history in 1951 as the first woman to earn a degree from Harvard Law School (HLS). Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice—whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or the lives of the people she helped.
On International Women’s Day, Harvard Law School paid tribute to this remarkable woman, highlighting her journey as a pioneering legal mind and a beacon of inspiration for generations of women in law.
This is the story of a Filipina who refused to accept limits and, in doing so, paved the way for others to follow.
Early life and the call to justice
Born in the 1930s in Mindoro, Philippines, Erlinda grew up in a family of legal minds and public servants. Her father, a four-term governor, and several uncles were lawyers. But it was not family influence alone that ignited her passion for law—it was the legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table that inspired her sense of duty.
“The knights were always defending the defenseless, and I thought, how could I do that?” she once said.
At a time when women were expected to become teachers or homemakers, she chose the path of justice. She graduated from Manuel L. Quezon School of Law in 1947, becoming one of the few female lawyers in the Philippines. But her ambitions stretched far beyond her homeland.
Breaking barriers at harvard law school
Espiritu’s journey to Harvard was, in many ways, an unexpected one. While she initially planned to marry her fiancé, Benjamin Espiritu, after law school, her father encouraged her to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. She agreed, but on one condition: if she were to study anywhere, it would be Harvard Law School. At the time, Harvard had only recently begun admitting women, reversing a policy that had barred them for years. She applied, was accepted, and in 1951, she became the first woman to receive
a degree from HLS. Her time at Harvard was far from easy. She struggled with the case method of teaching, which was unfamiliar to her, and found it difficult to understand American accents. Yet, she persevered, later crediting Harvard for sharpening her critical thinking and legal reasoning skills. Her fiancé, Benjamin, joined her at HLS the following year, enrolling in the LL.M. (Master of Laws) program. They married in Cambridge, celebrating their union at the very institution that had shaped their legal careers.
Tragedy and triumph in the legal arena
Espiritu’s life took a devastating turn just two years later. In 1953, Benjamin passed away from leukemia, leaving her widowed with a newborn son. Heartbroken but determined, she returned to the Philippines and began working as corporate legal counsel for a major land development company.
In 1959, fate presented her with a defining moment. The Philippine Supreme Court appointed her to defend a prisoner sentenced to death—a case that would change her career forever.
With no prior experience in criminal law, Espiritu took on the case, convinced of her client’s innocence. However, the court upheld the death sentence due to a law that denied mitigating circumstances for repeat offenders. Undeterred, she took the case to the Board of Pardons, and just before her client’s execution, the President of the Philippines commuted the sentence.
Her relentless pursuit of justice led to a review of the country’s laws, ensuring that future cases would be examined more fairly.
The case was even adapted into a film, cementing her place as a formidable advocate in Philippine legal history.
Empowering the poor through rural banking
In the early 1960s, at the request of her parents, Espiritu left her legal practice in Manila to manage the family’s rural bank in Mindoro.
While this was a shift away from the courtroom, her mission remained the same: to uplift and empower the underserved.
For over three decades, she dedicated herself to providing small business loans, housing assistance, and educational
financing to those in need. Even as a bank president, she continued to offer free legal services, never losing sight of her commitment to justice.
She worked tirelessly until 2006, when her health began to decline.
A hero’s welcome at Harvard
In October 2007, at 82 years old, Espiritu returned to Harvard Law School for the first time in 55 years as the guest of honor at an LL.M. dinner.
Standing before a room filled with young lawyers, she expressed gratitude for the education that had shaped her career.
“I thank Harvard for the opportunity to learn well, not only in the matters of law but in improving the lives of our fellow men.”
After her speech, many of the young LL.M. graduates approached her, eager to thank her for blazing a trail for women in law.
A legacy that lives on
Erlinda Arce Ignacio Espiritu’s legacy is more than just being the first woman to graduate from Harvard Law School—she is a symbol of what Filipinas can achieve when they dare to break barriers.
Her name remains synonymous with intelligence, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to justice. Through her legal work, her fight for the oppressed, and her commitment to social progress, she has left an indelible mark on the world.
Her story stands as an inspiration to all—a reminder that greatness is not just about breaking records but about lifting others along the way. n
Erlinda Ignacio Espiritu from Mindoro was the first woman who obtained a degree from the Harvard Law School. Photo from Harvard Law School
What the ABC Act means for Filipino American family caregivers
More than 48 million people in the US serve as family caregivers, with a significant portion coming from the Fil-Am community
by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net
THE Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act is set to bring much-needed relief to family caregivers by simplifying access to essential federal benefits.
With millions of caregivers – many of them Filipino Americans – struggling with complex applications, long wait times and administrative hurdles, this bipartisan bill seeks to remove unnecessary barriers so they can focus on what matters most: caring for their loved ones.
Introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI), the ABC Act will streamline the process for caregivers applying for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP and Social Security benefits.
It aims to cut redundant paperwork, improve communication between federal agencies, and provide clearer guidance on eligibility requirements.
The bill also mandates that agencies like Medicare, Medicaid,and the Social Security Administration review their procedures with direct input from caregivers, ensuring a more responsive system. Within a year of its passage, a report to Congress will be required to track progress and evaluate its impact.
According to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), across the United States, more than 48 million individuals serve as family caregivers, with a significant portion coming from the Filipino American community.
Recognizing their invaluable contributions, NaFFAA has expressed firm support for the ABC Act. The organization underscores the staggering $600 billion worth of unpaid labor caregivers provide each year and stresses the importance of improving access to es-
sential benefits and streamlining cumbersome processes.
NaFFAA leaders emphasized that caregivers dedicate immense time and effort to their loved ones, and it is only fair to remove the bureaucratic barriers that add unnecessary challenges to their responsibilities.
By supporting the ABC Act, NaFFAA continues to champion policies that uplift Filipino American family caregivers and ensure they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve. (Gavin Martinez/Inquirer.net)
Fil-Am attorney general warns of...
by an individual claiming to be an immigration officer, know your rights and avoid being scammed.
In order to protect yourself from scams, Bonta advises:
• Ask for identification. Immigration authorities should carry identifying badges and credentials;
• Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter. Immigration officers will not ask for money or financial information. Immigration officers will not typically call to warn immigrants that they are going to be detained or
arrested;
• Do not sign anything until you understand what you are signing. Do not agree to anything that is not put in writing and in a language you understand;
• Do not hire an immigration consultant or a notary. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants — who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals — cannot do so;
• Do not sign an immigration form that includes incorrect information or blanks. Before you sign any immigration forms, be sure
that the forms are fully and accurately filled out. Don’t let anyone convince you to lie on a form or sign a blank form;
• Beware of “dot com” or “dot net” websites. Information on these websites may be untrustworthy. Instead, access information from “dot gov” sites. These are government affiliated; and
• Go to a legitimate legal aid organization for free legal help. Many nonprofit organizations provide free immigration help to low-income individuals, such as those found through the resources below.
To find a legal aid organization near you, go to lawhelpca.org. (Inquirer.net with CNS report)
Trump sends chilling message to immigrants...
Language of The United States — Trump stated that English has been the language of the US since its founding. “A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society. The United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.”
“In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the United States a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream. Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society,” wrote Trump in the executive order.
The new policy rescinds a previous executive order by the Clinton Administration, which mandated federal agencies to make their services available to people with limited English proficiency. Trump’s executive order leaves it to the discretion of federal agencies as to whether they will adopt “English only” policies.
In an interview with EMS, Etcubanez explained Trump’s executive order, and how it might impact language access.
Here are excerpts: Marita, do you envision federal agencies looking at this executive order and saying: ‘Well, we don’t have to provide language access, so we’re not going to?’
ME: We are going to be advocating with key agencies that they maintain their language access practices. But we also know that it is the Justice Department that has been the lead on language access. Now that the guidance on the Clinton Era executive order is rescinded, it is up to the Justice Department to promulgate new guidance. They’re going to continue to set the tone here, and I am concerned about what that is going to look like moving forward.
36 States have English as their sole language. But do you see more states taking this up given the messaging from the top down?
The message this executive order sends is deeply harmful. I am concerned that state and local governments will follow the lead as outlined in this executive order.
Do you envision a drop-off in voting, given that there might not be in-language ballots or support materials?
Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act mandates that jurisdictions in which the
language communities meet a certain numerical threshold will still be required to provide multilingual voting materials in the covered languages. That doesn’t go away because there’s a new executive order. That is something we are going to have to monitor and fight for. Now that said, not all jurisdictions are covered, and certainly not all languages that we need are included. So in terms of the areas where they are not required by law, but still have been providing translated voting materials and additional language support at the polls, we are concerned that there might be some pullback there. What message is Trump sending out to immigrant communities?
The message being sent to immigrant communities is that we don’t belong, and that we should have no expectation of getting assistance from the Government, whether that is the services themselves or language support to access those services. And that poses really deep harm to our communities. We don’t want people to be discouraged from accessing necessary services, which I fear is one of the main messages intended by this executive order. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)
LA County launches help for small businesses...
PAGE A1
devastation.”
The fires wreaked up to $275 billion in damages, with nearly 1,900 small businesses within the burn zones and tens of thousands of people displaced from their homes.
To help, DEO has extended unemployment and disaster unemployment insurance through March 31, with one-onone application help
This resource, and all those to follow, are available with more details on the DEO website; by phone at 844-777-2059; by email at deo@opportunity. lacounty.gov; and in-person at the department office at 510 S. Vermont Avenue, east LA.
Other help available includes one-stop permit help; emergency cash relief grants; daily multilingual business resource events and webinars; a free space-sharing web portal for businesses needing storefronts or kitchens.
Pro bono legal aid including commercial lease agreements, employee safety, wages and benefits, contract negotiation, intellectual property, tax liability, entity structuring and bankruptcy is also available; get in touch online or by phone at 866-375-9511.
“In February 2024, the county also passed an ordinance creating a program, permit and workshops for sidewalk food and other vendors to come into the formal economy,” said LoBianco. “Similarly, last November, we launched MEHKO, the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations Ordinance, another pathway for vendors to grow their business in their own home kitchen.”
Interested vendors can operate a home kitchen that also serves as a commissary space for up to two vending carts, and can serve up to 30 home cooked meals per day, up to 90 per week, in annual sales of $100,000.
Public health webinars, permit help and funding aid — including first-year offset permit costs for 1,000 applicants through June 2026 — are available at the MEHKO website.
One beneficiary, Richard Gomeztrejo, owner of WRAPSTO-GOmeztrejo, heard of the program while sharing food with coworkers in the break room at his then-job as interior kitchen designer at a big-box store.
“At the start of the pandemic, my coworkers weren’t ordering food like they normally could. And when I was in the break room, they’d always comment: ‘What smells so good?’” he explained. “I started bringing pasta, ribs and hot wings to share. Then wraps. I’m Hispanic, so a wrap isn’t a huge leap — just an open ended burrito.”
“My tagline is: I’m not a chef, I just make wraps. It’s nothing serious,” Gomeztrejo continued.
“MEHKO helped me turn my side hustle into something more.
I got a food handler certificate, a permit … an inspector came to my house and approved my kitchen. It helped me build up my clientele. I say ‘Look, guys, I’m legitimate now,’ and so they’re more comfortable to place their orders and spread the word about me.”
“If you’re going to start a business, you have to have confidence, and you have to be consistent. I work as if someone’s looking over my shoulder,” he added. I’m not going to cut corners. I have a lot of fun doing this, and the legal help I got allows me to sleep well at night.”
Extensive free legal help is also available through the LA/SoCal Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Before becoming regional director of the SBDC Patrick Nye worked as a climate change researcher in the Arctic for the U.S. Coast Guard, then worked in the brewing industry in Oregon, then worked in renewable energy PR.
“It’s a very diverse resume, but a common thread is mission-related work, and that certainly lends itself toward the SBDC,” he said. “We do two things — for one, provide daily training workshops across all small business topics, mostly online and some in person.”
“More importantly, we do one-on-one advising in 20 different languages to coach small businesses to start and grow,” Nye continued. “We’re federally funded, so these are your tax dollars and actions. We help you take advantage of all the resources — fedreal, state, local — that are available to help you get capital, contracts, plans, relocate, whatever you need … including disaster recovery like insurance and FEMA loans.”
“When disaster strikes, people rarely think about the invisible or indirect impacts,” said Liana
Austin, director of Discovery World Early Education Center, a south LA-based school that was] saved by free legal aid through the county.
“One is that with a reduced amount of commercial spaces due to fires or lockdowns, rents and demand increase, and businesses face pressure or displacement from lease renegotiations and hidden terms,” she explained.
While DSW had a long-term lease in when their building was bought in 2022, that year, the new property owners “added $100,000 to our invoice one month, claiming that we owed them additional reimbursements for water utilities going back to 2006, when they only bought the property in 2022, we’d already been paying for 18 years, their invoices didn’t add up to the amount said and the statute of limitations passed anyway,” said Austin. She had become founding director of the school to continue the now-35-year legacy of her founding mother; before this, Austin earned a degree in engineering and a certificate for early education and child care.
“Even with a more technical background, legal challenges can become a costly full-time job for a small business trying to enforce its rights, like under the lease,” she said. In general, business owners are assumed to be savvy, so there’s less protections. But we have to do almost everything. For example, I have a contractor’s license so I can fix things.” DEO legal aid “secured us with pro bono assistance with large firms to help with things like employment law compliance and reviewing documents, and smaller attorneys to help with the landlord,” Austin continued.
“With a small amount of work, they helped us a tremendous amount, like going to our licensing advocate with us, because our landlord was trying to relocate us to a space that would be unsuitable.”
“Navigating the law is extremely complicated and nuanced, and there’s this power imbalance between different players in the small business realm … you’re battling a player that has a lot more power commercially than you do,” she added. “I encourage everyone to get this free help.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services) PAGE A2
Sara Duterte admits dad unlikely to...
can challenge the prosecution's charges against him.
Sara on possible ICC arrest warrant for her The Duterte circle's ICC troubles may not be over, however. Documents submitted to the ICC pertaining to its investigation into Duterte's drug war had also reportedly named the vice president, along with Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa, according to a 2023 VERA Files report.
Talk of a possible ICC arrest warrant for Dela Rosa has been circulating since last week, leading the senator to say in interviews that he would not surrender to the international court and possibly go into hiding. Duterte did not definitively say whether she was already preparing for a possible arrest warrant. But she noted that she would consult a lawyer if the
warrant gets out while she's in The Hague.
"Depende kung lumabas yung warrant na nandito ako sa The Hague, I will surely talk to another lawyer na para sa akin naman what are my options legally," Duterte said.
(Depends if the warrant comes out while I’m here in The Hague, I will surely talk to another lawyer for myself to see what my legal options are.) If the warrant for her is issued while she's in the Philippines, Duterte said she would wait and see what the government would do.
Sara's name cropped up in documents submitted to the ICC as part of allegations that she knew and approved of extrajudicial killings during her term as Davao City mayor — a position she held from 2010 to 2013, and then from 2016 to 2022. The vice president previously
denied allegations of involvement in extrajudicial killings during her tenure as Davao City mayor, dismissing them as politically motivated accusations. Duterte told reporters she does not yet know when she would return to the Philippines.
"Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ako dito sa totoo lang dahil hindi pa nabuo yung legal team ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. As vice president may obligasyon ako na buuwin yung kanyang support group dito para may tumutulong sa kanya na makalabas dyan sa ICC detention," she said.
(I don’t know how long I’ll be here, to be honest, because former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team has not been formed yet. As vice president, I have an obligation to assemble his support group here so that there will be people helping him get out of ICC detention.) n
Photo from Instagram/@naffaa.national
DAteline PhiliPPines
DFA urged: Bring Roque back to Philippines
by JoSe rodel clapano Philstar.com
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) must coordinate with Dutch authorities and facilitate the return to the country of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives urged on Thursday, March 20.
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela women’s party Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel also lambasted Roque for “shamelessly” attempting to escape accountability by seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
“We call on the Department of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with Dutch authorities to deny any asylum request from Roque and facilitate his return to the Philippines to face the charges against him,” Castro, Brosas and Manuel said in a joint statement.
They stressed that this cowardly maneuver by a former human rights lawyer is a clear attempt to evade the warrant of arrest issued against him by the House of Representatives after being cited in contempt for failing to provide documents regarding his alleged involvement in Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga.
“Mr. Roque, if your conscience is really clear, why are you hiding? Come home and face the allegations against you. What you need is not asylum, but courage to face the truth,” Brosas said.
In Congress, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also called on Roque to return to the Philippines, especially since
Ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is in the Hague, Netherlands. One News via Gretchen Ho/ Philstar.com's screenshot
he no longer has any business in The Hague after he was dropped as one of the lawyers of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“He has no business in the Netherlands. Even Vice President Sara Duterte knows, and they already know, that attorney Harry is bringing too much problem to them,” Adiong stressed.
“As a lawyer, he’s bound to respect the law (in the Philippines). I don’t know why he does not want to defend himself. He’s a lawyer himself, why evade or become elusive? He needs to face the charges. He knows how to deal with it. He can effectively defend himself,” he explained further.
La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V echoed the same sentiments. “He (Roque) should come home. The best-
case scenario for him is to come home. That’s his best option,” he said.
Taguig 2nd district Rep. Pammy Zamora dared Roque to immediately return to the Philippines and face the legal battles awaiting him, rather than seek refuge abroad.
“You’re not a part of the defense team of the ex-president, then why don’t you face the charges against you here? You can’t evade the law by seeking refuge abroad. Suddenly appearing out of hiding to join the ICC proceedings isn’t heroism – it’s pure political theater,” Zamora stressed.
‘Place Bato under BI watchlist’
Brosas also asked the Marcos government to place Sen. Ronald dela Rosa under the watchlist of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to prevent him from escaping.
“The Marcos Jr. administration must not allow Dela Rosa to do a Harry Roque or Alice Guo escape. Placing Dela Rosa on a watchlist is the bare minimum,” Brosas said, adding that victims of the drug war, many of whom were women and children left without breadwinners, deserve justice.
“It seems that Bato (Dela Rosa) has softened, he is now afraid to be arrested by the ICC,” Brosas said.
“His statement reveals the guilt and fear of someone who knows the gravity of the crimes committed under the drug war he implemented.
“It is not right playing tough and courageous now, then just run when the day of reckoning comes,” she added. (With reports from Delon Porcalla)
OFWs reminded: Follow host country’s laws
MANILA — Whether pro- or anti-Duterte, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are free to join protests as long as they abide by the laws of host countries.
This was the reminder of Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, as they closely monitor assemblies of OFWs abroad.
“The DMW will always ensure the welfare of our OFWs and stands united with other government agencies
in our shared commitment to continuously provide vital programs and services,” Cacdac said.
OFW rights group Migrante International is urging Filipinos abroad to join rallies to seek the conviction of former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, in defense of President Marcos, House minority leader Marcelino Libanan said the decision to
cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in serving an arrest warrant against Duterte was a correct move.
“By collaborating with Interpol, the Philippines sends a strong message to the global community: we are committed to upholding the rule of law, respecting international legal norms and ensuring that justice prevails,” he noted. (Philstar. com)
PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG
Pagpaplano sa Pahintulot sa Pangunahing Paggamit at Sertipiko ng Pagsunod ng Secure Space Self-Storage (Quarry Storage) gaya ng sumusunod:
IMPORMASYONG PAGDINIG:
Petsa: Abril 9, 2025
Oras: 9:00 a.m.
Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, California 92101
APLIKANTE: Charles Brown, 5780 Quarry Road LLC
MGA NUMERO NG PROYEKTO/KASO: Apela ng Pahintulot sa Pangunahing Paggamit ng Secure Space Self-Storage (Quarry Storage), Sertipiko ng Pagsunod, at Pinawi na Negatibong Pahayag; PDS2024-AA-24-003, PDS2021-MUP-21-009, PDS2022-CC-22-0102, PDS2021ER-21-18-003
LOKASYON: 5780 Quarry Road, Bonita, CA 91902 sa Sweetwater Community Plan Area (Mga APN: 586-050-48, 36, 44).
PAGLALARAWAN NG PROYEKTO: Ang apela ay sa desisyon ng Komisyon sa Pagpaplano na nag-apruba sa Secure Space Self-Storage (Quarry Storage) na proyekto (Proyekto). Ang apela ay isinumite ng Sweetwater Community Planning Group (CPG) para sa mga sumusunod na pangkalahatang dahilan: 1. Mga Natuklasan sa MUP, 2. Pangkalahatang Plano at Pagkakatugma ng Sweetwater Community Plan, at 3. Nagkakaisang CPG Vote at Nararapat na Proseso. Kasama sa Proyekto ang Pahintulot sa Pangunahing Paggamit (MUP) at Sertipiko ng Pagsunod (CC) para pahintulutan ang pagtatayo at pagpapatakbo ng self-storage na pasilidad at covered recreational vehicle (RV) na paradahan sa loob ng 4.99-acre MUP boundary sa 10.74-acre na lugar ng proyekto. Ang pasilidad ay binubuo ng isang 2-palapag na gusali na may basement na may kabuuang 132,425 talampakang kuwadrado, isang 1,000- talampakang kuwadradong gusali ng opisina, at 109 na sakop na paradahan ng RV. Ang self-storage na gusali ay magsasama ng 1,023 self-storage na mga yunit. Kasama rin sa Proyekto ang pagtatalaga ng isang biological open space easement sa 1.97 ektarya sa hilagang bahagi ng lugar ng proyekto. Ang isang pampublikong trail easement ay iminungkahi sa paligid ng perimeter ng site at sa kahabaan ng harapan ng proyekto sa Quarry Road. Ang access sa site ay ibibigay sa pamamagitan ng isang pribadong daanan sa labas ng Quarry Road. Ang Quarry Road ay muling ihahanay sa bahagi ng kalsada na kumukonekta sa Sweetwater Road. Pagpapabuti ng proyekto sa Quarry Road sa buong harapan ng proyekto mula sa isang 20 talampakang lapad na kalsada patungo sa iba't ibang 26 na talampakan hanggang 32 talampakang lapad na kalsada.
ESTADO NG KAPALIGIRAN: Nakahanda ang Pinagaan na Negatibong Deklarasyon at nakafile ng PDS bilang numero ng Pagsusuri sa Kapaligiran na PDS2021-ER-21-18-003.
PAKIKIPAG-UGNAYAN SA TAUHAN: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan kay Bianca Lorenzana sa (619) 510-2146, o sa Bianca.Lorenzana@ sdcounty.ca.gov.
PARTISIPASYON NG PUBLIKO: Ang mga myembro ng publiko ay pweding makilahok sa pulong nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa mga regulasyon na ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Sa mga nagnanais na makilahok sa pulong at/o may komento ay dapat bumisita sa website ng Lupon ng Superbisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/cob/bosa.html#watch. Kung may iba pang tanong, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Klerk ng Lupon sa (619) 531-5434 o sa publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov.
TULONG PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN: Ang mga agenda at rekord ay available sa mga alternatibong format kapag ito'y hiniling. Makipag-ugnayan sa kalihim sa pagdinig sa (619) 517-4193 para sa mga katanungan o nais huiling ng akomodasyon na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan. Ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng tagasalin ng sign language ay dapat makipag-ugnayan sa Countywide ADA Title II Coordinator sa (619) 531-4908. Sa abot ng makatwirang posible, ang mga hiling para sa akomodasyon o tulong ay dapat maisumite nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang pulong para gawin ang pagsasaayos. Ang lugar sa harap ng mga silid ng pandinig ay maaaring italaga sa indibidwal na nangangailangang gumamit ng wheelchair o iba pang mga naa-access na mga device.
PAALALA: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tunkol sa Availability ng Ulat ng Kawani, Mga Alituntunin ng Tagapagsalita, at Pangkalahatang Pamamaraan sa Pagdinig, paki-review ang Impormasyon sa Pampublikong Pagdinig ng San Diego County na matatagpuan sa website ng Lupon ng Mga Superbisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa.html.
PAALALA: Kung hahamunin mo ang pagkilos na maaaring gawin sa panukalang ito sa korte, maaaring maging limitado ka sa pagsulong ng mga isyu o ibang taong nagsulong sa pampublikong pagdinig, o sa nakasulat na liham na pinadala sa Kinatawan ng Pandinig bago ang pagdinig. Ang mga tuntunin ng Kinatawan ng Pandinig ay maaaring limitahan o magpataw ng mga kinakailangan sa pagsumite ng nakasulat na liham.
3/22/25
PH, US boost cooperation vs illegal charter flights
by rudy SantoS Philstar.com
MANILA — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have strengthened cooperation against illegal charter flights.
Illegal charter flights pose serious risks to passenger safety and security by operating without proper approval and oversight. To address this issue, the CAAP and FAA collaborated to increase awareness and highlight the need for regulatory compliance.
“This collaboration with the FAA underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and legality of air transport operations in the Philippines. By providing aviation and law enforcement personnel with the necessary training and expertise, we can strengthen our ability to prevent illegal charter activities,”
The session was attended by 121 participants from various CAAP airports and offices, together with representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Office for Transportation Security
and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. The CAAP reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening regulatory enforcement and increasing awareness to protect passengers and uphold the integrity of aviation operations through international collaboration. n
Amid plummeting diversity at medical schools...
PAGE A3
reportedly tripled enrollment of Black, Latino, and Native American students.
“How do you define diversity? Does it now include the way we consider how someone’s lived experience may be influenced by how they grew up? The type of school, the income of their family? All of those are diversity,” said Granberry Russell, of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. “What might they view as an unlawful proxy for diversity equity and inclusion? That’s what we’re confronted with.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, recently joined other state attorneys general to issue guidance urging that schools continue their DEI programs despite the federal messaging, saying that legal precedent allows for the activities. California is also among several states suing the administration over its deep cuts to the Education Department.
If the recent decline in diversity among newly enrolled students holds or gets worse, it could have long-term consequences for patient care, academic experts said, pointing
toward the vast racial disparities in health outcomes in the U.S., particularly for Black people.
A higher proportion of Black primary care doctors is associated with longer life expectancy and lower mortality rates among Black people, according to a 2023 study published by the JAMA Network.
Physicians of color are also more likely to build their careers in medically underserved communities, studies have shown, which is increasingly important as the AAMC projects a shortage of up to 40,400 primary care doctors by 2036.
“The physician shortage persists, and it’s dire in rural communities,” Poll-Hunter said.
“We know that diversity efforts are really about improving access for everyone. More diversity leads to greater access to care — everyone is benefiting from it.”
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-
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CAAP director general Raul del Rosario said.
OPiniOn FeAtures
When lawyers become liars
IT’S been said that the first casualty of war is truth, and nowhere is this more evident than in the ongoing avalanche of fake news and disinformation that greeted former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent arrest and surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
The spurious claims are meant to portray Duterte’s arrest as “unjust and illegal,” “a breach of Philippine laws and sovereignty,” and “devoid of due process.” Ironically, that last is the same injustice Duterte has been accused of in the extrajudicial killings of over 6,000 drug suspects, for which he now faces ICC trial for crimes against humanity.
What makes this orchestrated assault on truth even more ignominious is how two prominent lawyers — guardians of the law — led the fake news frenzy, with Raul Lambino claiming that the Supreme Court had issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on March 11 to stop the former chief executive’s flight to The Hague. Former Duterte executive secretary Salvador Medialdea followed this up with the barefaced lie that his client was not at the ICC detention center.
Not surprisingly, die-hard supporters who are less invested in upholding the law as the two Duterte hirelings, soon spewed out a toxic mix of fake headlines and edited photographs meant to portray huge rallies demanding Duterte’s release. This included the religious procession for Inang Maria in Cebu City in January, which was cribbed from GMA News but recycled as a prayer rally for The Punisher.
Fictional characters
Social media soon bloomed with memes that approximate the hypnotic lure of the Nigerian scam, irresistible for their unintended humor. There’s United States President Donald Trump, “It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda, and several “Yaleand Harvard-educated lawyers and legal experts” calling out the arrest — except that these quoted personalities are fictional characters from popular
WITH the tariff war launched by the United States vs Canada, China, Mexico and the European Union now in full swing, many countries including ASEAN member-nations are bracing themselves for any potential fallout from the situation that has been described as a “titfor-tat” due to the retaliatory tariffs being imposed by the “warring” countries on a widening list of products.
According to analysts, the intensifying competition between the U.S. and China could prove to be challenging for countries in Southeast Asia, with Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia being particularly “vulnerable” to the impact of increased tariffs. This is why it’s become all the more important to have the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – said to be the biggest regional trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific – since one of its aims is to lower (if not eliminate) tariffs on a wide range of goods
series and movies: Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) from “How to Get Away with Murder,” Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) from “Legally Blonde,” and Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) from “Better Call Saul.”
That such specious memes and made-up quotes are widely believed shows the Filipinos’ susceptibility to fake news. It also betrays the lack of discernment and critical thinking, and stubborn refusal to accept facts that have polarized the country and stalled its political maturity. That it took so long to exact accountability from Duterte and his minions shows how judicial processes have been hobbled as well, with judges during Duterte’s term being red-tagged for dismissing fabricated charges against activists or choosing early retirement rather than handle the case of his nemesis, former Senator Leila de Lima.
Political hoax
Fake news peddlers did not spare the Supreme Court either. Aside from Lambino’s TRO claim, the high court “categorically” denied the authenticity of a statement saying it had received, “acknowledged and docketed” a petition allegedly with “16 million signatories” demanding President Marcos’ resignation. The announcement was written on Supreme Court stationery, purportedly from the office of its spokesperson.
With the Supreme Court itself being targeted by political hoaxes and Duterte supporters camping out in court premises, is it any wonder that hauling him off before an international court beyond the reach of political pressure is seen as the wiser option?
The cacophony of false claims and narratives has prompted Malacañang to initiate live discussions
and services and reduce trade barriers among member-nations that include all 10 members of the ASEAN, analysts said. While some countries in Asia may not be directly affected, “the impact of rising tariffs and trade wars could cause major disruptions to supply chains, slow down trade and investment flows and significantly set back the growth of the global economy,” Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said during a recent global thought leadership event.
But “in spite of the risk of greater economic fragmentation, there is good reason to remain optimistic that Asia will remain a beacon of growth, opportunities and prosperity,” Gan asserted, pointing to the Asian economy’s projected expansion to 60 percent of the world’s GDP by 2030, with Southeast Asia also projected to become the fourth largest economy in the world by that time.
Analysts are confident that the Philippines is “well-insulated” from the impact of the retaliatory tariffs due to its trade balance since the country imports more than it exports, plus the fact that
75 percent of its economy is driven domestically. Besides, our trade surplus with the U.S. is not that big, unlike countries with significant trade surpluses such as Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China, which have all become the target of President Trump’s retaliatory tariffs.
The National Economic and Development Authority believes that the Philippines could even gain from the current trade war between the U.S. and its trade partners if we position our country as an alternative source of exports to the United States. A lot of foreign companies are now looking at the Philippines as an alternative destination since they will not be severely hit by the tariff fallout.
It goes without saying that we need to ensure that our economy remains resilient if we are to hurdle the challenges and the uncertainties brought about by the escalating tariff tensions. A lot of businessmen I have spoken with say they are relieved that we have someone like Secretary Frederick Go, whose role as the president’s special assistant for investment and economic affairs
On The Move Marcos
strategically adept as his father, despite earlier perceptions?
THE rapid succession of events
— the swift impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the House of Representatives in February and the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC last week)
— has led to a reassessment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s political acumen and decisiveness. Many had previously viewed Mr. Marcos as conflict-averse, reluctant to confront the Duterte faction directly, and lacking the ruthless strategic precision of his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. However, the recent turn of events suggests a more calculated, premeditated move to consolidate power, leading to the question: Is Mr. Marcos proving to be as
The House’s rapid impeachment of Sara Duterte signaled that Mr. Marcos had already secured the legislative numbers and political will to move against the Dutertes. Sandro Marcos as the first signer and Martin Romualdez as the last signer of the impeachment charge was a mischievous wink. Duterte’s ICC arrest followed shortly after, strongly suggesting patient entrapment rather than coincidence.
What we are realizing now is Marcos’ occult strategy of gradually isolating the Dutertes. Instead of engaging in a direct, early confrontation, Mr. Marcos systematically weakened the Duterte faction by withholding outright support for Sara Duterte’s political moves (e.g., withholding the defense portfolio, wresting control of the House speakership).
Allowing internal fragmentation within the Duterte coalition
and press briefings to address the issue. The National Bureau of Investigation is meanwhile mulling charges of inciting to sedition and cyber libel against guilty parties, even as some House members have called for sanctions against Lambino and Medialdea.
Indeed, the two lawyers flagrantly violated several provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability that was officially launched by the Supreme Court in April 2023.
False representations
The provisions violated include Proper Conduct under Section 1, Canon II on Propriety: “A lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral, or deceitful conduct.” Section 11 meanwhile states that “A lawyer shall not make false representations or statements.” Under the Canon on Responsible
practically puts him on top of the economy.
In fact, some of the biggest business groups in the country have expressed their strong support for Secretary Go’s efforts to push for reforms that would make the Philippines more attractive to investors, among them the landmark CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) bill that aims to provide tax incentives and stimulate economic recovery.
According to the Board of Investments (BOI), the total approved investment commitments in 2024 hit an all-time high of P1.9 trillion, exceeding the administration’s P1.5-trillion target.
“This unprecedented performance shows growing investor confidence in the Philippines and the success of the administration’s investment and economic policies. We are optimistic that these approved projects will translate into tangible economic benefits in the coming years, including the creation of more and better job opportunities for Filipinos and paving the way for sustainable,
Use of Social Media, Section 38 cautions lawyers to “not knowingly or maliciously post, share, upload or otherwise disseminate false or unverified statements, claims, or commit any other act of disinformation.”
Shouldn’t the Integrated Bar of the Philippines take its cue from the above, and discipline its errant members? Complaints from this professional body can then be endorsed to the high court for appropriate sanctions that range from suspension from law practice to disbarment. And rightly so, since such disregard for the truth can foment chaos and unrest, igniting dangerous passions already simmering in the aggressive race for public office in the upcoming midterm elections.
“How to get away with fake news” is certainly one reality show we don’t deserve. (Inquirer.net)
investment-led growth,”
Secretary Go remarked, adding that these approved investments could create over 130,000 jobs.
Trade Undersecretary and BOI head Perry Rodolfo has also been very active in exploring increased collaboration with non-traditional trading partners such as Paraguay, whose Vice Minister for Investments and Exports was in the country last month for an official visit. USec Rodolfo is also confident that the Philippines will have a better chance of pushing for a bilateral free trade agreement and sectoral agreements with the United States under the administration of President Trump, noting that the U.S. president welcomed the idea of an FTA when he came here for a visit in 2017. During the Biden administration, it was “so difficult to even have a watered-down statement that would say that the U.S. notes the Philippines’ interest in a bilateral trade agreement,” the DTI official said. Here in Washington, our economic team is continuing to work on a potential free trade agreement and reviving the discussions that we had during
the first Trump administration. We are also looking at sectoral agreements as advised by former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross since these would provide better opportunities in certain industries like semiconductors and minerals, for instance.
We are also continually working on the renewal of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) which was placed on the backburner due to COVID-19 and the Speakership issue in 2023. With Republicans holding the majority in Congress, we are confident the GSP will be renewed.
As I have emphasized on many occasions, we must become economically prosperous to achieve economic security that, in turn, would make us strong and resilient to withstand risks and challenges in the face of a global economy. (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
Jr. in the shadow of Marcos Sr.
and, finally, delivering decisive blows when the moment was right—ensuring Sara Duterte’s impeachment and letting Rodrigo Duterte face international accountability. These moves show greater political decisiveness than previously assumed, but some distinctions remain between Mr. Marcos and his father. As to political style, Marcos Sr. used direct authoritarian control and strong-handed rule, backed by the military and police, while Mr. Marcos prefers subtle, indirect, and less overtly authoritarian tactics. As to the use of institutions, Marcos Sr. weaponized government machinery early in his rule (e.g., martial law) while Mr. Marcos uses existing institutions (Congress, ICC, law enforcement) to weaken enemies without directly appearing oppressive. As for the management of political rivals, Marcos Sr. co-opted, crushed, or exiled opponents
(e.g., Ninoy Aquino) while Mr. Marcos isolates and undermines opponents while keeping a façade of the democratic process.
Mr. Marcos’ reluctance to move swiftly against the Dutertes earlier might have been due to the fear of losing the Duterte base before the 2025 elections. Many Duterte loyalists remain a powerful force in Philippine politics. By delaying confrontation, Mr. Marcos ensured the Duterte faction was already fragmented before he acted. Instead of challenging the Dutertes when they were still strong, Mr. Marcos let their influence erode naturally through the quad comm investigation process that saw Sara Duterte flustered and struggling in approval ratings. Meanwhile, the ICC scrutiny goaded Rodrigo Duterte, in his inimitable macho bravado, to make damaging selfincriminating statements. By framing Duterte’s arrest as an Interpol matter, Marcos
avoided taking full responsibility for Duterte’s downfall. The dual blows against the Duterte faction—Sara’s impeachment and Rodrigo’s arrest—suggest that Mr. Marcos is now in a stronger position than ever before. The 2025 midterm elections will now be fought under a Marcos-dominated landscape. The Duterte bloc, once a threat, is now fragmented, discredited, and leaderless. Mr. Marcos now controls the narrative, having strategically removed a major political rival, maintaining deniability that he has declared outright war against the Dutertes or that he has surrendered Philippine sovereignty.
Marcos Sr. got his political opponents arrested on Sept. 23, 1972, a full two days after secretly declaring martial law, the better to surprise his political enemies. In the case of Mr. Marcos, he managed to fool the Dutertes into believing he would not cooperate with the ICC, the better to get Duterte into his political parlor, get him arrested, and whisked straight to detention in The Hague, in just 37 hours. Mr. Marcos is proving to be a cunning and patient strategist—one who plays the long game and wins. The telltale similarity is in the checkmate modus operandi. (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.
While Mr. Marcos does not rule with the same iron grip as his father, his ability to strategically weaken the Dutertes without direct confrontation reflects a deep political instinct that many had underestimated. Whether he continues to consolidate power effectively or faces a backlash will depend on how well he manages the post-Duterte political landscape.
* * * doyromero@gmail.com
MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday, March 19 said it will not oppose former Senator Leila de Lima’s intention to testify in the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Siguro kung iyan po naman po ay kaniyang boluntaryong gagawin at kung siya naman po ay papayagan sa ICC sa pamuno po ng prosecutors sa ICC, hindi naman po tayo tututol diyan,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
(Maybe if she voluntarily does that and is allowed by the ICC under the leadership of its prosecutors, we will not oppose it.)
At a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Tuesday, March 18, Atty. Dino de Leon said de Lima already submitted evidence to the ICC and is ready to testify if summoned.
“Si Senator Leila de Lima ay willing mag-cooperate sa ICC,” he said.
(Senator Leila de Lima is willing to cooperate with the ICC.)
“Matatandaan natin si Senator Leila de Lima ang unang-unang
nagpa-imbestiga sa Davao Death Squad,” de Leon added. (Senator Leila de Lima was the first to have the Davao Death Squad investigated.)
“Ang kanyang sinabi ay kailangan sugpuin ang droga pero hindi sagot ang malawakang patayan,” he added.
(She said that illegal drugs must be eradicated, but widespread killings are not the solution.)
Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his arrival from Hong Kong on March 11 and was
flown to the ICC headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, on the same day.
He made his first appearance before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 14, where he was informed of his charges and rights under the ICC Rome Statute.
The Duterte administration’s drug war claimed at least 6,000 lives, according to official government data.
Human rights watchdogs, however, estimated the death toll from the drug war to be between 12,000 and 30,000 from 2016 to 2019. n
MANILA — Concerned about the sensitivity of other provinces that are also proud of their homegrown cuisine, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill that sought to declare Pampanga as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.”
In veto messages dated March 12 and addressed to the Senate and the House of Representatives, Mr. Marcos disapproved Senate Bill No. 2797 and House Bill No. 10634, citing several reasons.
“In consideration of the possibility that the enrolled bill may cause negative cultural implications, discrimination, regional bias, and loss of diversity, I am constrained to veto the abovementioned enrolled bill,” the president said.
“I look forward to more beneficial legislation that would highlight our unique culture without sacrificing our diversity,” he added.
Both passed on the final reading in 2024. SB 2797 and HB 10634 sought to bestow Pampanga such an official title and tasked mainly the Department of Tourism with promoting the province’s native dishes and delicacies.
government approved an ordinance that already conferred the title to Pampanga.
The ordinance noted the province had a “long uninterrupted reputation for being home to culinary talents — from the chefs who cooked for the Malolos Congress in Barasoain (Malolos, Bulacan) in 1898 to the chefs who prepared meals for the athletes of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.”
That month, the province also hosted an unprecedented twoday international conference on Kapampangan cuisine, complete with demos, an art exhibit, a food bazaar, and a bookfair.
‘Lack of historical basis’
As to the measure approved by the House and the Senate, the enrolled copy was sent to Malacañang for the president’s signature on February 11. Under the Constitution, the president may veto a bill within 30 days upon receipt.
key performance indicators for such designation, and the possibility that the bill may offend sensibilities in other provinces that are equally proud of their culinary contributions,” the president said. In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Malacañang press officer Claire Castro further explained Mr. Marcos’ veto.
“The bill is well intentioned, but it might create discrimination,” Castro said.
“Our regions have their own cultures and excel in their own way. If one region is picked and labeled as having the most delicious dishes, some people, especially foreigners, might think that it is the only region worth visiting in the Philippines because it has the best and most mouthwatering local food,” she added. n
MANILA — Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday, March 21 that the “empty” complaint filed against him is proof of persecution that will strengthen the grounds for the granting of his asylum in The Netherlands.
Roque referred to the supplemental complaint affidavit filed before the Department of Justice in October last year over his alleged involvement in the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities.
“Yung supplemental complaint laban sa akin, obviously pahabol para magipit lang ako, ang patunay ng persecution dahil wala talaga itong laman!”, Roque said in a Facebook post:
(The supplemental complaint against me is obviously a last
ditch effort to pressure me, the proof of persecution because it has no merits!)
“Siguradong ma grant ang aking asylum! Pustahan?”
(Surely, my asylum will be granted! I would bet on it.)
Roque recently sought asylum in the Netherlands. He also addressed the arrest order from the House of Representatives after being cited for contempt and ordered detained due to his failure to submit documents that would justify the alleged sudden increase in his wealth.
The lower chamber issued a subpoena ordering Roque to submit his SALN from 20162022, his and his wife Maila’s income tax returns from 20142022 and their respective medical certificates, the extrajudicial settlement of the estate including tax returns of his late aunt, and the deed of
sale with tax returns and transfer of property of the 1.8-hectare property in Multinational Village, Paranaque that his family sold.
“Ayaw ko lang ibigay ang mga dokumento na wala namang kinalaman sa imbestigasyon ng Kongreso na magsisilbi na mitsa sa buhay ko at ng aking pamilya dahil sa lantaran na naman ang kidnapping for ransom,” Roque said.
(I just don’t want to give the documents which have nothing to do with the Congressional investigation that will put my life and that of my family in danger because kidnapping for ransom is now out in the open again.)
Roque left the country last year. He then made his first public appearance in The Hague, Netherlands on March 14 to visit arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte. n
Both bills included prominent Kapampangan lawmakers as authors — Sen. Lito Lapid for SB 2797 and former President and Pampanga second district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga third district Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Pampanga fourth district Rep. Anna York Bondoc, and Pampanga first district Rep. Carmelo Lazatin II for HB 10634.
In March 2024, the provincial
In his two-page veto message, Mr. Marcos said he sincerely appreciated the lawmakers’ efforts to recognize Pampanga’s contributions to the country’s rich culinary history. It cannot be denied that Pampanga is “celebrated for its diverse and flavorful dishes, traditional cooking methods, and a strong culture of food innovation,” he said. “This is consistent with the policy of the government to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.”
“However, while I recognize the noble intention of the authors, I cannot ignore the concerns regarding the declaration’s lack of historical basis, the absence of a thorough study that shows
Maymay Entrata to perform ‘Nasaan ang Hiling’ for ‘Snow White’ PH release
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
MAYMAY Entrata was announced as the singer for Nasaan ang Hiling” for the Philippines’ theatrical release of the live-action “Snow White,” shortly after she was speculated to be the performer of the song.
Entrata was revealed to be the singer of the live-action film’s theme song on its social media platforms on Monday, March 17, along with a photo of the actress dressed up as Snow White.
“Guess who’s waiting on a wish? @maymayentrata07 is singing ‘Nasaan Ang Hiling,’ the Filipino version of ‘Waiting On A Wish’ from Disney’s #SnowWhitePH,” the post read.
Entrata said she is excited for her fans to see her rendition of “Nasaan ang Hiling” in a separate post.
“Hi everyone! Ako po si Maymay at sobrang excited na ako na mapakinggan niyo po ang ‘Nasaan ang Hiling,’ ang Filipino version ng ‘Waiting on a Wish.’ Hiling ko po sana na manood po tayo sa sinehan ng March 19,” she said.
(Hi everyone! I’m Maymay and I’m very excited for you to listen to the Filipino version of ‘Waiting on a Wish.’ I hope that you’ll watch the film on March 19.)
Entrata’s full performance of “Nasaan ang Hiling” was uploaded to the production company’s YouTube channel on Wednesday, March 19.
The actress-singer caught the attention of netizens after she was speculated to be the country’s representative to perform the theme song of “Snow White,” which was originally sung by its lead star Rachel Zegler.
Aside from Entrata, actress and singer Bae Suzy was tapped to perform the Korean version of “Waiting on a Wish.”
The live-action “Snow White,” which also stars Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, Hadley Fraser, and Lorena Andrea,” will hit theaters in the Philippines on March 19. Per reports, changes to Snow White’s character include her origin story and her romance with her “true love.”
Photo from X/@DisneyStudiosPH
Citizen Pinoy tackles pathways for Filipino...
healthcare professionals.
Three attendees posed their questions to Atty. Gurfinkel: Mildred, an RN, asked how she could secure employment in the U.S. without taking the NCLEX and whether it was possible to reapply for a tourist visa to find an employer.
Joan, a Nursing Assistant, wondered how she could pursue work in the U.S. without a family member to petition her.
Meanwhile, Szarmaine, an Infection Preventionist Nurse and single mom, asked for the fastest route to a U.S. nursing job.
Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in “Your Tanong, My Sagot” at the Bonifacio Global City in the
Philippines. Watch this encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, March 23 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET through select Cable/Satellite providers),
WEGive NorCal launches ‘Empower the Future’ benefit to transform foster teens into entrepreneurs
YUBA CITY – Every year, thousands of foster teens age out of the system with little to no support, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness, unemployment, and financial instability. WEGive NorCal is stepping in to change that narrative with the “Empower the Future Benefit for Foster Teen Entrepreneurs” — a groundbreaking event designed to provide real-world business skills, mentorship, and careerbuilding opportunities to foster youth.
The event, set for April 11, 2025, will be a night of inspiration, empowerment, and impact, featuring an unforgettable live performance by a teen rock band, heartfelt stories of transformation from foster youth who have overcome adversity, and a special performance by Carnegie Hall opera singer Sherri Seiden.
“Foster teens are asking the same question — ‘How do I start my own business?’” says Gina Alexander, co-founder of WEgive NorCal. “Traditional programs aren’t teaching these skills, and we’re here to fill that gap. We’re not just giving them hope — we’re giving them the tools to succeed.”
WEGive NorCal is a 501(c)(3) 85-074-3561 nonprofit dedicated to empowering foster youth with entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and employment opportunities. Founded in 2020, WEgive NorCal works alongside DCFS, social workers, and local businesses to fill the gap in foster youth services by providing real-world business education and financial empowerment programs.
More than a fundraiser – A movement to break the cycle
WEGive NorCal’s entrepreneurship programs go beyond mentorship — they put teens to work. Through food booths at major concerts and festivals, foster youth gain hands-on experience in running a business, learning everything from financial literacy and customer service to marketing and leadership.
Funds raised from the Empower the Future Benefit will go directly toward:
• Training & employing foster teens in real-world business settings
• Covering transportation & business startup costs
• Expanding mentorship programs like Trauma to Triumph & FosterPreneur.
“We don’t just mentor them — we employ them, equip them, and empower them,” says cofounder Richard Alexander, a Yuba City native and renowned composer. “We help them heal emotionally while giving them the financial tools they need to break the cycle.” Join the movement – Get involved today!
The Empower the Future Benefit will feature a silent auction, live entertainment, and a delicious Mexican dinner
catered by Betty’s Restaurant, a Yuba City/Live Oak institution for over 53 years. Community members and businesses are invited to sponsor a foster teen, donate auction items, or attend the event in support of this lifechanging cause.
• Event Date: April 11, 2025. doors open 5 p.m.; dinner 630 p.m.
• Location: Adventure Yuba City, CA
• Tickets & Sponsorships: Contact (323) 804-9352 or send an email to wegivela@gmail.com. (WEGive LA Release)
Kris Aquino opens up on failed romance with doctor
by KatHleen a lleMit Philstar.com
FOR the first time since announcing she is single anew, Kris Aquino opened up about her romance with a doctor.
In an Instagram post Sunday, March 16, Kris shared a few details about her last heartbreak along with her health update. Kris revealed the reasons for her short-lived romance with the doctor, whom she had described in the past as someone who worked in Makati.
“During this time of uncertainty, I choose to share MY PAINFUL TRUTH, the doctor I loved left me because he wanted the freedom to travel, to break free from needing to care for & the reality of KRIS AQUINO who had multiplying autoimmune diseases w/ so few treatment options," Kris wrote. “Enough time has passed: he did not love me. In my defense, he did receive the correct professional fees - even when we were a couple. End of that chapter (never akong natakot umamin ng katotohanan),” she revealed. She also shared his exact words, as published on her Instagram: “The TRUTH, in his words ‘INIWAN KITA DAHIL MAHIRAP KANG MAHALIN, sobrang sikip
Empowered women: Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Bea Alonzo
by leony Garcia Inquirer.net
IT is good to note that the entertainment industry is peopled with empowered women — individuals who possess an unwavering belief in their own capabilities and worth and use their confidence to navigate challenges and advocate for themselves and others.
Top of mind among showbiz personalities are Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, and Bea Alonzo who are not afraid to speak their minds, challenge the status quo, and pursue their ambitions with passion and resilience, and thereby inspire those around them to do the same.
For one, Rivera, whose phenomenal rise to stardom is one for the books, is now known beyond her acting career. Her philanthropic endeavors — notably as Ambassador for Women and Children with Disabilities, along with her role as a devoted wife to fellow actor Dingdong Dantes and mother to Zia and Ziggy — make her a well-respected figure in and out of the Philippine show business.
Over the years, she has also successfully diversified her career and established herself as a savvy businesswoman through endorsements, product collaborations, and launching her own brands.
This demonstrates her keen understanding of the market and her audience. Her business ventures, for sure, contribute to her overall success and showcase her ability to excel in multiple fields. And this further solidifies her status as a significant influencer in the Philippines.
Today, she chooses her projects well, with her highly acclaimed Cinemalaya movie, Balota,” earning multiple nominations from different awarding ceremonies slated this year.
Evangelista, on the other hand, has secured a spot for fashion and modeling in the international scene not only for herself but for the Filipinos.
With her svelte figure and small stature, who would ever think that she could invade Paris, New York, and Milan fashion events?
Over the years, the celebrated endorser has cemented her position as Queen of Collaborations for both local and foreign brands.
A certified social media influencer and philanthropist, she is highly popular as a spokesperson for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and her own campaign for Adopt, Don’t Shop (for fur pets). Given her busy schedule, Evangelista, wife to Sen. Chiz Escudero, finds time to pursue civic work alongside the legislative work of senators as the head of the Senate Spouses Foundation.
Meanwhile, Bea Alonzo is enjoying her life as a single woman — for now. After her failed relationships, including
a broken engagement, Alonzo said it is the first time that she’s enjoying solo and discovering things she can do alone. Of course, her family, especially her mom, has always been on hand to assist her.
When not busy with projects in Manila, Alonzo is hands-on in tending to her farm in Zambales, learning the beauty of going organics and environmentfriendly farming. And while waiting for the cameras to roll for new movies — one to be filmed in Europe and one intended for Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 — she lends her star power to some endorsements and her own bag business. Currently, Alonzo is the brand ambassador for a high-end jewelry brand which she said has a “deep commitment to ethical sourcing and genuine craftsmanship.”
It is easy to see that these women leverage their talents while continuously strive for growth. Overall, they define their own success, prioritize their well-being, and contribute to a world where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. For all women out there, let’s be empowered like Marian, Heart, and Bea. Happy Women’s Month, everyone!
‘Star Wars’ actors starring in PH-set rom-com ‘The Last Resort’
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
ACTORS Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich, best known for their roles in the "Star Wars" franchise, will lead the cast of an upcoming romantic-comedy movie set in the Philippines.
"The Last Resort," directed by Donald Petrie, will see Ridley's character Brooke wanting to prove herself of running her father's hotel empire, media outlet Deadline reports.
Brooke scouts for a new resort location in the Philippines where she meets Ehrenreich's Ben, an expatriate pilot who helps her discover the nation's beauty.
"As love and duty collide, Brooke must choose between the life she's built and the one she's only just begun to love," the synopsis ends.
This will be Petrie's first project in six years since he directed an episode of "Chicago P.D." and his first movie since 2018's "Little Italy" starring Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen, the latter another "Star Wars" alumnus.
Petrie's past romanticcomedies include "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey; "Miss Congeniality" with Sandra Bullock; and "Just My Luck" with Lindsay Lohana and Chris Pine.
He also directed the
"Richie Rich," "My Favorite Martian," and "The Associate," as well as 2004's "Welcome to Mooseport" which was Gene Hackman's final film role before retiring. The movie's script will be penned by Karen McCullah who wrote the adapted screenplays for "10 Things I Hate About You," "Legally Blonde," "Ella Enchanted," and "She's The Man," as well as the scripts of "The House Bunny" and "The Ugly Truth."
McCullah was born in the Philippines as her father had been assigned with the United States Navy to perform counterespionage duties.
Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan will serve as an executive producer on "The Last Resort," alongside Ernesto "Bong" Sta. Maria. Jr. and Raja Collins.
Ridley played Rey in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy and also starred in "Murder on the Orient Express," "Ophelia," "Chaos Walking," "Magpie," "Young Woman and the Sea," and "Cleaner."
Mean while, Ehrenreich portrayed a younger version of Han Solo in "Solo: A Star Wars Story," which he followed up with "Cocaine Bear," "Oppenheimer," and the upcoming Marvel Studios miniseries "Ironheart."
Ruffa Gutierrez’s ex-husband Yilmaz Bektas confirms upcoming visit to PH
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
YILMAZ Bektas confirmed that he is coming to the Philippines soon, days after his exwife Ruffa Gutierrez revealed his desire to visit her in her home country.
Bektas is making headlines after Gutierrez — who is currently dating actor-turned-politician Herbert Bautista — said in an interview that her ex-husband proposed to her again and wanted to visit her in the Philippines.
“He wanted to propose and get married to me again. I thought it was a joke. Gusto niya akong yayain three months ago,” Gutierrez said last March 11. “Sabi ko, ‘Is this a joke?’ [Sabi niya], ‘No, I want to invite you to be on a train with me,’ and magtrain daw kami all over Europe. So, sabi ko, ‘Totoo ba ‘to or baka he’s planning my murder on the plane or train. Sabi niya, ‘I’ll just visit you na lang there [in the Philippines].’” (He wanted to propose and get married to me again. I thought it was a joke. He wanted me to visit him three months ago. I said, “Is this a joke?” He said, “No, I want
to invite you to be on a train with me.” He said we would ride a train all over Europe.” So I said, “Is this real?” or maybe he’s planning my murder on the plane or train. He said, “I’ll just visit you there in the Philippines.”) Days later, Bektas took to a now-expired Instagram Story on Sunday, March 16, to confirm the reports of his upcoming visit. “For public opinion: Regarding the news about me that has been published in the media recently, I would like to say, ‘Yes, these
are true. I will be visiting the Philippines soon,’”
said.
and their marriage was annulled in 2012. They have two children together, Lorin and Venice.
right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Mildred Szarmaine (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Joan (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, and Bea Alonzo File photos
“Star Wars” actors Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich Contributed photos
comedies
Ruffa Gutierrez and Yilmaz Bektas Photos from Instagram/@iloveruffag, @yilmazbkta
news
he
The reasons behind the Turkish businessman’s upcoming visit are yet to be disclosed as of this writing. Despite her earlier revelation, Gutierrez clarified that Bektas is not courting her but that she is nonetheless happy that they’re on better terms. The ex-couple wed in 2003
Fil-Am singer Mikaela Bautista earns golden ticket on ‘American Idol’
by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net
A NEW Filipino American singer is trying her luck in an American singing competition. But, it was a rollercoaster of emotions.
Filipino American singer Mikaela Bautista is on her way to Hollywood Week after earning a coveted golden ticket on American Idol Season 23.
During her Los Angeles audition, Bautista delivered a powerful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love for You” that impressed judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. However, her performance initially failed to win over new judge and country superstar Carrie Underwood.
Underwood further expressed her reservations about the FilAm songstress’ delivery. “I wanted to feel more emotion and connection,” she remarked, explaining her decision to vote “no.” Despite the setback, the two “yes” votes from Bryan and Richie were enough to push her through to the next round. However, the night took an unexpected turn when Bautista’s father joined her on stage for a spontaneous duet of “The Prayer.” Their heartfelt performance resonated deeply with the judges – and even changed Underwood’s mind.
Moved by their emotional harmony, Underwood reversed her earlier decision. “Can I change my judgment? I would like to strike my previous [no]. You have three yesses,” she declared, sealing Bautista’s Hollywood-bound fate. Following the audition, the singer took to Instagram to share her excitement. “Still in shock! I just got the golden ticket to Hollywood! [This is] such an incredible honor!” she wrote, thanking the judges for believing in her potential. In another post, she shared, “And the journey begins!
Beyond thrilled to share this adventure with you all. Don’t miss a beat – keep tuning in to @AmericanIdol on ABC and witness our Hollywood dreams unfold!”
Fans can catch more of Mikaela’s journey on American Idol Season 23, which airs Sundays on ABC and streams on Hulu the following day.
With her golden ticket in hand, the Fil-Am hopeful is ready to take on Hollywood Week, where she will continue to showcase her vocal prowess and fight for a spot in the competition’s next stage.
Iconic OPM artists to perform live at Pechanga Resort Casino
TEMECULA – Pechanga Resort Casino is proud to present an extraordinary evening of classic Original Pilipino Music (OPM) featuring some of the most iconic artists in the genre’s history. On April 11, at 8 p.m., the Pechanga Theater will host the Hit Society US Tour: a once-ina-lifetime concert event starring Nonoy Zuñiga, Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison, Rey Valera, and APO Hiking Society’s Boboy Garrovillo and Jim Paredes.
These legendary performers have helped define OPM since the 1970s and 80s, creating timeless hits that remain beloved by Filipinos worldwide. Their unforgettable songs serve as cherished soundtracks for generations, making this a truly special opportunity for fans to see them together on one stage.
With his smooth vocals and romantic lyrics, balladeer Nonoy Zuniga captivated audiences and cemented his status as an OPM icon. His songs, including “Kumusta Ka,” “Magandang Gabi,” and “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” continue to resonate with fans.
Hajji Alejandro, affectionately known as the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” (College Girls’ Heartthrob), gained popularity for his catchy songs and undeniable charm. Hits like Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Nakapagtataka,” and “Panakip Butas” have become karaoke staples.
Dubbed the “Romantic Balladeer” for his powerful voice and emotive performances, Marco Sison serenaded fans with classics such as “My Love Will See You Through,” “Si Aida, Si Lorna, O Si Fe,” and “Make Believe.”
As a prolific singer-songwriter, Rey Valera is renowned for his soulful, folk-influenced love songs. His enduring contributions to OPM include “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Malayo
Pa Ang Umaga,” and “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako.” Bringing their signature humor, socially relevant lyrics, and memorable hits to the Pechanga stage are Boboy Garrovillo and Jim Paredes, two members of the acclaimed APO Hiking Society. Their songs, such as “Pumapatak ang Ulan,” “Batang-Bata Ka Pa,” and “Panalangin,” have become OPM classics. Tickets for this exceptional show start at $85 and are currently on sale. For complete details on this event at Pechanga Resort Casino and to plan your visit, please go to www.pechanga.com or call 1-888-PECHANGA.
Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted best casino/
resort in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the best casino outside of Las Vegas by Newsweek and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,500 of hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unrivaled anywhere in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Instagram, Facebook and on X @PechangaCasino. (Advertising Supplement)
‘Game of Thrones’ star Iain Glen to join Jericho Rosales in ‘Quezon’
The Scottish actor plays the role of Leonard Wood, erstwhile governor-general of PH
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
IAIN Glen, a Scottish actor best known for his appearances in “Game of Thrones” and the “Resident Evil” film series, has been cast as Leonard Wood in the upcoming film “Quezon.”
Glen’s casting was announced by production company TBA Studios in a press statement on Monday, March 17, where it also shared photos of the thespian engaging in a table reading with his co-stars Jericho Rosales and Benjamin Alves.
“We are very honored to have Iain Glen in ‘Quezon,’” TBA Studios president and COO Daphne Tiu said of Glen. “This film is shaping up to be one of the biggest productions in Philippine cinema, with one of the largest casts ever assembled.”
“We are excited to share with Iain — and the rest of the world — the production scale and level of artistry that Filipino filmmakers are capable of,” she further added.
Leonard Wood was an American Army general who served as the governor-general of the Philippines from 1921 to 1927 and found himself involved in the economic policies and other political matters leading up to the Philippines’ independence. Such was his influence that at least two major roads, in Baguio City and in Zamboanga City, and a public school in Mandaue City
The cast of “Quezon”
were named after him. Glen, meanwhile, played the role of Ser Jorah Mormont in the hit series “Game of Thrones” alongside Sean Bean, Kit Harrington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, and Peter Dinklage, among others. He was spotted upon arrival in Manila sometime in January, but it was not disclosed what project he was working on in the country at the time.
“[Iain Glen] has gravitas. But at the same time, he can let loose, which is important for the role of Leonard Wood,” the film’s director Jerrold Tarog said, noting how his portrayal made Wood “come alive.”
The script reading for “Quezon’s” cast and crew took place earlier this year at the Manila Hotel, with Glen, Rosales, Benjamin Alves, and Mon Confiado in attendance.
Production will begin in March.
“Quezon,” which will be supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Department of Tourism, and QCinema Film Foundation, will air sometime in 2025. It was also stated that FDCP will be funding the film.
Rosales was earlier announced as the lead star of “Quezon,” where he will portray the titular Manuel L. Quezon. Alves will star as the younger version of the character.
Glen took on a number of notable characters through the years, and is best known for starring as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” Dr. Alexander Isaacs or Tyrant in the “Resident Evil” film series, and Sir Richard Carlisle in “Downton Abbey,” to name a few.
Iain Glen (center) during the table reading for “Quezon.”
Photos courtesy of TBA Studios
Mikaela Bautista earns a coveted golden ticket on American Idol Season 23. Photo from Instagram/@mikaelaabautista
Kathryn Bernardo opens up about ‘quarter-life crisis’
by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA star Kathryn Bernardo revealed that she feels
“lost” in her life at the moment.
During the media conference of “Pilipinas Got Talent” early this week where she is among the show’s judges, Kathryn admitted that she’s feeling birthday blues.
“I’m turning 29 in a few days. I’m at the point in my life again wherein I feel so lost. I felt this, I remember, when I gave a message for the thanksgiving party of the ‘Hows of Us,’ this was the same feeling,” she said.
“To be honest, I’m so scared, I’m so lost but I think it’s so brave na every day I show up just like what Donny [Pangilinan] said kanina I show up and I choose to grow and accept all the uncertainties because I don’t know bigla ko lang siya nafeel,” she added.
She, however, said that she must be experiencing quarter-life crisis. “Parang, what’s next for me? Parang I’m feeling all these emotions. Feeling ko, it’s just
brave na tinangap ko ‘yun –– I’m allowing myself to be vulnerable… I have my days and hindi ko na ‘yun tinatago sa mga tao,” she said.
Kathryn also said that she is now moving to her own place and she’s in her transition stage.
“I’d like to call this my transition stage na feeling ko kasi in the next coming years, it’s very very important kasi ‘yun ‘yung magdidictate kung saan ako sa future,” she said.
“It’s my way of getting to know myself more and growing. Yes, I’m scared –– I don’t know what would happen. I don’t know if I could do it, but I’m just very open and I’m here for growth so wish me luck in the coming months,” she added.
“Pilipinas Got Talent” will start airing on March 29 and 30. Kathryn will be joined by Eugene Domingo, Donny Pangilinan, and Freddie FMG Reyes in the judging panel.
Melai Cantiveros and Robi Domingo will host the show.
Andres Muhlach honors mom Charlene Gonzalez with new song, ‘Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko’
by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com
ACTOR Andres Muhlach
reintroduced The Manila Sound to this generation with his rendition of “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko” by the Hotdog band, one of the most groundbreaking artists of their time in the mid-’70s.
Andres is one of the lead actors of the Viva One hit series “Ang Mutya ng Section E,” portraying the character of Mark Keifer Watson. Exploring new ventures in his artistry, he is now delving into the world of music. With his own spin on the beloved classic, he showcases his talent in a way that will surely leave his listeners feeling giddy and smitten.
Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko” was Hotdog’s inaugural hit that paved the way for The Manila Sound movement, which preceded Original Pinoy Music (OPM). Filipino music was not highly favored back then and was dominated by Western music. The movement brought fresh and true music from the Philippines that captured the taste of our countryfolk from all
socio-economic classes. The band, composed of members Rene Garcia and Dennis Garcia, Ella del Rosario, Lorrie Illustre, Ramon Torralba, Jess Garcia, and Roy Diaz de Rivera, created the song during the peak popularity of the Miss Universe pageant. Chief lyricist Dennis Garcia came up with the idea while watching the competition in 1974. He thought about other Filipinas who might find themselves compared to pageant contestants. The song aims to empower self-love and eliminate the concept of standardized beauty.
Andres’ mom, Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach, competed at Miss Universe 1994, held in the Philippines. Andres’ version of “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko” is out now on Spotify, YouTube and other streaming platforms.
Health @Heart Medical alert
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
DO you snore?
Between 25 to 50 percent of adults snore regularly, and occasional snoring is almost universal. If one snores and wakes up tired and feeling sleep-deprived most of the days, it could be Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
The National Sleep Foundation estimates about 20 percent of adults in the United States (at least 6 percent in the Philippines; countless undiagnosed) have OSA. Not all snorers have sleep apnea. OSA is caused by the drooping soft end of the roof of the mouth and the tongue falling back, blocking the airway. This leads to prolonged breathholding, sometimes more than 100 times a night, depriving the body of oxygen. OSA increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and even cancer, because of chronic oxygen deprivation of vital organs during sleep, which is 33 percent of the person’s life. Early diagnosis is essential and confirmed by a Sleep Study conducted by a pulmonologist (lung specialist). A home (DIY) version of the test is now available.
If one tests positive for OSA, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, the golden standard of care for OSA, is the treatment of choice. The various gadgets being advertised, like nose clips or anti-snore mouthpieces and others are a scam, ineffective, a waste of money, and dangerous because they give a false sense of security as the OSA continues anyway.
If you feel sleep-deprived, talk to your physician about Sleep Study. This wise step could change your life.
Microplastic in our brain
A rapidly evolving area of science is exploring the link between microplastics and health, particularly focusing on brain health, reports the journal Brain Medicine . The brain harbors 7 to 30 times more plastic particles than other organs. Plastic slowly breaks down
into ever-smaller fragments and does not biodegrade, ever. Plastic wraps and packaging, bottles, containers, dinner plates, cups, etc., eventually become microscopic debris, called microplastics, which all animals on earth swallow or breathe in.
“Emissions of microplastics to the environment are estimated to be between 10 and 40 million tonnes per year, and under business-asusual scenarios, this amount could double by 2040.”
Experts are worried these microplastics in the blood might have adverse effects on our brain and other organs, on fertility and on our gut microbiome. “People who died in 2024 had, on average, 50 percent more microplastics in their brain than those who expired in 2016.”
Avoiding them is impossible but some science-based means to reduce exposure include switching from bottled water to 5-stage filtered tap water, which could reduce the intake of microplastics from 90,000 each year to 4,000. Bottled water was the second greatest source, the first being the air we breathe in, and seafood, the third. These 3 account for the large majority of the sources of microplastic in our body.
Boiling tap water and pouring it through coffee filters could remove up to 90 percent of the microplastics. Drinking boiled water is a time-honored Chinese tradition since the Zhou dynasty 2,500 years ago.
A teabag in hot water releases well over 14 billion microplastics into the final drink. Switching to loose-leaf teas and a good old-fashioned tea-strainer would be safer.
Our greatest exposure happens at home. Anything made of nylon or polyester, clothes, saran wrap, curtains, carpets, furniture, pet toys, cushions. styrofoam, etc. shed microplastics all the time. Sweeping and vacuuming often and installing a microfiber-catching filter to laundry machines and dryers, and using natural fibers instead of synthetics for rugs, curtains, etc. will greatly reduce exposure. Never heat or microwave foods in plastic containers or plates. Do not
use plastic packaging, even in the refrigerator/freezer, utensils, straws, pans, and using glass, wood, cotton, bamboo, instead. Cosmetic products and microbeads contain plastic chemicals, like phthalates.
Plastic bags and straws are now being replaced by paper bags and straws. In many cities in the Philippines, this practice is mandated by ordinances.
Medical science is still studying the health effects of microplastics in our body. The verdict is still out there. It will take decades, perhaps half a century or more, for the earth to be plastic-free, if ever, or if at all. In the meantime, let’s be smart and prudent.
AI ‘hallucinations’ Artificial Intelligence “hallucinates,” an ability to sometimes generate alternative realities, resulting in meaningless, perceive patterns or objects that are non-existent or imperceptible to human observers, or entirely inaccurate results or wrong information. The incidence of “hallucinations” is between 3 to 27 percent.
Some incidents include “an AI system incorrectly flagging benign nodule as malignant in 12 percent of cases, leading to unnecessary surgeries.”
The AI hallucination was also reported fabricating entire patient summaries, including non-existent symptoms and treatments, or mistakenly identified false drug interactions, making clinicians avoid effective drug combinations unnecessarily.” This AI error can cause misdiagnosis and wrong treatment. In view of this, reliance on AI in medicine is being treated with extreme care with tight human (physician) oversight.
AI hallucination is not all bad. AI-generated unrealities are helping advance scientific research, from cancer tracking to drug development, designing medical devices, and studying weather patterns, and could contribute to future Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in medicine.
God has created the best computer: the human brain, unequalled to this day! u PAGE B5
The E Visa classification as an Immigration option for foreign investors
FOREIGNERS that have either a business in their home country or have the capital or can raise the capital to establish a business in the US, there is an option for obtaining long term status in the US that confers a lot of privileges to the applicant.
This is either through the E-1 “treaty traders” or the E-2 “treaty investors.” Both classifications required that 1) the alien seeking E status is a national of a country with an appropriate treaty; 2) the US business to employ the alien is owned at least 50% by nationals of the same country as the E alien; 3) the trade or investment by the treaty nationals is “substantial”; and 4) the alien seeking E status either is an actual investor in the U.S. business, has an executive or supervisory position in the US business, or possesses skills essential to the U.S. business.
The major distinction between the two is that under the E-1, the US business must conduct “substantial trade” with and for which over 50% of the substantial trade conducted with the treaty country. On the other hand, the E-2 requires “substantial investment” in the U.S. business.
The E classification offers several advantages over other employment based nonimmigrant classifications such as the H-1b and the L-1. First, no prior preapproved petition is required from the CIS. The immigrant may apply directly with the U.S. Consulate.
Second, there is no time limit an alien may stay in the U.S. under an E classification.
Third, there is no required affiliation with a foreign company if the U.S. business is owned by at least 50% by nationals of the alien’s treaty country. Fourth, there is no requirement that the alien worked with a foreign affiliate.
Fifth, the Alien’s dependent Spouse may legally work in the United States. The major disadvantage of the E is that either substantial investment or substantial trade with the treaty country is required. Also, this is not an option is the alien’s country does not have a treaty with the United States.
Alien investors can come to the U.S. on a B-1 to evaluate business and investment opportunities. For more conservative investors, a safer option for maximizing success from both an immigration angle and a business angle is to purchase an existing business. Purchasing an existing and profitable business is more likely to satisfy the “substantial investment” requirement.
Preparing an E case requires the presenting of legal and financial documents which reflects the ownership structure of the business as
well as its financial condition. In the case of a new business, a well-put-together business plan should be prepared. It may be necessary to employ the services of other experts such as a CPA in addition to the immigration attorney. Due to the complexity of the E classification, aliens should seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney.
* * *
Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation.
* * *
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Medical alert...
* * * 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.
Alfredo Marzan Serrano, 93
ALFREDO Marzan Serrano passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born on January 31, 1932, in Naguilian, La Union, Philippines, to Rufino and Sofia Serrano.
As a child, Alfredo lived through the hardships of World War II, witnessing the turmoil of the Battle of Manila firsthand — an experience that shaped his resilience and strength.
He pursued his studies in forestry at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, aspiring to become a ranger. However, life had other plans. After working in the Philippines for several years, he eventually moved to the United States, where he built a new life. In 1981, he married the love of his life, Remedios Oriel, and together they settled in Silicon Valley. Alfredo worked as a semiconductor machine operator for Raytheon, dedicating himself to his career until his retirement in 1997. In time, he and Remedios welcomed their beloved son, Mark, into their lives.
Alfredo was a man of deep generosity and unwavering
selflessness. Hardworking and resourceful, he always sought ways to earn extra money — not for himself, but to help others.
His greatest joy came from giving, constantly thinking of ways to enrich the lives of those around him.
Beyond his work and family, Alfredo had a passion for plants.
A gifted gardener, he cultivated a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, often sharing his harvest as thoughtful gifts to those he cared about. He had a special love for orchids, tending to them with patience and devotion. Alfredo is survived by his loving wife, his son, his cherished grandchildren and his dear sister. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will always be remembered.
Eraserheads reuniting anew after documentary ‘Combo On The Run’
by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com
THE iconic Filipino band Eraserheads will reunite again in the upcoming “Eraserheads: Electric Fun Music Festival” at the end of May.
The event will take place on May 31 in Pasay City’s SMDC Festival Grounds. Other details remain under wraps, though early bird tickets will go on sale exclusively via PalawanPay starting March 24.
* * * 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 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.
The band also teased a new song in the credits of their recent docu-film “Combo On The Run,” sparking speculation about an upcoming release in the future.
If confirmed, this would mark the Eraserheads’ first new material in over a decade, following “ Sabado ” and “1995” (both from 2014), which were later reissued on limited-edition vinyls with exclusive remixes in 2021.
“Eraserheads: Combo On
The Run” will be screening in over 150 cinemas nationwide. It has already received glowing reviews from early previews.
Directed by Diane Ventura, the docu-film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential bands in Original Pilipino Music history. The band will be making live, surprise performances at an undisclosed cinema during the documentary’s limited theatrical run, from March 21 to 23, 2025.
Fans will also be able to catch them at the launch of “Rolling Stone Philippines LIVE!” on March 21 as one of the three covers of the magazine’s maiden issue
Formed
Zabala,
MARCH is the Women’s Month.
I will feature women from all walks of life. I asked female respondents (1st batch): What is the significant role of women in our society?
Their replies are as follows:
Singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino, Philippines’ Pop Rock Royalty and one of the biggest hitmakers in the Philippine music industry: “Women in music bring so much more than just our talent – we bring diverse perspectives, emotion and creativity. Women have been instrumental in shaping genres and pushing boundaries. We’ve brought unique experiences to our work, enriching the music world with our diverse voices.”
Noted writer-editor Margie T. Logarta: “Like in our homes, they make excellent managers and provide a listening ear even when facing challenges of their own.”
Oregon-based Megan Acelar, an alumna of Washington State University, who loves her mother Paula Powers, the strongest, kindest and biggest person who will ever be in your corner: “Our roles are diverse, essential, and necessary for all communities worldwide.”
Vallejo City-based nurse
Anna Toribio Isip, a product of Western Governors University in Utah: “Women by nature have a nurturing, caring, compassionate, protective, prayerful and
Singer Yeng Constantino’s view of women in music
supportive character. Mothers, wives, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and girlfriends are the backbone of a family unit. Women play a very significant role in society. When there is no father or men in the family unit, women step up to the plate and take on two roles, a father and mother, dual role. I salute all women!”
Quezon City resident Regina Benitez, a University of the Philippines Diliman alumna: “Women are the catalysts in our society.”
Former Solid Gold Dancers member Ma. Bella Bonito Bautista: “The role of women is to obey God’s direction, to rear children with fear and obedience to all God’s order to be a good person.”
Vallejo City-based April Joy Samantha Ayson, a UP alumna: “As a newly born-again Christian, my relationship with the Lord has helped me realize the true role of women in society. As a mother to a toddler, I now understand that being a ‘good mother’ isn’t just about ensuring my child excels in school. It is about teaching them morals, guiding them toward righteousness, and, most importantly, helping them build a personal relationship with Jesus. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ When we raise children with strong values, we help build a better society — one that is guided by honesty, compassion, and responsibility. Women play a crucial role in shaping society through their
faith, love, and commitment to raising godly children. By nurturing and guiding the next generation, women contribute to a strong moral foundation that benefits everyone. Our role is not just to care for children but to prepare them to be positive influences in the world, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”
Former overseas Filipino worker Teresita Santos, who was married to Reynaldo Santos (a relative of the late Las Pinas City Mayor Filemon Aguilar): “Women have many roles in our society that men could not be able to do. One of these roles is being a mother to give what the children and husband need. Women are flexible especially during these hard times because we can do tasks or professional works that they say are only for men. We need to earn an income for our family.”
* * *
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump said during the Be Best Roundtable on A. I. and Deepfakes: “I am here with you today with a common goal – to protect our youth from online harm. The widespread presence of abusive behavior in the digital domain affects the daily lives of our children, families, and communities.”
* * * 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
April Joy Samantha Ayson with her family.
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump (3rd from left) during the recent Be Best Roundtable on A. I. and Deepfakes.
Megan Acelar (right) with her mom Paula Powers.
Nurse Anna Toribio-Isip
Former Solid Gold Dancers member Ma. Bella Benito Bautista
Former OFW Teresita Santos with her favorite pet.
Regina Benitez with her brother Atty. Bienvenido Benitez, administrator of Parole and Probation Administration.
Singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina
Writer-editor Margie T. Logarta
‘KimPau’ and ‘BarDa’ among partial winners of 38th Star Awards for TV
THE Philippine Movie Press Club unveiled its partial list of winners for the 38th PMPC Star Awards for Television, celebrating the most outstanding television programs and personalities of 2024.
This year’s awards will pay homage to industry legend Gloria Romero, who will receive a posthumous honor as one of the Icons of Philippine Television, in recognition of her unparalleled contributions and lasting legacy.
Meanwhile, Janice de Belen, known for her versatility and memorable work as both an actress and host, will be presented with the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award. Julius Babao, a veteran journalist admired for his fearless investigative reporting, will receive the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award.
Additionally, the PMPC Hall of Fame will welcome the acclaimed investigative program “I-Witness” of GMA.
Adding more excitement, the German Moreno Power Tandem Award will be given to Barbie Forteza and David Licauco (for “Pulang Araw”) and Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino (for “Linlang”), celebrating their undeniable on-screen chemistry and massive influence on Philippine pop culture.
Meanwhile, among the winning programs that will be recognized on award’s night are “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” (Best Primetime TV Series), Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap” (Best Daytime Drama Series), “Magpakailanman” (Best Drama Anthology), “Walang Matigas Na Pulis Sa Matinik Na Misis” (Best Mini Series), “Pepito Manaloto (Tuloy ang Kuwento)” (Best Comedy Show), “It’s Showtime” (Best Variety Show), “Agenda” (Best News Program), “My Mother, My Story” (Best Celebrity Talk Show), “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (Best Magazine Show) and “The Atom Araullo Specials” (Best Documentary Program), just to name a few.
The grand awards night will take place at the Dolphy Theater on March 23,(Sunday) at 7 p.m., hosted by the star-studded trio of Alden Richards, Kim Chiu, and Piolo Pascual. Viewers can look forward to electrifying performances, including an explosive opening number by Julie Anne San Jose, Christian Bautista, Kai Montinola, and Jarren Garcia. A heartwarming tribute to Romero will be led by ‘Concert King’ Martin Nievera, while top balladeer Jed Madela and the “Eat Bulaga” Singing Queens will take the stage for a spectacular closing performance.
INSTAGRAM/SPARKLEGMAARTISTCENTER
The anticipation continues to build as the seven mostawaited major awards — Best TV Station, Best Drama Actress, Best Drama Actor, Best Supporting Drama Actress, Best Supporting Drama Actor, Best Male TV Host, and Best Female TV Host — will be revealed live during the ceremony. The 38th PMPC Star Awards for Television will have a delayed telecast on A2Z on April 25 (Saturday) at 10:30 p.m. (ManilaTimes.net)
How Rico Blanco’s songs were brought to life in ‘Liwanag sa Dilim’ musical
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
ONE of the challenges in mounting the jukebox musical “Liwanag sa Dilim” was selecting which songs of Rico Blanco — whose music became a beloved fixture by many generations — would perfectly suit the message its storyline was trying to convey.
According to the show’s writer and director, Robbie Guevara, the musical was written in 2018 and set for a March 2020 production.
“A lot of things happened after. And then, ‘Liwanag sa Dilim’ was used in the 2022 elections,” he recalled during a press preview. This led to Guevara revising its storyline until it felt right to kick off.
“When we decided to redo and finally produce the musical, we revisited how to make it more [fitting to the times] because a lot has changed in the past five years after the initial intended [production] date,” Guevara explained.
“When we decided to redo and finally produce the musical, we revisited how to make it more [fitting to the times] because a lot has changed in the past five years after the initial intended [production] date,” Guevara explained.
The musical features 40 of Blanco’s songs including “Kisapmata,” “You’ll Be Safe Here,” “Elesi,” “Umaaraw, Umuulan,” “214,” “Himala” and Ulan,” to name a few. Guevara intended the musical to focus on songs the singer-songwriter did during his Rivermaya days.
“The process where I studied each song, standard ‘yun. You have to segregate what this song is about and how can we reinterpret this song,” he said. “And for me, I wrote it down. I outlined it and I segregated which songs can be fast production numbers and which [ones] can be ballads, which one can be transformed into ballads like ‘Kisapmata.’”
(The process where I studied each song is a standard. You have to segregate what this song is about and how we can reinterpret this song. And for me, I wrote it down. I outlined and segregated which songs can be used for fast production numbers, which can be used as ballads, and which can be transformed into ballads like
“Kisapmata.”) Deciding which songs to use for the musical involved backand-forth between the musical’s creators and Blanco, noting the latter had a “priority of which songs to use and not to use.” The singer-songwriter wasn’t strict with the decisions of the musical in terms of creative liberty, although he was “strict with the notes.”
“What I really wanted to do was to just limit it to the songs he wrote during his Rivermaya days. And he had several hits,” Guevera said of Blanco. “He’s more strict with the notes. For some reason, even his choice of notes is personal to him.”
Also considered in the creative process was weighing the political landscape of 2018 and 2025 while making sure that its message resonates with the Gen-Z and younger millennial audience.
“Going back to the political flavor, lines were drastically
different from 2018 to now, and that influenced me and the voice I wanted to be heard regarding that issue. [Since we began production], the Gen-Z and younger millennials have a preference for how they view entertainment which we have to be open to,” Guevara said, sharing that they sought the help of younger staff to help them throughout the creative process.
“They’re the future audiences and to service that, [they asked the help of younger staff].”
Also part of the cast are
Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino
Photo from Instagram/@starcinema
Barbie Forteza and David Licauco PHOTO FROM
A scene from “Liwanag sa Dilim.” Photo by Geri Reyes of 9 Works Theatrical
The cast of the musical “Liwanag sa Dilim” based on the music of Rico Blanco.
Photo byHannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Neomi Gonzales, Rita Daniela, Arnel Carrion, Boo Gabunada, Jon Abella, Raul Montesa, Denzel Chang, Lucylle Tan, Derrick Gozos, Mark Tayag, Iya Villanueva, Paji Arce, Chez Cuenca, Rica Laguardia, Jasper John Jimenez, Lani Ligot and Brianna Bunagan. The musical runs until April 13 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati.
