041924 - New York & New Jersey Edition

Fil-Am community leaders applaud ‘ironclad’ US-PH alliance

LOS ANGELES – Filipino American community leaders thanked Pres. Joe Biden for “reaffirming the ironclad alliance” between the United States and the Philippines at the recently concluded trilateral summit at the White House. Biden hosted the first ever trilateral meeting between the U.S., Philippines and Japan, welcoming Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the White House on April 11. “We are very pleased the summit goals were realized in advancing a trilateral partnership that is built on friendship, win-

Biggest drug haul, but no one died – Marcos

MANILA — The recovery of P13.3 billion worth of shabu in Batangas, considered to be the country’s biggest drug haul in a single police operation so far, indicated that the government’s “bloodless” campaign against illegal drugs is working, President Marcos said on Tuesday, April 16.

Marcos made the statement following the seizure of two tons of shabu at a police

Pres. Marcos hits ‘secret deal’ anew: ‘I’m rescinding it’

by KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING, MELVIN GASCON Inquirer.net

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was rescinding any supposed “gentleman’s agreement” that his

predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, made with China involving the conflicting territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.

Despite this, leaders of the House of Representatives said they would “consider calls” to start an inquiry into that verbal pact

Romualdez, House colleagues say summit with US, Japan a big win for the Philippines

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — The recentlyconcluded trilateral summit between the Philippines, United States, and Japan is a big win secured by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R.

Marcos Jr for the country, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers said.

In a statement, Romualdez said that the clear-cut collaboration between the

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between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping once Congress resumes its regular sessions on April 29.

On April 11, Duterte and the Chinese government separately admitted that he

Philippines, United States eye more joint patrols in South China Sea

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA — The United States and the Philippines discussed increasing the frequency of combined maritime activities and joint patrols to support the Philippines’ lawful exercise of its rights in the South China Sea, the U.S. Department of Defense said.

A readout of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III’s meeting with President Marcos said they discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral planning and operational cooperation.

Marcos and Austin also agreed to accelerate a number of bilateral initiatives to enhance information-sharing, interoperability and

Peso breaches 57:$1

by KEISHA TA-ASAN Philstar.com

MANILA — The peso closed at 57 against the dollar on Tuesday, April 16, after shedding 19.2 centavos from Monday’s 56.808 finish, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

The local currency opened weaker at 56.85 and lost steam to hit an intraday low of 57. The peso’s intraday high was at 56.85.

Trading volume fell by 30.8 percent to $1.1 billion on Tuesday from $1.59 billion on Monday.

It was the peso’s weakest close in nearly 17 months, or since its 57.375 to $1 finish on Nov. 22, 2022.

The peso last crossed the 57 to $1 level on Sept. 6, 2022.

ING Bank senior economist Nicholas Mapa said a broad dollar strength swept through currencies

HARVEST UNDER THE HEAT. Urban farmers in Barangay Krus na Ligas in Quezon City harvest their crops despite the extreme heat on Wednesday, April 17. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote

MANILA —

In what was seen as a subtle dig at his predecessor’s bloody war on drugs, President Marcos inspects P13.3 billion worth of shabu, which he said was the largest drug haul in years that was conducted without anybody being killed, in Alitagtag, Batangas on Tuesday, April 16. Looking on is Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos. Photo by Krizjohn Rosales

Pres. Marcos hits ‘secret deal’...

had made a “gentleman’s agreement” not to repair and reinforce the dilapidated World War II-era warship BRP Sierra Madre, which has been serving as a Philippine military outpost at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, off Palawan province, since it was grounded there in 1999.

But President Marcos, during a questionand-answer session at the 50th anniversary of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Monday, said his administration was not bound by such a deal, as no document had ever been issued to make it legal and binding.

“I’ve said that before, when this first came up a few months ago… It turns out the Chinese are insisting that there is a secret agreement, and perhaps there is, and I said, I don’t know anything about the secret agreement. Should there be such a secret agreement, I am now rescinding it,” he said.

Marcos made the assertion amid the insistence of China on the existence of a supposed agreement, but the details of which were never disclosed or clarified by either party on both ends of the deal.

“Is there a document that is signed? I’d love to see it. It does not affect the Philippines,” Marcos said. “So, I’ve rescinded it, if indeed it exists.”

On Aug. 7 last year, the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the Philippines made a promise “years ago” to remove Sierra Madre from Ayungin. The ministry also said that the Philippines “must not send construction materials meant for repairing and reinforcing the ‘grounded’ military vessel on a large scale.”

China has become increasingly aggressive in the West Philippine Sea, especially whenever the Philippine Coast Guard leads rotation and resupply missions to Ayungin.

The Chinese embassy to the Philippines later revealed that they resorted to such tactics because it was irked that the Marcos administration did not adhere to the agreement.

Cautious

President Marcos said he had been cautious about giving public pronouncements on the issue because of the supposed lack of clarity surrounding it.

“It has always been vague—we are so far from getting to the truth… ,” Marcos said.

Duterte earlier said the agreement with China was aimed at preventing an armed confrontation between Filipinos and Chinese over their maritime dispute in the South China Sea. The former president described the deal as a “status quo” agreement where only food and water were allowed to be brought to troops stationed at Sierra Madre.

Marcos declined to speculate on the supposed liability of Duterte if indeed he entered into a covert deal with China, as he was dismayed at how former officials had been giving varying versions of the issue.

“We still have to find out what [the agreement] is all about. I’ve talked to… former officials of the previous administration who could have possibly been involved in this discussion, and, I have to tell you—I haven’t gotten a straight answer out of anyone,” he said.

“One party says there’s no agreement; another says ‘there was talk but it’s only

status quo.’ The other one, will say, ‘there was an agreement,’” Marcos said.

The president said the insistence of China to assert its supposed stake on the deal had led him to believe the existence of the “secret” agreement.

“I do not think the Chinese government—I don’t think Beijing—will just make up, just out of nowhere say, ‘there was a secret agreement,’ when there was no such thing,” he said.

But he also wondered what were the terms of the deal, and what the Philippine side had agreed to compromise. “Why is there not one shred of evidence that can show that this agreement exists?” he said.

Marcos said he was also puzzled that no one from the Duterte administration had informed him about such deal involving the West Philippine Sea.

“I hear one thing, and another thing, and another thing, and another thing, it’s all full of ‘palusot’ (excuses), in other words. I don’t know how to translate that in English,” he said.

House probe

According to House Majority Leader and Zamboanga Rep. Jose Manuel Dalipe, the planned inquiry at the lower chamber is “aimed at guaranteeing transparency and protecting national interests… [as] protecting our national territory and marine resources are of utmost importance.”

Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun said this was also driven by “mounting demand for clarity” over the agreement.

ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro has called on Congress to investigate the details of the agreement and find out if it can be considered an act of treason.

Last week, Khonghun, whose province covers a section of the West Philippine Sea, also started calling for an investigation as this was “not just about conflicting narratives; it’s about upholding integrity and accountability.”

“We cannot allow uncertainty to cloud our national interests. The Filipino people deserve clarity and honesty from our leaders,” he added.

‘Constitutionally void’

House Deputy Majority Leader and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II maintained that whatever pact was made would have been “constitutionally void” as this would be “tantamount to the surrender of our country’s sovereign rights over our exclusive economic zone.”

“Such an agreement will be equivalent to a new national policy, which must be enshrined in a treaty to be submitted to the Senate for ratification before it can take effect,” added Gonzales, who is chair of the House special committee on the West Philippine Sea.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Tuesday, April 16 said the Philippines should have a “unified stand” in tackling the West Philippine Sea issue as he lamented that even some government officials were parroting China’s propaganda.

“Unfortunately, and I would say this with all humility, it’s sad that Filipinos have been issuing conflicting remarks. It’s like we don’t have a baseline truth,” Villanueva said at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum.

Philippines, United States eye more...

capability enhancements for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

They applauded the April 7 maritime cooperative activity within the Philippine exclusive economic zone with Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S., an example of the ways the two countries are working more closely with like-minded nations to strengthen shared principles, including the rule of law, freedom of the seas, and respect for territorial sovereignty.

Austin reaffirmed U.S. support of the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and he reiterated that the U.S.Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries’ armed forces, public vessels and aircraft –including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

“The leaders’ meeting –their second at the Pentagon in less than a year –

reaffirmed the United States and the Philippines’ enduring commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” the statement read.

Austin hosted Marcos at the Pentagon on April 12.

The secretary and Marcos underscored the historic strength of the U.S.Philippines alliance, which both countries are expanding and modernizing in support of a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Both expressed support for growing alliance initiatives to expand interoperability.

The U.S. defense chief highlighted that President Joseph Biden’s budget request for fiscal year 2025 – which seeks $128 million to execute 36 projects at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites – would be more than double the amount that the Department of Defense has invested in EDCA infrastructure since the

inception of the agreement. Austin expressed his support for Philippine military modernization, highlighting the department’s strong commitment to the AFP through this year’s budget and bilateral efforts to finalize a multi-year Security Sector Assistance Roadmap.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and National Security Advisor Eduardo Año also participated in the meeting between Austin and Marcos.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Austin and Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and their Philippine counterparts met following Biden’s bilateral meeting with Marcos and the first JapanPhilippines-U.S. Trilateral Leaders’ Summit on April 11. They reaffirmed both countries’ shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and discussed ways to deepen coordination against shared challenges in the South China Sea. g

Peso breaches 57:$1...

in Asia as U.S. treasury yields spiked overnight.

“Yields charged higher as stronger-than-

expected U.S. data and the prospects of higher oil prices forced a majority to rethink the U.S. Federal Reserve outlook for rate cuts,” Mapa said. g

Romualdez, House colleagues say...

three countries on economic progress, increasing defense capabilities, and maritime security would ensure that the Philippines is ready for whatever regional challenges it may face.

“On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Marcos Jr. for his remarkable achievement in securing a monumental diplomatic victory through the recent historic trilateral meeting with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida,” Romualdez said on Sunday, April 14.

“The collaboration and dialogue fostered during this meeting pave the way for enhanced cooperation in addressing regional challenges, particularly in promoting maritime security, safeguarding our territorial integrity and improving the lives of the

Filipino people,” he added.

Romualdez also reiterated that the meeting stresses the need for a rules-based order and a free and open IndoPacific Region.

“This historic meeting signifies a strong and united commitment of the three nations to upholding the

principles of international law and ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight in the region which are vital in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

“As speaker of the House of Representatives,

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted on Thursday, April 11 the importance of the historic trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the U.S. and Japan amid challenges to international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Malacañang photo

Biggest drug haul, but no one died...

checkpoint in Alitagtag town on Monday morning, April 15.

Marcos on Tuesday joined officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, led by Secretary Benhur Abalos, in inspecting the drug haul in Alitagtag town.

Marcos said the arresting officers were able to capture a suspect without resorting to violence.

“This is the biggest shipment of shabu that we have seized. But not one person died. No one died, no one was shot, no one was hurt,” Marcos said.

“That’s (a bloodless) approach to the drug war. What’s important is we stop the shipment of drugs here in the Philippines,” he said.

Authorities are tracking down the source of the illegal drugs, Marcos said, noting the seized substance was not manufactured locally.

The illegal drugs were loaded in a passenger van that police pulled over at a checkpoint in Barangay Pinagkrusan.

The van driver was arrested and will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Marcos said a test conducted on the confiscated drugs by the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed the illegal substance was of “very high quality,” or

has “very high potency.”

The president assured the public that his administration would keep running after illegal drug syndicates, including the powerful ones or those connected with the government or politicians.

“The only way to get that is to continue to prosecute the drug war and … well within the law… so the cases can be filed and the syndicates can be identified. The guilty parties can be arrested and eventually imprisoned. And that is the point of this… of what we are doing. That’s the only way to approach it,” he said.

The Marcos administration’s approach to the drug menace is a complete shift from the one taken by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte under the controversial “Oplan Tokhang.”

Marcos said his government has changed the concept of the antidrug campaign, focusing on preventing the use of banned substances and rehabilitating drug addicts.

He said the government would expand its illegal drug program by working closely with the Interpol or international police as well as with intelligence and drug agencies around the world, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “It’s the most successful approach to the drug war, so far, so why change it? We won’t

change it, we’ll continue to do what we are doing. I cannot explain to you every detail of what we are doing, but we will continue to do what we are doing,” Marcos said

The recent drug haul surpassed the previous 1,589 teabags of shabu valued at P11 billion that were seized in Infanta, Quezon in March 2022.

‘End drug war’

New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the Batangas drug haul was proof that the government could go after the illegal drug trade without resorting to violence “if authorities really do their job and follow due process.”

“The challenge now is for President Marcos to do the right thing: equivocally declare an end to the violent drug war, and rescind all Duterte-era orders that operationalized the ‘drug war,’” Carlos Conde, senior researcher at HRW’s Asia Division, said.

Conde said the government should also institutionalize harm reduction as a strategy in dealing with illegal drugs.

“Harm reduction puts premium on the rights of people who use drugs. Drug use is a public health issue. It’s time for Mr. Marcos to walk the talk on drug policy reform,” he added.

He expressed hope the drug summit announced by the Department of Justice would lead to “meaningful

Pres. Marcos hits ‘secret deal’...

He reiterated that there should be no debate over the country’s ownership of Ayungin and Panatag (Scarborough)

shoals.

The issue, he said, had already been settled when the Philippines secured a landmark arbitral court victory in 2016

drug policy reforming, starting with abandoning the Duterte-style drug war.”

Records on the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign from July 2022 to December 2023 showed there were 36,803 operations conducted, which resulted in the arrest of 49,700 drug suspects, 3,284 of them were considered high value targets.

The government had filed 47,516 cases of anti-drug violation, 28,302 of which were resolved and 22,201 or 78.44 percent resulted in conviction.

Up to 2,427 or 8.58 percent resulted in dismissal, and 3,674 or 12.98 percent in acquittal.

At least 314,917 drug dependents participated in a community-based drug rehabilitation program while the 105 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers have produced 1,854 graduates.

Data showed 28,243 or 67.24 percent of barangays nationwide have been declared drug-free.

Duterte has been accused by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of committing crimes against humanity in connection with drug-related extrajudicial killings.

Over 6,000 drug suspects were killed under the Duterte drug war, according to government data. — Janvic Mateo, Ed Amoroso, Neil Jayson Servallos (Helen Flores/Philstar.com)

Fil-Am community...

win economic relations and the commitment to human rights and democratic values with a shared vision for a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific region,” said the U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance (USFGG) and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) in a joint statement.

“We thank President Biden for his tireless leadership and reaffirming the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Philippines.”

The statement was signed by USFGG National Chair Loida Nicolas Lewis, NaFFAA President Mariela Fletcher, NaFFAA Northeast Region Chair Frank Celosa, USFGG Coordinator Eric Lachica, USFGG Chair Jet Pizarro, USFGG Treasurer Tina Maynigo and USFGG members Apollo Inserto and Dr. Bambi Lorica.

The Fil-Am leaders said they welcome the joint maritime patrols by the U.S., Philippines, Japan and Australia in the West Philippine Sea.

“The monthlong Balikatan military exercises of 11,000 visiting American troops and 5,000 Filipino soldiers starting on April 22 will further deter the Chinese government from unwise aggressive actions,” the statement said.

The leaders also applauded the Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act (PERA Act), a bipartisan bill introduced by two prominent senators to provide the Philippines with $2.5 billion to boost its defenses against increased aggression by China in the West Philippine Sea.

Sponsored by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), the bill authorizes $500 million a year in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance to the Philippines over the five fiscal years to 2029.

that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.  with reports from Marlon Ramos and Inquirer Research g

Romualdez, House colleagues say...

I reaffirm our unwavering support for the president’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” he added.

During the trilateral meet between the three countries, U.S. and Japan committed to assisting the Philippines in the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor, and to the linking of major hubs in the island group. Both countries also vowed to help in the field trials of a next-generation internet system.

Part of the discussions also focused on maintaining maritime security in the West Philippine Sea, with all three countries condemning China’s aggressive actions in the region —

asking the Asian superpower to stop using its Coast Guard in a coercive manner.

No less than President Biden assured Filipinos that any attack on a Philippine aircraft, vessel, or armed force will trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Other majority lawmakers like Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, Taguig 2nd District Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora, and PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles called the trilateral agreement a success for the Philippines.

“The summit underscored the importance of multi-layered

collaboration among allies to strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law amid the various crises in the world right now,” Almario said.

“We look forward to significant progress in our bilateral and trilateral cooperation, including the conclusion of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan,” Zamora added.

La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun said that the meeting bodes well for the country.

“This cooperation guarantees the commitment of each of the three countries to ensure freedom of navigation on the western side of the Philippines,” Khonghun said. g

“As the United States and the Philippines face growing challenges to security and prosperity in the West Philippines Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific, it’s critical for our two nations to deepen cooperation and raise our decades-long alliance to even greater heights,” Sen. Hagerty said in a statement.

Social costs

However, the Fil-Am leaders have raised concerns over the “social costs” of increasing the number of U.S. bases and American troops in the Philippines under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“We reiterate our call for the Biden Administration and the Pentagon to consider the rights and welfare of the children who are likely to be abandoned by their American military fathers,” the USFGG and NaFFAA leaders said. “They should be provided for in the EDCA terms of engagement.”

Meanwhile, Fil-Am activists held rallies throughout the U.S. assailing the trilateral meeting at the White House.

Holding a “national day of action” on April 11, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-U.S. held rallies in Washington DC, Portland, Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Joining the rallies were members of the Malaya Movement, International League of People’s Struggles and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines.

“The Biden Administration had once again invited Marcos to the White House to continue to deepen its stronghold over the Philippines under the guise of ‘ironclad alliances,’” Anakbayan USA said in a statement. (Nimfa U. Rueda/ Inquirer.net)

OFFICIAL VISIT. New Zealand flags are seen next to Philippine flags at Ayala Bridge in Manila on Monday, April 15 in preparation for the visit this week of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Manila is part of Luxon’s three-nation Southeast Asia tour which includes Singapore and Thailand. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

FEATURES OPINION Taxes and governance

Individuals pay income tax while businessmen pay corporate, business and local taxes. Aside from these, there are hefty excise taxes on all petroleum products, liquor and tobacco, automobiles, luxury goods and mineral products as well as value-added tax on nearly all goods and services, from food and medicine to basic utilities. Look at the fine print on your utility bills to see how much goes to the government. A road tax is collected for motor vehicle registration even as many areas including Greater Manila are dotted with privately operated toll roads. With taxes collected for goods and services from cradle to grave, people must demand good governance and the proper utilization of public funds. Too many Filipinos, however, are unaware of how much of their basic expenses go to the government. This leads to a high tolerance or indifference to the

Editorial

misuse of people’s money, venality and incompetence in government.

If there is greater awareness of how much people are contributing to the national coffers, there would be greater public pressure for accountability and transparency in the way public funds are utilized. There would be greater outrage over large-scale tax evasion as well as confidential funds for civilian agencies with no involvement in public safety or national security. There would be greater pressure for government officials, especially those at the top levels, to make public their annual statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, as stipulated in the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, regardless of the prohibitions imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Amid tensions with China in the West

IT’S tax filing month, and the government as usual launched a campaign to inform the public about meeting the deadline for filing tax returns. It would be better if a campaign can also be implemented to raise public awareness not only of the civic duty of paying the correct taxes, but also the responsibility of public officials in utilizing Babe’s Eye View

THE two-day trip of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, D.C. was well worth it because of its historic impact in advancing efforts to promote a peaceful, open, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific region that

Philippine Sea, the National Security Council and the Philippine Coast Guard are reportedly planning several projects to raise public awareness on WPS issues, such as holding campus caravans, advocacy runs, regional road shows and even the printing of illustrated comics.

The proper use of people’s money is equally

important, and deserves a similar intensive information campaign. Tax awareness, to include the responsibilities of both taxpayers and government officials, can be included in the high school curriculum. It’s not enough to remind the public to pay the proper taxes; people should also know where their taxes go. (Philstar.com)

White House tripartite meeting promises a bright future

can help empower nations to economically grow and flourish.

There is no question the president is exhausted from the many important trips he has taken, but we both agreed this trip was definitely significant and absolutely consequential because it will define the future not only of the Philippines but countries in our region as well.

As the president succinctly put it, the tripartite meeting at the White House with President Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is “just a beginning” as “the complex challenges of our time require concerted efforts on everyone’s part, a dedication to a common purpose and an unwavering commitment to the rulesbased international order.”

He also described the partnership among the three nations as something that is “borne not out of convenience nor of expediency, but as a natural progression of deepening relations and robust cooperation… linked by a profound respect for democracy, good governance and the rule of law.”

While the meeting may just be “a beginning,” it is

one that “looks ahead” – as the partners seek to “identify ways of growing” their respective economies and making them more resilient, climate proofing cities and societies, sustaining development progress and forging a peaceful world for the next generation, the president said.

The summit, President Marcos noted, provides “an

opportunity to define the future we want, and how we intend to achieve it, together.”

The Joint Vision Statement by the three leaders underscored that as equal partners and trusted friends, they share fundamental values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH won’t hand over Duterte to ICC

PRESIDENT Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 15 said the government will not hand over his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) should a warrant for his arrest be issued for his bloody antidrugs campaign.

Duterte is being probed for supposed crimes against humanity committed to carrying out the war on drugs.

“We don’t recognize the warrant that they will send to us,” Marcos said in an interview during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) 50th anniversary celebration and presidential forum at the Manila Hotel. “That’s a no.”

The president insisted that the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over the Philippines since the country has a working judiciary system.

“What is the rule about the ICC? When do they adopt jurisdiction? They have jurisdiction in a country when no judicial system is working, is functioning, no police force is functioning. In other words, there probably is war, and none of these issues about war crimes and all of these are being attended to simply because the administration, especially in the judiciary, especially

in law enforcement, are not functioning,” he said.

“That is the reason why we are saying we are well within the rules. It is their rule,” the president said.

Marcos’ pronouncements were reiterations yet again that his administration will not cooperate with the ICC because doing so is considered a threat to Philippine sovereignty.

The president had likewise said the country “will not lift a finger” to aid the ICC in its investigation and ordered all national agencies not to communicate with its investigators.

More than 6,000 deaths were attributed to Duterte’s anti-narcotics drive.

The ICC and human rights groups estimate the figure to exceed 30,000.

Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 after the Hague-based tribunal started probing allegations of human rights abuses committed during his drug war.

It launched a formal inquiry into Duterte’s crackdown in September 2021, only to suspend it two months later after Manila said it was reexamining several hundred cases of drug operations that led to deaths at the hands of police, hitmen and vigilantes.

The ICC’s chief prosecutor

later asked to reopen the inquiry, and pre-trial judges at the court eventually gave the green light in late January 2023 — a decision that Manila appealed shortly afterward and lost.

The drug war has continued under Marcos even though he has pushed for more focus on prevention and rehabilitation.

Marcos repeatedly ruled out rejoining the ICC and insisted that it does not have jurisdiction in the country because there is a functioning judicial system.

Relations between the Marcos and Duterte families have fractured in the past two years.

In recent months, there has been a very public falling out between the families as they begin to shore up their rival support bases and secure key positions ahead of the mid-term elections in 2025 and presidential elections in 2028

Duterte and Marcos have accused each other of drug abuse, while Duterte previously called for his family’s home island of Mindanao to separate from the rest of the country.

Asked to describe his current relationship with the Duterte family, Marcos said, “It’s complicated,” before laughing with the audience. (ManilaTimes.net)

No Filipinos in Israel and Iran want to come home, ‘they feel safe,’ says DFA

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — No Filipinos have so far signified their intentions to be repatriated amid the battle between Israel and Iran, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told INQUIRER.net on Tuesday, April 16.

“None. They feel safe,” De Vega said in a text message when asked if there have been repatriation requests from Filipinos residing in the area.

“All our embassies have contingency plans in place,” he added.

Data from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) showed that about 30,000 Filipinos are residing in Israel while at least 2,000 are in

Iran.

The Philippine government earlier called for a non-escalation in the Middle East, particularly calling on all parties involved to “work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict.”

“The Philippines has long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” said DFA in a statement on Monday.

DFA’s remarks came after Portuguese container ship MSC Aries — reportedly linked to Israel — was seized by Iranian forces on April 13.

The ship has 25 crew members, four of which are Filipinos. g

Energy projects funded by USAID launched

by helen Flores Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine government on Monday, April 15 launched energy projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed at ensuring continued delivery of service and government operations during calamities.

The Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center (ESEOC) and the Mobile Energy System (MES) are programs led by the Department of Energy, which would address the need for resilient energy infrastructure and response capabilities in the country in times of crisis.

The ESEOC and MES are part of the USAID’s $34-million Energy Secure Philippines project.

Through these initiatives, the government would be able to conduct near real-time monitoring of energy infrastructure such as grid performance and distribution network, especially during disasters when power service is at risk, President Marcos said.

“It will also serve as a centralized hub for collaboration and information sharing across the entire energy supply chain to ensure seamless coordination among local, regional and national authorities in times of crises,” Marcos said in a speech delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas

Bersamin during the project launch in Makati City.

“We cannot count on people’s resilience alone. People’s patience is not a renewable resource,” he added.

The MES taps into a renewable energy source and can be used for microgrids, businesses, health facilities and homes, Marcos said.

“The MES is a safe, dependable and sustainable power source for emergencies, disaster relief efforts and critical

infrastructure operations in case traditional sources falter. These systems will ensure the continuous operation of critical infra and basic services in emergency situations,” he noted.

The pilot run of the MES will be conducted in Sta. Ana and Lallo, Cagayan, which are identified as typhoonprone municipalities, Marcos said.

MES units will also be distributed to various government agencies, he added. g

PH ARCHITECTURE. The diverse and beautiful fauna of the Philippines depicted through a mural-covered building in Maginhawa Street, Quezon City on Monday, April 15. The mural features the tarsiers of Bohol province, Philippine eagle and butanding (whale shark), among others. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and USAID mission director to the Philippines Ryan Washburn inspect a mobile energy system during the inauguration of the Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Monday, April 15. Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

Ex-Speaker Alvarez liable for sedition – lawmaker

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — A lawmaker said that former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez should be charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for sedition after his “seditious statement.”

Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo (Camiguin) urged the DOJ to file charges against Alvarez after his pronouncement in an evening rally on Sunday, April 14. The latter urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying that “it would attain peace and stability.”

Alvarez also said that Marcos’ position in the West Philippine Sea issue will drag the Philippines in a war against China.

“The response to the seditious statement should be the immediate filing of a criminal case so that the move to incite people, including the military, to rebel against the government will be nipped in the bud,” Romualdo said in a statement on Monday, April 15.

The solon stated that sedition involves actions, statements, or speech that encourage the public to oppose the state or its legitimate authorities.

“Clearly, what former Speaker Alvarez remarked during a rally in Tagum City falls within the purview of

sedition,” he said.

The rally in Tagum City, Davao de Norte was attended by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who allegedly had a “gentleman’s agreement” with Chinese President Xi Jinping concerning the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the son of the former president who resumed the war on drugs in the city last month, also attended the political rally.

In the rally, the younger Duterte downplayed the tensions in the West Philippine Sea saying it was a “propaganda” only to drag the Philippines in a potential war between China and the United States.

Alvarez, a Duterte ally, was appointed by the former president as House Speaker in 2016, a post where he served until 2018.

It can also be recalled that Alvarez supported Duterte’s previous call for a Mindanao secession.

In separate statements, two other lawmakers also called on Alvarez to be cautious with his words.

“The remarks of the former speaker are uncalled for. That is tantamount to sedition or rebellion,” Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur, 2nd District) also said in a separate statement.

In response, the DOJ said that it is studying the former speaker’s pronouncement.

“The Department is studying the matter. We must first see the full context of the statement to see if it indeed rises to the level of sedition,” DOJ spokesman Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said in a Viber message with reporters.

Aside from the DOJ, the Philippine National Police said it is also studying whether the former speaker is liable for sedition.

‘We’ll follow the chain of command’

In response to Alvarez’s pronouncements, the AFP rejected the call to abandon Marcos.

“The AFP remains to be a professional organization. Our mandate is very clear. We will protect the Constitution, and we will follow the duly constituted authorities. In other words, we will follow the chain of command,” AFP Chief Romeo Brawner Jr. was quoted as saying during a forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Monday. g

“I would kindly urge the former speaker to be cautious with his words and clear on his intent. At face value, his anti-government statements are unbecoming of a member of the House of Representatives and may warrant an ethics case against him,” Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte, 1st District) said in a statement.

Experts: PH needs stronger support from int’l community in WPS row

MANILA – The Philippines needs broader support from the international community to prevail against China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Experts made this remark during an April 11 closeddoor forum hosted by thinktank Stratbase ADR Institute and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), according to a statement by the think-tank released on Monday, April 15.

This two-day event titled “The West Philippine Sea as Ground Zero of Emerging Risks and Opportunities” brought together incumbent and former government officials, members of the diplomatic community, scholars, and policy experts to discuss the maritime security landscape in the WPS and explore avenues for cooperation with likeminded countries.

In his presentation, former Armed Forces of

the Philippines (AFP) chief Emmanuel Bautista said only 21 countries expressed support for the country when the China Coast Guard harassed and fired its water cannons against a Filipino resupply boat en route to Ayungin Shoal last March.

“We saw 21 countries support us in that incident but these are just 21 countries. There are over 100 countries around the world,” Bautista said.

None of these 21 nations were from Southeast Asia, Bautista said.

“We hope more will speak out. We hope, especially, that our brothers in Southeast Asia will also speak out,” Bautista said.

In the forum, Bautista acknowledged that there is no enforcement mechanism for the 2016 arbitral ruling that recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights to areas within its exclusive

‘PH should also be known

for Pinoy love’

MANILA — Aside from tourist destinations and attractions, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines should be known for the “love” shared by Filipinos with travelers.

“I must tell you, for somebody who talks to many other nationalities from around the world, what really brings the travelers here are certainly the beautiful sites, the fun activities, the great facilities. But the most important part is the heart of the Filipino, that we show the love of the Filipino, that we show even strangers we have never met before and will no longer meet after they have come here,” he said. “(Filipinos would) show the world we have long been ready to love them back,” he added.

It was seemingly another nod to the “Love the Philippines” campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched in late June 2023.

The president declared his support for Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco despite criticisms of the promotional video for the campaign, which used stock footage shot in other countries.

Marcos attended the awarding ceremony of the DOT’s Tourism Champions Challenge on Monday, April 15, over a year after its launch on April 5, 2023.

The local government units (LGUs) of Ambaguio in Nueva Vizcaya, Tubigon in Bohol and Isabela City in Basilan emerged as “tourism champions.”

They were followed by Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro, Badian in Cebu and Davao City in Davao del Sur in second place.

Bolinao in Pangasinan, Silago in Southern Leyte and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte were in third place.

San Jose in Romblon, Victorias City in Negros Occidental and Tagum City in Davao del Norte were in fourth place.

Socorro in Oriental Mindoro, town of Panay in Capiz and San Agustin in Surigao del Sur placed fifth.

First place winners would receive grants worth P20 million each; second place, P15 million; third, P10 million; fourth, P8 million; fifth, P7 million.

The LGUs will receive their grants from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), a DOTattached agency.

Marcos also surprised the winners after announcing that TIEZA added a P5-million fund to each winner.

The Tourism Champions Challenge called on LGUs to submit proposals containing “innovative tourism infrastructure projects that aim to foster sustainability, inclusivity and resilience in tourism development,” Frasco said.

“(The proposals should also) enhance local destinations and communities and provide added economic opportunity for our communities nationwide,” she added.

The DOT selected 15 winners from 98 proposals submitted by 90 LGUs nationwide, she noted. (by Ghio Ong/Philstar.com)

Japan may join Balikatan –President Marcos

by Noel GimeNez Tijam ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 15 said he was considering including Japan in the Philippines’ “Balikatan” military exercises with the United States.

Marcos said the possibility of the Japanese military joining the joint annual drills of Filipino and American troops would be “a good move” toward better defense coordination between the two countries.

“Now, with the inclusion of Japan into some of these exercises that we have been doing — not only Balikatan but others — I do not see any reason why Japan should not be part of those exercises in the future,” Marcos said during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines’ presidential

forum at the Manila Hotel.

“We will look again how the trilateral agreement has allowed more options to include Japan, and we will see. I, for one, have no objection to such an idea,” he said.

The president was referring to his landmark meeting in Washington with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where their discussions included ramping up defense and maritime cooperation.

Prior to the Washington summit, Japan participated in the recent four-nation maritime drills in the South China Sea along with the Philippines, the U.S. and Australia.

This year’s Balikatan will run from April 22 to May 8.g

Experts: PH needs...

economic zone in the WPS.

“But if all of us speak out, I mean the international community, then that will result in social pressure on any errant state,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit condemned China’s gray zone tactics which “seek to destabilize a rulesbased international order.”

“Our country continues to encounter such attacks in the WPS in the form of shadowing, blocking, swarming strategies, laser incidents, water cannons, and even intentional collision incidents,” he added.

“I don’t see risk, I see opportunities for the Filipino nation. But it takes a whole of Philippine society approach. It takes the Philippines as a whole talking with the international community,” Manhit stressed.

As this developed, Brian Harding, USIP’s senior expert on Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, noted how the situation in the WPS “escalated” over the last few

months but stressed that the Philippines’ position is “much stronger than it was.”

“Certainly, the U.S.Philippines alliance has continued to build and deepen. There’s much more trust and I think this trilateral relationship, it’s pretty extraordinary – how this U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral has come together,” he added.

Harding was referring to the historic April 12 trilateral summit where the three countries announced a stronger alliance.

Meanwhile, USIP senior program analyst Rosie Levine highlighted new developments in joint patrols, like the one conducted by the Philippines, U.S., Japan, and Australia this month.

“This deterrence architecture that’s really meant to send the signal to China in a coordinated way that the Philippines isn’t alone… This is a united approach. It’s going to be much harder to pressure any individual actor as long as that architecture is in place,” Levine said. (PNA)

White House tripartite meeting promises a bright...

law – believing that by working together, they can advance the security and prosperity not only of their respective nations but the Indo-Pacific and the world.

“Our historic summit today is the culmination of decades of partnership and builds on the recent momentum of our governments’ trilateral efforts,” the statement went, outlining the goals to promote inclusive economic growth and resilience even as they expressed concern and strong opposition to “economic coercion,” underscoring the need for close coordination to deal with such coercion.

One of the key takeaways during the summit was the Luzon economic corridor that would support connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas, with the three nations committed to accelerating coordinated investments in high impact infrastructure projects that include rail, ports modernization, clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments, agribusiness and civilian port upgrades at Subic Bay. We were pleased to note that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is planning to put up a regional office in the Philippines to facilitate further investments across the country. I remember mentioning this possibility as early as May 2021 when the Philippine Embassy in Washington arranged a virtual forum together with the DFC and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, which drew a lot of interest from pharmaceutical companies

looking at vaccine manufacturing and distribution in the Philippines.

Prior to the tripartite summit, I joined the president at the Oval Office where he met President Biden for a bilateral meeting that was candid and straightforward, with both leaders affirming their commitment to make the relationship even deeper, advancing mutual interests, strengthening economic ties and elevating the defense and security alliance between the two nations.

The atmosphere was very warm, friendly and cordial, and we were pleased to hear President Biden’s reassurance that the bilateral relationship with the Philippines remains “an absolute priority” of the United States and that they will continue to support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

At a press briefing we conducted in the Philippine Embassy in Washington, we mentioned that in the next five to 10 years, we are looking at an estimated $100 billion in investments from Japan and the United States, with the administration’s economic managers working hard to open up areas for potential investments such as energy, which is of course very important in sustaining growth and development, not to mention the fact that energy security is a priority of the government, obviously because our energy requirements in the next two years or so will increase.

The $100 billion is actually a modest estimate considering that the semiconductor industry alone is an

$80-billion business in Southeast Asia, and if we get even just 10 to 20 percent of that pie, that’s an additional $8 to $16 billion in investments.

The semiconductor industry is going to be the wave of the future, and we’re very pleased that the United States has included the Philippines as one of the seven countries it trusts to partner with for its goal to diversify their semiconductor supply chain under the CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) Act.

We’re also looking at forging a bilateral free trade agreement with the U.S. on cyberspace and digital technology, among others. As I told members of the media, the U.S. really has a high level of interest in making the Philippines a major investment hub for American companies.

Looking out my window from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., spring is now upon us but it’s cloudy. Nonetheless, the future looks bright for the Philippines because as they say –for every cloud, there is always a silver lining, and the very successful tripartite meeting is one such silver lining. I’m confident that during President Marcos’ term, the Philippines will emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation. (Philstar.com) *

Philstar.com file photo

COMMUNITY

JOURNAL

Same-sex success story shows how love found a way, on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

AYIE and Doc Feb are a same-sex couple, who love each other and wanted to spend the rest of their days together. Since Ayie, the petitioner, was only a recent green card holder, she could not bring Doc Feb on a K-1 fiancée visa since that was only available to fiancées of U.S. citizens. They could not marry

in the Philippines since the Philippines does not recognize same-sex marriages. Desperate, Doc Feb

Catriona Gray on ‘advocacies, pageantry business’ during Miss Universe reign

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

IT’S been six years since Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe, and she remained proud of how it turned out. Despite this, she recalled certain moments

where she felt a “little disheartened” about not being able to balance her advocacy-driven initiatives and the business aspect of pageantry.

“I think I might’ve made everyone’s lives harder,” a laughing Gray said in a sit-

down interview with Mega Magazine editor-in-chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro on the magazine’s YouTube channel on April 12, as she touched on the impact of her coronation in the global tilt.

When asked about “setting

DESPITE THE ODDS, SAME-SEX COUPLE ARE TOGETHER, FOREVER, IN THE U.S. ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY ON CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Deeply in love, same-sex couple, Doc Feb and Ayie, were desperate to find a way to be together in the U.S. Since petitioner Ayie was only a green card holder, they could not avail of the K-1 fiancée visa which is only for fiancées of U.S. citizens. Same-sex marriages are not recognized in the Philippines, and Doc Feb was denied a tourist visa. Eventually, Doc Feb vacationed in Cancun, Mexico, where the couple got married, as Mexico recognized same-sex marriages. That marriage enabled leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to file an F-2A spousal petition for Doc Feb. Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, April 21 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Dimples Romana denies Angel Locsin, Neil Arce breakup; wishes Angel ends hiatus

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Dimples Romana set the record straight on the rumors surrounding Angel Locsin and Neil Arce’s alleged separation.

In a report by ABS-CBN News, Dimples denied that Angel and Neil have broken up.

“I get to see her naman, she’s very, very happy and happily married, and Neil is taking very good care of her,” Dimples said.

She added that Angel and Neil are enjoying their time together away from social media.

“Sometimes a little off of social media can do you good. Kadalasan sa social media pa galing ‘yung frustrations mo, ‘yung comparison mo with the life of others, and when you pause a little bit and know that not everything on social

media can be helpful to you, you’ll be able to recognize that you too can have a happy life like Neil and Angel, na halos offline sila but they’re very, very happy,” she said.

Dimples also said that she hopes Angel will cut her showbiz hiatus because she was missed by her fans.

“I can only wish that Angel will return because she’s super much-awaited all the time. I know that...

being offline and missing an act on social media has done very well,” she said.

“She’s so light hearted and you just feel that she’s very very happy so once na mag-decide siya at pinagdadasal natin ‘yun na malapit na ‘yun, I’m excited that I get to work with her but this time, we get to bond with each other, hindi lang sa personal but sa work,” she added. g

S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

THE rate of throat cancer in the United States has not declined, compared to most head and neck malignancies. I suspect that the statistics could also be true when extrapolated for other countries like the Philippines since most Filipinos are westernized in their lifestyle, habits, and behaviors, etc.

The most logical explanation why cancer of the throat has not diminished has been attributed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a bug that causes a sexually transmitted disease. HPV is popularly known to cause genital warts and most cancers of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It has only been recently when scientists discovered and identified HPV transmission through oral sex as an etiology of throat cancer.

On oral sex, throat cancer

80% of them also imbibed a lot of alcohol. The good news is that a trend analysis in head and neck cancers in the United States shows a decline the past twenty years, trailing a decrease in smoking prevalence, which started in the 1970s, by 10 to 15 years.

The bad news is that oropharyngeal cancers (which include the tonsils, base of the tongue and soft palate, and side and back of the throat) have gone up in some populations in the United States, and probably among people in other parts of the world who practice oral sex, where HPV takes its toll.

women walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is.

What causes cervical cancer?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reported that its research team found “the incidence of throat cancer (in the United States) to be stagnant and even rising in some populations, defying a downward trend in other head and neck cancers linked more closely with smoking.”

The American Cancer Society reports that the greatest risk factors in head and neck cancers are smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, 90% of them either smokers or tobacco-chewers and about decided to apply for a tourist visa, so she could visit Ayie

Sample of the vaccine referred to is Gardasil, which is genetically engineered, and which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million Americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too.

How prevalent is cervical cancer?

In the Philippines, there are about 7190 new cases of cervical cancer each year, with a death rate of about 4,088. Annually, more than 13,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in the United States and around 4,250 of them die. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million American men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that at least 10,000 new cases of cervical cancers are discovered annually. Between half a million to a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts.

Is the cure for cervical cancer?

Better than the cure! A vaccine (Gardasil) that prevents cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer that was approved by the U.S.-FDA in 2006 was found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to Gardasil manufacturer, Merck & Co. “To have 100 percent efficacy is something that

Same-sex success story shows how...

in the States, but it was denied. But love found a way.

Doc Feb arrived in Cancun, Mexico, where she and Ayie got married. The marriage was valid for immigration purposes, and Atty. Gurfinkel was able to file an F-2A petition (spouse of an immigrant). The U.S. Embassy in Manila recognized the marriage and issued the visa.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, April 21 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

Supplement)

PhiliP

Dimples Romana and Angel Locsin Photo from Instagram/@dimplesromana

Atty. Gurfinkel (right) was able to file an F-2A visa petition for Doc Feb (left) after she and petitioner Ayie (center) got married in Cancun, Mexico.

Fil-Am Nicole Scherzinger wins Best Actress at Olivier Awards 2024

By JESSICA ANN EVANGELISTA Inquirer.net

FILIPINA American Nicole Scherzinger took home the Best Actress award as her West-End musical revival “Sunset Boulevard” won big at the 2024 Laurence Olivier Awards.

On her Instagram account, the former Pussycat Dolls member expressed joy to having captured the Best Actress in a Musical trophy as Norma Desmond.

“It is an honor, joy and privilege to be recognized for your work. I am so very proud to say I am now an Olivier Award Winner. ‘I’m back where I was born to be,’” she wrote in her caption.

Theater legend Lea Salonga took to the comment of Scherzinger’s post to extend her congratulations

to the actress-singer.

In a separate post, the Filipino descent star shared a video of her speech as she went emotional accepting her first Olivier Award.

“As a little girl from Hawaii and growing up in Kentucky, coming from really humble beginnings, I always wanted to be a singer and do musicals. And I dreamed of so many roles that I wanted to do, and honestly this role, Norma Desmond, was not one of those roles,” she said, drawing laughter from the audience.

“But God works in mysterious ways because it’s honestly one of the ballsiest and bravest things I have ever done.” added the singer-actress.

Scherzinger won “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010. She also served as a judge on several other

television talent shows, including “The Sing-Off” (2009–2010), “The X Factor” US (2011), “The X Factor” UK (2012–2013, 2016–2017, 2019), “Australia’s Got Talent” (2019), and “The Masked Singer” (2019).

She has also appeared in the 2014 musical “Cats” and in the Disney animated film “Moana” (2016). Her television credits include “Dirty Dancing” (2017) and the television special “Annie Live!” (2021).

“Sunset Boulevard” emerged as the top winner, bagging seven awards out of 11 nominations from the prestigious awarding body.

Aside from Scherzinger, former “Succession” star Sarah Snook took home the main Best Actress of the night for her performance in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” 

Dennis Padilla says Claudine Barretto reminds him of daughter Julia

By JESSICA ANN EVANGELISTA Inquirer.net

COMEDIAN-ACTOR

Dennis Padilla said that working with his sister-

in-law, Claudine Barretto, for the first time in an upcoming movie, gave him the feeling that he was with his daughter, Julia Barretto. “Tuwang tuwa ako

people events arts culture entertainment

noong kasama ko si Claudine, parang feeling ko kasama ko si Julia sa pelikula,” he told Aster Amoyo. (I was so happy

Andres Muhlach: ‘I just want to make people smile’

By TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA ManilaTimes.net

IT’S taken him a little longer than his twin sister, Atasha Muhlach, to get into the family business, but the prayers of a huge and ever-growing fanbase have finally been answered. Andres Muhlach — the dashing, dreamy and oh-so down-to-earth son of showbiz royalty Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales — is officially a Viva Artist Agency talent now following his grand launch on Monday, April 15 at the Viva Cafe in Cubao, Quezon City.

While it’s long been announced that he is set to star in a sitcom with his dad, mom and sister (whom he calls his “best friends,” bless him!), it always seemed Andres was hesitant to claim his birthright and become a star.

Asked by The Manila Times Entertainment once and for all why it took him this long to give in, Andres honestly replied, “I’ve always been interested in [joining] this industry, seeing my dad and mom. [But] in the case of Tash, she was definitely more vocal about it, and, as for me, I’m more of the quiet type, so I kept it to myself.

“But, eventually, when I felt confident enough and comfortable, I talked to my parents and told them this is what I really want to do and that I want to take the opportunity [to begin] now.”

More touchingly, Andres — who’s clearly been raised so well along with Tasha by the doting and devoted parents Aga and Charlene turned out to be — opened up and said it was only when he was much older that he really understood and appreciated what his parents’ celebrity allowed them to do.

“I didn’t understand much of it when I was younger, but when I got to my teenage years, I saw how the industry can affect people’s lives; how my dad can make people happy [through his shows and movies], and with me, I just want to be able to make people smile.”

Doesn’t that just send your heart a-flutter?

No wonder Andres has been given a title this early in showbiz, and has been dubbed the Prince of Hearts.

Of his new monicker, the day’s most important heartthrob shyly said, “It’s very flattering. It’s a big thing for me and I appreciate it a lot.”

A hundred percent into his showbiz venture, Andres shared that he is currently deep in various workshops under VAA, from

to speech training. In fact, with his parents’ permission, the 22-year-old has decided not to return to Madrid for his final year of Business Communication. Given his immediate commitments, they agreed it would be best for Andres to enroll in a local university to complete his degree.

As previously mentioned, Andres’ first project is a sitcom with Aga, Charlene and Atasha. Titled “Da Pers Family” and slated to premiere on TV5 in May, he will play the son of a baker who has to let go of his career as an anime artist to help in the family’s bread business.

Andres told The Manila Times Entertainment, he would like to pursue his talent for dancing — obviously passed down from his mom — and laughed out loud when he said singing was still a question mark as far as he’s concerned.

According to VAA — solidly represented at Andres’ grand launch by Boss Vic del Rosario’s very competent brood, Vincent, Veronique and Valerie, who have long taken over Viva’s top management — Andres will also be part of a local food brand’s advertising campaign very soon.

“We are so happy that Andres has decided to officially join showbiz and entrust his career with VAA. To his fans, we promise many major projects for Andres and that 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year ahead of him.” 

This early in showbiz, Andres Muhlach has been given a fitting title: Prince of Hearts. Photo from Instagram/@aagupy acting

Fil-Am Nicole Scherzinger wins Best Actress at Olivier Awards 2024

Photos from Instagram/@nicolescherzinger

What Elijah Canlas had to ‘unlearn’ in ‘Batang Quiapo’

by Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

ACTOR Elijah Canlas, who plays the villainous character

Pablo Caballero in the action series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” said he had to “unlearn a lot of things” when he started working for the program.

For one, Elijah used to be the type of actor who relied on the script as a guide to create his character. The show’s production team, however, is known for shooting without a detailed script on hand. “I was given parameters, like the character archetype, but I had to unlearn certain things in terms of dimensions, and when it comes to character making. Work on this show is really different because, at least, if you have a script, you can create a character that’s more complete and whole,” the actor told Inquirer Entertainment

“For the show, I was given enough time to process, and so, by the time I stepped on the set, I was already prepared to be Pablo. It’s true that you will only get a copy of the script on the day itself, so it was important that I already know who Pablo is. As it goes, we should always expect changes— either some lines or scenes will be removed or some will be added,” he explained. “The process is refreshing because I am able to adapt to different environments and processes of filmmaking. I consider it a once-in-alifetime experience. I’m enjoying it so far because I am given freedom in terms of character building.”

Menacing character

Elijah said he also had to “unlearn preparing too much for a character.” He explained: “As in, they were telling that the show’s audience is different. It’s

Catriona Gray on ‘advocacies, pageantry

a standard” in pageantry, Gray recalled how there “was no such thing as a national costume” or “creating content” to showcase what a representative’s country had to offer.

“I’m so proud of how it turned out. I took a lot of risks. I did so many things that I haven’t done before or haven’t been popularized back then. Our standard has gone through the roof,” she said.

Despite this, the former titleholder pointed out that representatives shouldn’t feel pressured to follow in her footsteps because one’s pageant journey “will always be about the girl.”

a genre that I’ve never done, as well. That’s why I needed to adjust even in terms of delivering my lines. For example, I have to be a lot more menacing, more intimidating. If Pablo is angry, I really need to show the audience that he is angry and not conceal the feeling and then simply reveal it later. Here, I need to show how my character feels all the time. That’s new to me because I usually counter-read my intentions, my objectives. I’m enjoying the process because I find it challenging.”

Comparing the show to “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which was also produced and directed by Coco Martin, and lasted for seven years, the new program is also expected to air for many years. Is Elijah prepared to play Pablo for a long period of time, even if it would mean not being able to accept other projects?

Different role

“This was why it took me a while to say ‘yes’ to the show. I have other projects lined up for this year. It’s actually amazing, because I had just finished doing the series ‘Senior High,’ and so, I thought could focus on doing movies for the remainder of the year. But the very first offer I got for 2024 was ‘Batang Quiapo,’ with a different role initially. It was a type of role that I’ve already done before, so I had to say ‘no,’” Elijah began.

“But Direk Coco and the ‘Batang Quiapo’ team were persistent. They said they had a new character for me. When they mentioned it, I got excited and immediately said, ‘Game!’ In terms of how long it will take to play Pablo, of course it’s an honor to be

“The whole show that Miss Universe and other pageants is a display of a representative to represent their culture or a part of their country, getting people to know more. With that being said, I love what it has created,” she said.

Miss Universe ’employee’

The interview then touched on the three important lessons Gray took to heart during her reign. One of which is to “be present” especially with a lot of things happening at once.

“I didn’t consider myself a public figure until the moment Philippines was called. It felt overwhelming at times, I wasn’t used to people pulling me in [different] directions and having interactions with [people]. I had to constantly tell myself to be present,” she said.

Gray appeared to be deep

she opened up

the loop”

title. This led

to explain that before winning Miss Universe, she was a leader of her team in the Philippines. But throughout her reign, she “became an employee” of the Miss Universe Organization.

“[I also learned to] regain your power in a way you can only control for yourself,” she said. “There was a reshifting. I’m not a leader, I am a follower. At first, that disheartened me a little bit because there are a lot of projects I wish I could’ve created when I won. I envisioned that I would do so much on-ground community work.”

The beauty queen then clarified that while she understood that prioritizing “profit-making events and big press type of engagements” is crucial in the “business aspect of the pageant system,” she didn’t understand why it couldn’t be balanced with advocacydriven “on-ground initiatives and community work.”

“My message on the night that I won, was that I am a queen of service and people. I had to say to myself that I can’t control it,” she added. “But I couldn’t control it, but I could control myself. So I channeled all my energy into planning what I wanted to

do after my reign, it’s kind of regaining my power again.”

During the interview, Gray also pointed out that ending a Miss Universe reign is not the “peak” of a beauty queen since there are many “peaks” one can achieve, even if it’s not done in a “public” way.

“Many people would ask me what’s next after Mis Universe. It’s so big and it can sometimes make us feel that if I can’t reach the same public achievement, it was all it was for me. I understand the peaks come in many different shapes and forms in life, and it doesn’t have to be validated in such a public way to feel important,” she said. g

Dennis Padilla says Claudine Barretto reminds him...

when I was with Claudine; I felt like I was with Julia in the movie.)

Despite being in-laws, Padilla and Claudine had not seen each other for a long time before they starred in the upcoming movie “Magic Hurts.”

“Walang nagbago. Kahit matagal kaming hindi nagkasama, nung nagkakwentuhan kami, parang kahapon lang kami nagkita,” shared the actor, adding that their scenes are something to look forward to in the film.

(Nothing changed. Even though we haven’t been together for a long time, when we talked, it was like we just met on Tuesday, April 15.)

In 2023, Claudine posted a video of her reunion with Padilla as they hugged each other in tears. “With my kuya (big brother)! I love you so much, my kuya,” she wrote in her caption at the time.

Over the years, Padilla and Julia, along with his other children, have had an on-and-off relationship. The actor

his children through social media posts, as he claimed that they are not talking to him.

In February this year, Padilla shared in a video posted by Senator Robin Padilla that Julia wished him a happy birthday, saying he did not expect to receive a text message from his daughter.

In a vlog back in 2022, Julia acknowledged the rift that has grown between her siblings and their father, saying, “I’m not sure if it can ever be the same again, but I do hope for healing and just ma-resolve.”

Padilla is the ex-husband of Claudine’s sister Marjorie Barretto. They have three children together: Julia, Claudia, and Leon Barretto. g

Elijah Canlas as Pablo Caballero in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” ABS-CBN

Dennis Padilla, Claudine Barretto, and Julia Barretto Photo from Instagram/@claubarretto, @juliabarretto has been communicating with

Catriona Gray

Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray in thought as

about being “thrown into

after winning the

her

Still no confirmation, but Marco and Heaven ‘more than friends’ now

By Leah C. SaLterio Philstar.com

LAST April 1, word got around that young loveteam Marco Gallo and Heaven Peralejo, popularly called MarVen, are no longer together.

The couple, who got paired last year in the toprating series, “The Rain in España,” has yet to admit the real score between them. However, some fans naturally got worried when they heard the announcement.

The loveteam immediately reversed the announcement and said it was April Fools. Good joke.

“It was just us,” shared Heaven. “We were in the middle of shooting at that time. We just realized that we might hurt some fans, so we denied it right away. There was no guilt on our part because we revealed the truth right away.”

Marco added, “The original plan was to keep the announcement at bay for at least two days. But we just realized that some people might feel bad. So we told them it was April Fools.”

Whatever status the relationship of Marco and Heaven is in right now, the pair wants to keep it private, although everybody sees something special between the two.

“Whatever we post on social media, that’s for everybody,” Heaven said. “But the status itself, whatever we’re into right now, I’d rather keep it to ourselves. That’s my take.”

Who would have thought that the former “Pinoy Big Brother” teen housemates would end up as a breakout

loveteam, which would have successful projects both on TV and also on the big screen?

After being paired in “The Rain in España,” the bestselling Wattpad novel created by Gwy Saludes that was turned into a widelyfollowed series on Viva One last year, a new loveteam was created with the instant popularity of the leads.

Although they were both introduced in “Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7” in 2016, Marco and Heaven were never paired then.

When the young stars first started taping for “The Rain in España,” they were not initially a loveteam. The success of the pilot episode came out really surprising even for Marco and Heaven, that they were readily tagged as MarVen — a combination of their first names.

“At first, we always start as friends,” explained Marco. “But then, if you keep on working together every day, that interests the fans. Before you know it, you’re falling for your loveteam partner. You can’t help it and you just dive into it.

same goes for Marco.

“Hopefully, fans of our loveteam will still continue to support us and our respective careers. If he will be paired with other artists, I will accept that. If I will become a solo artist again, I will not mind.

“Our weakness is probably when we both have topak at ayaw naming patalo sa isa’t isa. Nangyayari ‘yun. But nagagawan namin ng paraan. We talk to each other well after being so makulit.”

you have very rarely," Dr. Eliav Barr, Merck's head of clinical development for Gardasil, told the Associated Press. The UK’s version of the vaccine is known as Cervarix.

How early should the vaccine be given?

Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life. This vaccine is a phenomenal breakthrough, and we must take advantage of it to save lives. Both girls and boys should get this cancer-preventing and life-saving vaccine because both of them could transmit and spread the HP virus. Prophylaxis Gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18 associated noninvasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts. Mothers should not get in the way by refusing their sons to get this vital vaccine and save countless lives.

How about throat cancers?

“Even if we do well on our own projects, especially Heaven, everyone can tell she is doing well in her projects and I’m super proud of it. But I love it when we work together because there are no adjustments needed.

“We know each other so well. We definitely know when we need each other. When we need to do certain scenes together on the scene, she knows where and what to tap.”

Heaven described Marco as her “safety blanket” after appearing together on the streaming platform Viva One for more than a year. They were also seen in the second book-turned-series, “Safe Skies Archer.”

Heaven happily noted that their fans support their loveteam.

“One of the perks of being in a loveteam, your partner knows how you move and your attitude,” Heaven maintained. “Eventually, I know I’m going to have a project of my own and the

“And then, ‘Boom!’ How do you explain falling in love? Boom! You always just wish for a happy ending. Heaven and I are more than friends now.

Marco and Heaven will be seen next in the “Uni Love Squad” (short for “University Love Squad”) on Viva One. They will be joined by KrisshRome (Krissha Viaje and Jerome Ponce), as well as HyGab (Hyacinth Callado and Gab Pangilinan).

Apparently, the fans saw the ideal screen chemistry in Marco and Heaven. “Our chemistry just comes out naturally,” Heaven said. “We bring out the best in each other. We gained this trust and respect for each other. That was a good foundation for a partnership, a better friendship.”

Marco and Heaven are aware there will come a time when Viva Artists Agency will tell them they need to go their separate ways for the meantime. They will also welcome it and will be ready for the realization.

“I think for the two of us, that’s okay,” Heaven admitted. “Before we even became a loveteam and whatever it is that we are sharing now, we really started as good friends. So the foundation of our team, whatever happens in real life, we are here for each other.” g

Darren Espanto admits ‘puppy love’ with Kyline Alcantara

KAPAMILYA singer

Darren Espanto admitted that he dated Kapuso star Kyline Alcantara in the past. In his guesting on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the show’s eponymous host asked Darren what’s the real story behind the teasing of “It’s Showtime” hosts between him and Kyline.

“Doon sa pangalawang shini-ship sa’yo, I’m talking about Kyline, what is the

true story? Sabihin mo sa akin ang totoo. Naging kayo?” Boy inquired.

“Hindi ko po masagot ng yes or no kasi it was, like, parang puppy love kind of thing lang po ‘yon,” Darren answered.

“But there was?” Boy replied.

“Opo, before, we were younger,” Darren answered. Darren also said Vice Ganda knew about his and Kyline’s past relationship,

that’s why the “It’s Showtime” host was teasing Darren and Kyline. “’Yun nga po na tinutukso kami na. Kasi nga, naging kami dati. Ayun po, kaya kami binibiro ni Ate Vice,” Darren said.

When asked how long they’ve been in a relationship, Darren said, “Like a year, I think. Kaya po kami very comfortable.” (by Jan Milo Severo/Philstar. com)

Of the 45,000 head and neck cancers in the U.S. each year, about 10,000 of them are oro-pharyngeal cancers, and tongue cancers among young adults have also increased. The evident conclusion is that the cause is the HP virus.

“Over the last five years, 35% of the throat cancer patients treated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center had no history of smoking, and that close to 90% of patients who had never smoked showed evidence of oral infection with HPV,” says Dr. Sturgis on Web MD. The researchers felt that “vaccinating only females against HPV, which is currently the policy in the United States (for 11- to 12- yearold girls, and for women up to age 26 who have not received it), could result in a missed opportunity to prevent throat cancers.” Boys should also be vaccinated to cover all bases.

Mouth, tongue, and other throat cancers could be as grave and deadly as most other forms of cancers. Now, that we have a vaccine to prevent these cancers almost 100 percent, the whole world should take advantage of this vaccine!

I do not know how to put this more seriously, more effectively, and more delicately, but medically speaking, a moratorium on unprotected oral sex is prudent. Oropharyngeal malignancies are a miserable cancer and could be fatal.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people 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 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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

part of the show. ‘Batang Quiapo’ has only been airing for a year, and yet Tanggol (Coco’s character) has already become iconic,” Elijah said.

“Honestly, I hadn’t watched the show before, but when I finally became part of it, I tried to watch as many episodes as I could. I realized that it tackles a lot of socially relevant topics and, as an actor, that’s what I want to do. I’m known to take on projects that have a statement or something that’s relevant to society and to its audience, and ‘Batang Quiapo’ is just that.” g

Darren Espanto

Photo from Instagram/@darrespanto

The couple, who got paired last year in the top-rating series, ‘The Rain in España,’ has yet to admit the real score between them. Philstar.com photo