Critics warn foreign policy direction risky to PH
MANILA
— Some critics on
Monday, July 1 cited the country’s foreign policy under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attention to the United States’ military deployment in the Philippines.
Putin, in a televised address on Friday, called for the resumption of his country’s missile production and raised the possibility of the deployment of these weapons after noting that the United States had brought missiles to Denmark and the Philippines.
“Today, it is known that the
United States not only produces these missile systems, but has already brought them to Europe for exercises, to Denmark. Quite recently, it was announced that they are in the Philippines,” said the Russian leader. His remarks were also reported by the Voice of America (VOA), the state-owned news network and international radio broadcaster of the United States.
Former lawmaker Carlos Isagani Zarate of the party list Bayan Muna said the government’s “US satellite-like foreign policy” under Mr. Marcos “has contributed to bringing the world to the brink of a renewed nuclear arms race.”
“We demand that the Marcos … administration abide by the
constitutional edicts of pursuing an independent foreign policy and making the Philippines free of nuclear arms and foreign troops,” he said in a statement.
Bayan Muna warned that Marcos’ current foreign policy direction could make the Philippines a potential target for nuclear attacks from countries that are not necessarily enemies of the Filipino people.
Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said the country should never allow the deployment of missile systems by foreign military forces.
“The launch buttons for these foreign-owned and -controlled missile systems are not within our control; hence, these foreigners
Supreme Court OKs local crackdowns on homelessness, as advocates warn of chaos
THE U.S. Supreme Court’s watershed decision on homelessness on Friday, June 28 will make it easier for elected officials and law enforcement authorities nationwide to fine and arrest people who live on streets and sidewalks, in broken-down vehicles, or within city parks — which could have farreaching health consequences for homeless Americans and their communities.
In a 6-to-3 ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the justices in the majority said allowing the targeting of homeless people occupying public spaces by enforcing bans on public sleeping or camping with criminal
Groundbreaking cancer study focuses on Asian Americans
Fil-Ams can participate in the National Cancer Institute initiative
FILIPINO women in the United States have been reported by the National Institutes of Health to present more advanced breast cancer compared to White women, and Filipino immigrants also show a higher annual percentage increase in incidence across all subtypes of thyroid cancer.
Despite these increasing incidences, a national longitudinal study on cancer in Asian Americans has never been conducted—until now.
The National Cancer Institute has recently launched a groundbreaking $12.45 million initiative for the first national long-term study aimed at understanding cancer in Asian Americans, as well as investigating health disparities and risk factors.
Leading this landmark study are researchers
PH Senator Risa Hontiveros takes on a ‘role of a lifetime’
by DENNIS HERUELA AJPress
IN her teenage years, Risa Hontiveros captured the fancy and following of the Filipino audience as a budding theatre performer, and later as a broadcast journalist.
“That was before I got happily hijacked by activism,” she quipped.
In many ways, her foray into public service is but a performance, one that demands not only for her to show up and deliver the lines but also to
China to US: Stop support of PH ‘provocations’ in SCS
by JAVIER JOE ISMAEL ManilaTimes.net
CHINA urged the United States to cease bolstering and endorsing the alleged “provocations” of the Philippines in the disputed territories in the South China Sea (SCS).
In a statement posted on the Chinese Embassy website Friday night, June 28, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said that Beijing’s message was conveyed by Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in a phone conversation with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, where the two sides had a “candid and in-depth exchange of views” on
the current China-U.S. relations and issues of mutual interest.
Mao Ning said Ma Zhaoxu urged the U.S. to act on President Joe Biden’s “five-noes” commitment, which included not supporting Taiwan independence, not challenging China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, not interfering in China’s internal affairs, not using Taiwan as a bargaining chip, and not engaging in military or official exchanges with Taiwan.
He urged the U.S. to earnestly respect China’s sovereignty, security and development interests and play a positive role in the steady development of China-U.S. relations rather
translate everything into action and results that would truly benefit the Filipino people for generations to come.
“After formal politics, I’ll go back to theater and music. Whether nanay or lola roles, I’m open. I just want to go back to theatre.” She says it with that signature twinkle in her eyes and vibrance that exude star quality.
But for now, she is tackling the biggest role of her life and from the eyes of those truly seeing her, being Risa Hontiveros – a Filipino senator carries with it a complex
pursuit and a very busy one as well.
Being one of the 2 opposition senators in the current senate, she understands how tough it could be to face adversarial attacks especially foul and malicious ones. But Sen. Hontiveros is not to be derailed.
“I always remind myself to stay true to the path I chose in life. I go back to what inspires me, think of the people who love me and those who I love. I love being a Filipino, the unique arts and culture we PAGE 2
Duterte tells VP Sara: Don’t seek presidency
by EDITH REGALADO Philstar.com
IAN LAQUI Philstar.com
MANILA — Red-tagging of the clergy and church workers and the discrimination against Muslims are among practices affecting religious freedom in the Philippines, a recent U.S. Department of State report identified.
In its 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom released on June 27, the State Department listed incidents from the past year involving the indictment and labeling of church workers as alleged communist members and sympathizers, as well as actions demonstrating discrimination against Muslims.
Red-tagging Red-tagging, which the Supreme Court previously declared as a threat to “life, liberty and security” puts members of religious groups and organizations at “risk of intimidation and violence,” according to the State Department. It is the practice of labeling individuals or groups as communists, terrorists or subversives without enough proof and due process.
One instance noted was when the Regional Trial Court of Iligan City decided to convict the cashier of the Rural Missionaries-Northern Mindanao Region (RMP-NMR) on March 16, 2023 of 55 counts of violations of Republic Act 10168 and the Terrorism Financing Preven-
DAVAO CITY — If there is one advice former President Rodrigo Duterte would give his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, it is to forget any plan for the presidency in the 2028 elections.
“They worry about Inday (Sara)? Inday, don’t seek the presidency. If you are hearing this, avoid it. Give it to ambitious ones, instead,” Duterte said during a press conference on Sunday, June 30 in Tacloban City. And even if Sara ignores his call and eventually becomes president, it would still not guarantee that the country would be better, he said.
The former president also rejected Sara’s earlier pronouncement that he, along with his sons Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo Duterte, would all run for the Senate in the 2025 elections.
Duterte said people should not believe everything his daughter says, as sometimes she has the tendency to make jokes.
“Do you believe her? My God.
She’ll take you for a ride if you are not asking the correct questions,” he said.
To prove his point, Duterte cited his age, a diminished popularity and lack of funds.
“I won’t go back to politics. I am done. I am no longer popular. I do
Sen. Risa Hontiveros Photo from Facebook/@hontiverosrisa
Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial
Critics warn foreign policy...
PAGE 1
decide when they want to turn the Philippines into a battlefield. It will be the Philippines which will be the battleground, not their own country/countries,” Pimentel, the Senate minority leader, said in a Viber message.
He said the fate of the Filipino people “should not be left to the hands of foreigners who may even be pursuing a capitalist-business, money-making agenda at the expense of the Filipino nation.”
‘Our own capacity’
Senate President Francis Escudero said the missiles Putin was referring to could probably
be just part of the Philippines’ military exercises and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the United States.
“I don’t know about that, maybe it was just based on their own intel… Maybe these were just part of Edca or military exercises being held, and these would be taken or removed someday,” he told reporters.
“Russia should not have anything to do with our country having its own military capability, including a missile system. That is ours and other countries should not meddle,” he added.
“It’s a different matter when
other countries deploy war equipment here. But if he (Putin) was referring to our own, other countries should not interfere because it is our right to have our own equipment to defend our country,” Escudero said further.
“If we would ask help from other nations, instead of them just being there ‘to the rescue,’ it would be better if they would help us build our own capacity and capability, not to engage in a war, but to be able to provide a deterrence against any attempt or threat that may be brewing in the region,” the Senate leader said. g
PH Senator Risa Hontiveros takes on a ‘role...
have, and I have my faith to hold on to,” she says. These may indeed have come very handy as she dutifully actualizes her mission in the senate. As she pushes for the Senate Bill 2443 or the proposed “Dissolution of Marriage Act,” challenges from all directions are expected. The “why” of advocating for a divorce option for the Filipino family is something she is clear about: “If the marriage reaches a situation where it isn’t supposed to be and in fact became the opposite of what marriage is like as it has ceased to become a relationship of love, commitment, and care and instead stories of domestic violence, neglect, absence, and repeated adultery have taken place. Why should individuals and families in those situations be denied of a second chance in freedom, life, and love?”
Senator Hontiveros recognizes the role the church – especially the Catholic Church – may play in the conversation. And while supporters of the bill assert that divorce is a public issue and not a religious one, she wants the conversation to be open and inclusive. “We continuously engage the Catholic hierarchy in the discussions and lately, I have been feeling that the pushback has been less, and the position has changed for the better compared to years ago.”
In her recent visit in Los Angeles for a series of meetings
u PAGE 4
Other legislation:
Sen. Risa Hontiveros
– as chairperson of the Philippine Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality – has personally championed and successfully pushed for the creation 25 new landmark laws. She is currently working to pass reforms such as the proposed Lingap Para Kay Lolo at Lola Act, which will establish a system of universal social pension for Filipino senior citizens, and the Free Dialysis Act, which will mandate PhilHealth to provide free dialysis sessions to all senior citizens.
Republic Act 9502 (Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law) –significantly decreases the cost of quality medicines in the country.
Republic Act 9700 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms [CARPER] Law) – improves the agrarian reform program of the government.
Republic Act 10932 (Act Strengthening the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law) – strengthens the penalties against hospitals who violate the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law. Republic Act 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Law) – safeguards the mental health of Filipino citizens through education, medical advancements, and other support systems.
Republic Act 11861 (Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act) –provides wider social benefits to solo parents.
Republic Act 11166 (HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018) – expands access to evidence-based HIV strategies and facilitates easier access to learning about one's HIV status.
Republic Act 11313 (Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act) –protects Filipinos (notably women) from catcalling, groping, persistent requests, and other forms of street harassment.
Republic Act 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Law) – boosts government efforts to end online abuse and exploitation of Filipino children. g
Red-tagging, Islamophobia among key...
tion and Suppression Act of 2012.
The RMP is a church-based national organization composed of the clergy and laypersons whose ministries cover farmers, fisherfolk and indigenous peoples. They often work alongside activists and human rights organizations that educate their “flock” about their rights.
The State Department also cited the request for review of the acquittal of perjury charges against former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon against 10 human rights defenders.
Among those charged were Wilfredo Ruazol of the Philippine Independent Church and Elenita Belardo, the national coordinator of the RMP. Both Ruazol and Belardo were acquitted on the ground of reasonable doubt by a Quezon City court in January 2023.
The State Department also mentioned the red-tagging of the now-suspended Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) owned by fugitive Apollo Quiboloy against Bishop Garardo Alminaza in February.
Alminaza, who is known as a peace advocate between the government and the communist insurgents, has been tagged by the suspended network as a mouthpiece for the Communist Party of the Philippines.
His advocacy has been called “diabolical and demonic” by SMNI
broadcast hosts Jeffrey Celiz and Lorraine Badoy who are facing multiple civil and criminal charges due to their red-tagging on air.
The bishop slammed this allegation saying that he cannot be silenced amid violence and injustices.
Discrimination against Muslims
The report identified several instances of discrimination and abuse against Muslims, including degrading remarks online, on television, and from Senator Robin Padilla, himself a Muslim convert.
Producers of the Batang Quiapo television series on the FPJ network also issued an apology to the Muslim community after Rep. Ziaur Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) criticized the portrayal of Muslim characters as "discriminatory, harmful, and derogatory."
Adiong in February 2023 stressed that TV producers should be mindful of the societal impact of their work and ensure they do not perpetuate hate speech and extremism. Violations of Islamic dietary laws in prisons were also flagged by the agency.
Citing Padilla and the Commission on Human Rights, the State Department mentioned the “limited availability” of Halal food options for Muslim inmates due to the limited budget for detention facilities and the jail’s high crowding
rate. Halal food is permissible for consumption under Islamic law, as defined in the Quran, the Muslims' holy book.
According to the Supreme Court, 70% of detention facilities under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology are overcrowded, with an average congestion rate of 386%.
Recent data from the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos showed that there are over 12 million Muslims in the Philippines.
How the U.S. Embassy is engaged In response to issues idenfitied affecting religious freedom in the country, U.S. Embassy officers held discussions with officials from the Commission on Human Rights and the Presidential Human Rights Committee, the report noted.
They also met with representatives of the Catholic bishops conference and the Protestant ecumenical leaders in the Philippines to address the status of religious freedom in the country and the challenges faced by church workers.
American embassy officers are also working with the Philippines' national penal system to produce a “peace education manual” emphasizing “religious tolerance concepts” and best practices to help prison authorities recognize and address religious extremism among convicted prisoners. g
Sen. Risa Hontiveros Photo from Facebook/@hontiverosrisa
INTERVENTION. Students of the Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City join the “Tara, Basa!” (Let’s Read!) tutoring program on Wednesday, July 3. The program is a collaboration between the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to help elementary school learners improve their foundational reading skills while providing short-term work for financially challenged college students. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
The Supreme Court just limited federal power. Health care is feeling the shockwaves.
by Stephanie armour KFF Health News
A LANDMARK Supreme Court decision that reins in federal agencies’ authority is expected to hold dramatic consequences for the nation’s health care system, calling into question government rules on anything from consumer protections for patients to drug safety to nursing home care.
The June 28 decision overturns a 1984 precedent that said courts should give deference to federal agencies in legal challenges over their regulatory or scientific decisions. Instead of giving priority to agencies, courts will now exercise their own independent judgment about what Congress intended when drafting a particular law.
The ruling will likely have seismic ramifications for health policy. A flood of litigation — with plaintiffs like small businesses, drugmakers, and hospitals challenging regulations they say aren’t specified in the law — could leave the country with a patchwork of disparate health regulations varying by location.
Agencies such as the FDA are likely to be far more cautious in drafting regulations, Congress is expected to take more time fleshing out legislation to avoid legal challenges, and judges will be more apt to overrule current and future regulations.
Health policy leaders say patients, providers, and health systems should brace for more uncertainty and less stability in the health care system. Even routine government functions such as deciding the rate to pay doctors for treating Medicare beneficiaries could become embroiled in long legal battles that disrupt patient care or strain providers to adapt.
Groups that oppose a regulation could search for and secure partisan judges to roll back agency decision-making, said Andrew Twinamatsiko, director of the Health Policy and the Law Initiative at Georgetown University’s O’Neill Institute. One example could be challenges to the FDA’s approval of a medication used in abortions, which survived a Supreme Court challenge this term on a technicality.
“Judges will be more emboldened to second-guess agencies,” he said. “It’s going to open agencies up to attacks.” Regulations are effectively the technical instructions for laws written by Congress. Federal agency staffers with knowledge related to a law — say, in drugs that treat rare diseases or health care for seniors — decide how to translate Congress’ words into action with input from industry, advocates, and the public.
Up until now, when agencies issued a regulation, a single rule typically applied nationwide.
Following the high court ruling, however, lawsuits filed in more than one jurisdiction could result in contradictory rulings and regulatory requirements — meaning health care policies for patients, providers, or insurers could differ greatly from one area to another.
One circuit may uphold a regulation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, while other circuits may take different views.
“You could have eight or nine of 11 different views of the courts,” said William Buzbee, a professor at Georgetown Law.
A court in one circuit could issue a nationwide injunction to enforce its interpretation while another circuit disagrees, said Maura Monaghan, a partner at Debevoise & Plimpton. Few cases are taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court, which could leave clashing directives in place for many years.
In the immediate future, health policy leaders say agencies should brace for more litigation over controversial initiatives. A requirement that most Affordable Care Act health plans cover preventive services, for example, is already being litigated. Multiple challenges to the mandate could mean different coverage requirements for preventive care depending on where a consumer lives.
Drugmakers have sued to try to stop the Biden administration from implementing a federal law that forces makers of the most expensive drugs to negotiate prices with Medicare — a key cog in President Joe Biden’s effort to lower drug prices and control health care costs.
Parts of the health care industry may take on reimbursement
rates for doctors that are set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services because those specific rates aren’t written into law. The agency issues rules updating payment rates in Medicare, a health insurance program for people 65 or older and younger people with disabilities. Groups representing doctors and hospitals regularly flock to Washington, D.C., to lobby against trims to their payment rates.
And providers, including those backed by deep-pocketed investors, have sued to block federal surprise-billing legislation. The No Surprises Act, which passed in 2020 and took effect for most people in 2022, aims to protect patients from unexpected, out-of-network medical bills, especially in emergencies. The high court’s ruling is expected to spur more litigation over its implementation.
“This really is going to create a tectonic change in the administrative regulatory landscape,” Twinamatsiko said.
“The approach since 1984 has created stability. When the FDA or CDC adopt regulations, they know those regulations will be respected. That has been taken back.”
Industry groups, including the American Hospital Association and AHIP, an insurers’ trade group, declined to comment.
Agencies such as the FDA that take advantage of their regulatory authority to make specific decisions, such as the granting of exclusive marketing rights upon approval of a drug, will be vulnerable. The reason: Many of their decisions require discretion as opposed to being explicitly defined by federal law, said Joseph Ross, a professor of medicine and public health at Yale School of Medicine.
“The legislation that guides much of the work in the health space, such as FDA and CMS, is not prescriptive,” he said.
In fact, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in an episode of the “Healthcare Unfiltered” podcast last year that he was “very worried” about the disruption from judges overruling his agency’s scientific decisions.
The high court’s ruling will be especially significant for the PAGE 4
Supreme Court OKs local crackdowns on...
or civil penalties is not cruel and unusual punishment, even if there are no alternative shelter or housing options available for them.
“It’s hard to imagine the chaos that is going to ensue. It’ll have horrible consequences for mental and physical health,” said Ed Johnson, director of litigation at the Oregon Law Center and lead attorney representing homeless defendants in the case.
“If people aren’t allowed to engage in survival while living outside by having things like a blanket and a pillow, or a tarp and a sleeping bag, and they don’t have anywhere else to go, they can die,” he said.
The case, the most consequential on homelessness in decades, comes amid widespread public frustration over the proliferation of homeless encampments — especially in Western cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Portland, Oregon — and the unsafe and unsanitary conditions that often fester around them.
An estimated 653,100 people were homeless in the United States in 2023, according to the most recent federal estimates, the vast majority
residing in shanties, brokendown recreational vehicles, and sprawling tent camps scattered across urban and rural communities.
The Oregon city of Grants Pass, at the center of the legal battle, successfully argued that it was not cruel and unusual punishment to fine and arrest homeless people living outdoors or illegally camping on public property.
Mike Zacchino, a spokesperson for Grants Pass, issued a statement Friday that the city was “grateful” to receive the decision and is committed to assisting residents struggling to find stable housing. Theane Evangelis, the city’s lead attorney, told the Supreme Court in April that if it couldn’t enforce its anticamping laws, “the city’s hands will be tied. It will be forced to surrender its public spaces.”
In the majority opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch argued that the homelessness crisis is complex and has many causes, writing, “With encampments dotting neighborhood sidewalks, adults and children in these communities are sometimes forced to navigate around used needles, human waste, and other hazards to make their way
to school, the grocery store, or work.”
However, Gorsuch wrote, the Eighth Amendment does not give the Supreme Court justices primary responsibility “for assessing those causes and devising those responses.” A handful of federal judges cannot “begin to ‘match’ the collective wisdom the American people possess in deciding ‘how best to handle’ a pressing social question like homelessness,” he wrote.
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that the decision focuses on the needs of local government and “leaves the most vulnerable in our society with an impossible choice: Either stay awake or be arrested.”
Elected officials, both Republican and Democrat, have increasingly argued that life on the streets is making people sick — and they should be allowed to relocate people for health and safety.
“If government offers people help and they can’t or won’t accept it, there should be consequences. We have laws that need to be used,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who is an adviser
LANDMARK. The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu province is captured in all its glory on
July 3. The 8.9-kilometer bridge crosses the Mactan Channel and links mainland Cebu through the South Road Properties in Cebu City to Mactan Island in Cordova town. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Supreme Court OKs local crackdowns on...
to California Gov. Gavin
Newsom on homelessness, referencing laws that allow the state to require mental health and addiction treatment, for instance.
The high court decision could further embolden cities to sweep encampments and could force homeless people to be more transient — constantly moving around to evade law enforcement. Sometimes they’re offered shelter, but often there is nowhere to go. Steinberg believes many cities will more aggressively sweep encampments and keep homeless people on the move, but he does not believe they should be fined or arrested.
“I’m comfortable telling people that you can’t camp in public, but I would not criminalize it,” he said. “Some cities will fine and arrest people.”
Advocates for homeless people say constant relocations will further imperil the health of this population and magnify public health threats, such as the spread of communicable diseases. They fear conservativeleaning communities will criminalize street camping, pushing homeless people to liberal municipalities that provide housing assistance and services.
“Some cities have decided that they want to fine, arrest, and punish people for being homeless, and the majority opinion tells communities that they can go ahead and do that,” said Steve Berg, chief policy officer for the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
“If communities really want less homelessness, they need to do what works, which is make sure people have access to housing and supportive services.”
As they disperse and relocate — and possibly get arrested or slapped with fines — they will lose connections to the doctors and nurses who provide primary and specialty care on the streets, some health care experts say.
“It just is going to contribute to more death and higher mortality rates,” said Jim O’Connell, the president of Boston’s Health Care for the Homeless Program and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “It’s tough, because there’s a public safety versus public health” debate cities are struggling with.
As homeless people become
sicker, they will get more expensive to treat, O’Connell said.
“Stop thinking about the emergency room, which is cheap compared to what we actually see, which is homeless people being admitted to the ICU,” he said. “I’ve got 20-something patients at Mass General today taking a huge amount of money to care for.”
In Los Angeles, which has one of the biggest homeless populations in America, street medicine provider Brett Feldman predicts more patients will need emergency intensive care as chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease go untreated.
Patients on anti-addiction medication or those undergoing treatment to improve their mental health will also struggle, he said.
“People are already getting moved and camps swept all the time, so we already know what happens,” Feldman said.
“People lose their medications; they lose track of us.”
Homeless people die at rates two to six times higher than residents living in stable housing, according to a May report from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Drug overdoses and coronary artery disease were the top two causes of death since 2017.
Feldman said it may become harder to house people or place them into treatment programs.
“We rely on knowing where they are in order to find them,” Feldman said. “And they rely on us knowing where they are to get their health care. And if we can’t find them, often they can’t complete their housing paperwork and they don’t get inside.”
The Biden administration has pushed states to expand the definition of health care to include housing. At least 19 are directing money from Medicaid — the state-federal health insurance program for lowincome people — into housing aid.
California is going the biggest, pumping $12 billion into an ambitious Medicaid initiative largely to help homeless patients find housing, pay for it, and avoid eviction. It is also dramatically expanding street medicine services.
The Supreme Court decision could interrupt these programs,
said Margot Kushel, a primary care doctor and homelessness researcher at the University of California-San Francisco.
“Now you’re going to see disconnections from those case managers and housing navigators and people just losing touch in the chaos and the shuffle,” she said. “What’s worse, though, is we are going to lose the trust that is so essential to getting people to take their medications or stop their drug use and, ultimately, getting people into housing.”
Kushel said the ruling would make homelessness worse. “Just having fines and jail time makes it easier for a landlord to reject you for housing,” she said.
At the same time, Americans are increasingly frustrated by encampments spreading into neighborhoods, ringing public parks, and popping up near schools. The spread is marked by more trash, dirty needles, rats, and human excrement on sidewalks.
Local leaders across deepblue California welcomed the decision from the conservative majority, which will allow them to fine and arrest homeless people, even if there’s nowhere for them to go. “The Supreme Court today took decisive action that will ultimately make our communities safer,” said Graham Knaus, CEO of the California State Association of Counties.
Newsom, a Democrat who leads a state with nearly 30% of the nation’s homeless population, said the decision gives state and local officials “the definitive authority to implement and enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments from our streets,” ending legal ambiguity that has “tied the hands of local officials for years and limited their ability to deliver on common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of communities.”
(Angela Hart/ KFF Health News)
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 indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
PH Senator Risa Hontiveros takes on a ‘role...
with various Filipino American communities, Sen. Hontiveros solidified in her mind what Filipino Americans can do to help Filipinos back in their homeland.
“You can take the Filipino out of the Philippines, but you can’t take the Philippines out of the Filipino,” she happily declared. “Lately there has been a renewed interest in acquiring dual citizenship. This could result to benefits that include OFW absentee voting. This means participation in choosing the leaders. The Philippine Consulate has set up a program and information campaign that will help dual citizens register and vote in the forthcoming midterm elections next year and general elections in 2028.”
Another interest expressed in the meetings would be “medical portability” where retirees can move back to the Philippines but can still enjoy the same pension and healthcare benefits they receive here. “We already have a template on Medical Portability, the framework to make it a law has been drafted,” she revealed. She extolled the importance of making parallel efforts when it comes to organizing –whether politically or collaborating on solutions to issues that current Filipinos have felt strongly about: poverty, unemployment, inflation, and corruption which she named
as those on top of the list.
“Regardless of political affiliation, every Filipino recognizes the pain of the issues and problems that affect our country. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us to see that even if we disagree politically, we can choose to find solutions to problems we all experience. We need to think of better ways to mobilize our resources and utilize traditional and social media in a way that informs and empower us to form communities and create genuine unity,” she stated.
Senator Hontiveros explained how economic reform and protecting ourselves from the effects of inflation are a concern for Filipinos all over the world. “In the Philippines, economic development should be the priority. While agriculture and manufacturing need to be developed, the necessary infrastructures, such as electrification should be in place. The BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry has been a top contributor to the Philippine economy and needs to be strengthened further through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).”
Amid her visions to implement economic agenda for the country, Sen. Hontiveros sees the overarching importance of better governance. “I oppose scandalous poverty and inequality. I oppose
manipulation
using disunity and enmity for political ends. We need to reach out to the Filipinos who lost faith in democracy and help them rediscover it. Perhaps the people don’t see how they can participate in the democratic process and how they can protect it. We need a restart.”
Listening to Sen. Hontiveros talk about how the Philippines could soar to greater heights is an inspiring experience. It leaves one in awe at how a leader like her appear to be seemingly undaunted when she pursues causes and issues of national interest (read: sometimes risky). She knows in her heart what the people she serves would benefit from. Whether it’s tirelessly pushing for the SOGIE Bill (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression Bill) to become a law or being in the forefront of investigating POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and look into alleged human trafficking and online scams being proliferated, you can count on her to move forward with character and courage. After all, behind that dulcet voice and calm demeanor is a woman and a leader who’s powerful enough to say: “Natatakot din ako. Pero okay lang matakot basta huwag lang tayong maduduwag (I also get afraid. But it’s okay to feel afraid as long we don’t become cowards).” g
Duterte tells VP Sara...
not have the funds, I have nothing. What is left is my cockiness (yabang na lang),” Duterte said.
“Besides, where could you find a father and his two sons running together for the Senate? What will we do in the Senate?” he added.
The former president also clarified that the group Hakbang ng Maisug is not calling for the ouster or resignation of President Marcos, pointing out that every administration has its own mistakes and that Maisug is just there to call out the mistakes of the Marcos administration. “Marcos should not lose any sleep. I want him to work for six years. He was voted by the people to work for six years. You do your work there. Do not worry, nobody is interested in removing you. It is a waste of time,” Duterte said. “I am praying that he should live till the end of his term.” The Hakbang ng Maisug group has been going around the country,
holding prayer rallies to protest against the people’s initiative signature campaign for Charter change. And even if he is the face of the group, Duterte denied being behind the movement.
“Maisug is not me, and I am not Maisug. There are other people behind it, businessmen. I cannot say anything, but I hope that whenever there is a rally, it should be peaceful,” Duterte said ‘Find your peace’
On the recent tirades of former Senator Leila de Lima, Duterte said “she should be at peace with her life now.”
“Even if she submits herself to crucifixion, whatever she would do now, she still shamed the entire generation after her. They will bear her name but the shame will be there,” Duterte said.
“Find your peace where you are now. Don’t look for trouble, you will only regret it. Why would you get back at me? I don’t do rock and
roll,” he added, in apparent reference to a video showing De Lima dancing in a rock concert of a convicted drug lord inside the Bilibid prison.
Duterte also warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) over an alleged impending service of a warrant of arrest against him.
“I don’t give a s**t whether they come in. For me, they have no jurisdiction. The Philippines already left ICC. We are not part of the ICC. If they would insist that there is a case there that would warrant my arrest, I will wait for them,” he said. The former chief executive added that he does not want any official of the Philippine National Police or the National Bureau of Investigation to serve the warrant.
“I want the ICC representative to bring me that paper because the moment that person gives it to me, I will let you eat that paper or I will deliver you to hell,” Duterte said. g
Groundbreaking cancer study focuses...
from UC San Francisco and UC Irvine. They are focusing on various cancer types prevalent in Asian American communities, including breast cancer among young Asian American women, nasopharyngeal cancer in Chinese Americans, liver cancer in Southeast Asian Americans, gastric cancer in Korean and Japanese Americans and thyroid cancer in Filipino Americans. How to participate?
The study aims to enroll 20,000 participants this year, with plans to expand to 50,000 in the future. Participants will provide saliva samples and respond
to lifestyle inquiries, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
But take note: participation in the study involves being studied over many years, not just for a day or so. Iona Chen, another principal investigator at UC San Francisco, explains that the study will monitor participants over several years to track cancer development, including types such as lung, breast, gastric and liver cancers.
Eligible participants are adults aged 40 to 75 without a cancer diagnosis. There will also be remote interviews, eliminating the need for participants to travel to
study sites and thereby enhancing convenience and accessibility. This approach enables researchers to gather extensive and detailed information from a diverse group of participants across various regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of cancer risk factors in Asian American communities.
If you’re from Southern California, LAist listed the contact information: Cedars-Sinai is enrolling people in LA County at CSCCommunityOutreach@cshs. org, while UC Irvine is enrolling Orange County participants at tanjasir@hs.uci.edu. (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net)
China to US: Stop support of PH...
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than doing the opposite.
In Washington, the U.S. State Department said that Campbell “raised serious concerns” about Chinese aggressive actions in a call with Ma Zhaoxu.
State Department spokesman Mathew Miller said Campbell also reiterated that U.S. commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) remained “ironclad.”
China and the Philippines have traded accusations over “dangerous and illegal maneuvers” affecting their respective vessels around the Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal, a disputed atoll in the busy waterway. The Philippines sent resupply missions to soldiers living aboard the 100-meter BRP Sierra Madre vessel, an aging warship deliberately grounded by Manila in 1999 at the atoll to check the advance of China in the hotly contested waters. The unorthodox tactic to establish the Philippines’ presence on the shoal was in response to China’s occupation of the nearby and then-uninhabited Mischief Reef, also claimed by Manila, a few years earlier. Beijing has turned Mischief Reef and other reefs and outcrops into artificial, militarized
islands to assert its claims in the waters.
Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal, located in the Spratly Islands, is about 200 kilometers west of the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass of Hainan island. This means it is inside the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ). A 2016 arbitral ruling supported the Philippines’ claim. An EEZ gives a country sovereign rights to fisheries and natural resources but does not denote sovereignty over that area. g
Fil-Am breakdancer earns a spot in the Paris Olympics
Breakdancing is set to debut as an official sport at the 2024 Olympics in Paris
by Hans Carbonilla Inquirer.net
ANOTHER Filipino American is set to make waves at this year’s Paris Olympics, but not in a traditional sport like tennis, track and field or ball sports –this time, it’s breakdancing.
Logan Edra, widely known as “Logistx,” has secured her name in history by earning a spot on the United States’ breakdancing team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
USA Dance Inc.’s breaking division celebrated Edra’s achievement in an Instagram post, proclaiming, “Congratulations again to @logistx_ugf for making history!! She earned her ticket to Paris and will officially represent @teamusa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. See you in PARIS!!”
After an outstanding performance at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest, Hungary, Edra, alongside Jeffrey Louis, secured the final two spots on Team USA’s breakdancing squad. Their journey to the Olympics was cemented with a fifth-place finish in both the overall standings and their respective categories during the qualifiers.
Edra and Louis will join Sunny Choi and Victor Montalvo to complete the quartet representing the United States in breakdancing’s inaugural appearance at the Paris Olympics on Aug. 9 and 10. There will be a total of 32 breakers, featuring 16 male and 16 female dancers, who will demonstrate their skills in this arena. As written on the Olympics
official website, “Athletes will use a combination of power moves – including windmills, the 6-step, and freezes – as they adapt their style and improvise to the beat of the DJ’s tracks in a bid to secure the judges’ votes and take home the first Olympic breaking medals.” After its first run at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018, breakdancing garnered
highlighting its evolution from underground culture to a recognized Olympic discipline. g
The Supreme Court just limited federal...
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nation’s federal health agencies because their regulations are often complex, creating the opportunity for more pitched legal battles. Challenges that may not have succeeded in courts because of the deference to agencies could now find more favorable outcomes.
“A whole host of existing regulations could be vulnerable,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF. Other consequences are
possible. Congress may attempt to flesh out more details when drafting legislation to avoid challenges — an approach that may increase partisan standoffs and slow down an already glacial pace in passing legislation, Levitt said. Agencies are expected to be far more cautious in writing regulations to be sure they don’t go beyond the contours of the law. The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision overturned Chevron U.S.A. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, which held
that courts should generally back a federal agency’s statutory interpretation as long as it was reasonable. Republicans have largely praised the new ruling as necessary for ensuring agencies don’t overstep their authority, while Democrats said in the aftermath of the decision that it amounts to a judicial power grab. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
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OPINION FEATURES
Propaganda campaign?
AT the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos shunned vaccines made in China not because of any propaganda campaign by the West, but because it was a fact that Beijing would not come clean on the origins of the new virus, and refused to submit its vaccines to assessment by an internationally recognized stringent regulatory authority or SRA.
These details are useful to remember before the facts become muddled enough to fit Beijing’s narrative on COVID, whose origins to this day have yet to be officially established, thanks to Chinese stonewalling. In December 2019, ophthalmologist Li Wenliang posted on social media an alert about a new virus that was sickening and killing people in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in central China. Beijing had Li arrested along with seven other COVID whistle-blowers ostensibly for rumor-mongering. In February 2020, Li died of COVID.
Editorial
the World Health Organization finally declared the existence of a pandemic, Duterte imposed one of the most stringent lockdowns in the world. At the same time, his administration busied itself with the multibillion-peso sweetheart deal awarded to Pharmally Pharmaceuticals.
Over in Manila, as reports spread about an emerging pandemic, the administration of Rodrigo Duterte refused to impose travel restrictions on visitors from China. The Philippines’ COVID Patients 1 and 2 were a pair of tourists from Wuhan, recorded as early as Jan. 30, 2020. One became the first confirmed COVID death recorded in the Philippines, on Feb. 1, and the first outside China.
Even then, Duterte downplayed the threat, saying the virus would “die a natural death.” When
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aptly put it during his remarks at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command in Palawan last Sunday, June 30 that “we are not in the business [of instigating] wars – our ambition is to provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino.”
Maintaining that the Philippines is a responsible state that will continue to exercise its freedoms and rights in accordance with international law, the president emphasized that “in defending the nation, we stay true to our Filipino nature that would like to settle all these issues peacefully.”
The pride in his voice was unmistakable when he told the troops at WESCOM – the unit tasked to secure the West Philippine Sea: “You demonstrated to the world that the Filipino spirit is one that is brave, determined and yet is compassionate.”
The greatest proof of what kind of people we are is in the over 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed in more than 200 countries worldwide that include Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Everywhere they go, OFWs are much appreciated
Reinforcing reports that the COVID virus sprung from Wuhan, China became the first to produce vaccines. Without SRA approval, however, people outside China preferred to wait for a peer-vetted vaccine. In December 2020, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German firm BioNTech produced such a vaccine for emergency use.
The country would later find out that the Trump administration, working with Philippine diplomats, had pushed for Pfizer to give priority to the Philippines, with 10 million doses of its prized vaccine ready for delivery as early as January 2021. But Teodoro Locsin Jr., at the time the foreign secretary, said “someone dropped the ball” and the Duterte administration held off on signing a confidential disclosure agreement sought by Pfizer.
The suspicion was that the Duterte administration
for being hardworking, kind and caring.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, admiration and appreciation for OFWs, particularly nurses and health care professionals, poured in from people like British media personality Piers Morgan, who described them as “unsung heroes.”
“Amazing number of Filipinos working in National Health Service are unsung heroes… Thank you to all the Filipinos who are here, doing all this… These are the immigrants currently saving people’s lives, coming here and actually enriching our country and doing an amazing job. So thank you to all the Filipinos who are here doing all these amazing work…” Morgan said.
When former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hospitalized and needed intensive care after contracting COVID-19, he wore a shirt with the word “Philippines” across the chest in what was seen as his subtle way of honoring Filipino nurses and medical professionals who saved his life.
When Hamas militants attacked Jewish communities near the Gaza Strip, OFWs like nurse Angeline Aguirre displayed unbelievable courage and dedication – refusing to abandon her elderly patient, with both perishing in the process. Carer Camille Jesalva also refused to leave her 95-year-old employer.
When Hamas militants broke into the residence, she calmly and bravely faced them, offering all the money she saved for a trip to the Philippines. Camille said she could not have forgiven herself if her employer had died because she abandoned her.
Every visitor who comes to the Philippines says Filipinos are warm, friendly and hospitable. We are a good people – and we are also proud to be regarded as kind, imbued with humanitarian compassion for those who are in need of help.
In 1934, during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon, we opened our doors to Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi purge and made the Philippines a safe haven for them at a time when many other countries turned their backs and closed their doors to a persecuted race. Despite the criticism he received, President Quezon issued Proclamation 173 that has come to be known as the “open door policy” that allowed at least 1,300 European Jews into the Philippines.
Thousands of Vietnamese refugees known as “boat people” who fled during the Vietnam War were also granted asylum to the Philippines on the basis of humanitarian grounds, with the Philippine government during the time of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. upholding the principle of non-refoulement – meaning no refugee was turned away or repatriated back to Vietnam.
wanted to first unload the China-donated jabs before allowing the entry of the Pfizer shots. No propaganda machine is needed to tell you that those 10 million Pfizer doses could have drastically
We Filipinos are known for being extremely hospitable, good people – always ready to extend a helping hand and respond to a call for help, sometimes even shedding blood in the process. But when push comes to shove, we step up to the plate, like in the Battle of Yultong in 1951 during the Korean War when the 10th Battalion Combat Team that was part of the 7,500-strong Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea sent by President Elpidio Quirino fiercely resisted the 44th Division of the Chinese Army. During the battle, 900 Filipinos surrounded by thousands of Chinese soldiers lost all contact with the outside world but bravely resisted enemy offensives in two days of fierce fighting – enabling the 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. 3rd Infantry to withdraw. When the dust finally settled, 24 Filipinos died but several thousands of the enemy were also killed before reinforcements arrived. The bravery of the “Fighting Filipinos” was such that General Douglas MacArthur was reported to have said, “Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers and I shall conquer the world!”
Filipinos are unassuming and patient, but it is also in our blood to push back when we are shoved. Whatever freedom we are enjoying today – we fought hard for. We were under Spanish rule for over 300 years when our forefathers waged a war for independence. In the early 1900s,
we fought the Americans during the Philippine-American War to gain independence, only to suffer during the Japanese occupation. We fought with the Americans against the Japanese invaders during World War 2 until we gained full independence in 1946. Today, we have extremely good relations with Spain as well as the United States and Japan who are our staunch allies – proving once again that we are a peace-loving nation.
AFTER several box office letdowns in 2023, Disney can finally breathe a sigh of relief with the recent commercial success of Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.” This sequel to the 2015 animated hit explores the inner workings of a girl’s emotions by following 11-year-old Riley and the various emotions running a command control center inside her head. In the sequel, the original five—Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear—are joined by new characters as Riley goes through puberty: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui.
The movie brilliantly illustrates how emotions influence our decision-making. In the past decade, scientists have understood more precisely how emotions aid rational thinking by helping us assess which relevant information to consider, including potential threats and opportunities. To guide our thought process, different emotions highlight specific details, memories, and beliefs while downplaying others. For example, the feeling of disgust helps us avoid certain situations that might harm us. Imagine discovering a foul-smelling three-week-old milk in your fridge. Disgust kicks in, and you are absolutely sure that you don’t need to taste it before throwing it away.
put a premium on a person’s IQ levels.
Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to understand and monitor one’s feelings and emotions and use the information gathered to guide one’s thinking and actions. The term was first coined in 1990 but it was psychologist and writer Daniel Goleman who brought it to general awareness in 1995. He christened it with its famous shorthand, EQ, and published a book highlighting it as a significant predictor of success. His insights were a stark contrast to the prevailing belief at the time, which solely
Fast-forward to 2024 and skills related to emotional intelligence have become sought-after qualities in leaders and employees. According to the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report, organizations are placing increasing importance on socio-emotional attitudes like self-awareness, resilience, curiosity, and flexibility. In a working landscape anticipating massive disruptions due to automation and artificial intelligence, companies seek to build a workforce with high EQ: reflective, adaptive, selfmotivated, and committed to lifelong learning. As a licensed Social Emotional Learning (SEL) trainer for the past seven years, I have noticed that many young people face a significant challenge: they grew up hearing that their feelings are valid, but they were not necessarily taught how to properly assess and manage them, often hindering them
from being able to choose to respond appropriately. This gap in understanding often results in individuals who constantly let heightened emotions dictate their decisions, using unprocessed feelings to justify inappropriate, unproductive, and destructive behavior.
Emotional intelligence transcends mere awareness of one’s emotions. It encompasses the ability to comprehend the nature of these emotions as well as the proficiency to manage them effectively. The five core SEL competencies are selfawareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decisionmaking. These involve recognizing and regulating emotions, understanding others, building healthy relationships, and making constructive choices.
Possessing a high EQ means not only recognizing what you are feeling but also understanding that you wield control over your emotions rather than being controlled by them.
Children need to be taught
President Marcos said “…We will not resort to the use of force or intimidation, or deliberately inflict injury or harm to anyone. But at the same time, we stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence” – because that is precisely the kind of people that Filipinos are. (Philstar.com)
that: Yes, we should name and acknowledge our emotions. BUT it is equally important to understand that our strong feelings can cloud judgment. Our initial emotions often overlook and obscure considerations that a rational mind would take into account, such as our longterm goals, the values we stand for, and the relationships we care about. For example, when someone has road rage, they are so focused on their anger that they fail to weigh whether the traffic inconvenience they were reacting to is enough to justify harming others. People need to learn how to pause when dealing with heightened emotions and to practice doing activities that will help them calm their emotional mind so that they can also “hear” their rational mind. This way, they can react and decide with greater intention. For parents and teachers who want to learn how to explicitly teach SEL skills to their children and students. I recommend looking into a host of free online resources developed
* * * 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.
* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com
by Unesco
and CASEL for practical tips and free modules that one could easily integrate into the classroom or at home.
While there is an old saying that “Those who can’t, teach,” emotional intelligence is not something one can easily impart unless one makes an active commitment to developing and embodying these skills. Teaching social-emotional attitudes begins with a personal practice: Being more reflective about how we are feeling and being more mindful and deliberate with the way we respond. It is through our continuous growth in this area that we can hope to effectively guide the younger generation toward a more resilient and emotionally intelligent future amid a world increasingly shaped by automation. This skill will serve them (and us) well. (Inquirer.net)
* * *
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.
cut down the death toll in the lethal Alpha COVID wave in the summer of 2021, when vaccination was just starting in the country and hospitals overflowed with patients. (Philstar.com)
Maintaining that the Philippines is a responsible state that will continue to exercise its freedoms and rights in accordance with international law, the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr emphasized that “in defending the nation, we stay true to our Filipino nature that would like to settle all these issues peacefully.”
Malacañang file photo
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
Angara named as new DepEd chief Mayor Guo urged: Expose main players of illegal POGOs
by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara will be replacing Vice President Sara Duterte as the new Education Secretary, the Palace announced Tuesday, July 2.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that Angara will take the helm of the Department of Education (DepEd) starting July 19.
Vice President Duterte resigned as DepEd chief on June 19. She did not provide a definite reason for quitting and only explained that her action was not a sign of weakness, as it was stirred by compassion for teachers and students.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced that he is set to appoint Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as the new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), replacing Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned last June 19, 2024, effective July 19, 2024,” the PCO said in a statement.
According to the PCO, President Marcos announced his decision to choose Angara as DepEd secretary during the 17th Cabinet Meeting in the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.
“Sonny has agreed to take on the brief of the Department of Education,” the PCO quoted Marcos as saying during the meeting.
It also noted that Marcos emphasized before Cabinet members the critical role of the DepEd and the necessity for a leader capable of overseeing its operations.
“DepEd is arguably the most important department given the crucial role of education,” said Marcos, as he pointed out that there were “many excellent candidates” for the position.
The PCO likewise said that Marcos expressed appreciation for Duterte’s service as DepEd chief and that he anticipates a smooth transition
with the new department leadership.
In a separate statement, Angara expressed thanks to Marcos for his “trust” in picking him as the new head of DepEd.
“I am committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education. I look forward to building upon her accomplishments,” he said.
“Education is the cornerstone of our nation’s future, and it is through collective effort that we can address the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. I am eager to collaborate with President Marcos and the entire administration in serving our students, supporting our teachers, and enhancing the overall quality of education in our country,” he added.
Prior to his appointment, Angara served as a senator from the 16th to the present Congress, or since 2013.
He chaired multiple Senate panels, including the justice and human rights committee, finance committee, and youth committee.
Angara has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the London School of Economic and Political Science, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
He also obtained his Master of Laws from Harvard University.
In an ambush interview on Monday, July 1, Angara said he is “open” to being the next DepEd head if offered to him.
“Opo (Yes). Open tayo kung sakaling pagkatiwalaan (We’re open if given the trust),” he told reporters in Baler, Aurora, where the senator attended celebrations for the 22nd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.
Senators have been expressing support for Angara to be the next DepEd secretary, citing his extensive educational background.
PH, US vow to harness ties for regional peace, dev’t – DFA
MANILA
– The Philippines and the United States are committed to strengthening ties for regional peace and development, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
At the US Independence Day reception in Taguig City on July 2, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro cited the "significant progress" the Philippines and the US cooperation have achieved in the past two years.
“The increasing frequency and scope of our engagement signal our unwavering commitment to harnessing our partnership for peace and development, not only within our respective countries but also in the broader region,” she said.
Lazaro made the statement as the two nations witness re-
newed vigor in their defense and economic ties under the Marcos and Biden administrations.
In her speech, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reiterated that Washington D.C. has an “ironclad commitment” to its alliance with Manila.
“Together with our partners, we remain unwavering in our commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, and to the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law,” she said.
“U.S.-Philippines commercial and economic ties are booming," she added. Over the past year alone, U.S.
President Joe Biden’s Trade and Investment Mission visited the Philippines and resulted in more than USD1 billion in investments and partnerships.
On top of this, Manila has expanded its cooperation with the US to include like-minded states, such as Japan.
In April, the three states held the historic trilateral leaders’ summit and launched the Luzon Economic Corridor, the latest economic initiative under the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment covering Subic, Manila, and Batangas ports.
In the coming months, the U.S. and the Philippines are also set to convene the 2+2 defense and foreign affairs ministerial meeting. (PNA)
by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com
MANILA — Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, or Guo Hua Ping, should cooperate with authorities and reveal crucial information about the activities and key players of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said on Tuesday, July 2.
“Guo can play a crucial role in exposing the truth and ensuring that those involved are held accountable,” said Gatchalian.
“I urge Alice Guo to come forward and cooperate with authorities and expose the main players of illegal and criminal offshore gaming operations,” Gatchalian added.
“To reduce her culpability, she can reveal everything she knows about the operations of both the Bamban POGO and the Porac POGO, as the two are interconnected.”
Guo, along with others, has been charged with non-bailable qualified human trafficking by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
The Office of the Solicitor General is looking at filing a quo warranto case while the Commission on Elections is mulling an election offense case.
At the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez vowed to thoroughly probe alleged anomalies within POGOs, where former and current government officials may have been involved.
“The government does not need this form of gambling as a revenue source. They breed criminal activities like human trafficking, kidnapping, protection and extortion. The social cost outweighs the financial benefit,” Rodriguez emphasized.
Rodriguez also called on the House committees on games and amusements and good government
and public accountability to conduct a joint inquiry and look into the alleged lobbying and protection for POGOs by officials, appointed and elected.
He was reacting to the revelation of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco that a former Cabinet member had lobbied for the grant of franchises to illegal POGOs that authorities recently raided in Bamban, Tarlac and in Porac, Pampanga.
“We are also ready to reveal the roles of other controversial individuals behind these criminal POGO enterprises,” Tengco said. He also referred to the role of former officials and conduits in granting licenses to POGO applicants with doubtful backgrounds.
Rodriguez said his proposed House inquiry would provide Tengco the proper forum to make his revelations and support them with evidence.
PH can deter hostile attacks due to stronger AFP modernization
MANILA – The ongoing modernization of the Philippine military has gone far in terms of ramping up the country's capability to thwart attacks or invasion attempts by hostile forces.
During the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Special "Resibo ng Serbisyo ng Pangulo" interview over state-run PTV, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military's modernization dates back to 1995 when their assets began to deteriorate after the closure of American military bases in the country.
"Hindi po natin pwedeng sabihin iyan para hindi alam ng ating mga competitors kung nasaan na tayo. But suffice to say, na kung mayroon pong gustong sumakop, mag-invade sa atin ay talagang lalaban po tayo at siguradong masusugatan sila (We cannot say that as we do not want our competitors to know where our program is exactly at. But suffice it to say, if anyone wants to invade us, we will fight and they will surely get hurt in the process)," the AFP chief said when asked about the exact progress of the AFP Modernization Program on Tuesday, July 2.
He said some of the fruits of the ongoing AFP Modernization Program are the FA-50PH light jet fighters and the various missile systems that were recently delivered and are now in service in the military, along with the various state-of-the-art naval vessels being used to patrol the West Philippine Sea.
Last month, Brawner also joined Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the launch of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FF-06), one of the Philippines' two guided missile corvettes built in South Korea.
The AFP Modernization Program is subdivided into three "horizons" aimed at acquiring weapons systems and platforms for external defense missions.
Horizon 1 was from 2013 to 2017; Horizon 2 from 2018 to 2022; and Horizon 3 from 2023 to 2028. "Unang-una, kailangan nating i-modernize ang mga radar systems natin, mga surveillance systems, pati na rin mga sensors natin. And then pag na-develop ito, kailangan i-develop 'yung mga barko at mga aircraft natin na sasalubong. Let's say nagkaroon ng invasion, na-detect ng radar systems, kailangan salubungin ng defense natin (First, we have to modernize our radar and surveillance systems, also our sensors. Once these are developed, we must develop the ships and the aircraft. Let's say there is an invasion attempt and this was detected by our radar systems, our defense needs to intercept it). We have missile systems, pwede natin gamitin yan (we can use them)," Brawner said.
Without giving details, he said the AFP is looking to acquire more modern jet fighters to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
Brawner also cited the need to train personnel tasked to handle newly acquired assets to ensure their proper usage and maintenance.
He thanked the House of Representatives and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for their strong support for the AFP Modernization Program, considering that this initiative is capital-intensive. He also lauded them for seeing the importance of a modern AFP, considering the Philippines' strategic location, which makes it a prime target for those interested in taking control of its waters.
"We really have to be able to present a deterrent factor. Kailangan po natin na ipakita na kayang-kaya natin depensahan iyong ating territory, iyong ating sovereignty and iyong sovereign rights natin (We need to show that we can defend our territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights)," Brawner said. (PNA)
VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL
How Barbie Forteza is able to resist David Licauco’s charms
“I CONSIDER being with him my safe space,” said Barbie Forteza of on-screen partner David Licauco, as a way to explain how they’ve managed to remain good friends even though their supporters continue to “ship” them romantically.
Barbie has been dating fellow GMA 7 artist Jak Roberto since
2017. Her love team with David was formed after they received rave reviews for their portrayals in the 2022 period drama series
“Maria Clara at Ibarra.”
“It’s a big factor that David and I are really good friends.
I’m the type of girl who, once I already consider a guy as part of the gang, it’s already hard for me to see him as someone more than that. I’m glad that I’ve met a person in David that I now consider my safe space. I don’t want to risk losing that by deciding to take the relationship to the next level,” Barbie told Inquirer Entertainment
Barbie said another factor is that she already feels “very secured” in her relationship with Jak. “This isn’t the first love team that I’ve become a part of. I feel like, over the years, I’ve gotten used to working with a partner.
To me, it’s just work, and as a professional, I know that the romantic feeling doesn’t have to be real all the time,” she pointed out.
Reel-life romance
As advice to younger actors who are also trying to manage their reel-life romance, Barbie said: “I have nothing against loveteam partners who eventually end up dating each other in real life. My advice is to not give in to the pressure. If you fall in love, it
FOR the first time ever, two of Philippine entertainment's queens come together in the newest murder mystery drama, "Widows' War." Starring Box-Office Queen Bea Alonzo and Primetime Goddess Carla Abellana, these two actresses are set to captivate audiences in their first-ever teleserye together, a project they have long dreamed of sharing. During the press conference for the upcoming series, Abellana expressed her excitement about working with Alonzo, saying she never thought she would reach a point in her career where she would finally get to work with her idol.
"I always get starstruck when doing scenes with her. It's the truth. My goodness! She is everything I imagined her to be and more. She's passionate, dedicated to her craft, knows even the smallest details, kind, easy to get along with, never complains, very patient, and, of course, incredibly talented," said Abellana.
Alonzo, equally thrilled, spoke highly of her co-star saying, "I'm glad to have finally worked with Carla because she is very professional, a generous actress, and very gracious. I think she's a gentle soul, and I'm glad I got to know her better," she said.
Abellana also discussed their working dynamics, saying things went smoothly from the start. She emphasized that there was no issue of "upstaging" between her and Alonzo, as they both bring their own unique qualities to the table.
"Right off the bat, there was
should happen naturally, and not because you’re both pressured to get into a relationship as a consequence of being in a love team.”
She continued: “It’s better if you separate your romantic relationship from your professional life. It’s hard when two partners become a romantic couple and then experience lovers’ quarrel on the set.”
Between her and David, Barbie is more experienced when it comes to managing the demands of show biz. She has been working as an actress for over 15 years, and claims to already know “when to be sociable and when to demand for my personal space.”
She added that David would personally seek her advice on this, “because he is very much willing to adjust [in order] to stay long in this industry. I always remind him that his other businesses will benefit if he does well in show business. His [restaurant] business is the one thing that he is really passionate about. I guess he understood what I was telling him, so he adjusted accordingly.”
Barbie continued: “I help him by always trying to make him feel comfortable around me. I’m never demanding, but I encourage him to share more of what’s on his mind to people. I understand him because his popularity happened so suddenly for him, and telling people that he wasn’t prepared for it is not a valid excuse.”
‘Our comfort zone’ David, on the other hand, would often encourage Barbie to put up a business of her own, the actress said. “Surprisingly, the advice he gave me was something that I’m already practicing whenever I create characters for the projects I’m involved in. He told me, ‘Always know your
whats and whys. Why do you want to put up this particular business? What made you decide to invest here?’ I do the same thing with the characters I create. I would ask, ‘What is your character’s personality and her family background? Why does she behave this way?’ It’s good to know that business and acting are quite similar. That felt kind of reassuring,” the actress said. Meanwhile, Barbie said she was pleased that her first bigscreen project with David, titled “That Kind of Love,” is a romantic comedy “that is right within our comfort zone.”
She added: “We are both fans of rom-coms. I was also surprised to learn about this from David. This was why work had been easy and enjoyable for us. Also, it’s our first time working with Direk Catherine Camarillo and Pocket Media Productions. It was a happy and memorable experience for us. They were all very professional and hardworking. It was obvious that they all love what they’re doing. Everyone was very passionate.”
In “That Kind of Love,” Barbie plays Mila, a love coach who takes it upon herself to find a romantic partner for David’s character, Adam, who is selfabsorbed and distant. “This is my most sophisticated role so far. I usually play characters who are young and bubbly and sweet. Mila is career-oriented. She helps people find their match or arrange for them to get the guy or girl they are pining for. She considers herself good at her job until she meets Adam, who thinks he is Mr. Perfect. She vows to find Adam a match without realizing that she is slowly falling in love with him,” Barbie explained.
no awkwardness. I wouldn't say we clicked immediately, but we didn't have a hard time adjusting to each other's techniques, processes, and timing," Abellana said.
"Surprisingly, we had scenes, like fight scenes, where we had stunt directors and stuntmen teaching us, but most of them were impromptu. We just flowed together naturally," she added. Based on the original concept of RJ Nuevas and Ken De Leon, "Widows' War" revolves around Sam (Alonzo) and George (Abellana), former best friends who will go head-to-head to find out who between them is the real sinner or saint.
Sam and George blame each other for an unfortunate event their families experience and everything that follows. Soon, they cross paths again while mourning their husbands. Their sanity and reputation are put at risk when they become suspects in the sudden deaths of Paco and
Basil. As the two widows try to clean their own names, Sam and George uncover a web of lies and deceit. Will they choose to bring each other down or will they become allies to solve the murder mystery? Who can they trust when everyone seems to have a motive? Are Sam and George truly innocent?
This GMA Entertainment Group's latest masterpiece boasts of a powerhouse ensemble, including Tonton Gutierrez, Jeric Gonzales, Juancho Triviño, Jackie Lou Blanco, Lito Pimentel, Timmy Cruz, Rita Daniela, Royce Cabrera, Lovely Rivero, James Graham, Charlie Flemming, Matthew Uy, and Jean Garcia.
Joining the star-studded cast in their special roles are Benjamin Alves as Basil Palacios, the competitive husband of George, and Rafael Rosell as Paco Palacios, Sam's loving husband.
SB19 was honored to represent the Philippines and showcase their vocal prowess in the Japan-based YouTube channel “The First Take,” which aims to show a singer’s abilities in a “single take.”
The P-pop powerhouse appeared on the 449th episode of the music platform, where they did an updated rendition of their smash hit “Gento” on Monday, July 1. SB19 is the first Filipino act and Southeast Asian group to grace the
platform. As in past episodes, SB19, donning casual ensembles, performed in an all-white studio where their singing prowess was recorded in one take.
“It was a true first take. So we were very nervous and overwhelmed, but it was fun and an amazing experience,”
SB19 said of their appearance in a press statement.
“Above all, we are grateful for this opportunity and for being able to represent the Philippines by performing our song here. We are honored to showcase our music and culture
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net by Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com
"IT'S Showtime" host Ryan Bang is now engaged to his nonshowbiz girlfriend Paola Huyong. Huyong posted on her Instagram photos of their engagement with the caption "God is good."
The photos show Ryan falling down on his knees, presenting the engagement ring to an ecstatic Paola. There is also a close-up photo of the engagement ring and Ryan's handwritten card for Paola thanking her for saying yes to his proposal.
In an interview with Philstar. com during the opening of his restaurant Paldo last February, Ryan talked about his plans with Paola.
Siyempre, hindi naman ako mag-girlfriend kung (walang balak mag-asawa). I'm more than 30 plus years na e. Hindi naman ako mag-girlfriend kung wala akong plano para sa kanya," Ryan said. "Siyempre, meron akong plans
CONTENT creator-singer
Donnalyn Bartolome shared that a pinky promise and JM de Guzman's determination eventually won her over, even though she admitted that she no longer believes in forever.
Donnalyn posted their photos as Hercules and Megara, the Greek couple, on her Instagram early Saturday morning, June 29. She revealed how JM made her a pinky promise in February 2022 that they would do a collaboration. She found it amusing since she did not know a guy who would want to make a pinky promise with her in the first place.
"I delivered our pinky promise.. and all this happened.
"I thought we were only going to be friends. I was almost certain.. If everyone knew in detail how I felt, and everything that transpired, you’d feel the same, but the stars had something else written in them and during our exclusively dating phase, we assured each other promise rings, linked to the first promise we’d made to each other—a pinky kind for when we’re finally ready to be officially in a relationship," she wrote. She also included a photo of their pinky fingers with their promise rings. She teased that she will tell the story behind their
to the world through ‘The First Take,’” they continued.
“The First Take” is a Japanbased music outlet that invites artists from around the globe to showcase their music and vocal prowess in one take. Each appearance usually puts the singer on center stage amid a plain background and a microphone.
Popular artists who appeared on the YouTube channel were BTS’ V, Harry Styles, and Avril Lavigne, to name a few.
“Gento,” which was released in May 2023, is included in SB19’s second EP “Pagtatag!” that dropped a month later. It became one of the group’s biggest hits to date, which spawned many covers by artists on TikTok and other platforms.
SB19 was recently nominated for the Favorite Asian Act award at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards (KCA), where they’re up against K-pop boy group Enhypen, Japanese girl group NiziU, Indonesia’s Tiara Andini, and Malaysia’s Iman Troye.
The P-pop powerhouse debuted in October 2018 with the ballad “Tilaluha.” Composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, they eventually went on to become the biggest P-pop group in the country.
promise rings in another time.
Donnalyn shared that it took JM a year and five months later to court her since she told him he can see other people.
"It was all after asking him to explore other hearts — to just find another heart who’s not mine,
SB19 members (from left) Justin, Stell, Josh, Pablo, and Ken
Take.”
Ryan Bang proposes to non-showbiz girlfriend Paola Huyong. Photo from
sa future namin ng girlfriend ko. Ayoko lang puro salita, ayoko lang ng sweet. Gusto ko talagang
ipakita by action," he added. The two met during a football game.
by Marinel cruz Inquirer.net
by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net
Barbie Forteza with David Licauco, collectively known as BarDa. Photo courtesy of Pocket Media Productions
Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana as Sam and George in ‘Widows’ War.’ GMA photos
Camille Prats, Suzi Entrata-Abrera weigh in on legalization of divorce in PH
by JessicA Ann evAngelistA Inquirer.net
CAMILLE Prats and Suzi
Entrata-Abrera have given their different takes on the proposed legalization of divorce in the Philippines.
During a recent guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the former “Mars” hosts were asked if they were in favor of divorce being legalized in the country, and the two gave different perspectives.
Entrata-Abrera suggested that if the Philippines does not legalize divorce, all forms of marital abuse should then be criminalized.
“Criminalize abuse. If that is the reason why you guys are together, tapos ‘di ka makawala kasi walang divorce (and then you can’t get out of the relationship because there’s no divorce),” she said. “All forms. Kasi usually physical lang eh, pero hindi, pati mental, emotional. (Usually it’s just physical abuse, but no, it is also mental and emotional abuse.)”
On the other hand, Prats, a devout Christian, asserted that she personally does not approve
Dingdong
divorce given that it will take a toll on the children.
“For me, kasi, I come from a place, as much as possible, I want sana na hindi magkaroon ng divorce,” she said. “Because I see the children suffering from that.”
“Parang ngayon kasi kapag ka laging ganon ‘yong pag-isip natin sa mag-asawa na that’s always an option, then whoever we find in life, ‘di naman perpekto ‘yong tao na ‘yon eh,” continued the actress, stressing that divorce also has to be “mutual.”
(Right now, if that’s the kind of mindset we will have about married
couples, that [divorce] is always an option, then whoever we find in life [we’ll do that], but every person isn’t perfect.)
“Kasi iba rin naman kapag babae lang ang nakikipaglaban pero ayaw naman ng asawa mo. (Because it’s different when only the woman fights but your husband doesn’t want to.) That’s an entirely different story,” added Prats.
Previously, celebrities including Anne Curtis, Maxene Magalona, Claudine Barretto and Janice de Belen gave their approval to the legalization of divorce in the country.
Dantes excited for Marian Rivera’s Cinemalaya entry; won’t join MMFF 2024
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
ACTOR Dingdong Dantes has already laid out his film festival plans for the rest of the year, especially with his wife Marian Rivera headlining a competing movie.
Last June 28 in Manila Hotel, Dingdong confirmed that actors collective Aktor PH — for which he is the chairman of — officially nominated Vilma SantosRecto for consideration to become a National Artist. Dingdong read out the group's statement backing Vilma's nomination, citing her six decades in the entertainmeny industry and untarnished record in public service.
He also read out a number of her iconic portrayals in "T-Bird at Ako" and "In My Life" to "Anak" and "Dyesebel," quipping the latter was familiar as Marian played the mermaid character 35 years after Vilma did. Speaking to members of the media including Philstar.com, Dingdong expressed his excitement for Marian's upcoming film "Balota" at this year's Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, echoing what she said previously about bringing out a different kind of dramatic acting from her. Marian previously appeared in the 2013 Cinemalaya film "Ekstra," which was coincidentally headlined by Vilma, who won that year's Best Actress plum. Dingdong then shared he wouldn't have a film
competing at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this December in order to spend time with his and Marian's kids. "Babawi kami kina Zia and Sixto," the actor explained. At the last MMFF, Dingdong and Marian starred in "Rewind," which is now the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time.
December 24, 1954 – July 1, 2024
EMMANUEL “Manny” Ilagan has navigated an exceptional and well-rounded journey. With divergent interests, he was a community leader, a travel writer, a choir member, a sportsman and with myriad hobbies and interests in biking, tennis, golfing, fishing, boating and target shooting. As a testament, Manny is a member of International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). He also loves cooking and fancies classic cars.
He passed away on July 1, 2024 at 3:39 a.m. at Los Alamitos Medical Center in the City of Los Alamitos, California. He was 69.
To his fraternity buddies in Alpha Phi Omega and Masonry, he is affectionately addressed as Brod or Brother Manny. He joined the Alpha Phi Omega International Collegiate Service Fraternity (Beta Sigma Chapter, San Beda College), Batch Calauan 9, 1973-C, also known as “The Triumvirate” composed of three chapters including Gamma Kappa Chapter (Ateneo de Manila University) and Gamma Epsilon Chapter (De La Salle University).
On the other hand, he is a Master Mason, Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason of California since 2001.
Brod Manny epitomized the three cardinal principles of his fraternity: Leadership, Friendship and Service.
As a community leader, he was an active member of the Filipino
American community in Los Angeles and suburbs. In the last quarter of 2023, he founded the Philippine Global Media Group and served as Chairman of the Board until his passing. He was a writer the of Asian Journal group of publications with a beat in travel and tourism promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination, and he also became a member of Press Photographers Association of Los Angeles.
Brod Manny finished his secondary education at Saint Francis Seminary in Lipa, Batangas. Thereafter, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree at San Beda College in Manila. and earned several MBA units at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Until his retirement, Manny worked as Officer-in-Charge then became the Tourism Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, an adjunct of the Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles. He also became the president of Philippine Association of Travel Agents in Los Angeles and suburbs.
Brod Manny was born in Manila, Philippines on Dec. 24, 1954 as the third and only boy in a family of four to Dr. Rafael Lopez Ilagan and Corazon Vizconde Ilagan of Balayan, Batangas. His parents aptly named him “Emmanuel” meaning, “God is with us”. He is survived by his siblings Ma. Theresa Ilagan Martinez (married to Jimmy Martinez [deceased]), Ma. Clarita Ilagan Gabriel (married to Dante Gabriel) and Belinda Ilagan Maranan (married to Henry Maranan). Manny is also survived by his loving wife Margaret “Meg” Ilagan with children, Nicole IlaganHanson (married to Tyus Hanson) and youngest, the 17-year-old and senior high schooler Raphelle Ilagan; and two children from first wife: Clayton Ilagan (married to Joy Ilagan) and Charisma IlaganSee (married to Bryan See), and grandchildren Sophie Ilagan-See and Lorenzo Ilagan. A viewing is scheduled on Wednesday, July 17 at the Rose Hills Memorial Park Memorial Chapel (3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601) from 5 to 9 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled on Thursday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the same chapel. Emmanuel’s final resting place will be at Shoreline Lawn in Rose Hills Memorial Park.
KAPUSO actor Dennis Trillo's manager Becky Aguila said that the actor will not say anything disrespectful against ABS-CBN.
In a statement sent to the media on Tuesday, July 2, Becky said that Dennis will not say insensitive comments against his home network, ABS-CBN, nor against his colleagues there.
“As for Dennis’ alleged comments on TikTok, it was not him. Dennis is a very humble and respectful and known to be a man of few words," Becky said.
“He is not the type who would release comments that are insensitive to others most specially to his former colleagues in ABS-CBN where he was first launched via Star Circle. His account was hacked as what our official statement said,” she added. She also asked the public to stop spreading malicious accusations online.
“Hope these clears everything. We appeal to the public to stop spreading hate and false accusations online,” she said.
Meanwhile, Becky also denied rumors that Dennis’ wife, Jennylyn Mercado, will transfer to ABS-CBN.
“I just want to clarify to those who keep on insinuating re the issue of network transfer that Jennylyn is a loyal artist of GMA and will always remain loyal for as long as her mother network wants her to stay,” she said.
“She was absent from the station ID simply because she was unavailable that day. Rest assured GMA extended an invitation to her, which we very much appreciate,” she added. (Philstar.com)
Camille Prats (left) and Suzi Entrata-Abrera on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” Photo screengrabbed from YouTube/GMA Network
Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera Photo from Instagram/@dongdantes
Dennis Trillo Photo from Instagram/@dennistrillo
BEER and bone health
Dietary silicon, which is found in beer, helps keep bone strong by improving the bone mineral density, a new report from the University of California, Davis, stated in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.
The silicon content varies from beer to beer. After testing 100 commercial beers, the study found that the silicon content ranged from 6.4 to 56.5 milligrams per liter. Those containing high level of “malted barley and hops are riches in silicon.” This medical finding is for information only and not a recommendation for people to drink beer.
Chocolate and stroke
Three new studies have shown that eating dark chocolate appears to decrease the risk of developing stroke or lowers the death rate after a stroke. The reviews of these research on chocolate consumption and stroke expanded from 2001 to 2009, conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada.
Deadly air pollutants
Traffic pollutants, nitrogen dioxide and tiny particulate matter may be linked to higher death rates among people who have survived a stroke. The risk of dying rose 28% when the nitrogen dioxide was up by just 10 micrograms per 3 square meters of air. A similar increased in particulate matter was associated with a 52% increase in the death rate. These same pollutants in the air also cause cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
Acne drug vs. HIV
A cheap antibiotic used for acne has been found to “target the HIV infected immune system cells at their dormant stage before coming back to life and spreading the infection” to cause AIDS, according to Janice Clements, professor of molecular and comparative pathobiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Minocycline (Minocin) “targets the T-cells and makes it harder for them to reproduce and keeping HIV dormant,” a welcome drug as an adjunct in the treatment of HIV infection. Incidentally, premature aging of the brain has been found among HIV patients.
Drug helps sex drive
The antidepressant drug Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) may help improve the sex drive in younger women suffering from HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) who have persistently low interest in sex, according to a study published in the medical journal BJU International. Not approved in the United States, another drug, a testosterone patch called Intrinsa is being used in Europe for the treatment of HSDD
On beer, chocolate, energy drinks and other medical findings
among post-menopausal women. More extensive studies are needed to confirm the suggested effectiveness of bupropion for HSDD.
Music for anxiety
Massage has been known to help reduce anxiety very effectively and has been used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. However, a new study shows that a cheaper and simpler alternative, resting and listening to enjoyable and relaxing music, is equally effective. Comparing the two, the researchers found no difference in their effectiveness (level of relief) after 3 months of therapy. Not to mention the convenience and cost difference in the two modes of treatment.
Heart rhythm on flight
Air flight could increase the risk of irregularity of heartbeat, especially among those individuals with a history of heart disease, says a new study presented at the American Heart Association annual conference in San Francisco last month. Flying is like going from sea level to scaling a mountain 8,000 feet high, which is obviously a great stress for the cardiovascular system, in spite of the pressurized cabin and all. The overall effect appears not to be significant, though, and flying is deemed safe for almost everybody, including those who have had open heart surgery and are asymptomatic. Thalidomide ‘rediscovered’
The drug for morning sickness introduced about 50 years ago, Thalidomide, which was banned because it was found to cause birth defects, has been discovered to be effective in the treatment of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), which affects one in 5,000 people. With an anti-cancer power, Thalidomide is more recently used for the treatment of certain forms of cancer, like Multiple Myeloma.
Herbal not for asthma
Researchers found that people who chose to take herbals for their asthma were experiencing more episodes of shortness of breaths and poorer quality of life. These were individuals who were not on any prescribed medications or who had abandoned their physician-ordered drugs and took herbals instead. About 7.85% of the 309,115,457 population of the United States have asthma, increasing about 0.5% every 3 years. Louisiana (5.05%) has the lowest incidence and Rhode Island (10.68%) has the highest, while only one state, Nevada, experienced a decline in asthma cases. Herbals are not an effective substitute for the management of asthma, diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.
Vitamin D and cancer
About 150,000 Americans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2009. Studies revealed that those with the highest level of Vitamin D in their blood stream have up to 40% lower risk of this cancer than those with low level of Vitamin D. Good sources of Vitamin D are sunlight, fish (salmon, tuna, etc.), breakfast cereal, yogurt, fortified milk. For daily supplement, Vitamin D3 is the form recommended by physicians.
Warning on energy drinks
Combining alcoholic beverage with caffeine energy drink is a popular cocktail today. Energy drinks, unhealthy beverages, have been popular. This alcoholcoffee mix has been found to be dangerous, leading to higher state of drunkenness and severely impaired driving, compared to drinking alcoholic drink alone.
“There’s a very common misconception that if you drink caffeine with an alcoholic beverage the stimulant effect of the caffeine counteracts the depressant effect of the alcohol, and that is not true,” says Bruce Goldberger, director of toxicology in the University of Florida College of Medicine.
Being wide awake and drunk can lead to dangerous, if not deadly, consequences. Energy drinks have been associated with irregularity of heartbeat, heart attack, and death.
*
* * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical 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.
by Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com
SHARON Cuneta will be gracing TV
screens soon via a 'soon-to-be-revealed' series under Dreamscape Entertainment.
Sharon was greeted with a red carpet rollout on Wednesday night, July 3, in ABS-CBN.
She was greeted by ABS-CBN executives
Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes, Entertainment Production head Laurenti Dyogi and Dreamscape Entertainment heads
Kylie Manalo-Balagtas and Rondel Lindayag.
“Kaya po ako nandito kasi may bago akong sorpresa sa inyo. I wouldn’t say there’s more pressure. I would say there’s more desire. Who wants to be anywhere else but home?” said Sharon in a video released by ABS-CBN. Sharon, also known as Megastar, last had a substantial role as one of the guest stars in "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano," starring Coco Martin, in 2021.
LAS VEGAS
– Last June 20, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Las Vegas cut the ribbon on their brand-new, “home away from home” for families with hospitalized children.
More than 200 of RMHC’s donors, volunteers, community partners, and other supporters from turned out to witness this historic milestone for the Charity. Guests marveled at the unique design of the property, featuring eight independent patio homes, each with their own kitchen, master bedroom, children’s bedroom, family room, and in-unit laundry, all surrounding a beautiful central courtyard with a basketball court, children’s playground, and a shaded barbecue grill and outdoor dining area under the famous Golden Arches.
“The grand opening of this second House represents the culmination of three years of
dreaming, designing, fundraising, and construction to unveil a first-of-its-kind Ronald McDonald House,” according to RMHC Chief Executive Officer Alyson McCarthy. “This beautiful new facility will house and care for larger families whose children have longer recovery times.”
For 26 years, RMHC Las Vegas has been providing the comforts of home for families who travel to Las Vegas to receive life-saving medical treatment for their children. In 2023 alone, RMHC Las Vegas served 285 families, with 65% of those families being a part of a long-term stay. This expansion of the cornerstone mission will ensure that these larger families with longer stays have all they need to make a fresh start in Las Vegas. The Ronald McDonald House of Las Vegas expects to welcome its first families by August 1.
Creating confident smiles as kids head back to school
The Ronald McDonald Care mobile hosts the 10th annual Smarts & Smiles Back To School dental care fair
What: 10th Annual Smarts & Smiles Back to School Dental Care Fair
Las Vegas – In addition to school supplies and clothes, students also need a confident smile and healthy mouth as they head back to the classroom this fall. Good oral health is essential to children’s overall health and wellbeing. Their ability to concentrate in the classroom can be negatively affected by oral health issues, such as tooth pain.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, in partnership with Nevada Health Centers and Speedway Children’s Charities, will create those confident smiles during the 10th Annual Smarts & Smiles Back to School Dental Care Fair, happening July 8-12.
The Care Mobile, a mobile dental clinic, will provide dental and oral health service and education to local children each day between 8am – 5pm. Children receiving dental treatment will also receive a free backpack full of school supplies. Additionally, on select days and times, free vision screenings will be available for children and adults, as well as oral health take-home goody-bags.
Dental services are provided to insured and uninsured patients ages 21 and under, at no cost to families. Nevada Health Centers accepts most dental insurance plans, Medicaid, and Nevada Checkup. Services on the Care Mobile are made possible through generous community grants from donors, including the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, Cox Charities, and Speedway Children’s Charities of Las Vegas. Appointments are required - call (800) 787-2568 to schedule an appointment.
“For many families whose children are uninsured or on Medicaid, our Smarts & Smiles event is the only way they can get their children’s teeth cleaned and examined at no cost to the families,” said Alyson McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas. “The Care Mobile is here to make sure those kids have healthy mouths and confident smiles as they head back to school.”
This year’s event, once again, will
ABBACADABRA.
Las Vegas Showroom June 26th. The group covers Abba’s hits including “Mamma Mia”, “Fernando”, “Chiquitita”, “Dancing Queens”, “Take a Chance on Me” and
Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
Sharon Cuneta
ABS-CBN photo
