HOW does making $18 per hour sound working from the comfort of your own home?
For those looking for flexible work hours, a stay-at-home parent, for example, it’s a tempting offer.
But in a first-of-its kind case, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has highlighted the perils for consumers lured by promises of big pay in the gig economy.
“The nature of flexible work can definitely appeal to people who have a need for more flexible hours or to work from home,” says Taylor Arana, an attorney with the FTC based out if its Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. “And those things are aspects of work they may not be able to find in other work environments.”
Still, says Arana, buyer beware.
Arana was part of the FTC team that earlier this month won a $7 million settlement against Arise Virtual Solutions, a Floridabased company that connects large, Fortune
Filipino American leaders endorse VP Harris
IMMEDIATELY following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential election, Democratic leaders across
time. We wish him well for the rest of his presidency and for all his future endeavors,” the President said. Biden withdrew from the U.S. presidential race and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, as the nominee of the Democratic Party.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest
CALIFORNIA lawmakers are pursuing legislation aimed at protecting children from the dangers of social media, one of many efforts around the country to confront what U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and other public health experts say is a mental health emergency among young people.
But California’s efforts, like those in other states, will likely face the same legal challenges that have thwarted previous legislative attempts to regulate social media. The tech industry has argued successfully that imposing rules regulating how social media operate and how people can use the online services violates the free speech rights of the companies and their customers.
A previous effort at confronting the issue, the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act in 2022, now rests with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. A tech trade association sued to block the law and won an injunction from a lower court, largely on First Amendment grounds. The appeals court heard oral arguments in the case on July 17.
MANILA — Heeding the clamor of lawmakers, business groups, civil society and even his economic managers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 22 banned all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) effective immediately.
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, [and] even murder. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” the president said during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), eliciting a standing ovation and chanting of his initials
“BBM” among lawmakers, government officials, and other guests at the Batasang Pambansa’s session hall.
“The disorder that it caused our society as well as the desecration of our country must stop. Effectively today, all Pogos are banned,” Marcos firmly declared toward the end of his speech, which lasted an hour and 22 minutes.
The president instructed the state regulator, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), to “wind down and cease the operations of Pogos by the end of the year.”
He then directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with his economic managers, to “use the time between now and then to find new jobs for our countrymen who will be displaced.”
MANILA — The Philippines and China have reached “an understanding” on provisional arrangement for the rotation and resupply missions (RoRe) to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Sunday afternoon, July 21.
The DFA did not provide details but said the understanding was reached after consultations between the two countries during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Manila last July 2. “Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address began with a by-the-book reinforcement of his technocratic image as an economic manager, then ended with his rousing pronouncements calling to protect the West Philippine Sea and ban all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Met with swelling applause, Marcos’ third SONA was expectedly free of personal digs to his former UniTeam allies and peppered with minutiae details of the economic, education, health and social programs to come.
Here, we break down the one-hour speech into easily digestible topics from A to Z.
Agriculture
Like last year, Marcos opened his speech with plans to galvanize the agricultural sector, starting with the provision of more seeds, fertilizers, livestock, boats and technical and financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk.
The president said “the hard lesson” of the past year is that data showing the Philippines’ fair standing in the region “means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at P45 to 65 pesos kilo.”
The president served concurrently as Department of Agriculture secretary for 17 months before picking fishing tycoon and top campaign donor Francisco Laurel Jr. to replace him.
Business
Marcos noted a rise in the number of new businesses and corporate registrations, including foreign firms, driven by expedited processes for registration and approval.
To bolster economic growth, the president said his administration is pushing for an investment-friendly environment through capital market reforms and the implementation of “green lanes,” which are streamlined processes designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for businesses.
Climate change Known to speak in broad strokes about the climate crisis, President Marcos this time bannered the country’s proactive stance on global climate responsibility, including being the host country of the board of the Loss and Damage Fund, which seeks to help poor
Filipino American leaders endorse...
morning of Sunday, July 21.
According to the Harris for President campaign, the likely nominee for the Democratic Party raised $100 million between Sunday and the following Monday evening, a record-setting haul that included more than 1.1 million unique donors.
If officially nominated by the Democratic National Committee, Harris—who is of Indian and Black American heritage—would be the first Asian American presidential nominee in American history.
Filipino American California
Attorney General Rob Bonta shared his endorsement of Harris in an email to supporters.
Like Bonta, Harris held office in the Bay Area, serving as San Francisco district attorney from 2004 to 2011 and then California district attorney from 2011 to 2017.
“As our former AG, Kamala knows firsthand the importance of protecting our fundamental rights as the People’s Attorney and keeping our communities safe as our Chief Law Enforcement Officer. She will no doubt do the same as president,” Bonta said, adding that Harris has supported climate change
initiatives, affordable health care, and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Democratic congressman of Virginia Bobby Scott—who is of Filipino descent—shared his support of Harris on the app formerly known as Twitter: “The only person best situated to build on that record and defeat Trump is our Vice President @ KamalaHarris. She is ready to serve and will make a great president. Let’s get to work!”
Filipino Americans for Harris (FAFH) thanked Biden for stepping down and honored his 54 years of public office service.
“President Biden’s tenure in office has been particularly meaningful to Filipino Americans,” the FAFH team wrote in an email, highlighting the Filipinos who have served his administration.
“President Biden's commitment to the Filipino American community is also reflected in the historic number of Filipino American delegates attending the Democratic National Committee Convention and appointments throughout his Administration—including Nani Coloretti, Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget, Gina Ortiz Jones, former Under Secretary of the Air Force,
and Camille Calimlim Touton, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.”
The FAFH officially endorsed Harris on Tuesday, July 23.
Noted lawmakers and leaders in the vast Southern California Filipino American community like Melissa Ramoso—Artesia councilmember and co-chair of FAFH 2024—celebrated the “historic milestone” of Harris’ campaign for presidency.
Ramoso said, “[Harris] would not only be the first woman to hold the office but also the first Asian American and the first Black woman President. This is a powerful testament to the values of diversity and inclusion that the country strives for, bringing hope and inspiration to millions of people from all backgrounds.”
Mario Salazar, national co-chair of FAFH 2024 and former political organizer, also highlighted Harris’s impact on the Filipino American community, noting her track history of supporting “policies that benefit Filipino Americans, from healthcare reforms to economic benefits.”
Harris is expected to be officially named the Democratic nominee for president at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. g
Marcos thanks Biden for supporting
of
West Philippine Sea: PH, China reach...
will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the DFA said in a statement. Earlier, the DFA said the Philippines and China resolved to de-escalate tensions in the region “without prejudice to their respective positions” during the BCM.
It added that Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong had “frank and constructive discussions” during the meeting.
“Noting recent incidents in the South China Sea, both sides recognized that there is a need to restore trust, rebuild confidence, and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interaction,” the DFA said on July 2.
“The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions,” it added.
The WPS is a portion of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. However, China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia. The BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to assert the Philippines’ claims to the area. In 2016, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and said China’s claims have no legal basis. g
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Joe Biden Malcañang file photo
File photo shows Vice President Kamala Harris during a community event in Las Vegas earlier this July for the launch of AANHPIs for Biden-Harris.
On Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden made a decision to suspend his re-election campaign, making Harris the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2024 presidential election. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
Why millions are trying FDA-authorized alternatives to big pharma’s weight loss drugs
by Arthur Allen KFF Health News
PHARMACIST
Mark Mikhael has lost 50 pounds over the past 12 months. He no longer has diabetes and finds himself “at my ideal body weight,” with his cholesterol below 200 for the first time in 20 years. “I feel fantastic,” he said.
Like millions of others, Mikhael credits the new class of weight loss drugs. But he isn’t using brand-name Wegovy or Zepbound. Mikhael, CEO of Orlando, Florida-based Olympia Pharmaceuticals, has been getting by with his own supply: injecting himself with copies of the drugs formulated by his company.
He’s far from alone. Mikhael and other industry officials estimate that several large compounding pharmacies like his are provisioning up to 2 million American patients with regular doses of semaglutide, the scientific name for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus formulations, or tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro.
The drug-making behemoths fiercely oppose that compounding business.
Novo Nordisk and Lilly lump the compounders together with internet cowboys and unregulated medical spas peddling bogus semaglutide, and have high-powered legal teams trying to stop them.
Novo Nordisk has filed at least 21 lawsuits nationwide against companies making purported copies of its drugs, said Brianna Kelley, a spokesperson for the company, and urges doctors to avoid them. The FDA, too, has cautioned about the potential danger of the compounds, and leading obesity medicine groups starkly warn patients against their use.
But this isn’t an illegal black market, though it has shades of gray.
The FDA allows and even encourages compounding pharmacies to produce and sell copycats when a drug is in short supply, and the wildly
popular GLP-1 drugs have enduring shortages — first reported in March 2022 for semaglutide and in December 2022 for tirzepatide. The drugs have registered unprecedented success in weight loss. They are also showing promise against heart, kidney, and liver diseases and are being tested against conditions as diverse as Alzheimer’s disease and drug addiction.
In recent years, the U.S. health care system has come to depend on compounding pharmacies, many of which are run as nonprofits, to plug supply holes of crucial drugs like cancer medicines cisplatin, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil.
Most compounded drugs are old, cheap generics. Semaglutide and tirzepatide, on the other hand, are under patent and earn Novo Nordisk and Lilly billions of dollars a year. Sales of the diabetes and weight loss drugs this year made Novo Nordisk Europe’s most valuable company and Lilly the world’s biggest pharmaceutical company.
While the companies can’t keep up with demand, they heatedly dispute the right of compounders to make and sell copies. Lilly spokesperson Kristiane Silva Bello said her company was “deeply concerned” about “serious health risks” from compounded drugs that “should not be on the market.”
Yet marketed they are.
Even Hims & Hers Health — the telemedicine prescriber that got its start with erectile dysfunction drugs — is now peddling compounded semaglutide. It ran ads for the drugs during NBA playoff games. (According to a Hunterbrook Media report, Hims & Hers’ semaglutide supplier has faced legal scrutiny.)
The compounded forms are significantly cheaper than the branded drugs. Patients pay about $100 to $450 a month, compared with list prices of roughly $1,000 to $1,400 for Lilly and Novo Nordisk
products.
Five compounders and distributors interviewed for this article said they conduct due diligence on every lot of semaglutide or tirzepatide they buy or produce, upholding standards of purity, sterility, and consistency similar to those practiced in the commercial drug industry. Compounders operate under strict federal and state standards, they noted.
However, the raw materials used in the compounded forms may differ from those produced for Novo Nordisk and Lilly, said GLP-1 coinventor Jens Juul Holst, of the University of Copenhagen, adding that care must be taken in drug production lest it cause potentially harmful immune reactions.
To date, according to FDA spokespeople, reports of side effects from taking compounded versions haven’t raised major alarms. But everyone with knowledge of the industry, including the compounders themselves, worry that a single batch of a poorly made drug could kill or maim people and destroy confidence in their business.
“I liken the compounding industry to the airline industry,” Mikhael said. “When you have an airline crash, it hurts everybody.”
Warnings from the past
The industry endured just such a catastrophe in 2012, when the New England Compounding Center released a contaminated injectable steroid that killed at least 64 people and harmed hundreds more.
In response, Congress and the FDA had strengthened oversight. Mikhael’s company is an outsourcing facility, or 503B compounding pharmacy — so-named for a section of the 2013 law that set new requirements for drug compounders. The companies are licensed to make slightly different versions of FDAapproved drugs in response to shortages or a patient’s special needs.
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What Marcos said in his third SONA...
PAGE 1
nations cope with costly climate disasters
The president also spoke of ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and promote renewable energy sources to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Digitalization
Marcos also claimed the government has made leaps and bounds in digitalization, noting that the number of common towers, or shared infrastructure that allow different telecommunications providers to have co-sharing arrangements, has more than tripled due to streamlined permitting processes.
E-visa
Marcos also highlighted improvements in air transport and tourism through the e-travel system, which provides a digital single data collection platform for passengers arriving in and departing from the Philippines.
The president said e-gates (electronic gates) will become “standard fixtures” in airports, while the “e-visa” is next on his government’s digital transformation agenda.
Free Wi-Fi
Marcos mentions another statistic: nearly ten million unique user devices have reportedly benefited from the government’s free Wi-Fi program, which provides internet access in over thirteen thousand locations across the Philippines, including schools and remote areas.
Marcos also announced the completion of phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone, with phases 2 and 3 underway and expected to be completed by 2026, aimed at significantly boosting the country's internet bandwidth capacity.
‘Generic’ medicine
Marcos announced that PhilHealth has significantly expanded its coverage of generic medicines for outpatient benefits, increasing the number of included generic drugs from 21 to 53. This expansion includes new medications for hypertension, nerve pain, and epileptic seizures.
Hospital decongestion
Marcos also bannered two new specialty hospitals that aims to decongest public hospitals and galvanize the "nation's fight against cancer." These are the UP-PGH Cancer Center, the first Public Private Partnership
project to be approved under Marcos, and the the Philippine Cancer Center of the Department of Health, which broke ground in March.
Inflation
In relation to his plans for agriculture, Marcos listed several measures to reduce food prices and ultimately tame inflation, which at least 74% of Filipinos said the government is failing to manage in a Pulse Asia survey last week.
Due to “illegal price manipulations and smuggling,”
Marcos said the government has temporarily set price ceilings on rice and reduced tariffs on rice, corn, and pork until the end of the year and assured the sector these were only “short-term solutions.”
Jobs
In describing his plan to create more jobs in the country, Marcos touted the estimated 202,000 jobs expected to be created from the investment pledges he scored while on his numerous trips abroad.
Another statistic: Marcos cited the Philippines’ increased employment rate 95.9% and decreased underemployment from 11.7% in May of 2023 to 9.9%.
‘Kadiwa’ expansion Marcos said his pet KADIWA program was instrumental in helping people deal with high food prices.
He announced plans to expand the KADIWA centers with local government support, aiming to make them permanent and welldistributed across the country.
Law and order
After recently vetoing the proposed Philippine National Police Reform Act due to the
absence of strong accountability standards for cops, Marcos reiterated the need for law enforcers to build public trust to maintain law and order.
“We have noted an overall decrease in crime rate and an improvement in crime-solution efficiency. But this is not enough. Our law enforcers need to earn the trust of our people,” Marcos said.
Mindanao-Visayas interconnection
Marcos also mentioned the 450-megawatt MindanaoVisayas Interconnection Project of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, which was ceremonially switched on in January, as “a defining moment not only for the power sector but for the entire country.”
With the project, the president said the government has connected the power grids of all three major island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. National learning recovery Aware of the Philippines' flagging performance in international assessments, Marcos turned his focus on improving the conditions of teachers, who he described as the "core of our national learning recovery."
Marcos hailed recent moves to provide teachers with an annual chalk allowance in the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo” Act and the provision of a personal accident insurance for teachers through the Government Service Insurance System.
"Our national learning recovery program must proceed without the slightest disruption, especially in basic education," Marcos said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo
Why millions are trying FDA-authorized...
The law created two classes of compounding pharmacies:
The FDA regulates the larger 503B compounders with standards like commercial drug companies, while 503A pharmacies make smaller lots of drugs and are largely overseen by state boards of pharmacy.
The 503A facilities also are producing compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide for hundreds of thousands of patients. Like the 503Bs, these operations take the active ingredient, produced as a powder in FDA-registered factories, mostly in China, then reconstitute it with sterile water and an antimicrobial in small glass vials.
Together, the compounding pharmacies may account for up to 30% of the semaglutide sold in the U.S., Mikhael said, although he cautions that is a “wild ballpark figure” since no one, including the FDA, is tracking sales in the industry.
The compounders say the companies should increase production if they’re worried about competition. Like the dozens of other drugs they produce for hospitals and medical practices, the compounders say, the two diet drugs are essential products.
“If you don’t want a 503B facility to make a copy, it’s pretty simple: Don’t go short,” said Lee Rosebush, chair of a trade association for 503B pharmacies. “FDA created this system because these are necessary drugs.”
Novo Nordisk hasn’t specified why it can’t keep up with demand, but the bottleneck apparently lies in the company’s inability to fill and sterilize enough of its special drug auto-injectors, said Evan Seigerman, a managing director at BMO Capital Markets.
The company announced June 24 that it was investing $4.1 billion in new production lines at its Clayton, North Carolina, site. The FDA last year issued a warning over procedural violations at the site and separate cautions at an Indiana facility that Novo Nordisk took over recently.
Compounding for dummies
At least 28 companies mostly in China, are registered with the FDA to produce or
distribute semaglutide. At least half the companies have entered the market in the past 12 months, driving the raw material’s price down by 35%, according to Scott Welch, who runs a 503A pharmacy in Arlington, Virginia.
Compounders can buy powdered semaglutide from some U.S. distributors for less than $4,000 a gram, said Matthew Johnson, president and CEO of distributor Pharma Source Direct. That comes out to as little as $10 per weekly 2.5-microgram dose – not including overhead and other costs.
While Ozempic or Wegovy patients use a Novo Nordisk device to inject the drug, patients using compounded products draw them from a vial with a small needle, like the device diabetics use for insulin.
Some medical practices provide the compounded drug to patients as part of a weight loss package, with markups.
Last July, Tabitha Ries, a single mother of six who works as a home health care aide in Garfield, Washington, found an online clinic that charged her $1,000 for three months of semaglutide along with counseling. She has lost 35 pounds.
She gets the drug from Mindful Weight Loss, a mostly telehealth-based operation led by physician Vivek Gupta of Manhattan Beach, California. Gupta said he’s prescribed the weight loss drugs to 1,500 patients, with about 60% using compounded versions from a 503A pharmacy.
He hasn’t seen any essential difference in patients using the branded and compounded forms, although “some people say the compounding is a little less effective,” Gupta said. There’s some risk in using the non-FDA-approved product, he acknowledged, and he requires patients to sign an informed consent waiver.
“Nothing in life is without risk, but I would also argue that the status quo is not safe for people who need the medicine and can’t get it,” he said. “They’re constantly triggered by all this food that’s causing their weight to go up and their sugar to go high, increasing their insulin resistance and affecting their limbs and eyes.”
Compounding semaglutide is a helpful sideline for pharmacists like him, Welch said, especially given the pinch on drug sale revenue that has led many independents to close in recent years. He figures he earns 95% of his revenue from compounding drugs, rather than traditional prescriptions.
It’s important to distinguish compounded semaglutide from unregulated powders sold as “generic Ozempic” and the like, which may be contaminated or counterfeit, said FDA spokesperson Amanda Hils. But since compounded forms of the drug are not FDA-approved, those who make, prescribe, or use them also should have “an increased level of responsibility or awareness,” she said.
Corporate battles
Novo Nordisk and Lilly, in lawsuits each company has filed against competitors, say their own testing has found bacteria and other impurities in products made by compounding pharmacies. The companies also report patent infringement, but compounders, pointing to the FDA loophole for drugs in shortage, appear to have defeated that argument for now.
When the FDA removes the drugs from the shortage list, 503B compounders must immediately stop selling them. Smaller compounders may be able to produce their products for a reduced number of patients, said Scott Brunner, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, which represents 503A compounders.
The evaporation of the compounded drug supply could come as a shock to patients.
“I dread it,” said David Wertheimer, an internist in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, who prescribes compounded semaglutide to some patients. “People are not going to be able to plunk down a grand every month. A lot of people will go off the drug, and that’s a shame.”
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.
California forges ahead with social media rules...
“At the end of the day, unconstitutional law protects zero children,” said Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel for NetChoice, which argued for the tech giants before the federal appellate court.
Like the design code act, the two proposals now working their way through the California Legislature would reshape the way social media users under 18 interact with the services.
The first bill, by state Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), prohibits sending push notifications to children at night and during school hours. Skinner’s measure also requires parental permission before platforms can send social media offerings via algorithms, which are designed to offer feeds that children didn’t ask for but might keep them looking at their phones longer, rather than the traditional chronological feeds of those they follow on the app.
The second measure, by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), would amend California’s privacy laws to prohibit businesses from collecting, using, selling, or sharing data on minors without their informed consent — or, for those under 13, without their parents’ approval.
Both bills have bipartisan support and are backed by state Attorney General Rob Bonta.
“We need to act now to protect our children,” Bonta said earlier this year, by “strengthening data privacy protections for minors and safeguarding youth against social media addiction.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has been vocal about youth and social media, too, and recently called for a statewide ban on cellphones in schools. His positions on the two social media proposals are not yet known. “But I think the governor, like most every other Californian, is concerned about the harms of social media on kids,” Skinner said.
California’s efforts are especially significant because its influence as the most populous state often results in its setting standards that are then adopted by other states. Also, some of the big tech companies that would be most affected by the laws, including Meta, Apple, Snap, and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, are headquartered in the state.
“Parents are demanding this.
That’s why you see Democrats and Republicans working together,” said Wicks, who with a Republican colleague co-authored the design code act that is tied up in litigation. “Regulation is coming, and we won’t stop until we can keep our kids safe online.”
The fate of the design code act stands as a cautionary tale. Passed without a dissenting vote, the law would set strict limits on data collection from minors and order privacy settings for children to default to their highest levels.
NetChoice, which immediately sued to block the law, has prevailed in similar cases in Ohio, Arkansas, and Mississippi. It is challenging legislation in Utah that was rewritten after NetChoice sued over the original
version. And NetChoice’s lawyers argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that efforts in Texas and Florida to regulate social media content were unconstitutional. Those cases were remanded to lower courts for further review.
Though the particulars differ in each state, the bottom line is the same: Each of the laws has been stifled by an injunction, and none has taken effect.
“When you look at these sweeping laws like the California laws, they’re ambitious and I applaud them,” said Nancy Costello, a clinical law professor at Michigan State University and the director of the school’s First Amendment Clinic. “But the bigger and broader the law is, the greater chance that there will be a First Amendment violation found by the courts.”
The harmful effects of social media on children are well established. An advisory from Surgeon General Murthy last year warned of a “profound risk of harm” to young people, noting that a study of adolescents from ages 12 to 15 found that those who spent more than three hours a day on social media were at twice the risk of depression and anxiety as nonusers. A Gallup survey in 2023 found that U.S. teenagers spent nearly five hours a day on social media.
In June, Murthy called for warnings on social media platforms like those on tobacco products. Later that month came Newsom’s call to severely restrict the use of smartphones during the school day in California. Legislation to codify Newsom’s proposal is working its way through the state Assembly.
Federal legislation has been slow to materialize. A bipartisan bill to limit algorithm-derived feeds and keep children under 13 off social media was introduced in May, but Congress has done little to meaningfully rein in tech platforms — despite Meta’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, apologizing in a U.S. Senate hearing for “the types of things that your families have had to suffer” because of social media harms.
It remains unclear what kinds of regulation the courts will permit. NetChoice has argued that many proposed social media regulations amount to the government dictating how privately owned firms set their editorial rules, in violation of the First Amendment. The industry also leans on Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields tech companies from liability for harmful content produced by a third party.
“We’re hoping lawmakers will realize that as much as you may want to, you can’t end-around the Constitution,” said Szabo, the NetChoice attorney. “The government is not a substitute for parents.”
Skinner tried and failed last year to pass legislation holding tech companies accountable for targeting children with harmful content. This year’s measure, which was overwhelmingly passed by the California Senate and is pending in the state Assembly, would bar tech companies from sending social
media notifications to children between midnight and 6 a.m. every day, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school days. The bill also calls for platforms to require minors to obtain parental consent to use their core offerings, and would limit their use to an hour to 90 minutes a day by default.
“If the private sector is not willing to modify their product in a way that makes it safe for Californians, then we have to require them to,” Skinner said, adding that parts of her proposal are standard practice in the European Union.
“Social media has already accommodated users in many parts of the world, but not the U.S.,” she said. “They can do it. They’ve chosen not to.” Wicks, meanwhile, said she considers her data bill to be about consumer protection, not speech. The proposal would close a loophole in the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act to prevent social media platforms from collecting and sharing information on anyone under 18 unless they opt in. The Assembly approved Wicks’ measure without dissent, sending it to the state Senate for consideration.
Costello suggested that focusing the proposals more narrowly might give them a better chance of surviving court challenges. She is part of an effort coordinated by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health to write model legislation that would require third-party assessments of the risks posed by the algorithms used by social media apps.
“It means that we’re not restricting content, we’re measuring harms,” Costello said. Once the harms are documented, the results would be publicly available and could lead state attorneys general to take legal action. Government agencies adopted a similar approach against tobacco companies in the 1990s, suing for deceptive advertising or business practices. Szabo said NetChoice has worked with states to enact what he called “constitutional and commonsense laws,” citing measures in Virginia and Florida that would mandate digital education in school. “There is a role for government,” Szabo said. (The Florida measure failed.) But with little momentum on actual regulation at the national level, state legislators continue to try to fill the vacuum. New York recently passed legislation similar to Skinner’s, which the state senator said was an encouraging sign.
Will NetChoice race for an injunction in New York? “We are having lots of conversations about it,” Szabo said. (Mark Kreidler/California Healthline)
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-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.
FTC scores win in suit targeting fraud...
500 firms with individual gig workers who perform customer service activities for these companies.
In the suit filed by the FTC, the agency charged Arise with violating the Business Opportunity Act, which requires companies to disclose, among other things, accurate earnings opportunities to potential partners, including gig workers.
According to Arana, 99.9% of workers, or “agents” with the company made an average of just $12 per hour, well below the $18 hourly wage touted in its advertising, which specifically targeted Black women and single mothers. Contractors were also required to pay hundreds of dollars in up-front costs for training, equipment and other “usage fees.”
In its filing, the FTC pointed to internal documents with Arise that showed the company was aware that most of its agents were earning far less than what was being advertised.
“A vast majority of the people who signed up for the opportunity did not make what was promised,” said Arana, adding that gig workers for Arise were 90% women, and 60% of them identified as Black, Latino or multi-racial.
Arise claims to have thousands of “agents” across the country.
In March, the company settled another lawsuit, this one filed on behalf of 180 gig workers in Washington DC, for $3 million. In that case, filed by the DC District Attorney’s office, the company was charged with misclassifying its workers as independent
contractors despite the “high level of control” the company maintained over its workforce.
“The economic reality of Arise’s relationship with its agents demonstrates the existence of an employer-employee relationship,” the suit alleged.
Comcast, which contracted with Arise, was named a defendant in that case. Other companies known to have used Arise’s services include Disney and AirBnB.
The company has denied wrongdoing in both the DC case and the one brought by the FTC.
“Operating in the ‘gig’ economy is no license for evading the law, and the FTC will continue using all its tools to protect Americans from unlawful business practice,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement after the $7 million settlement was announced.
The value of the U.S. gig economy, defined as freelance or part-time work typically through digital platforms, is estimated at over $450 billion, with half of all Americans expected to have done at least some gig work by 2027.
Fraud, including wage and identity theft, is a growing concern with some data showing that nearly a third of consumers report having been the victim of a scam while using a gig platform.
The FTC’s suit is the first such case where a company operating in the gig economy has been charged with violating the Business Opportunity Act.
“The whole idea is to require the company to provide information to consumers, so they have more of an idea of what they are getting into before they sign up,” said
Arana about the law, which also requires companies to disclose current or former employees in the area who can be contacted by prospective workers to learn about their experience with the company.
The FTC received some 2.6 million reports from consumers in 2023 about potentially questionable marketplace practices. “The more reports that we do get the better we’re able to learn about how best to help consumers,” noted Arana. Consumers can file reports with the FTC at reportfraud. ftc.gov. The site is available in multiple languages and the FTC has translators available for those with limited English proficiency.
Arana says it’s important for those interested in these types of opportunities to “do your research.” That includes simple steps like an internet search with the company’s name and keywords such as complaints, reviews or scam. Individuals can also try and find past employees – whether or not the company has disclosed them – to learn about actual earnings and possible upfront costs. “Take a moment and be skeptical,” Arana stresses. “We just say, question promises of big money or profits.” Money from the settlement will be distributed among past Arise workers, though the FTC must first scan Arise data to determine who is eligible and for what amount. That process could take months, says Arana. But, she adds, “Every penny we collect goes back to consumers.” (Peter Schurmann/Ethnic Media Services)
Marcos bans Pogo, cites ‘disorder’...
The DOLE earlier said that some 25,000 workers could find themselves jobless should Congress enact legislation banning Pogos.
The chief executive stressed that the ban on Pogos “will solve many of the problems that we are encountering, but it will not solve all of them.”
He urged all government officials and employees, law enforcers, and the Filipino people to “always be vigilant, principled and think of the nation” in order to “solve all the problems that we have been suffering under.”
Marcos’ pronouncement ended speculation over his stance on Pogos, amid the involvement of illegal offshore gaming hubs in crimes ranging from financial crimes to kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder.
Pagcor Chair Alejandro Tengco vowed to comply with the president’s order on Pogos in the remaining six months of 2024.
“We have to start the process. We cannot just do it by the end of the year, there will be a process first. Many of those to be affected are legally working. We have to explain it to them,” Tengco told reporters after Marcos’ speech.
Tengco said he was not surprised by the president’s pronouncement, adding that he had no qualms about implementing it, even if he was in favor of stronger regulation rather than an outright ban.
He warned that there might be an increase in the number of illegal gaming hubs in the country with the ban in place.
“There should be coordination with law enforcement agencies to counter this,” Tengco added.
Last week, business groups pushed to ban Pogos, a move that snowballed following the congressional probe on the social ills and other crimes that attended their operations.
On separate occasions,
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman agreed that Pogos should be banned.
China, which prohibits all forms of gambling, had long urged the Philippines to ban Pogos, which catered mainly to Chinese nationals.
Cost outweighs benefits Pogos first emerged in the country in 2016, the first year of President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, as he pursued closer trade and investment ties with China.
But along with the rise of Pogos came reports of serious crimes— killings, kidnappings, blackmail, prostitution, illegal detention, and other infractions that abused the laws of the country and victimized Pogo workers.
In justifying continued Pogo operations in September 2019, Duterte said shutting them down would cause job and revenue losses.
According to data presented by the Department of Finance during a Senate hearing last July 16, the estimated total economic benefits from Pogos amounted to P166.49 billion annually, while the estimated total economic cost
was P265.74 billion.
Economic losses included both direct and indirect costs of allowing Pogo operations, which include “effects of reputational risks which have an impact on foreign direct investments” and the “negative impact of criminal incidents” to the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.
Since last year, several illegal Pogo operations have been raided for being linked to criminal activities, including espionage.
One of these was the police raid of an illegal Pogo hub in Bamban, Tarlac, following human trafficking and serious illegal detention complaints that were later linked to suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
‘Bloodless’ drug war
Earlier in his speech, the president reassured the people that the government’s antinarcotics campaign would remain “bloodless” under his watch and that “extermination” of illegal drug suspects would never be a strategy, drawing the first standing ovation in the course of his SONA.
The previous administration’s bloody campaign on illegal drugs attracted international attention from human rights groups following the mounting death toll it had caused.
Drug suspects killed was officially placed at 6,235 as of Feb. 28, 2022, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, adding that 331,694 suspects were arrested in the 229,868 drug war operations that started on the day Duterte took office in 2016. g
What Marcos said in his third SONA...
PAGE 3
Overseas Filipino workers
After expressing the usual gratitude to overseas Filipino workers for their remittances and their impact on the economy, Marcos said his government has provided "special facilities and services" for them: the OFW lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Seafarer's Hub in Manila.
POGO ban
Triggering a standing ovation from administration supporters and critics alike, Marcos announced a total ban on all POGOs across the country and ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to wind down their operations by the end of the year.
Marcos also ordered the Department of Labor and Employment to look for new jobs for Filipinos who will be affected by the ban.
In the past months, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Sen. Risa Hontiveros have both uncovered a string of POGOrelated crimes in the country that they say can also be traced back to the public officials who benefited from them, such as suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, whose birth certificate and other claims of citizenship have been tagged as inauthentic.
Quality of life
Marcos also hailed the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s success in “breaking the cycle of poverty” in the Philippines with around 420,000 families who have graduated from the program.
The president also seeks to expand the 4Ps program to benefit pregnant women by capitalizing on the rare window for significantly improving children’s development and quality of life — from mother’s pregnancy to age 2.
‘Railway renaissance’
As part of his ambitious Build Better More infrastructure program, Marcos described an ongoing "railway renaissance" in the country of building more railways to improve public transportation.
He cited as an example the Metro Manila Subway Project, where tunneling works have reached depths equivalent to three to six floors. He also noted that other railway projects, including MRT-7 and the NorthSouth Commuter Railway, are
making steady progress.
Space technology
Marcos also praised the achievements of Filipino space scientists and engineers for reaching new heights in the pioneering field. Since the nation’s foray into space technology, the country’s satellites in space have generated more than 51,000 maps, images and space-borne data, the president said.
Marcos noted that 16 Filipino space engineers are currently in the United Kingdom working on the MULA satellite, which, once completed, will be the country’s largest Earth observation satellite to date.
Tech-voc training
Besides listing his usual expectations for the government’s biggest education agency — the Department of Education — Marcos this time expressed hopes for the much smaller Technical Education And Skills Development Authority to step up its programs to produce more employable graduates.
“Statistics do not lie. Eight out of ten graduates of TVET ultimately land decent jobs.
So with its high employability rate, TVET will definitely be instrumental in capacitating our people, and in maintaining our employment rate at consistently high levels,” the president said.
University rankings
The number of Philippine universities that make it to world rankings appears to be a continuing marker of success for the Marcos administration.
Marcos said this year, 87 higher education institutions (HEIs) have now made it into various world university rankings, 51 of which are public universities or colleges.
Vaccination
As part of the administration's recalibrated approach towards prevention, Marcos said that they would prioritize vaccinations.
The government will continue vaccination efforts, especially for infants and children, particularly in Region 6 and BARMM, where less than half have been vaccinated.
Water security
Marcos laid down his strategy for ensuring water security: by completing irrigation dams to supplement other bulk water projects, especially in underserved areas.
Marcos cited the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project in Iloilo as
an example of his water security programs, which is expected to irrigate nearly 32,000 hectares and also help in flood control, electricity generation, and tourism.
The damage wrought by El Niño to farmers has led the government to shell out over P9 billion in crop insurance payments and explore early adoption of modern low-wateruse farming technologies, the president added.
X-periental tourism
To boost the Philippines’ tourism standing in the region, Marcos is eyeing to focus on what the country can offer in terms of experiential tourism, which seeks to provide travelers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the destination country’s culture and history.
The president’s vision for the tourism industry is in line with the Department of Tourism’s findings last year when its market survey showed that post-pandemic, travelers would rather spend their money on experiences and not on material things.
Youth creativity Marcos also wants the nation’s youth to not just be literate but also capable of creative and innovative thought.
Ideally, the president said the education system must also “consciously develop them into problem-solvers, and into critical thinkers — hungry for success [and] ready for the future.”
According to the results of a new Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) global test released in June, the Philippines ranks in the bottom four among 64 economies in terms of creative thinking.
‘Zones’
The proposed Maritime Zones Act — a priority measure that a bicameral conference committee has already approved — was spotlighted as one of two pending legislations needed for Filipinos to continue their “intergenerational mandate” of defending the country’s sovereign rights West Philippine Sea.
The measure defines the maritime zones under the country’s jurisdiction to fend off entities that seek to challenge the 2016 ruling, which dismissed China’s claim of historic rights over almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea. g
POST-SONA DISCUSSION. Cabinet secretaries share their insights on the 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the post-SONA discussions on food security and economic development at the Hilton Manila Hotel in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 23. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. (6th from left) said he has allocated a P350 million budget for the procurement of vaccines to check the spread of African swine fever.
PNA photo by Ben Briones
OPINION FEATURES
Persistent concerns
INFLATION. Jobs. Salaries. The top concerns of Filipinos, as reflected in surveys, have remained the same. And President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently received the lowest marks in dealing with these problems, which he tackled in his third State of the Nation Address.
While certain factors affecting these problems are beyond the president’s control, there are other factors in which governance plays a critical role. Efficiency, good government and the judicious use of public funds create the environment necessary for attracting investments that generate meaningful jobs and livelihood opportunities.
Editorial
Business groups have submitted a lengthy list of their proposed reforms along this line, with ease of doing business still a key concern.
Public health care, inadequate as it is, now stands to lose P89.9 billion in funding, thanks to government inefficiency and politics-driven budgeting acrobatics.
Self-rated poverty is at its highest since 2008, at 58 percent. Hunger is pervasive, with poor nutrition leading to physical and mental stunting. This food poverty has contributed to learning poverty. Philippine education is in crisis; new Education Secretary Sonny Angara faces high expectations that he can get the sector out of
THERE is no doubt that we enjoy a strong bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress and generally from most Americans. Ever since I presented my credentials to then president Donald J. Trump in November of 2017, I can say with certainty that we have been able to build strong relationships with both Republicans and Democrats. As fate would have it, I was appointed as Philippine Ambassador in July 2017 and during my first two years in Washington, I had the opportunity to interact with most of those who worked with president Trump, among them Ambassador Robert O’Brien who served as the National Security Advisor during the latter part of the Trump administration, along with several members of the National Security Council at the time. Ambassador O’Brien also happens to be the chairman of the Richard Nixon Foundation where he invited me to a recent
THERE are historical moments that enable leaders, should they choose correctly, to rise from mere politician to statesmen. Joe Biden found himself in such a moment. And he chose correctly.
Since that disastrous, lowenergy performance in a debate with his rival, pressure has been building up from within the Democratic Party for Biden to give up his quest for a second term. The race was basically deadlocked. But the Democrats were in danger of losing down the ballot and yielding control of both houses of Congress. Biden is well loved. His term as president is probably one of the most productive presidencies in U.S. history. He faces a rival who would very likely stand American democracy on its head.
But Joe Biden is 81 and it shows at every public appearance. His every word is belabored and he mixes up names. He has served his country for over five decades and has much to show for it. But he has set himself up for an inglorious end if he persisted in his quest for a second term.
The only real issue against Joe Biden is his age. The presidency
intensive care. Food poverty needs more than band-aid solutions like Kadiwa. Boosting agricultural production must move from rhetoric to action. As concurrent agricultural secretary in his first year in power, the president had identified what is needed. Among these are an extensive cold-chain network, a reduction in the number of middlemen, and a host of farm support services that have been promised for several administrations now. For national food security, domestic production must be boosted and the country weaned from over-dependence on imports of basic items from rice to pork, milk and even galunggong and salt.
Addressing these problems could prove to be more challenging for the president with the disintegration of his UniTeam coalition. A good way to blunt any negative impact of political intramurals is good government. The nation is in a difficult state and needs firm and capable steering. (Philstar.com)
US bipartisan support for the Philippines
special exhibit titled “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” that featured portraits by former president George W. Bush, who was guest of honor. I met a number of Republicans during that occasion, most of whom will most likely be going back to serve in the event of a Trump victory. I was assured that the foreign policy of the United States will very likely remain the same as far as the Indo-Pacific region is concerned. Perhaps an early indication is the speech of the Republican vice presidential candidate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who called for more focus on China, which he described early on as the “real issue” and the “biggest threat” to the United States. Like us, other ASEAN member-countries believe America’s continued presence in the Indo-Pacific region is crucial in maintaining stability and upholding peace and security – a sentiment shared by many nations such as Japan, Australia, Great Britain and Canada. The recent assassination attempt against former U.S. President Donald Trump
was met with a lot of shock, especially because it happened in Butler, a rural county in Pennsylvania known for being a Republican stronghold. But what could have been total chaos turned into stunned disbelief when the former president, with blood streaming down his right cheek – stood up, raised his fist, shouting “Fight!”
Political pundits say that this narrow escape from death by an assassin’s bullet, captured in the iconic photo showing the former president in that defiant pose surrounded by Secret Service agents, with the American flag unfurled just above and a bright blue sky as a backdrop, has provided the Republicans with a strong narrative, possibly giving them the edge towards victory.
Not surprisingly, there seems to be a deluge of anxiety among the Democrats who are still dealing with the fallout from the first presidential debate. Despite succeeding media appearances, including a press conference by the president, a lot of Americans are beginning to see that the Republicans may have the upper hand. Calls for President Biden
Momentous
is probably the most strenuous of jobs. The nation will suffer if its leader is less than fit.
Biden romped to his party’s nomination primarily by the force of the equity of incumbency. In American political history, incumbent presidents get nominated to seek a second term almost as a matter of course. This happens, as in the case of Jimmy Carter, even when the incumbent has become unpopular.
The only exception in recent history was when Lyndon Johnson decided not to seek a second term because of the unpopularity of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam war. Instead of seeking another term, he committed to use his remaining months in office to work a way out of the war. He failed. His party’s candidate lost to Richard Nixon who, in turn, brought on one of the darkest chapters in American politics.
This year, American voters are disillusioned principally by the toll on their purchasing power brought on by inflation. The bout with inflation was due to the many disruptions caused by the pandemic. The Biden administration managed to rein in the inflation rate and raised employment. But Biden was still held responsible for the erosion in purchasing power.
There was, from the very start of this electoral cycle,
very little public enthusiasm for Biden’s candidacy. The opinion polls show a very close race – notwithstanding that the incumbent was running against a morally bankrupt rabble-rouser who is now a convicted felon.
Early on, Biden might have considered not seeking a second term. He did not have the energy to inspire the Democratic base and independent voters. He was running mainly on the proposition that Donald Trump was an existential threat to America.
Trump at 78 has always been morally decrepit. Lately, however, he has been exhibiting more signs of cognitive decline. He is not much younger than Biden. He simply has a louder voice unrestrained by facts. At any moment, in the remaining months of this tiring campaign, that cognitive impairment is going to be more obvious.
It was not easy for Biden to withdraw from this race. But each day it became clearer he was running on political vanity alone, thereby imperiling not only his party but also his country.
A few days ago, Biden was infected by COVID. The enforced isolation must have provided a good opportunity to reflect on the fate of his country and on his own mortality. By Sunday, he was ready to announce his fateful decision.
to step down from the race are coming from Democratic leaders, which sources say include former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The clamor seems to be intensifying after the shooting in Butler and now, the president has been infected with Covid-19.
According to the latest poll conducted by CBS News, former president Trump is shown with 52 percent or a five percent national lead against President Biden’s 47 percent. “Trump is up five points nationally now, and three across the key battleground states. To put that national lead in context: it’s been 20 years since a Republican presidential candidate has won the national popular vote, and over 30 years since a Republican won by more than five,” CBS News said.
Many nations across Europe and Asia and, of course, the Philippines, are keenly watching these developments leading up to the U.S. elections on Nov. 5, with many pondering the consequences or impact of a Trump presidency.
Meanwhile in our country, it’s so absurd and preposterous for some people to claim that
Biden tells us his withdrawal was in the best interest of the country. No one will quarrel with that.
He called on unity to beat back the existential threat posed by Trump and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination. It is too early yet to be assured the Democratic Party could avoid ghastly factional infighting to determine its nominee. There is not much time left in the campaign period.
It is also too early to say how Harris will fare against Trump. For sure, she is Trump’s antithesis: a woman of color, a former prosecutor who went after sexual offenders and certainly a powerful voice for the progressive social agenda of her party. She will certainly put women’s reproductive rights at the front and center of this campaign. The abortion debate certainly provides Democrats a strong card against the misogynistic Trump-Vance team.
But Harris will not only be up against the seriously undereducated Trump. She will have to break the ultimate glass ceiling in American society. The U.S. was among the last societies to give women the right to vote. No woman has ever won the presidency.
However the dynamics of this presidential contest changes
businessmen are pulling out their money out of fear over the situation with China. On the contrary, more businesses are coming into the Philippines precisely because of the country’s renewed relations with the Western world, including the United States. In New Clark City alone, investment commitments have reached over P143 billion with P15.9 billion already actual investments while P127.3 billion is in the pipeline, according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
In fact, we see more and more of our friends in the U.S. Congress and particularly those working in Washington, D.C. expressing their bipartisan support for the Philippines, like the proposed bill by Republican Senator Bill Hagerty and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine that would provide the Philippines $2.5 billion or $500 million every year in Foreign Military Financing from 2025 to 2029 to boost the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the wake of Chinese aggression.
The June 17 incident in Ayungin Shoal has also
Senators
and Senate foreign relations committee, to write to President Joe Biden saying the U.S. must respond “with visible and concrete demonstrations” of support. The senators also asked for a “full list of military, diplomatic and economic options from the Department of Defense and Department of State to deter further Chinese aggression.”
One thing is clear: regardless of who is in the Oval Office, the relationship between the Philippines and the United States will remain strong and stable because of our many shared values and most of all – the deep people-to-people ties that have always been the biggest hallmark of our relationship. (Philstar.com)
* * * 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
over the next few weeks, the greater probability is that Harris will present a more viable candidacy than Biden. The incumbent is burdened with age-related issues. He does not have the power of personality to overcome that deficiency.
This presidential contest will actually be fought in only a few states. The rival campaigns will focus on winning the so-called “swing states” that effectively decide the electoral college
ManilaTimes.net photo
prompted Republican
Roger Wicker and Jim Risch, ranking members of the Senate armed services committee
U.S. President Joe Biden
Malacañang file photo
Dateline PhiliPPines
Sara skips SONA even on TV; Bato, Go no-show
by Neil JaysoN servallos Philstar.com
MANILA — After earlier
declaring that she would skip
President Ferdinand Marcos
Jr.s’ third State of the Nation
Address, Vice President Sara Duterte said she would not even watch the live SONA broadcast on Monday, July 22 as she had to pay respects to the late Bohol vice governor Dionisio Victor Balite.
“The vice president will not watch the SONA on TV or gadgets. She is currently in Bohol to empathize with the Boholanos for the death of their vice governor, as well as to uplift the general mood of the people brought about by the suspension of their duly elected local officials,” the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said in a statement.
“It is also Bohol Day today, July 22, which makes it an opportune time for the vice president to bring a message of hope,” it added.
On July 11, Duterte said she would not attend the SONA and appointed herself a “designated survivor,” a remark construed as a threat by some lawmakers.
In the United States, the designated survivor role is assigned to a Cabinet official who must sit out the president’s State of the Union Address to ensure continuity of leadership in case the president and all constitutional successors are killed or incapacitated in a terrorist attack or catastrophic
event.
Last week, Duterte maintained that her relationship with Marcos remains “OK” despite her skipping the SONA.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte also did not attend the SONA.
Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Bong Go, allies of the former president, did not attend the SONA.
House accomplishments
Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday opened the third regular session of the 19th Congress, with 262 congressmen present.
“Our accomplishments reflect our pro-active stance in catering to the needs of the people by passing much-needed legislation that is attuned to the Philippine Development Plan and the eightpoint socioeconomic agenda under the medium-term fiscal framework of the President,” he said.
“The fruits of our overarching development agenda initiatives for the past two years are now slowly being felt across the nation,” he added.
During Monday’s brief session, lawmakers approved House Resolutions 1799 and 1800 and House Concurrent Resolution 27, which informs the Senate and Marcos of the bicameral Congress’ reconvening of sessions and approves the notice of the president to hear his SONA message.
A joint Senate and House committee was formed to
welcome Marcos as soon as he set foot inside the Batasang Pambansa complex to deliver his third SONA.
Comprising the House contingent, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speakers Camille Villar, David Suarez, Yasser Alonto Balindong, Antonio Albano, Roberto Puno, Kristine SingsonMeehan, Vincent Franco Frasco and Raymond Mendoza were assigned to meet Marcos.
Later in the afternoon, the welcoming party was modified, with Romualdez leading the ad hoc panel, assisted by Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, Senior Deputy Speaker Gonzales, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan.
Romualdez cited the average 6.1 percent gross domestic product growth the country achieved from late 2002 to early this year when Manila beat Indonesia (5.1 percent), Malaysia (4.2 percent), Singapore (2.7 percent) and Thailand (1.5 percent).
In May, he noted that the National Economic and Development Authority projected the country’s growth target of six to seven percent this year is achievable.
Romualdez underscored the importance of credit rating company Fitch’s affirmation last June, which upheld the country’s investment-grade long-term foreign currency trading at “BBB rating with a stable outlook.” g
Guo apologizes to Escudero, but ‘done’ with probe
MANILA — Suspended
Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo apologized to Senate President Francis Escudero for her statements against some senators hearing her alleged involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related crimes, but hinted that she was no longer attending future inquiries.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President dated July 20, 2024, the embattled local chief executive said: "Good day to you. I am writing to you as an elected official and as a citizen facing significant challenges. I deeply appreciate the opportunity
to express my feelings and seek your understanding.
"First of all, I would like to convey my heartfelt admiration for your excellent leadership in the Senate. Your dedication and integrity in upholding the rule of law are truly commendable and serve as an inspiration to us.
"I have great respect for your principle that 'he who alleges must prove the same,' especially regarding the issue that I am allegedly Chinese, ensuring a fair and just process.
"Despite my situation, I would like to apologize if there has been any misunderstanding regarding
my statements. I have no intention of instructing or dictating to the Senate what should be prioritized. I understand that each legislator has their duties and responsibilities to the nation," she said. According to her, she is ready to face the various cases against her in government offices such as the Ombudsman, DoJ [Department of Justice], BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue], and courts, and prove her innocence. However, she did not mention or include the Senate, which is currently looking into the charges against her. (ManilaTimes.net)
Divorce, death penalty bills not among Senate
MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero does not consider the divorce and death penalty bills controversial but neither are they among their priorities.
At the press briefing on Monday, July 22 after opening the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress, Escudero said the two bills will undergo regular process.
"It will proceed. I don’t consider them actually controversial. It will just have to go through the test of the legislative process and mill. I think one is with the committee and one (divorce) is pending in plenary already," he said.
He cited the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) bill which is also being pushed by some sectors.
Escudero said it has been assigned to a subcommittee
and went through the ordinary process of legislation.
"Kaya nga umabot sa plenaryo. Kaya lang nag-interpolate ako syempre at kung dumating sa punto ng botohan boboto ako laban doon,” (That's why it reached the plenary. But I interpolated of course and when it reaches the voting process, I will vote against it)," Escudero said, adding that voting against ROTC is a personal view.
The Senate President further explained that special committees are usually created if the bill is urgent or there is a conflict of interest with the committee chairperson.
Before adjourning its second regular session last May 22, the House of Representatives already approved the Divorce bill.
Cha-cha
Escudero further announced
that the Senate will not prioritize bills on proposed charter change (cha-cha) "to give way to more important measures that genuinely enhance the lives of Filipinos."
He confirmed that cha-cha proposals would be placed on the back burner and follow the standard legislative process, if considered at all.
“In its stead, bills which can effect the same result— but without the needless political noise and bickering — will be prioritized. This will allow us to focus our energy on measures which the people truly need,” he added.
Escudero said that senators will focus on the common legislative agenda forged with the executive branch and the House of Representatives, pointing out that “legislation is not a one-way process.” (PNA)
Chiz: No Cha-cha in Senate’s third regular session
by Marc JaysoN cayabyab Philstar.com
MANILA — Charter change would not be a priority of the Senate in its third regular session because it is a “divisive” issue, according to Senate President Francis Escudero.
“In this final regular session of the 19th Congress, we will set aside items which merely dissipate our energy and divide the public,” Escudero said during his speech in opening Monday’s session, July 22, his first as Senate President.
“For this same reason, pending bills on Charter change will be placed on the backburner and will follow the ordinary and regular process of legislation, if at all,” he added. Escudero said the Senate should focus instead on bills that are part of the common executive and legislative agenda.
“In its stead, bills which can effect the same result – but without the needless political noise and bickering – will be prioritized. This will allow us to focus our energy on measures which the people truly need,” Escudero said.
“We will tackle items in the common legislative agenda forged with the Executive, and those nurtured by either the House or the Senate. For legislation is not a one-way process,” he added.
At a press briefing after the session, Escudero said he considered Charter change a “divisive” bill that should go through the regular legislative mill instead of being a pet measure.
“It’s not a priority for me. Since it was not mentioned in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, I don’t think it’s a priority of the LEDAC or the executive either,” Escudero said.
Escudero said it is a timehonored tradition in the Senate to scrutinize laws instead of serving as the administration’s rubber stamp.
“We are not just here to stamp our approval on bills. We also propose legislation which need not come from the executive,” Escudero said.
The Senate President also promised that it would be a productive third regular session in the Senate by focusing on the “quality, not quantity” of bills, even though
there are only 70 session days left.
“Quality over quantity has always been the tradition in the Senate. The House has always churned out the most number of bills. But often, it is the Senate that allocates more time in fine-tuning bills that eventually become the version of the law,” Escudero said.
Solid 6 not joining minority
The bloc of former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri bloc will not join the minority and will remain in the majority but will demand one-fourth of the membership of each committee in the Senate.
Zubiri said his bloc –composed of former Senate president pro tempore Loren Legarda, former majority leader Joel Villanueva, former deputy majority leader JV Ejercito, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Sen. Nancy Binay or the socalled Solid 6 – would remain independent and will not join the minority composed of Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Risa Hontiveros.
The seventh member of the Zubiri bloc – Sen. Sonny Angara – has been appointed as secretary of the Department of Education. g
Wednesday JULY 24, 2024
The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE
Carla Abellana says her heart now happy
By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
KAPUSO actress Carla Abellana revealed that her heart is now happy.
In a report by GMA News, Carla said that she’s in a happy stage right now.
“Thankfully, it’s still alive and beating. But yes, masaya siya,” she said in an interview at the recent GMA Gala 2024. Naalagaan na nang mabuti and napaka-valuable and precious,” she added.
Last month, Carla said a Philippine court has recognized her divorce from ex-husband
Tom Rodriguez.
The actress confirmed the news during her guesting on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda.”
“We are divorced.
Recognized na po ‘yan ng korte, ng local court natin dito,” she said.
Carla and Tom married in October 2021. In less than a year after their marriage, the two separated.
Tom, who is an American citizen, said in June 2022 that their divorce has been finalized.
Sharon Cuneta, Janice de Belen to work for 1st time in ‘Saving
By Kathleen a lleMit Philstar.com
DESPITE decades in showbiz, it will be the first time that Sharon Cuneta and Janice de Belen will be working on a show. They are are among the powerhouse cast of ABS-CBN’s upcoming drama, “Saving Grace,” an adaptation of the Japanese series “Mother.” Sharon and Janice were once linked to another ‘80s actor, heartthrob Gabby Concepcion. Gabby was linked to Janice and was her love team. After them, Gabby was paired with Sharon, whom he eventually married. Sharon and Gabby welcomed their only daughter, KC Concepcion, who also joined showbiz.
Janice said in her interview with Snooky Serna uploaded on the latter’s vlog in February that she and Sharon are okay.
She said that she has seen the Japanese series and is excited to work with Sharon given
Grace’
their “colorful past.”
“Napanood ko ‘yung original and in fact, naiyak nga ako kaya alam ko na agad na heavy drama siya. Siyempre gusto kong maka-eksena si Mega (Sharon’s showbiz moniker). Because I know people are also waiting to see how our dynamic is going to be given our colorful past,” shared Janice in a statement.
Sharon, meanwhile, is raring to go back to TV after her special guest appearance in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2022.
“I promise I will give my best in this project, lalo na since dalawang taon akong nagpahinga sa TV. I’m really excited kasi ‘yung ibang cast first time kong makakasama,” she said.
Apart from Sharon making a TV comeback in the show, “Saving Grace” will mark Julia Montes’ lead starrer TV comeback. Coincidentally, she also made her last TV appearance in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which stars her real-life beau Coco Martin.
Kim Chiu tears up over question about seeing ex with
By anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net
KIM Chiu broke into tears as she responded to a hypothetical question on how she would react if she bumped into her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend.
The TV host – whose breakup with her longtime boyfriend Xian Lim was confirmed last December – was put on the hot seat during an episode of the noontime show “It’s Showtime” on Monday, July 22. The topic about exes was brought up during the “EXpecially for You” segment when Chiu’s fellow host Vice Ganda asked their co-host Jackie Gonzaga, who also earlier broke up with her longtime boyfriend Tom Doromal, a hypothetical question.
“Kung sakaling meron ka nang boyfriend, sasadyain mo bang makita niya (ex-boyfriend) kayo o kung magkikita kayo, iiwas ka na lang?” Vice Ganda asked. Gonzaga replied, “Makita at makita mo — ito ‘yun e. Hindi na para magtago. Hello? Pinagdasal ko ‘to. Itatago ko pa ba?” However, Gonzaga admitted that if she would bump into her ex-boyfriend in her current state and see him with a new girlfriend, she would feel hurt and cry over it. As Gonzaga turned emotional while answering the questions, a teary-eyed
Chiu was watching her. Their fellow hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario noticed this, then turned the attention to Chiu. Gonzaga willingly obliged to Navarro and Hilario’s teasing remarks and asked Chiu, “Sa estado ng pagkatao mo ngayon, nagkasalubong kayo sa hallway [tapos] kasama na niya ‘yung bago niya, anong gagawin mo?” Chiu initially laughed it off, then proceeded to answer, Gano’n naman kasi talaga ang buhay. Hindi naman binibigay ni God ‘yung mga hardest
battle niya to his strongest soldiers—Ha! Naiiyak ako!” “Haharap [ako], syempre!” she continued as she tried to hold back her tears but failed. “Hindi ka dapat tumatalikod sa mga bagay na magpapalakas sa’yo.” Chiu then rushed to Gonzaga and the two of them shared a tight hug. Their fellow hosts afterwards commended the two for being strong women. Meanwhile, Lim is currently dating film producer Iris Lee. He confirmed their dating status last May.
Alexa Ilacad on finding her soulmate in KD Estrada
“AGE is really not a problem,” said Alexa Ilacad, who is two years older than her onscreen partner KD Estrada. The two, collectively known as KDLex, have been “dating exclusively” since 2022.
“It’s not a big deal, as long as you’re on the same wavelength, have the same level of maturity, and are on the same page in terms of your relationship. That’s all that matters,” Alexa told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent interview.
The two still refuse to confirm the rumor that they are in a real romantic relationship, although Alexa once referred to KD as her “constant,” and her “dream come true,” while KD described her as his “partner.”
Alexa said she appreciates that KD is very patient.
“Sometimes, we would talk and I’d say, ‘What if in the end, nothing happens to us?’ He’d say it’s okay with him and that he’s happy to be getting the chance to love me,” Alexa said. “I also feel the same. It’s like a privilege. I plan to just enjoy the journey. If the outcome would be us in the end, then thank God. If not, then thank you.”
The singer-actress said she finds value in waiting. “It’s true that good things come to those who wait. I feel like we’re slowly planting seeds in each other’s garden. One day, we’re going to reap the benefits of that together. I don’t know if I’m just an overthinker, but I would sometimes say that at this age, I want my status in life to be like this; or I want to be able to have this or that when I reach this particular age; or have my own family at this point. This is why I really try to make sure that the path getting there is clear.”
She continued: “It’s really good to wait because only then will you be sure if everything you’re doing is all worth it or if you’re just fooling yourselves. This is just me.”
Alexa said it is also important that her relationship is supported by her family.
“When I was younger, and was still so naive, I would say, ‘When my mom disapproves of the person I love, I will fight for him no matter what.’ Today, I realized that I was wrong. It’s more important that my parents approve, because there’s peace and bliss in this particular kind of relationship. I’m lucky because we are both well-loved by our families,” she pointed out.
Selfless
Asked to share what she considers the best thing about being with KD, Alexa said, “It’s the support I receive from him. The way he loves [me] surprises me. I’m surprised how someone is capable of being so selfless. I thought that guys like him couldn’t be real— someone who I know just cares about me, about my genuine happiness. He is very supportive of whatever I want to achieve in life, even though he isn’t included in the picture.”
The quote ‘I love you so much that I want you to be happy, even if I’m not part of it’ really applies to him. Of course, he’s part of it, but that’s how I feel about him. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way. I guess that’s what you call a soulmate. I felt that early on,” Alexa declared.
Work together
At the recent media conference announcing Alexa as the newest host of the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother,” Alexa described as “ideal” the marriage of her PBB cohost
and has set it to be her “relationship goal.”
“Sobrang solid nila! The fact that they got married and have built a family and a beautiful life together, who wouldn’t want that, right?” Alexa said. “When I get into a relationship, I make sure there’s a goal, or an intent to take it to different levels. I don’t date for laughs or just because I’m bored. Hopefully, that person shares the same goal as I do. I’m very vocal. KD and I talk about things like that. We check if our goals are aligned, if we have the same dreams, and if we can work together toward achieving them.”
Felt like a win Alexa and KD were both part of “PBB Kumunity Season 10” in 2021. Surprisingly, Alexa’s most memorable experience was when she got evicted. “We had no idea what was happening outside. We craved to hear music or someone from the outside talk. We had no idea if people were actually watching,” she explained.
“When I stepped out of the house was when I felt the warm reception of people, not just toward me but also toward KD. It was also memorable to finally hear the stories of other people, how they were able to relate to us. They’d say, ‘I’m so proud of you because you did this or that.’ I may not have won, but I felt like a winner,” Alexa said.
WORKING with Empoy can be challenging, Herlene Budol admitted. But not for reasons one might expect. It goes without saying that Empoy is an effective comedian—too effective, in fact, that Herlene ends up laughing in scenes where she shouldn’t.
Ang hirap po niyang katrabaho, sobrang hirap His facial expressions make me laugh even if we’re doing a heavy scene where I have to cry,” the beauty queenturned-actress said in recent video conference for the final week of GMA Public Affairs’ “Black Rider.”
In the primetime action series, which ends on July 26, Herlene plays a battered wife named Pretty. She later on finds an admirer in the motorcycle rider Oka
who later convinces her to pretend to be his wife to please his dying father. Their relationship eventually blossoms.
“When I look at him, I can’t help but break character. I become a fan girl. Bata pa lang kasi ako, napapanood ko na ang isang Empoy. His smallest movements and nuances bring out my real personality,” Herlene said.
Their characters’ amusing cat-and-mouse dynamic surprisingly earned them not a few fans who think they have chemistry together.
“In terms of chemistry, our director Rommel Penesa, would tell me, ‘ Meron talaga .’ I’d reply, ‘ Talaga ba, Direk ?’ I just try to enjoy every moment when I’m working with him. Masaya naman po kami kapag naglalandian sa set,” Herlene said with the deadpan humor she’s known for.
Just like dancing Herlene was initially supposed to play a guest character, but the supposed one-day taping became two. Before long, she was a regular cast member. Little did she realize that “Black Rider” would be physically more challenging than the previous show she topbilled, the successful afternoon soap, “ Magandang Dilag .”
“I wasn’t used to the kind of acting we did here, all the scenes where I was physically abused. But the shift in my character was a quick one and it had great impact on me,” she said, adding that playing Pretty taught her a lot of new things as an actress.
“You always have to listen intently to the actor you’re doing a scene with. You have to be focused, because it’s hard delivering your lines, pouring out your emotions
Carla Abella
Photo from Instagram/@carlaangeline
Kim Chiu
Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess
(Empoy),
By allan PolicarPio Inquirer.net
Sharon Cuneta and Janice de Belen flank their ‘Saving Grace’ co-star Julia Montes.
ABS-CBN photo
Empoy (left) and Herlene Budol pose with trophies from New York Festivals TV and Film Awards. Photo from Facebook/Herlene_Budol
By Marinel cruz Inquirer.net
Alexa Ilacad with KD Estrada
Photo from Instagram/@alexailacad
Melai Cantiveros to Jason Francisco,
Kobe Paras on real score with Kyline Alcantara: ‘We are great friends’
By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com
BASKETBALL player Kobe Paras said that he and actress Kyline Alcantara are just friends.
The Filipino cager was asked by GMA News Online at the GMA Gala 2024 held on Saturday, July 20.
“We are great friends,” Kobe said. “Bakit girlfriend agad? Nagtanong na ba ako?”
The cager repeated what he confirmed.
“We are just great friends right now, really close friends,” Kobe said.
Kyline and Kobe have been subject of dating rumors ever since their holding hands photo surfaced.
In a recent interview with Philstar.com at the opening of Bally’s new Rustan’s Makati store, Kyline did not deny that it was her who had a date with Kobe as seen in Kobe’s Instagram Stories, and vice versa.
The actress also said the she is single.
“Single life is great! Totoo ‘yung sinasabi nila na masarap talaga maging single,” she declared, “Pero masarap din namang magmahal,” Kyline said.
Kris Aquino receives
‘sad
blood results’ amid treatment
KRIS Aquino got “sad” results from her recent medical tests which, per her close friend Dindo Balares, might have prompted the immediate return of her sons Josh and Bimby to the United States.
Through his Instagram page on Monday, July 22, Balares spoke about the siblings’ earlier flight to the US, where Kris has been seeking treatment for her autoimmune diseases.
Marami ang nag-expect na magtatagal sa Pilipinas si
Continued on Page 11
GIGIL bags Silver Cannes Lion, delivering Grab its first win in the world’s top advertising honor
Philippine agency’s win showcases creative excellence with business impact
PHILIPPINE creative powerhouse GIGIL clinched its third Cannes Lion in four years, winning its first Silver in Film at the 2024 Festival of Creativity, home of the world’s most prestigious advertising awards. The award reaffirms the agency’s position as a leading independent agency and marks a milestone for Grab, which has earned its first ever Cannes Lion.
GIGIL’s campaign for Grab, “Summer” was also the only finalist from the Philippines in the said category. The agency previously won a Bronze Film Lion for RC Cola and Cheers in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
“This milestone pushes us to scale greater heights in the creative industry as we embark on a transformation. Our present and future clients, especially as we expand our reach globally via our New York and Toronto offices, can expect nothing less than a hundred percent from us,” Jake Yrastorza, GIGIL managing partner, said.
Creativity that delivers business results
Grab “Summer” helped the superapp achieve recordbreaking transactions for both its mobility and on-demand delivery services after the campaign launch.
“More importantly, this is further proof that GIGIL’s good ideas deliver good business results,” Yrastorza said.
GIGIL’s work is marked by a history of delivering business results. From 2020 to 2023, it won in the APAC Effies, the known arbiter of marketing effectiveness of advertising ideas.
“Summer” has been viewed over 45 million times and generated over 2.6 million engagements on various social media platforms.
Set in the Philippine summer season, which has
brought unprecedented heat levels to the tropical country, the film features a Filipino everyman character who goes about his day – from his commute, office work, to cooking a home meal – while
literally sweating buckets in the middle of summer. The creative team uses this exaggerated depiction of the daily grind to highlight Grab’s services that Filipinos can avail during summer like the
air-conditioned GrabCar and the delivery of cold drinks through GrabFood.
GIGIL first partnered with Grab in 2022, and has delivered some of the most engaging creative work for the brand in recent years. The film is GIGIL’s first collaboration with awardwinning Thai production house Factory01 Bangkok. For more information on GIGIL’s work visit www.gigil. com.ph.
Founded in 2017, GIGIL has become the Philippines’ premier independent creative agency, with offices in New York and Toronto. Known for its boundarypushing campaigns, GIGIL consistently produces content that captures the attention of viewers, generating unprecedented attention and conversations. It has garnered international acclaim, among which are the prestigious APAC Effies for four consecutive years (2020-2023), underscoring the agency’s capability to craft campaigns that not only captivate, but also deliver measurable business results. It has also won the world’s most respected advertising awards, the Cannes Lions, in 2021, 2022, and 2024. GIGIL has also been ranked Number 1 among Network and Independent Agencies in the Philippines by Campaign Brief Asia. This set of recognition cements its dominant market position and provides a testament to its ability to stand among the best networks of agencies in the world. For more information on GIGIL and its body of work, visit www.gigil.com.ph or contact Duke de Ramos via duke.deramos@gigil. com.ph or+639272287446 to discover possibilities for your business.
(GIGIL Release)
Receiving GIGIL’s Silver Cannes Lions Award are (from left:) Bev Lubid, group account director; Dana De Leon; associate creative director; and Nanais Hernandez, senior strategic planner. Photos courtesy of GIGIL
GIGIL’s campaign for Grab, “Summer,” won a Silver in Film at the 2024 Festival of Creativity in Cannes.
Kris Aquino Photo screengrabbed from YouTube/Ogie Diaz
Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras Photos from
Can my children’s derivative Social Security bene
Presenting the candidates of Miss, Miss Young, and Mister Philippines 2024
PAGEANT season is back with a punch!
Now in its 13th year, the Miss Philippines USA pageant takes off with the unprecedented addition of Mister Philippines USA. Headed by pageant organizer and producer Lou Razon, the Miss Philippines USA organization produces the longest-running Filipino American beauty pageant in the U.S. According to Lou Razon, the organization’s mission is to discover and develop young women and now men to be ambassadors of goodwill who are confident, intelligent, compassionate and who are driven towards living a purposeful life.
According to Monet Lu, the chairman of the Board of Judges for Mister Philippines USA, some of the organization’s missions are to promote inclusivity, the diverse cultures of the Philippines and the rich culture and heritage of Filipino Americans. The inclusion of a search for men who are not only good-looking, but also talented, motivated and driven will elevate the Filipino American pageant industry. The candidates will promote the positive image of Filipino Americans and they will serve as role models for young Filipino Americans and the whole community as well.
This year’s pageant includes candidates not only from Northern and Southern California, but also from various states including Hawaii, Nevada, New York and Texas. Coming from diverse backgrounds, and educational and professional experiences, this year’s combination of candidates certainly makes for a thrilling and exhilarating extravaganza.
Miss Philippines USA 2024 hopefuls include Alyssa Agustin of Oakland, Keziah Atendido of Dublin, Chrislynn Barroga of Honolulu, Hawaii,
Dalisay Caver of San Jose, Jade Espiritu of Santa Clarita, Chloe Go of San Diego, Audrey Jeltema of Ladera Ranch, Lara Mercurio of Orange County, Jianni Miller of Porter Ranch, Jasmine Mizrahi of Hollywood Hills, Elisha Price of Arcadia, Chloe Reyes of Rowland Heights, Mazel Sia of Apple Valley, Keilin Tamkianco of Sacramento and Alyson Ubungen of Houston, Texas.
This pageant also opens new doors and possibilities for young women candidates in the Miss Young Phliippines USA category that includes Chloe Barr of Henderson, Nevada, Grace Hernandez of Thousand Oaks, Ella Kedileri of Northridge, Katie Nate of Corona, Giselle Olmos of Eastvale, Briella Paris of Bullhead City, Samantha Pennell of Murrietta, Portia Rossi of Santa Monica, Ilana Sales of Riverside, Chloe Smith of Torrance, Melanie Stokes of New York, Cristen Subia of Chino HIlls and Athena Usac of Sacramento.
The first candidates of
the newly launched Mister Philippines USA include Ralph Corcino of Anaheim, Jey Bersales of Carson, Andrew Ernacio of Carson, Joseph Kabiling of San Diego, Dorian Mendoza of Woodland Hills, Kyle Tiglao of San Diego, Rosevee Tisoy of Rowland Heights and Zachery Tolentino of Temecula.
The 13th Annual Miss Philippines USA beauty pageant is supported by several generous sponsors including Aberdeen School of Nursing, AMP Staffing, BayaniPay, Beverly Hills Framing, Bontika, Calotta Collections, Codemasters, City of Carson Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas, Dahl’s Wellness, Earthbaby, Estilo Filipino, Kubo Restaurant, La Bella Pinseria Romana, Lapid Foods, Inc., Lou Razon Couture, Lucky Brides, Monet Salon, Norie Rosen Realty, Oasis Wellness and Spa, Riman, Rising Stars Performing Arts Center, Ritello, ROKU, Sikat Solar, Smile Experts Dental, Tang and Java, To Soma Mou, UPBA and VIP Aesthetics.
Pageant week started with the following events: Fashion for a Cause and Swimsuit competition, a preliminary competition held on Sunday, July 21 at the Imperial Event Venue at in Pasadena, followed by the 2nd round of the Talent Competition on Wednesday, July 24 at La Bella Pinseria at 309 N. Central Ave, Ste. 4, in Glendale, CA 91203 starting at 7 p.m.
The Miss Philippines USA 2024 Coronation Night will be held on Sunday, July 28 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. For tickets to any of these events, visit https://missphilusa.com/ events or call Lou Razon at (818) 242-2088.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * micdiazpresents@gmail.com
CALIFORNIA Family Code section 4504 allows a noncustodial parent to be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of federal government payments they are receiving on behalf of the child. The payments that qualify for this credit include:
• Social Security retirement or disability benefits
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
To be eligible for the credit, the child must be potentially eligible for the benefits. This means that the child must meet the requirements for the benefits, such as being the child of a deceased or disabled worker.
The custodial parent or other child support obligee is responsible for applying for the benefits on behalf of the child. The noncustodial parent must cooperate with the custodial parent in making the application and providing any necessary information.
If the custodial parent refuses to apply for the benefits or fails to cooperate with the appropriate federal agency, the noncustodial parent may be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of benefits that the child would have received. The noncustodial parent must provide evidence to the local child support agency indicating the amount of benefits the child would have received. This credit is intended to help ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even if one parent is deceased or disabled. It can also help to reduce the financial burden on the custodial parent.
If you are a noncustodial parent who is receiving federal government payments on behalf of your child, you may be eligible for a credit towards your child support obligation. You should speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific case. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about California Family Code section 4504:
• The credit is not available for all types of federal government payments.
• The credit may not be available if the noncustodial parent is already receiving a credit for child support
Jennylyn Mercado preserving embryo for next baby with Dennis Trillo
By MARINEL CRUZ Inquirer.net
ACTRESS Jennylyn Mercado has admitted that she felt “bothered” when she first read the now-controversial posts on her husband Dennis Trillo’s social media account, which happened some two weeks ago, but immediately dismissed them after learning that it was done by a hacker.
“I was at a pictorial then. I said, ‘What happened here? It’s impossible for Dennis to post this.’ I’ve known him for a long time, and we’ve been together for years. I don’t think he would ever post such things,” Jennylyn recently told reporters during her launch as an ambassador of a skin care brand.
“When I finally spoke to him, he simply laughed it off. He said, ‘Ganoon talaga. What can I do?’ My only advice to him then was, ‘Hirapan mo nga ang password mo!” Jennlyn recalled. Aguila Entertainment, the management agency handling both Dennis’ and Jennylyn’s careers, said the actor’s TikTok account was hacked after drawing criticisms for some comments posted against ABS-CBN. It was supposedly Dennis’ reaction to a question by a TikTok user as to why Jennylyn was not included in GMA 7’s station ID. “I don’t know anything about the process—it was our management that handled it— but Dennis was able to restore his account,” Jennylyn declared.
Asked how the couple is adjusting to raising their child, Dylan, who is now 2, Jennylyn said: “We’re enjoying every minute with her. Dennis is very hands-on. It’s common for Dads to become very focused
on being able to provide for their family, but Dennis does both equally. Since Dylan was born, we adapted to a shifting schedule. I take care of Dylan during the day and he lets me sleep at night. He watches over her, and even changes her diapers.”
This was why Jennylyn said she has managed to handle stress effectively. “I got used to it. If you know what I’ve been through in my life, you will understand why I said that. It also helps that Dennis is a good life partner. We have an effective tandem. When he sees that I’m feeling too stressed, he would tell me to relax or sleep. He asks me what I want that he could give me. If I see that he’s stressed, I take over,” she said. Whenever they have misunderstandings, it’s normal for them to stay in different rooms to be able to let off steam, said Jennylyn. “I will lock myself inside one room while he spends the night in another. We already know how to handle fights. It’s also good that we’ve been together for a long time.
Of course, it’s impossible for one to not feel affected.
We’re also thankful for people around us who are always
ready to help, to calm us down, especially Tita Becky (Aguila).”
No plans
Jennylyn pointed out that they have no plans for another baby any time soon. “I want her to be able to experience childhood with me close by. This is something that I was not able to experience with Jazz (her child with actor Patrick Garcia) because I needed to return to work immediately since I was a single mom. Now, I plan to take time, relax and enjoy being with Dylan while she is still young. Also at a media gathering, Jennylyn clarified that she and Dennis had no plans to migrate to the United States in 2021. She said they had been trying to have another child since 2018 but were unable to conceive due to fertility issues. “We tried so many times here in the Philippines, but nothing happened. We decided to go abroad to try IVF (in vitro fertilization), because it’s more accepted there compared to here in the Philippines,” she began. “They harvested an egg, developed an embryo, froze it, and stored it. It’s still there up to now. Naunahan na siya ni Dylan. If we decide to have another baby, it’s just there. It’s actually a boy.”
The couple is busy working on their film production outfit called Brightburn Productions. Jennylyn said the goal is to apply what they’ve learned working as actors for over 20 years and come up with projects that they can be really proud of. “We already know how a lot of things work in the industry because we’ve been part of it for so long, so we said, ‘Why don’t we produce our own?’ That is one of the
Continued on Page 11
Candidates for Mister Philippines USA 2024
Candidates for Miss Young Philippines USA 2024
Candidates for Miss Philippines USA 2024
Jennylyn Mercado Photo from Instagram/@mercadojenny
Nadia Montenegro’s daughter on what dad Baron Geisler did for her: ‘Nothing’
By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
SOPHIA, Nadia Montenegro’s daughter with Baron Geisler, seemingly took a swipe at the actor for doing “nothing” for her as her father.
Sophia hopped on the “rating things my dad did for me” trend on TikTok, but instead of enumerating what her father did, she only included a photo of herself and captioned it “Are you ready? For nothing.”
The child shared the post last July 14, weeks after Montenegro revealed that her late husband, Macario “Boy” Asistio Jr., is not the biological father of Sophia.
Sophia also responded to netizens in the comments section, with one @shai saying she “waited” to know about the things Sophia’s father did for her.
“Me too, bro, me too,” she replied.
Another TikTok user, @James., commented “Help!!???” to which Sophia answered, “‘Yan din sabi ko sa kanya eh.”
Meanwhile, one @kspy.8 asked, “Eh paano paninindigan eh may asawa nanay mo?”
Sophia then responded, “Wow, part ka ng family? Alam mo ganaps?”
She also came to the defense of Montenegro after another netizen recalled how the actress denied and took legal action when speculations of her love child with Geisler arose.
Anong karapatan ng ibang tao i-share ang problema ng isang tao? ‘Pag sayo ginawa, matutuwa po ba kayo? Syempre magkakaso [kasi]
minor ‘yung anak?!” Sophia stressed. Montenegro first opened up about Sophia’s biological dad in June, although the actress didn’t immediately name who he is. Montenegro, however, alluded to Geisler at the time and his earlier child revelation “for views.”
When asked weeks later about his reaction to Montenegro’s statement, Geisler said he had no idea why the latter had to speak about such matters publicly. Nonetheless, the actor underscored he was happy because Sophia greeted his wife Jamie Evangelista on her birthday.
Kris Aquino receives ‘sad...
From Page 9
Bimby, dahil nai-announce
ito ng kanyang Mama Kris sa interview sa kanila ni Ogie
Diaz sa kanilang bahay sa Orange County, California,” he said, noting as well that Bimby had already begun the “negotiations” for his showbiz career. “Tama ang iniisip ni Kris para kay Bimb, na maranasan din ang regular school at ang mas malawak pang mundo.
Pero may message sa akin si Kris na sure akong naging cue ng mabilisang pagbabalik sa U.S. ni Bimb. ‘I have sad blood results,’ sabi niya,” Balares continued, without elaborating on what the medical results mean. Balares then underscored that while Bimby is happy with his relatives and friends in the Philippines, his mom remains his topmost priority. Inaalagaan at pinalalaki
ni Krisy si Bimb first, upang maging guardian ni Kuya Josh; at pangalawa, upang maging maalaga, maalalahanin, at loving sa lahat,” Balares stated.
Pero, makakapaghintay ang anumang plano. Dahil, siyempre, si Mama Kris ang kanyang laging priority. Kaya niyaya si Kuya Josh, at agaran na silang lumipad,” he added. Josh and Bimby flew back to the U.S. last July 17. (Inquirer. net)
Jennylyn Mercado preserving embryo...
From Page 10
passions I share with Dennis,” she explained. Full support
“We want to make sure we’re working with good scriptwriters and production people, that a particular project’s release is well-executed and through a platform that we know we can rely on. While we can’t talk about its first project yet, it’s safe to say that GMA 7, our home network, is in full support [of it]. We’re really excited about this,” said Jennylyn.
Why Herlene Budol finds...
From Page 8
while trying to remember your blocking. There are a lot of cues, it’s like you’re dancing Mahirap na sabay-sabay ,” she related.
Thankfully, her more experienced costars, like Rio Locsin and Aleck Bovick, are always there for support.
“With Ate Aleck (who plays Pretty’s enemy, Lorna), she guides me during our catfight scenes. She’d tell me, ‘My hand will touch your face.’ I would reply, ‘ Te, sige lang .’ Faking is hard. But I was able to learn techniques that I can apply in the future,’ she said.
Intense emotions
Herlene still has a tendency, however, to hold on to intense emotions long after the director yells “Cut!” That’s something she’s still trying to work on.
“Sometimes, I go to my personal assistant for a hug or to vent because I can’t let go of emotions. Ang sakit ng nararamdaman ko physically, emotionally, lahat ng may ‘-ly.’ Grabe. Sometimes, I bring them home with me,” she said.
Still, she’s thankful for the experience and the friendships she built on the set of “Black Rider.” “Pretty is now a big part of my life … I get to work with actors I look up to. Masarap dito, walang plastikan . Now, I’m having ‘sepanx’ (separation anxiety) because the show is about to end,” she said. “I will miss our bonding. The friendship we have is priceless.”
things as realistic as possible. We’re leaving out some clues, just in case we end up doing another season,” said Bravo. “Black Rider” bagged a bronze award for drama at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards. “Whatever the case,
we will continue telling relatable stories inspired by the masses. There are lots of stories, characters and places within the ‘Black Rider’ world that can still be explored. There are a lot of Filipino stories waiting to be told,” he added.
Speaking of GMA 7, Jennylyn also pointed out that Aguila Entertainment is still negotiating specific details in her network contract and so she is, therefore, a freelancer. The actress also denied rumors that she received an offer to transfer to rival company, ABS-CBN, or that her management company offered her services to them prior to renegotiating with GMA 7.
Should “Black Rider”— topbilled by Ruru Madrid—get a second book in the future, Penesa and creator and writer, Erwin Caezer Bravo, said they would love to give Herlene’s and Empoy’s characters a spinoff.
But for now, the focus is on bringing the story and all its subplots to a close.
“What I know is that the negotiation has always been with GMA 7 from the start. I’m loyal to my home network. There are just certain things in the contract that are still being discussed,” she pointed out.
“Some will end up being happy; others, sad. The characters will have different fates, just like how it is in real life. Not everyone has a happy ending. But we tried to make
Nadia Montenegro with daughter Sophia Photo from Instagram/@officialnadiam
