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Fil-Am cop killed in pursuit crash honored at memorial service

Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, 30, was killed in the line of duty

SAN DIEGO — Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, who was killed in the line of duty last month, was honored Saturday at a memorial service in El Cajon. He was 30.

“Our City stands united in grief over the death of this brave soul,” said Todd Gloria, the Fil-Am mayor of San Diego, who paid a special tribute to Machitar during the service at Shadow Mountain Community Church.

“He lived a life by the code of service, courage and sacrifice. For five-and-a-half years, he served our department knowing the risks yet never hesitating to protect and serve.”

Machitar was killed in a fiery crash in

P6.352 trillion budget for 2025 gets House nod

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — House Bill (HB) No. 10800, which contains the P6.352 trillion proposed budget for 2025, was approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading on Wednesday, September 25.

During the plenary session, 285 members voted in favor of HB No. 10800 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), while three voted in the negative, and none abstained.

The approval on the third reading came just hours after the bill was approved on the second reading.

Survey: Harris leads Trump among Asian American voters

by AJPress

VICE President Kamala Harris holds a substantial lead over former President Donald Trump among Asian American voters, a new survey released on Tuesday,

September 24.

The poll, commissioned by nonpartisan groups APIAVote and AAPI Data and conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, indicates that Harris holds a 38 point lead over Trump, with 66% of Asian American voters intend to vote for Harris in the 2024 presidential election, compared to just 28% for Trump.

Foreign divorce now recognized by PH courts

by Christine Boton Philstar.com

MANILA — Divorce obtained abroad even through mutual agreement may be recognized in the Philippines, according to the Supreme Court.

The landmark decision penned by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao expands the scope of foreign divorce recognition in the country, which had long been contentious. In its ruling, the SC clarified that Philippine courts may recognize divorces obtained overseas, regardless of whether they were achieved through legal or administrative processes, or even mutual agreement.

The SC decision cited the case of Filipino citizen Ruby Cuevas Ng who married Japanese national Akihiro Sono in Quezon City in 2004. After the couple relocated to Japan, their relationship deteriorated, leading to a “divorce decree by mutual agreement” in Japan. The Japanese embassy issued a divorce certificate attesting to the arrangement.

Acting on Ng’s petition, a regional trial court in the Philippines issued a judicial recognition of her divorce, allowing her to remarry.

However, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) challenged the RTC ruling, arguing that only court-issued foreign

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This survey marks the first since President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race and Harris assumed the Democratic nomination.

‘I’m a victim,’ Alice Guo says as she denies masterminding

MANILA — Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo claims to be a victim.

In what was supposed to be the final hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), Guo deviated from her usual responses to assert her innocence—and to hint at a bigger boss.

“Your honor, hindi ako mastermind. Masasabi ko po is isa akong victim (Your honor, I am not a mastermind. I can say that I am a victim.) ,” Guo said.

For most of her appearances in the Senate since being detained by Indonesian authorities in September, Guo has typically given one of three responses: she either claims ignorance, invokes her right against self-incrimination or cites a death threat.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada then asked Guo if she was a pawn of an international criminal syndicate.

Guo responded that she was not exactly used, but acknowledged that she has a reputation for being helpful.

“Hindi naman po sa ginamit, if ever po, kung meron man akong naitulong, ano po akong tao, helpful akong tao, kung mayroon man po, yun lang po. Pero sa mga activities na ginawa, o sa mga allegations, wala akong kinalaman (Not that I was used, if ever, if I ever helped anyone, it is just because I am a helpful person.

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

HISTORY. Tourists visit the Guiob Church Ruins in Catarman, Camiguin on Saturday, September 22. The Spanish-era church constructed in the 16th century was damaged by the May 13, 1871 eruption of Mt. Vulcan.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com

honored at a memorial

Fil-Am cop killed in pursuit...

Survey: Harris leads Trump among...

PAGE 1

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters have long been a critical demographic, with significant growth in voter turnout since 2016. In the 2020 election, this group played a decisive role in Biden's victory, particularly in key battleground states.

contacted by the Democratic Party, compared to 46% by the Republican Party, signaling a greater effort from Democrats to engage this community.

The survey also indicates that Harris' identity as a woman resonates more strongly with Asian American voters than her heritage as an Asian Indian or South Asian.

fastest-growing segment of eligible voters in the U.S., expanding by 15% in the last four years. As campaigns ramp up for 2024, both parties are increasingly aware of the importance of courting AAPI voters—a group that could once again shape the outcome of the presidential race.

PAGE 1 the memories. We have the watch from here Austin, rest easy, you’re so loved,” San Diego Sheriff’s Office Deputy Crystal Corona said.

San Diego while pursuing a suspect, who allegedly fled from an attempted late-night traffic stop.

Gloria said Machitar was known for having an “extremely positive attitude” and for his infectious smile that was “as bright as San Diego’s sunniest day.”

“That smile, his charisma and movie star good looks landed him in the department’s brochures and videos, helping our City to fill the ranks of our police department with some of San Diego’s finest,” he said.

Gloria said Machitar came from a family of public servants who were passionate about helping others, citing his grandfather, who was a member of the US Navy, and his father, retired San Diego Deputy Sheriff Chris Machitar.

Addressing Chris Machitar, SDPD Chief of Police Scott Wahl said, “You raised one heck of a young man and an exemplary police officer. He was such a good kid and had unlimited potential.”

The memorial service opened with a prelude by pianist Michael Sanchez, and a welcome and opening prayer by San Diego Police Department Chaplain Chuck Price, who described Machitar as “funny, humble, charismatic, generous, genuine, dependable, respected and respectful.”

Special tributes were also paid by Sgt. Andrew Schidecker, Sen. Steve Padilla, cousins Julian Chanfreau and McKenzie Holt and sister Asia Machitar.

“You were meant to make a difference and you did just that. It’s amazing seeing how much of a positive impact you left on everyone, you’re so missed. Thank you for always checking in, thank you for the encouragement, thank you for the laughs, thank you for the friendship, and thank you for

The service concluded after nearly three hours with a flag folding and presentation by the SDPD Honor Guard, and a 21-gun salute.

On Aug. 26 at 11:30 p.m., Officer Machitar was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez, 27, were responding to the area of the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car broadsided Officer Machitar’s patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police cruiser to be engulfed in flames.

Officer Machitar was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Martinez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but survived the crash and was present and also honored at Machitar’s service. Officer Martinez was released from hospital care on Sept. 3.

The driver of the pursuit vehicle died in the crash.

“We all miss you tremendously, Austin. It is so tragic, anger-inducing, and cosmically unfair what happened to you and Zach. I remember when you first started at Northern Division years ago. You were so eager to get involved and learn and you were always helpful and positive. Truly in it for all the right reasons. The radio calls and arrests come and go in the tides of our memories, but it’s the little things that we’ll remember forever. The department, the city and our community has lost someone truly irreplaceable,” SDPD Officer Nick Marino said.

Officer Machitar had served with the San Diego Police Department for over five years. He is survived by his parents and sister. (Inquirer.net)

Findings of the survey include Harris' favorability among Asian American voters has increased by 18 points since the spring, with 62% now viewing her positively. Meanwhile, 70% of Asian American voters have an unfavorable view of Trump.

The survey shows a boost in voter engagement, with 77% of Asian American voters saying they are “absolutely certain” to vote in the 2024 election—up from 68% earlier this year.

In terms of party outreach, 62% of Asian American voters reported being

Christine Chen, cofounder and executive director of APIAVote, emphasized the growing political influence of Asian American voters, stating, "They are re-energized and poised to play a decisive role in the 2024 election.”

Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data, added, “We now have nationally representative, in-language survey data that show AAPI voters and volunteers are highly engaged in this election.”

Asian Americans are the

The 2024 AAPI Voter Survey was conducted between September 3-9, 2024 by NORC using NORC’s Amplify AAPI® Panel for the sample source. The survey was offered in English, Chinese dialects of Mandarin and Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean and was administered in two modes depending on the preference of the respondent provided during panel recruitments: 1) self-administered by the respondent online via the Web; or 2) administered over the telephone by a live interviewer. The surveys with a live interviewer were

conducted in

Survey respondents are Asian American voters, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders 18 years of age or older, with oversamples of citizens and registered voters. The data have been weighted by ethnicity, education, Census Region, age by gender, ethnicity by gender, and ethnicity by nativity. The overall margin of error is +/- 4.7 percent. n

Vance rewrites history about Trump and Obamacare

by Julie Appleby Ethnic Media Services

SEN . JD Vance (R-Ohio) on Sept. 15 told viewers of NBC’s “Meet the Press” that former President Donald Trump built up the Affordable Care Act, even though Trump could have chosen to do the opposite.

“Donald Trump had two choices,” Vance, Trump’s running mate, said. “He could have destroyed the program, or he could actually build upon it and make it better so that Americans didn’t lose a lot of health care. He chose to build upon a plan, even though it came from his Democratic predecessor.”

The remarks follow statements the former president made during his Sept. 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Trump said of the ACA, “I saved it.”

The Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, has grown more popular as Americans have increasingly used it to gain health coverage. More than 20 million people enrolled this year in plans sold through the marketplaces it created. That makes the law a tricky political issue for Republicans, who have largely retreated from their attempts over the past decade to repeal it.

Both Vance’s and Trump’s statements are false. We contacted Vance’s campaign; it provided no additional information. But here’s a review of policies related to Obamacare that Trump pursued as president.

So What Did Trump Do With the ACA?

Most of the Trump administration’s ACA-related actions involved cutting the program, including reducing by millions of dollars funding for marketing and enrollment assistance and backing the many failed efforts in Congress and the courts to overturn the law.

In June 2020, for example, the administration asked the Supreme Court to overturn the law in a case brought by more than a dozen GOP states. The high court eventually rejected the case.

“The fact the ACA survived the Trump administration is a testament to the strength of the underlying statutory framework, and that the public rallied around it,” said Sabrina Corlette, codirector of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University.

Most ACA provisions took effect in 2014, during Barack Obama’s presidential administration.

Average premium costs, already rising when Trump

took office, jumped for some plans in 2018, before beginning a modest decline for the rest of his term, according to statistics from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

Some of those increases were tied to a 2017 Trump administration decision to stop making payments to insurers, which was intended to reduce deductibles and copayments for people with low to moderate incomes. By law, though, insurers still had to offer the plans.

Two months earlier, the Congressional Budget Office warned that stopping the payments could cause some insurers to leave the ACA marketplace — and that premiums would rise by 20% in the first year.

Most states, however, let insurers make up for the lost payments by increasing monthly premiums. That had the unintended effect of boosting federal subsidies for people who buy Obamacare plans, because the subsidies are tied to the cost of premiums.

“By accident, that gave people cheaper access to better coverage in the exchange plans,” said Joe Antos, a senior fellow emeritus with the American Enterprise Institute.

Some Republicans think Trump deserves credit for this inadvertent improvement.

But Larry Levitt, KFF’s executive vice president for health policy, said that wasn’t the Trump administration’s intention.

“The one time when Trump improved the ACA, it was an unintended consequence of an attempt to weaken it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration expanded access to some kinds of less expensive health coverage that aren’t compliant with ACA rules, including shortterm plans that generally have more restrictions on care and can leave consumers with surprise medical bills. Democrats call the plans “junk insurance.”

Brian Blase, president of the Paragon Health Institute, a conservative health research group, said broader access to cheaper, less comprehensive plans helped more people get coverage. The plans’ critics say that if they had attracted too many healthy people from ACA-compliant insurance, increases could have spiked for people who remained.

Trump also supported congressional repeal-andreplace efforts, all of which failed — including on the memorable night when

Vice President Kamala Harris Whitehouse.gov photo

only

English.

Fallen Fil-Am police officer Austin Machitar was

service. Screencap from Shadow Mountain Community Church video

Duterte aide’s brother faked

PH identity for gun, Pogo

MANILA — A brother of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser on Tuesday admitted to being a Chinese national who illegally acquired his Filipino citizenship to form several companies, including a steel manufacturing firm that allegedly hosted a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Misamis Oriental.

Testifying at the Senate committee hearing on crimes associated with POGOs, Yang Jian Xin, also known as Tony Yang, admitted that he was born in China, but was able to obtain a Philippine birth certificate through the problematic and graft-laden system of late registration of birth.

Fielding questions from Sen. Risa Hontiveros, he said that he arrived in the Philippines in 1998 allegedly to help his grandfather manage their family’s businesses.

Tony, the elder brother of Duterte’s special economic adviser Michael Yang, was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week.

“You have been deceiving this country for the last 26 years,” Hontiveros, who has been presiding over the Senate hearing, told Yang.

Denial

Speaking through an interpreter, Yang denied that he was involved in POGO, but acknowledged that he had secured documents issued only to Filipinos, such as a gun license, a tax identification number and a Philippine birth certificate.

He also admitted that he had assumed the Filipino identity Antonio Maestro Lim in setting up his companies and in transacting business with the government.

Vance rewrites history about Trump...

PAGE 2

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) helped kill the effort with a thumbs-down vote. The Trump administration never issued its own replacement plan, despite the former president’s many promises that he would. Trump, during the debate with Harris, said that he has “concepts of a plan” to replace Obamacare and that “you’ll be hearing about it in the not-too-distant future.”

On “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker asked Vance when Trump’s plan would be ready. He didn’t answer directly but said it would involve “deregulating the insurance market.”

Critics say that’s code for letting insurers do business as they did pre-ACA, when sick people could be denied coverage or charged exorbitant premiums based on preexisting conditions.

Our Ruling Vance’s assertion that Trump as president took steps to build upon the ACA and protect the health coverage of 20 million Americans is simply not supported by the record.

Trump administration policies, for example, didn’t buttress the ACA but often undermined enrollment outreach efforts or were advanced to sabotage the insurance marketplace. Also, Trump vocally supported congressional efforts to overturn the law and legal challenges to it. By the numbers, Affordable Care Act enrollment declined by more than 2 million people during Trump’s presidency, and the number of uninsured Americans rose by 2.3 million, including 726,000 children, from 2016 to 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That includes nearly three years of Trump’s presidency.

We rate Vance’s statement False. n

“During that time, it was my grandfather who helped me come up with this birth certificate. Maybe he did this for the convenience of (running our) businesses here,” Yang said in Mandarin.

He, however, said that he had no Philippine passport and that he was using his Chinese passport in his travels.

“The initial intention of my grandfather is for me to start a business here. That’s why I use my English name so that I can also apply for business permits and for other documentation that will be needed for the business,” Yang added.

His explanation on how he got hold of his birth certificate and other government-issued documents was similar to that of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who had insisted that she was a natural-born Filipino despite the biometric evidence showing she was a Chinese citizen named Guo Hua Ping.

Wide network

Hontiveros, chair of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, said Yang and Michael were both connected with other fellow

Chinese nationals previously linked to POGOs.

She also presented photos showing that Yang had been rubbing elbows with senior government officials, among them former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda.

Yang and his supposed business associates were seen attending private functions with Acorda when the latter headed the regional police office in northern Mindanao.

In another photo, Acorda was also photographed with Guo’s brother Wesley Guo and Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Calugay, who is suspected to be the manager of Guo’s Pogo company.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) senior vice president Raul Villanueva had earlier claimed that a retired PNP chief regularly received protection money from Pogos, but it was not clear if he was referring to Acorda.

Hontiveros also showed documents showing that Yang was the president of OroOne Inc., a registered provider of Pogo company Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd. Inc.

10

Foreign divorce now recognized by PH...

divorce decrees should be recognized in the Philippines.

This was debunked by the SC. “Filipinos previously married to foreigners can seek judicial recognition of their foreign divorce under Article 26, paragraph 2 of the Family Code.”

The High Tribunal emphasized that whatever way a divorce is settled is irrelevant as long as it is legally valid in the country of the foreign spouse.

The decision aims to prevent a situation where a foreign spouse can remarry while the Filipino spouse remains legally bound to the marriage. In Ng’s case, she claimed that Japanese law permits divorce by mutual agreement or judicial action.

However, the SC had to remand Ng’s case to the RTC to which she had to present first an authenticated copy of the relevant Japanese divorce law.

According to Rule 132,

Sections 24 and 25 of the Revised Rules on Evidence, foreign public documents must be validated either by official publication or by copies attested to by the legal custodian.

The SC noted that while Circular No. 157-2022-A of the Office of the Court Administrator includes a compilation of foreign divorce laws for reference, it does not exempt parties from complying with the Revised Rules on Evidence. n

‘I’m a victim,’ Alice Guo says as she denies...

But the activities done, the allegations, I had nothing to do with it),” Guo said.

Estrada asked if she believed there was someone more culpable than her. Guo reiterated that she was not guilty.

She added that, given the length of the Senate investigation, they should already know who the real mastermind is.

The House was able to approve the GAB on the third and second reading on the same day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday certified HB No. 10800 as urgent. Under the rules, a bill certified as urgent by a sitting president can be considered for third reading without observing the requirement of waiting for three session days after the second reading approval. Earlier, the House adopted proposed amendments raised by the House committee on appropriations, including the reduction of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget to P733 million. The OVP was originally allocated a P2.037 billion budget under the National Expenditures Program (NEP), but lawmakers from the panel proposed to

slash this due to Duterte’s behavior and revelations that some OVP programs suffered from low budget utilization.

During the budget deliberations, it was also revealed that some OVP programs suffered from low utilization, like in the case of Magnegosyo Ta Day where only 0.04 percent of funds — P600,000 out of P150 million — as of December 2023 were used. n

“It is known, especially by our Madame Chair, who is really [behind] everything,” Guo said, referring to Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the panel leading the inquiry.

Next step: A closed-door session

Estrada suggested that Guo could reveal who the “most guilty” party was in a closed-door executive session.

Guo initially agreed but hesitated as her lawyers were not present.

Once the public hearing was suspended and the proceedings went off-air,

Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo Philstar.com photo Guo’s camp huddled opposite the senators.

Sens. Hontiveros, Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Tolentino, Bato dela Rosa and JV Ejercito waited for a response, as Guo vacillated on whether to accept the offer for an executive session.

Dela Rosa and Hontiveros, in particular, grew increasingly impatient as they tried to persuade her to agree.

Guo eventually agreed, on the condition that her lawyer, Stephen David, could join via video conference.

The former Bamban mayor has become the central figure linked to illegal POGO activities, her name almost synonymous with the issue.

The Senate investigation into Alice Guo and POGOs has exposed a range of other illegal activities, from human trafficking in gambling hubs to the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates to foreign nationals.

Guo faces a slew of cases, including money laundering, human trafficking, graft and misrepresentation. n

SIBLINGS IN HIGH PLACES A photo of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte with his economic adviser Michael Yang (right of frame) is flashed during Tuesday’s Senate hearing that focused on Yang’s elder brother Tony (inset), the arrested Chinese national whose real name is Yang Jian Xin.

Photo by Richard A. Reyes

Features OpiniOn

The 44th inmate

As of the close of regular office hours in government late Monday afternoon, September 23, Alice Guo remained in a cell with 43 other inmates at the Pasig City Jail. The dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac was transferred to the city jail female dormitory from the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame on orders of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 167, where Guo faces trial for qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense.

Editorial

Guo’s camp, claiming threats to her life, wants her to stay at the PNP Custodial Center. Her transfer to the Pasig jail, which is under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, was briefly stalled when she was tested for suspected tuberculosis infection in her left lung. When the test result came out negative, she was moved to the BJMP facility. BJMP officials have given assurance that inmates are safe in the local jails and Guo need not fear for her safety in the Pasig female dormitory. Both the BJMP and PNP are under the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Their detention facilities should be sufficiently secure to prevent escapes, while allowing for the humane treatment of inmates. There’s no guarantee that Guo would be

THERE is that old saying “curiosity can kill a cat” –and in our country, too much politics could ultimately kill all of us. As the May 2025 midterm election draws near with the filing of certificates of candidacy just around the corner, we can expect shifts in the political landscape with new party coalitions or

safer or more secure at Camp Crame, headquarters of the PNP, even if its chief and the DILG secretary posed for a selfie with her in Indonesia. High-risk detainees including kidnappers and drug traffickers have broken out of Camp Crame detention in the past years. In 2012 following a string of jailbreaks from police detention facilities around the country, a memorandum from the PNP chief at the time, Nicanor Bartolome, had noted that the Custodial Center at Camp Crame was already congested due to a rising number of high-risk inmates committed there. The memorandum pointed out that the Custodial Center is used only as “a temporary lock-up facility for persons under custodial investigation…”

In being cleared of TB, Guo lost an excuse to seek detention in her own cell, or better yet, “hospital arrest” – a favorite tack of VIP inmates who want to avoid incarceration in a crowded regular jail. She might yet complain of pain in her other lung. And she still has a long string of body parts that can be tested for illness requiring long hospital confinement. To foil attempts at special jailbird treatment, the PNP and BJMP must ensure that their regular jails are sufficiently equipped to keep all inmates secure. (Philstar.com)

Politics could ultimately kill the cat

alliances, realignments and even defections to happen.

While Senate and congressional hearings continue to take centerstage with Filipinos riveted to the TV or the screens of their smart gadgets waiting for the latest episode of the Alice PO-Guo story, let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are faced with so many serious challenges that can potentially impact the future of our country and people.

In the 2024 World Risk

Report published two weeks ago by the Germany-based Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Ruhr University Bochum-Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict, the Philippines topped the list of countries that are most at-risk to extreme natural events and negative climate change, followed by Indonesia, India, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, Mozambique, Russia and Bangladesh with Pakistan at

number 10.

This is the third time in a row that the Philippines has topped the report’s “World Risk Index” that breaks down the disaster risks of 193 United Nations member-states based on their “exposure to natural hazards, the vulnerability of the population and the coping and adaptive capacities of societies.”

According to the report, climate change is “increasing the frequency and intensity

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL

of extreme natural events, leaving less and less time for regeneration. As soon as one disaster is overcome, the next threat is already looming.”

With the Philippines getting hit by an average of 20 typhoons every year that also result in massive flooding in many parts of the country, the impact has been devastating, with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of families, damage to infrastructure and

agriculture worth billions of pesos that could ultimately affect the economy.

A recent example was Super Typhoon Enteng (international name Yagi) that cut a swathe of destruction in its wake, causing massive flooding and landslides, cancellation of classes and disruption of power supply and telecommunication services. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, damage to infrastructure across six regions in the

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Lawmakers to VP Sara: Step down if you can’t fulfill your duty

by Dominique nicole Flores Philstar.com

MANILA — House lawmakers on Tuesday, September 24, said that Vice President Sara Duterte should resign if she has no intention of fulfilling her duties as the official holding the second highest position in government.

“Kung hindi na po siya interesado sa kanyang pong duties and functions as the vice president, we can ask the vice president to step down,” Rep. Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Party) said at a press conference.   (If she is no longer interested in her duties and functions as vice president, we can ask her to step down.)

This is the response of lawmakers to Duterte’s refusal to attend the proceedings for the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed 2025 budget. No authorized representative was also present at the OVP’s scheduled plenary debate on Monday, September 24.

Asked about their reaction to Duterte’s alleged vacation at a beach in Camarines Norte over the weekend, Bongalon said there is no problem with that.

However, the lawmaker said that if Duterte is serious about her duties as vice president, she should have returned to Manila by Sunday, September 23 or coordinated with Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District). He added that this would have allowed Adiong to prepare for questions during the plenary.

“In other words, this means she really has no intention to attend the plenary hearing to sponsor and defend the OVP's budget,” Bongalon said in Filipino.

Shared sentiment

Rep. Jay-Jay Suarez (Quezon, 2nd District) also said the sentiments expressed by lawmakers at the press conference on Monday are also shared by other House

Palace: Video of Marcos using drugs a fake

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

MALACAÑANG said digital media experts have found that the viral video showing a man looking like President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. using drugs had been faked.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO)

Secretary Cesar Chavez said over the weekend that artificial intelligence experts from the Deepfakes Analysis Unit (DAU), which is part of the Indiabased Misinformation Combat Alliance, found the video to have been extensively manipulated to make it appear that the man in the video was the president.

The video was released in July during a gathering of Filipinos in Los Angeles, California, ahead of Marcos' third State of the Nation Address.

Several government agencies, such as the Department of National Defense (DND) and Philippine National Police (PNP) have previously tagged the video as fake.

The findings of DAU was corroborated by Vera Files, an independent and award-winning social media unit and one of the country's leading fact checkers.

In an extensive report published last September 16 and written by Celine Isabelle Samson and Bryan Daniele Manalang, the Vera Files said that it sent copies of the video to an India-based misinformation advocate.

The PCO added that the DAU found traces of extensive digital manipulation on what is now known as the "polvoron video." Using a tool called SensityAI, the DAU found that a "face swap" was used in manipulating the video.

Using another tool called HIVE, the international misinformation advocates "found multiple points of manipulation in the video's run-time and where the "no-deepfake and the deepfake manipulation overlapped."

"In today's world of trolls, bots, and deepfake manipulation, it has become easy to throw mud at others," Chavez said.

He reminded the public to be wary of malicious videos and social media posts.

Chavez also gave assurances that there will be no letup in the government's fight against misinformation and disinformation.

He urged all law enforcement agencies to ramp up their drive against fake news and harmful online posts. n

members because it is a government official’s job to show up.

“This is not about her, this is about the Office of the Vice President, the second highest position of the land. And you have to show respect and due courtesy to that office and to simply show up and do your work. I think it's the least that she can do for the Office of the Vice President,” Suarez added.

Setting a ‘bad precedent’

While Duterte provided a letter dated September 11 to Adiong, Rep. Ramon Gutierrez (1-Rider Party) said the letter did not specify that she would be absent, the reason for it or indicate that there would be an official representing the OVP at the plenary.

“It will set a bad precedent because other departments or government agencies might follow suit, thinking, ‘It’s okay not to attend plenary debates. We can just send a representative or any high-ranking official from the agency,’” Bongalon said in Filipino.

Why agencies need to be present

Lawmakers emphasized that the budget sponsor is not the one who will be spending the agency’s budget, which is why a representative from the agency should be present to help explain its expenditure program.

“The congressman defends the budget, but we are not the disbursing officer. We are not the ones spending the budget. We justify the budget, we defend the budget, but we are not the ones spending it,” Rep. Jefferson Khonghun (Zambales, 1st District) said.

When the agency is present at the plenary, Bongalon said the budget sponsor has the opportunity to consult with the agency head to ensure that they accurately convey its perspective when answering questions from other lawmakers.

Since the House budget proceedings are scheduled to end on Wednesday, September

Marcos vows to double efforts to protect journalists

by Helen Flores Philstar.com

MANILA — The government is “doubling down” on its duty to protect Filipino journalists and uphold press freedom in the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, September 20.

In his speech at the 50th anniversary of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc., Marcos acknowledged the role of the organization as “vigilant” vanguards of communities and “tireless” defenders of press freedom.

“We celebrate not just the pages that you have printed, but the values you upheld with every word, every story and every truth you fought hard to tell,” the president said.

“After all, the true measure of journalism is not just about telling stories and writing headlines, it is about standing firm even when the ground beneath you begins to shake,” he said.

Marcos also paid tribute to Filipino journalists who were killed in the last two years, including Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon and Cresenciano Bundoquin.

“They are not just names in a report; they are faces with families, colleagues and communities that grieve their loss,” Marcos said.

“All our efforts to bring them justice are a testament to the belief that no story, however dangerous, is too small or too insignificant to be told,” he said.

The Philippines slipped two places on the World Press Freedom Index for 2024 by Paris-based organization Reporters Without

Borders, ranking 134th out of 180 countries and territories.

Marcos also emphasized the crucial role played by journalists in the fight against “a different kind of enemy.”

“Misinformation, cyber libel threats, the relentless pressures of the digital age have added layers of complexity in ensuring press freedom. Every post, every share, every careless click – these are the new battlegrounds,” the president said.

“From the anonymous troll farms to the deliberate spread of conspiracy theories, this fight has evolved far beyond the newsroom, it is now in the palm of every hand that scrolls through social media,” he said.

Marcos said journalists have the duty to protect the sanctity of facts even as he urged media workers not to waver in the face of challenges.

“Let us stand together for truth,” he said. The government, he said, has initiated the media and information literacy campaign to equip the public, especially the youth, with the skills to critically evaluate the information they consume to help fight misinformation and disinformation.

“Together, let us foster responsible journalism, for we know that more than a democratic ideal, it is a necessity for an informed and empowered citizenry to make the proper, intelligent, well-informed decisions about their leaders, about their situation, about their condition,” the chief executive said.

“As we mark this golden milestone, I urge you to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a journalist. Innovate. Adapt. But never compromise your principles,” he said. n

Vice President Sara Duterte

Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial

Lawmakers to VP Sara: Step...

24, Gutierrez said the lower chamber “will be extending maximum leniency” to the OVP.

The House will only determine how to handle the agency’s 2025 budget once the OVP has exhausted all its opportunities to attend, Khonghun said.

What will happen if OVP doesn’t show up?

During the press conference, reporters asked lawmakers whether a reenacted budget for 2025 would be possible if the House fails to pass the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on time due to further potential delays caused by the OVP.

According to Section 25 (7), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, a reenacted budget refers to the budget of the previous fiscal year that remains in effect until Congress passes a new General Appropriations Act (GAA).

This occurs only when the GAA for the following year has not been approved before the current year ends.

For Khonghun, a reenacted budget will not happen because lawmakers will not allow the vice president to sabotage the House of Representatives’ schedule in passing the GAB for 2025.

Suarez added the OVP is the only agency that “has not fully complied with the requirements of the law,” noting that all other agencies and departments have been fulfilling their duty in the process of having their respective budgets approved.

Bongalon also said that a reenacted budget would harm other departments and agencies as they might not receive the necessary budget increase to fund their programs.

The OVP’s proposed 2025 budget was rescheduled for Tuesday, September 24, but may be postponed to Wednesday, September 25, if no authorized representative appears at the session hall for its plenary debate.

The OVP has requested a P2.026 billion budget for 2025, but this was slashed to P733 million by the House appropriations committee on September 11 due to issues surrounding the agency’s alleged misuse of funds. n

Duterte-Robredo meeting ‘personal,’ says former vice president’s spokesman

by red mendoza and aric John sy cua ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — The Office of the Vice President has confirmed a report that Vice President Sara Duterte met with her predecessor, Maria Leonor Robredo, during the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City on Friday, September 20 but a spokesman for Robredo described the meeting as "personal."

The report by an online news website claimed that Duterte met with Robredo to seek her support amid challenges in her office.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the OVP said that Duterte was "excited to experience her first ever Peñafrancia

The friend, the OVP said, was the one who arranged the meeting with Robredo, which was described as "casual."

It also said that Duterte met with prominent Bicol personalities and heard mass with regular Bicolanos.

"She neither looked desperate nor distressed," the OVP said to belie reports about how Duterte looked during the visit.

Robredo's spokesman, Ibarra Gutierrez, confirmed the meeting between the two on Friday, but described it as "personal" and not "political."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, September 21, Gutierrez said Duterte's visit to Robredo's home in Naga City was "sudden."

"She [Duterte] suddenly went to her [Robredo's] home all of a sudden. She was politely accepted. They talked, but not about politics. It was just a simple conversation and not a meeting. Then she left. End of conversation," Gutierrez said in Filipino.

He said while he disagreed with the politics of Duterte, he thought it was right that her predecessor welcomed her politely.

"Hindi tayo bastos," ( We are not rude .) Gutierrez added. n

Jinggoy denies link to ‘coup plot’ vs Escudero

by Javier Joe ismael ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — Senate President pro-tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Monday, September 23 admitted hearing "rumors" of a coup plot against Senate President Francis Escudero but said he was not involved.

Estrada denied being the mastermind of the coup plot and refuted reports that he would replace Escudero. The senator said that nobody

approached him to sign a manifesto to oust Escudero, and none of his fellow senators were advocating for it.

Estrada emphasized that he continues to support Escudero.

Escudero denied that the senators were plotting to oust him.

Some senators questioned the supposed coup against Escudero, with Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa

saying that the issue only disturbed their "quiet life." He said no one is circulating a resolution for the senators to sign to expel Escudero from the Senate leadership.

Senator Cynthia Villar clarified that she was not "involved" in the coup plot, while Senator Loren Legarda insisted that she had no idea about it. n Festival," upon the invitation of an unnamed Bicolano "friend."

Marcos certifies 2025 budget bill as urgent

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent House Bill (HB) No. 10800 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which contains the proposed 2025 budget, allowing for the immediate passage of the measure.

During the plenary session on Tuesday, the House confirmed the receipt of Marcos’ letter addressed to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of House Bill No. 10800,” Marcos said in his letter.

“[…] To ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical government functions,

guarantee the allocation of fiscal resources for vital initiatives, and enable the government to adeptly respond to emerging challenges,” he added.

This allows the House to approve HB No. 10800 on the second and third reading on the same day, doing away

with the requirement of having three session days before a bill that was approved on the second reading is considered for the third reading.

According to House leaders including Romualdez, they are targeting to approve the GAB, which contains the

DFA prepares for possible mass repatriation of Filipinos in Lebanon

by charie abarca Inquirer.net

MANILA — Preparations are being made for the possible “mass” repatriation of Filipinos in Lebanon, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed to INQUIRER.net

In a text message on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs

Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said a mass repatriation might not be necessary, but they are still preparing for any eventuality.

“It might not be necessary but we are acting as if it would eventually be

Xionwei, she said, is owned by Lin Weixion, also known as Alan Lim, who was previously linked to the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. mess.

‘Architect’ of illegal operations

Appearing at the Senate hearing, Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC)

Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said Yang had built their own “kingdom” in Misamis Oriental to cover up their alleged unlawful activities.

“Tony Yang is the silent, but thinking (member) among the Yang brothers,” Cruz said in response to a question from Hontiveros. “He’s the one running the businesses of the Yangs, including a Pogo, a big steel company, hotels, and rice mill.”

According to him, individuals who want to put up their own business in Cagayan de Oro should first get the blessing of the Yangs.

The PAOCC official said Yang had employed more than 1,000 Chinese nationals to work in his Pogo inside the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corp. (Phividec) compound.

Yang, he noted, practically controlled the sprawling Phividec industrial complex in Tagoloan town, where his Philippine Sanjia

Politics could ultimately...

country is estimated at P700 million, with agricultural losses estimated at over P650 million.

necessary to mass repatriate our citizens from Lebanon. So preparations are being made and the embassy is regularly meeting the Filipino community,” said de Vega.

According to the foreign affairs official, an estimated

Steel Corp. is located.

“While Michael is more prominent, the truth is Tony is believed to be the real architect of the operations of the Yangs,” Hontiveros noted.

Guo adjusting well in jail

In Pasig, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera said Guo did not get any special treatment after her transfer to the city’s jail on Monday.

Guo, who is facing graft, money laundering, and qualified human trafficking charges, was moved from the PNP custodial center at Camp Crame following an order from a Pasig court.

The former mayor was “mostly compliant” during her first night behind bars but she was initially “shocked” at the condition of her cell, Bustinera said in a television interview.

“I think she was expecting a different cell… but there was no tantrum, no violent reaction. I think she has adjusted pretty well,” he said.

Bustinera said they have encouraged her six cell mates to talk to her “so she won’t feel isolated,” but she has so far not engaged much with them as of Monday.

The former mayor will be served the same P23 per meal as other inmates, although her visitors can bring cooked food consumable for the day. (with a report from Frances Mangosing)

Seeing the devastation caused by Typhoon Enteng and the bare forests in many areas, the President said government must have stricter implementation of laws against illegal logging because this has become a matter of “life and death.”

Another cause for concern is a recent study made by the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute titled “Ground subsidence in major Philippine metropolitan cities from 2014 to 2020” that highlights the threat of “gradual sinking or sudden collapse” faced by Metro Manila and other urban areas due to “excessive groundwater extraction, rapid urbanization and natural sediment compaction, exacerbated by climate change through rising sea levels.”

A major result of the study reveals the significant ground subsidence in Iloilo with rates reaching as high as nine millimeters per year – no doubt exacerbated by groundwater extraction.

In a business column over a decade ago, I remember writing about the excessive extraction of groundwater that is causing cities to sink slowly, with overpopulated areas like Metro Manila at high risk due to the overwhelming demand for water for drinking, bathing and other needs. The situation was also aggravated by the construction of deep wells by private subdivision owners and businesses whose operations require large amounts of water. As early as then, several areas aside from Metro Manila were identified as water critical; among them are Baguio, Davao, Metro Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Angeles in Pampanga and Iloilo.

Aside from climate change and natural disasters, one other problem that impacts future generations is quality education. This was highlighted in a U-Report survey conducted by the UNICEF that showed climate change, natural disasters and education being the top concerns among

the 3,000 survey respondents.

The very low ranking of the Philippines (bottom four among 64 countries) in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that tested the creative thinking abilities of students underscores the need to improve the country’s educational system, with Filipino students ranked as among the world’s weakest in math, science and reading which are considered basic or fundamental competencies.

A lot of hope is riding on the shoulders of Education Secretary Sonny Angara who, I’m glad, is on the right track, starting with an increase in the salary of teachers, with plans to incorporate coding in the curriculum and utilize technology that would allow teachers to concentrate on the job of teaching instead of being burdened by administrative work.

“We are working to incorporate coding into our curriculum and are utilizing educational technology, such as analytics, to assess learners in real-time. This will allow teachers to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks, ultimately improving the quality of education,” Secretary Angara said during the most recent Philippines-Singapore Business and Investment Summit.

Externally, the Philippines is facing the most serious challenge to our sovereignty and existence as a free country – not because of climate change or rising sea levels – but by force coming from a foreign country claiming large portions of our territory.

Climate change, defense and security, low quality of education – these are just a few of the issues that our political leaders must seriously tackle as these could impact the future of our country – because undoubtedly, too much politics could ultimately “kill the cat.” (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

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President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. FILE PHOTO: Official Facebook page of PCO

A recent example was Super Typhoon Enteng (international name Yagi) that cut a swathe of destruction in its wake, causing massive flooding and landslides, cancellation of classes and disruption of power supply and telecommunication services.

PNA file photo by Yancy Lim

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

‘Citizen Puti’ special: A family reunited through patience, love, and one White American being a big fan of Citizen Pinoy

FOR 19 years, the show has been known as “Citizen Pinoy,” but in this special episode, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel is calling it “Citizen Puti” in honor of a remarkable American who is not only a dedicated fan of the show but also an integral part of a heartwarming family reunion.

Ricky Lee, an American married to Filipina Martha, watches Citizen Pinoy religiously—so much so that he was able to correct a Seattle attorney on immigration law thanks to what he learned from the show. This special episode features Ricky, Martha, and her son Aries, who was finally able to join his mother in the U.S. after an 11-year wait. Martha, who married Ricky in 2009, petitioned for her son Aries as soon as she received her green card. Despite the long delay in processing, and even Aries’ initial hesitation to move, Martha’s persistence paid off.

After overcoming additional COVID-related delays and a rescheduled U.S. Embassy interview due to a medical issue, Aries and his daughter Arya were finally granted immigrant visas in April

12

‘CITIZEN PUTI’: A FAN'S DEDICATION AND A HEARTWARMING FAMILY REUNION. For 19 years, Citizen Pinoy has been a trusted resource for Filipinos seeking U.S. immigration help, but in this special episode, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel calls it “Citizen Puti” for Ricky Lee, an American fan who played a key role in a touching family reunion. Ricky, married to Filipina Martha, is such an avid viewer of Citizen Pinoy, that he once corrected a Seattle attorney on immigration law based on what he learned from the show. This episode features Ricky, Martha, and her son Aries, who finally joined his mother in the U.S. after an 11-year wait. Despite delays and setbacks, Aries and his daughter Arya were granted immigrant visas in April 2024. Now reunited, the family begins a new chapter in the U.S., with Ricky getting the chance to meet his idol, Atty. Gurfinkel, face-to-face. Watch this family success story on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, September 29 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Health@Heart No meds at 96!

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

IN the United States, there are about 4.7 percent of the population count of 337,141,658 (as of 9:28 a.m., 9-20-24) who are 90 years and older. This translates to about 15.8 million nonagenarians.

The life expectancy for American men in 2023 was 73, and for women, 79; 67.3 years for men and around 74.5 for women in the Philippines. People have been more health-conscious the past 5 decades – progress in medical science and healthcare skyrocketed, and overall societal mindset and environment tremendously improved. As a result, people are living longer.

Currently, there are about 90 percent of adults in the United States who regularly take at least one prescription drug and 80 percent at least two.

Among non-drinkers, non-smokers, 33 percent of women will live to 95 or beyond, and only 20 percent among men will live 95 and older. Only 4.3 percent of people of them have no illness at all, like symptomatic arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, etc.

In the United States, annually, there are an

estimated 400,000 deaths from tobacco-related illnesses and 100,000 deaths from alcoholism. These two risk factors alone account for 33.3 percent of all deaths in the country. Car crashes kill about 43,000 a year. Wearing seatbelts lowers the risk of death by 45 percent.

Actuarial tables show that for men, the probability of living to 100 is about 0.48 percent, and for women, 1.66 percent, about three and a half times greater. Indeed, women are tougher than men.

But how many people in the United States who are 96, are active, of clear mind and memory, who do not have any symptom of arthritis, etc., at all, and not on any medication whatsoever?

I have a good old friend, a namesake, “Ipe,” who is 96 years old, a non-smoker, a teetotaler, with a memory clear as a bell, who still dances the cha-cha, has no pains of arthritis or any ills, and not even on a single pill at all. He and his wife of 91 have been married for 66 years. They have 5 loving children, 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. What a blessed couple and a wonderful family!

For health and longevity, having a closely-knit family where love is always home is a big psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical support. This

makes life more meaningful, easier to navigate, and more fulfilled.

In the Philippines, the government’s Centenarian Act of 2023 awards Filipino citizens and Filipino dual citizens an incentive cash of P10,000 every 5 years for those who live to 80, 85, 90, and 95, and P100,000 for centenarians. In 2019, there were 59 overseas Filipinos (in the U.S., Canada, Australia, UK and Hong Kong) who got the award for reaching 100. Seniors in the Philippines also get a 20-percent discount card for medications, groceries, restaurants, movies, transportation, and transport pre-boarding privilege.

A healthy lifestyle maximizes longevity and can outweigh bad genes. However, having good family genes does not guarantee good health and a longer life. Unhealthy diet, self-abuse with tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs, toxic environment, recklessness, arrogance, braggadocio, and anti-medical attitude, all significantly affect the health and lifespan of an individual. Indeed, the lifestyle is the elixir of our well-being, the key to Ponce de Leon’s elusive fountain of youth.

In this informational age, where Dr. Google is ubiquitous and on-call 24/7, with almost infinite data on any subject, it behooves everyone to constantly

search, learn, and use the progress of medical science and healthcare for our own and our family’s well-being. All the information we need is now at our fingertips. Savor the info to be wiser, healthier, more productive, and happier.

The mind-boggling great strides in all sciences and technologies in various fields of human endeavors, including medicine, surgery, space exploration, and now Artificial Intelligence, are all blessings, thanks to man’s intelligence, wisdom, vision, ingenuity, and skills, and should be taken full advantage of. Not utilizing them to better our health and well-being is a grave waste, an insane irresponsibility, and irreverence, not only to our own body and soul, but also to the Almighty, for those who believe in God.

From May 30, 2021 to September 3, 2022, there were quarter of a million deaths among the unvaccinated persons in the United States. Sadly, misinformation and fake news led to their fear of this life-saving vaccine, like the 3 anti-vax mis-informed radio talk show hosts in the U.S. who warned their audiences against the vaccines, who later got infected and died from COVID-19 themselves, apologizing to their listeners before their death.

Those were unfortunate incidents of wasting a wonderful vaccine, a marvelous invention of man, since physician Edward

Jenner invented the very first vaccine against the masskiller smallpox in 1796. There were an “estimated 400 million people around the globe who were killed by smallpox in the 20th century alone.” Jenner’s vaccine saved the world from almost total annihilation. His invention has inspired the manufacture of other vaccines to what we have today. The most recent discovery is a more efficient system of producing vaccines, called mRNA, which happened during this pandemic, and which has revolutionized and expedited vaccine creation from 10 years or longer down to about months. What a leap of progress for mankind!

Anyway, since diet is fundamental to attain good health, and quantity, besides quality of food, is vital, allow me to share with you a strategy my wife and I learned from our medical school mentor, the world-famous Philippine pediatrician, the first woman accepted to study at Harvard in 1936, Dr. Fe del Mundo, who died in 2011 at almost 100. She was practicing at The Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City she founded in 1957, the first pediatric hospital in the country, till she was 94. Her advice to us was: “Push yourself away from the table less than full.”

Indeed, simple words of golden wisdom, a sage, practical, and effective strategy for health and longevity!

Let’s always aim for the stars in whatever we do. *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, TV talk show host David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). WS: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

House-amended P6.352 trillion 2025 National Expenditures Program, by Wednesday, September 25.

It is unclear, however, what the final budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) would look like, as neither Vice President Sara Duterte nor any OVP representative

attended the plenary debates on Tuesday.

This marks the second straight day that no official OVP representative showed up to the plenary debates.

Earlier though, House leaders maintained that even if the OVP is causing delays to the budget process, a reenacted budget is out of the

11,000 Filipinos are still in Lebanon. Of this number, 1,247 have so far signified their intent to be brought back home.

Earlier, the Philippine embassy in Beirut reminded Filipinos residing in Lebanon to remain vigilant and stay informed following recent hostilities in South Lebanon.

“Your safety is our primary concern. It is essential to take these communications seriously while exercising caution and judgment,” said the embassy in an advisory.

“The Israeli army has initiated significant

options.

Under a reenacted budget, the government will be forced to use a previous year’s allocations because a new appropriations bill was not signed into law before the preceding fiscal year ended. This means the delivery of programs, which would require new funding, can be delayed. n

military operations in the region, which may pose risks to civilian safety. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported casualties from recent strikes, highlighting the importance of being alert to your surroundings. The Embassy recommends that you regularly check the local news regarding the latest information on safety and security,” it added.

Concerning this, Filipinos in South Lebanon were advised by the embassy to “stay put and remain indoors until the bombing subsides” and wait for the situation to stabilize. n

2024. This emotional reunion, capped by Ricky’s admiration for Citizen Pinoy, brings the story full circle as the family begins their new chapter together in the U.S.

From left: Ricky Lee, Aries, Arya, Martha and Atty. Michael Gurfinkel

people events arts culture entertainment

Remembering piano legend Nena Del RosarioVillanueva: A legac y of music and inspiration

FAMILY, friends, and global Filipino musicians celebrated the 88th birth anniversary of Nena Del Rosario Villanueva, one of the Philippines' most accomplished pianists, with twin concerts in Manila and New York City on Sunday, Sept. 22. The NYC event at Klavierhaus in midtown Manhattan brought together performers who honored Villanueva's remarkable legacy through her favorite classical pieces.

Villanueva, a child prodigy who debuted at Carnegie Hall at just 12 years old, left a lasting impact on the classical music world, and the event paid tribute to her transformative influence in shaping the field.

She gave her first public performance at the age of 4, and went on to become the first Filipina soloist to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in 1949 and with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Her remarkable journey in classical music includes performances for notable figures and world leaders such as U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, Czech President Vaclav Havel, Empress Michiko of Japan, Queen Sofia of Spain and Philippine Presidents Elpidio Quirino, Carlos Garcia, Ramon Magsaysay, Diosdado Macapagal, and Ferdinand Marcos.

“She did 200 performances across her 60 years of playing, and many of them at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and one of the things we're very proud

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

of her about is, instead of going on to become a global artist, she came back to the Philippines and taught at the University of the Philippines for 11 years. That became really her advocacy,” Nena’s daughter-in-law Myla shared.

Villanueva's exceptional abilities earned her a place at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, where she quickly became a star pupil. After winning a competition, she made her orchestral debut with the New York Philharmonic Symphony under the baton of conductor Igor Buketoff, performing Mozart's Concerto in D Minor.

She was under the tutelage of the esteemed Russian pedagogue Isabelle Vengerova, and took master classes with the iconic pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Her early talent shone brightly when, at just 12 years old,

she made her Carnegie Hall debut after winning a New York Times-sponsored piano competition. This monumental moment marked the beginning of a distinguished career in classical music.

Her talent led to frequent appearances in the "Music Talent in Our Schools" series, and by age 15, she had returned to Carnegie Hall as a finalist in the program, solidifying her status as a leading young pianist.

As radio became a dominant medium in the early 1950s, Villanueva became the first Filipino pianist to reach mainstream American audiences. Her performances on CBS Radio, beginning at the age of 12, captivated listeners nationwide. She appeared on programs like "Gateways to Music," followed by features on Voice of America and

"The Green Room Series" with the CBS Symphony, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in classical music.

The concert in New York City, co-produced by her son, Jun Villanueva, and daughter-in-law, Myla Villanueva, featured four Filipino musicians who performed Nena’s favorite classical pieces.

Pianists Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz and Rene Dalandan, soprano Margarita Giannelli, and violinist Jeanne Marquez paid tribute not only through their music but also through personal anecdotes, recounting how Nena had touched their lives.

Both Cruz and Giannelli

considered her a godmother and mentor, while Dalandan and Marquez spoke of the profound influence her legacy had on their own musical careers.

“I can be nothing but grateful because she taught me so many things. Even though she's a pianist and I'm a singer, there's a lot of musical things that she taught me just by me, being by her, and listening to her,” Giannelli said. “It's something that will never be replaced.”

The performances included heartfelt renditions of Nicanor Abelardo’s Bituing Marikit, Nasaan Ka Irog, and Mutya Ng Pasig by Giannelli, accompanied by Dalandan. Marquez followed

with Liebesleid, Bahay Kubo, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow, also accompanied by Dalandan. Cruz captivated the audience with a solo piano performance featuring Asturias, Odeon, Alborada del gracioso, Liebestraume No. 3 in A-flat Major, and Ballade No. 1 in g minor, Op. 23.

The intimate gathering was attended by several dignitaries, including Consul General of the Philippines in New York, Senen Mangalile, and Trade Representative Ben Uy, as well as notable personalities from various industries, such as Maestro Ronny Rogoff, entrepreneur Imelda McCain, and philanthropist Ayesha Vera Yu. Guests, including fashion stylists, finance executives, and legal professionals,

The New York City concert, co-produced by Jun and Myla Villanueva (second and third from left), showcased four talented Filipino musicians—pianists Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz (left) and Rene Dalandan (second from right), soprano Margarita Giannelli (right), and violinist Jeanne Marquez (third from right)v—performing Nena’s favorite classical pieces. Photos by Troi Santos

Violinist Jeanne Marquez

Pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz

Soprano Margarita Giannelli

GMA Network’s ‘Firefly’ wins silver in Content Asia Awards ‘24

My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)

BROADCAST media giant

GMA Network earned top honors for the Philippines at the Content Asia Awards 2024.

“Secret Slaves: The Jessica Soho Special Report on Human Trafficking” won the gold award in the Best Current Affairs Program Made in Asia for Regional Asia and/ or International Markets category. Produced by GMA Public Affairs, the documentary examined the global issue of human trafficking through survivor testimonies and investigative reporting. The program was presented by the Philippines’ most awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho.

The critically acclaimed film “Firefly” added another win to its growing list of accolades with a silver award in the Best Asian Feature Film/Telemovie category. Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, the film is about a young boy who searches for the mythical island of fireflies described in his mother’s bedtime stories. It stars Euwenn Mikaell and Alessandra de Rossi and is directed by Zig Dulay.

Winning the bronze award in the Best Variety Program category is “All-Out Sundays.” The musical variety show is known for its non-stop entertainment every Sunday, giving Kapuso viewers dynamic musical performances and fun games led by various Kapuso talents.

Excerpt from a review by Robert Manuguid Silverio of “Juan Luna: Isang Sarsuela”: “No doubt about it, Vince Tanada and Johnrey Rivas once again stole the show in their great performances... And a writer who watched gave them both a standing ovation.

“Vince gave a very sensitive and enduring performance as the ‘alter-ego’ of Juan Luna. His delivery of the character was multi-dimensional, offering a wide variety of scopes and interpretations which was very hard to do, and a writer who watched gave him a solid salute. His character’s own version of killing his wife Paz and his mother-in-law was the one that the audience believed. Thus, he was more credible than the ‘real

Luna’ himself in that certain scene of violence. But Johnrey Rivas, who portrayed the real Luna, was so perplexing in many of his scenes, challenging the hearts and minds of the viewers, with his juicy angst, superb attacks and proper nuances. Johnrey was indeed a wonder.

“Malena Leonard as Nellie Bousted, coming from GMA Sparkle Artist Center, somehow convinced the followers of independent-minded people that mainstream artists, given a chance to perform in an independent performance setting, could also awe and impress. Her singing prowess was exquisite, like a nightingale singing at Berkeley Square.”

Soon, the Philippine Stagers Foundation will stage “San Vicente: Isang Sarsuela ,” written and directed by Atty. Vince M. Tanada and music by Pipo Cifra on September 24, 25 and 26, 2024 at Adamson University Theater.

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Metropop, or the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, was held every year from 1978

to 1985. It was the country’s pioneering songwriting competition which launched the careers of many Filipino singers and songwriters, including Freddie Aguilar, Ryan Cayabyab, and Odette Quesada, among others. Its main objective was the advancement of Filipino music, and its main proponent was Sen. Imee Marcos who steered the competition together with the late Teodoro “Ka Doroy” Valencia.

Many of the songs featured during the Metropop years are now considered Filipino music classics. “It is said that music can evoke emotional responses to relax or stimulate people or help them heal. During difficult times, people take refuge in music that brings back happy memories and raises their spirits,” says Senator Marcos, who hosts “At the Moment with Imee” every Sunday at 5 p.m. over One PH, Cignal TV Channel 1, SatLite TV Channel 1 and Cignal Play App.

* * * At classy Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel in Boracay’s

Station 3, some celebrities who have been there are Ron Poe, Tom Taus, Antoinette Taus, Rita Avila and director FM Reyes. I was fortunate to meet some of their kind staff (Christy Reyes, Alden Moralda, Benjie Doydora, Gio Emmen, Razel Penaroyo, Drigs Oquendo, and supervisor Paul Panagsagan) who attended to my brief stay there. I will surely return to this place.

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Peoples Television Network’s Audrey Gorriceta won as the best male host/anchor in the recent 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achiever 2024, while Jamin Lim won as the best event photographer. Guia Cruz Buenaventura, host of Coffee

Tea on MHE, represented the Media House Express, the first internet TV in the Philippines.

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Awards Committee

Chairman Nirro Marcelo said that the recent Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph & Remarkable Achievers Award 2024 at luxurious Dusit Thani Hotel Manila, was organized to recognize exceptional achievers and business leaders. Likewise, he also emphasized that the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers at The Hexagon Events Place in Quezon City was to celebrate the finest in the Philippine business community and acknowledge their exceptional contributions. On December 8 at the

Winford Resort and Casino in Manila, the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Awards will be held to recognize the accomplishments and contributions to the business sector, which will honor deserving individuals as well as companies.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com

From left: Rogelio Medina, Jamin Lim and Audrey Gorriceta.

Sen. Imee R. Marcos (right) with son Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc.

Paul Panagsagan (behind the counter) and Rogelio Medina.

This year’s FAMAS best child actress Elia Ilano of “Ghost Tales” and best child actor Euwenn Mikaeli of “Firefly.”

Guia Cruz Buenaventura (left) of Coffee Tea on MHE and Rogelio Medina. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina

Vince M. Tañada’s “San Vicente, Isang Sarsuela” will be staged at Adamson University on Sept. 24-26.

Nirro Marcelo (standing, 5th from right) with the production staff during the 2nd Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers ceremony.

From left: Christy Reyes, Alden Moralda, Benjie Doydora, Rogelio Medina and Gio Emmen. Not in photo are Razel Penaroyo and Drigs Oquendo.

Rogelio Constantino Medina

Award-winning documentary Nurse Unseen comes to Quad Cinema NYC this October

THIS October, the critically acclaimed documentary Nurse Unseen makes its New York debut at Quad Cinema, shedding light on the untold stories of Filipino American nurses who served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Directed by Michele Josue, Nurse Unseen explores the often-overlooked history, sacrifices, and contributions of Filipino nurses in the United States healthcare system.

The film dives into the personal experiences of Filipino nurses, highlighting the immense risks they faced during the pandemic while enduring the rise of anti-Asian hate. It uncovers the deep historical connections between the Philippines and the U.S., illustrating how colonial ties have resulted in the significant presence of Filipino nurses in the American healthcare landscape.

At its core, Nurse Unseen is a poignant exploration of the Filipino-American experience, offering insights into immigration, labor, and the global movement of healthcare workers. The film not only pays tribute to the unsung heroes of the pandemic but also provides a glimpse into the humanity and resilience of Filipino nurses, many of whom work thousands of miles away from home.

As part of its screening at Quad Cinema, Nurse Unseen will feature a series of Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and notable figures in the healthcare and Filipino-American communities. Audiences will have the chance to hear from director and producer Michele Josue, producer Carlo Velayo, as well as representatives from the Philippine Nurses

Philippine real estate market poised for growth: A prime opportunity for overseas Filipinos

SAB’s Review

Sharon ann Bathan-San Pedro

Association of America (PNAA) and the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), among others.

Here are the scheduled Q&A appearances: Friday, October 4

4:20 PM: Q&A with Michele Josue, Carlo Velayo, and MariLou Prado-Inzerillo, Vice President of Nursing Operations at NewYorkPresbyterian

7:00 PM: Q&A with Michele Josue, Carlo Velayo, registered nurse Quimberly de Leon (Villamer), and John Sapida, Co-President of FANHS Metro NY Chapter

Saturday, October 5

4:20 PM: Q&A with Michele Josue and Carlo Velayo

7:00 PM: Q&A with Michele Josue, Carlo Velayo, Dr. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia (former president of PNAA), and Dr. Kevin Nadal, President of FANHS

Sunday, October 6

4:20 PM & 7:00 PM: Q&A with Carlo Velayo and representatives from PNAA and FANHS

Nurse Unseen is a vital and timely film that celebrates the courage and dedication of Filipino nurses, while also honoring the legacy of those who have passed on due to the pandemic. With its emphasis on historical roots and the Filipino cultural perspective, the documentary highlights the deep and enduring impact of these healthcare workers on the U.S. healthcare system. This event at Quad Cinema is not to be missed by anyone interested in healthcare, history, or the Filipino-American experience.

Remembering piano legend...

shared in the celebration of Villanueva’s life, reflecting on her contributions to classical music and her lasting impact on Filipino culture.

Nena Del Rosario Villanueva passed away in 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the Philippines’ most influential classical musicians. Her achievements in music, both on the global stage and in nurturing young Filipino talent, continue

to inspire generations. As her family and friends gathered to honor her memory, they celebrated not only the life she lived but the beautiful music she left behind, resonating with all who were fortunate enough to witness her brilliance.

The evening concluded with light fare and cocktails, where stories of Villanueva’s incredible career filled the room, and her spirit lingered in the hearts of all who were present. n

DESPITE a slower-thanexpected recovery in the early part of the year, the Philippine real estate market is now showing promising signs of growth for 2024. For overseas Filipinos looking to invest back home, this could mean better opportunities and returns in the coming months.

Demand drivers: What fuels growth?

The resurgence in demand for office spaces, particularly within the Metro Manila area, is being driven by key sectors: (data source: inq7.net)

• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): This sector remains a strong player, contributing 38% of the demand for office spaces in the metro.

• Online Gaming: Another significant player, online gaming companies account for 19% of office space demand.

• Other Industries: The remaining 43% comes from various industries, showing diversity in growth.

For investors, this trend highlights the importance of identifying properties near major business hubs, as demand for office spaces directly impacts nearby residential areas.

Township locations: The rise of areas outside Metro Manila

An interesting trend is the growing prominence of real estate developments outside of Metro Manila. In fact, 60% of township locations are now concentrated in provinces like Laguna, Cebu, Pampanga, and Cavite. These areas are rapidly urbanizing, offering potential investors a chance to tap into emerging markets with less competition than Metro Manila.

With the growth of township developments and business centers in these regions, overseas investors should consider properties in key provinces. Not only do they offer competitive pricing, but they are also positioned for long-term value appreciation.

Resilience amid global challenges

Even with global economic uncertainty, the Philippine real estate market remains resilient.

Using the metrics set by the McKinsey Report, the country has achieved what is referred to as a "soft landing," avoiding severe economic pitfalls that could have impacted growth. In 2024, the real estate sector is expected to maintain this upward trajectory, buoyed by favorable conditions such as controlled inflation and sustained economic expansion.

For overseas Filipinos looking to invest, this resilience is a key factor.

The Philippine real estate market, especially in residential, township, and mixed-use developments, has proven to weather financial downturns better than many other regions.

The rise of residential prices and opportunities

As noted in recent data, residential property prices, particularly for housing units and condominiums, have been on the rise.

This is a positive indicator for potential investors, as rising property values often signal strong demand and a thriving market. For 2024, analysts expect further increases in housing prices due to limited supply in key urban areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

With this continued upward trend, now could be the ideal time for overseas Filipinos to consider investing in the Philippine housing market. Whether it's for personal use or rental purposes, properties bought today are expected to yield higher returns in the future.

Better prospects for

investors

The Philippine government’s focus on improving infrastructure and developing smart cities further enhances the outlook for real estate. With better transportation, accessibility, and services, areas outside traditional city centers are expected to become more attractive for homebuyers and investors.

For Filipinos abroad, this represents a unique opportunity to secure properties at a time when prices are still on the rise, but before they reach their peak. Properties in emerging areas, such as Pampanga or Laguna, might provide the best balance between affordability and growth potential.

SAB Realty: Your partner in Philippine real estate

At SAB Realty, we understand the challenges and opportunities of investing from abroad. Whether you’re looking to buy a family home, diversify your investment portfolio, or prepare for retirement, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions. For more information and personalized assistance, contact SAB Realty. We're here to help you navigate the evolving landscape of Philippine real estate with confidence.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro, a licensed real estate broker in the Philippines for nine years, is also a member of NAR (National Association of Realtors in America). For inquiries, questions, or are interested in buying or selling a property, please feel free to reach out via email at sab. sanpedro@gmail.com or call PH 0917-8237796 (Whatsapp and Viber) USA (909) 4131480 (Viber).

Nurse Unseen explores the little-known history and humanity of the unsung Filipino nurses who risked their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic while facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets.

Photo courtesy of Nurse Unseen