Marcos signs law boosting local defense industry
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. signed into law on tuesday, october 8 a bill that aims to enhance the country’s defense capabilities through
“for
defense technology and production, marcos said.
Under the new law, locally owned companies will be given preference when it comes to the development, maintenance and operation of critical military equipment. the tax incentives are aimed at attracting foreign manufacturers to set up or move production to the Philippines.
“It’s a logical move forward for a country that
finds itself at the fulcrum of geopolitical shifts and volatilities. At its core, this act is about cultivating a robust and sustainable national defense industry,” the president said after signing the bill in malacañang. Multiple benefits In Congress, sen. Juan miguel Zubiri highlighted the economic benefits of the srDP Act, noting that the growth of the defense manufacturing industry will bring in investments, create jobs, and generate revenues for the country.
senate President Pro tempore Jinggoy estrada, chair of the committee on national defense and u PAGE 2
WhILe hot-button health care issues such as abortion and the Affordable Care Act roil the presidential race, Democrats and republicans in statehouses around the country have been quietly working together to tackle the nation’s medical debt crisis. New laws to curb aggressive hospital billing, to expand charity care for lowerincome patients, and to rein in debt collectors have been enacted in more than 20 states since 2021.
Democrats championed most measures. But the legislative efforts often passed with republican support. In a few states, GoP lawmakers led the push to expand patient protections.
ProJeCt 2025 poses an “existential threat” to immigrant, reproductive, LGBtQ+, climate and health protections nationwide, policy leaders warn. the over 900-page policy blueprint, released by conservative think tank the heritage foundation in 2022 under the title “mandate for Leadership,” promotes right-wing policies intended to reshape the government in the event that Donald trump will win the 2024 presidential election. many political analysts hold that the initiative is designed to push the U.s toward autocracy by eroding the rule of law, weakening the separation of powers, blurring the lines between church and state, and threatening civil liberties. Climate and health
“Project 2025 is an effort to privatize public things, like health care protections and utility services, which are already price-gouging Americans,” said sulma Arias, executive director of People’s Action Institute, at a friday, october 4 ethnic media services briefing about Project 2025.
“We don’t have to wait until these measures are implemented to see how they impact our community. It’s already happening.”
mANILA — the Philippines and Vietnam vowed to bolster their strategic partnership and explore "new areas of cooperation" on tuesday, october 8, marking a future step up in diplomatic ties amid China's growing assertiveness in the region.
During their talks at the sidelines of the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) summit, President ferdinand marcos Jr. and Prime minister Pham minh Chinh "reaffirmed their commitment" to boost the strategic partnership between both nations, whose diplomatic ties have been at an all-time high. talks between the Philippines and Vietnam two years ago are now "bearing fruit," the Presidential Communication office said. this year, the Philippines and Vietnam have pursued closer maritime cooperation through two new deals and are set to boost their defense ties with a landmark pact expected by the end of the year. In early August, both nations held their first joint coast
mANILA — Detained without bail and facing possible extradition, Apollo Quiboloy is unbowed. the pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is gunning for the senate, with his legal representative mark tolentino submitting the KoJC founder’s certificate of candidacy at the manila hotel tent on the last day of the CoC filing period on tuesday, october 8. In a speech delivered for him by tolentino, Quiboloy promised a “God-centered, Philippine-centered and filipino-centered” governance if he gets elected. on the other hand, dismissed mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, tarlac said on tuesday she
had decided to abandon her bid for a second term. Guo bared her decision not to run for reelection at tuesday’s public hearing of the senate committee on women, children and family relations chaired by sen. risa hontiveros.
the Commission on elections (Comelec) gave Guo her latest legal woe, ordering the filing of criminal charges against her for misrepresenting herself as a filipino citizen. the Law Department (of the Comelec) finds probable cause and recommends the filing of information before the court against u PAGE 2
to dismiss Civil Case No. 006 due to inordinate delay.
mANILA — the sandiganbayan has dismissed a P276-million civil case against the estate of former President ferdinand marcos sr., in which the former first couple was accused of using their associate roman Cruz in purchasing parcels of land supposedly through ill-gotten wealth.
In a resolution dated october 4, the sandiganbayan’s second Division granted the motion made by the marcos estate — particularly former first Lady Imelda marcos and incumbent President ferdinand marcos Jr.
According to the marcoses, allegations against the estate of former President marcos can no longer be substantiated because the case was dismissed by sandiganbayan in october 2012, while the supreme Court eventually added that the marcos estate is excluded from the Bill of Particulars previously filed. the allegations that merited the filing of the Bill of Particulars are paragraphs 9 and 12 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of the expanded Complaint. on December 7, 2020, the supreme Court partially granted the petition and said that
former Cavite governor Jonvic remulla on tuesday, october 8 said making the Philippine National Police (PNP) a more effective and cohesive police force, restructuring the National Police Commission (Napolcom), and ensuring the safety of all candidates for next year's elections are his top three priorities as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). these concerns were raised during his long meeting with President ferdinand marcos Jr. after he was chosen to replace
Benhur Abalos, who resigned to run for senator in the 2025 midterm elections. "Well, I actually start work tomorrow (Wednesday, october 9) morning to meet with the undersecretaries. And I will spend the first week meeting with all the heads of department and go over the courses of action that I have to take," remulla said in an interview at the Villamor Air Base following the departure of the president for Vientiane, Laos, for the 44th and 45th Association of southeast Asian
Who’s at risk under Project...
the document’s climaterelated proposals include eliminating disaster relief loans to small businesses; raising the threshold for disaster declaration; privatizing femA flood insurance; and privatizing the National oceanic Atmospheric Administration and National Weather service.
“You can see the impact in North Carolina with hurricane helene. over 200 people are dead, over a million are without power and there’s $35 billion in damage,” said Arias. “If we really understood the effects of something this horrible, I believe that most Americans would be against it.” Project 2025 would also privatize the health care sphere with measures like cutting medicaid benefits; increasing medicare prescription drug prices, including insulin; and repealing the Affordable Care
Act (ACA), thereby allowing insurance companies like United health to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions and leaving tens of millions of Americans uninsured.
this year alone, 21.3 million people signed up for insurance through the ACA. for many people, this means the difference between life and death,” said Arias. “With record profits, United health has denied over 250 million cases in a year, for example … What’s behind this is corporate greed, and a fight over who gets to control the growing inequality in this country.”
Reproductive rights Project 2025 health proposals will drastically roll back reproductive rights, said Yvonne Gutierrez, chief strategy officer of reproductive freedom for All. for instance, the document misinterprets the 150-year-old Comstock Act — which bans the
mailing of “obscene” items — to block the distribution of fDAapproved abortion care in all 50 states, which would institute a de facto abortion ban without Congress or public support.
Currently, 63% of Americans support legalizing abortion in all or most cases.
Project 2025 would also cease investigating and enforcing federal requirements that hospitals provide abortion care in emergency cases; restore exceptions allowing individuals and institutions to deny patients reproductive care in all 50 states; and order federal tracking of birth and abortion outcomes, weakening hIPAA protections and allowing the prosecution of patients who receive abortions in all 50 states.
“this week I spoke with a miami physician treating a patient who, after her cancer returned, learned she was
Marcos signs law boosting...
Sandiganbayan drops P276-M civil case...
the estate of marcos is excluded from paragraphs 9 and 12 (a), (b), (c), and (e) without prejudice to the standing valid effect of paragraph 12(d) of the expanded Complaint,” sandiganbayan said.
“the plaintiff pointed out that the Pinugay estate alluded to in paragraph 12(d) was not included in Annex A of the Complaint. thus, it appears that all allegations against the marcoses were struck down. there is no more reason to proceed against them. the Court finds merit in the defendants’ argument that their constitutional right to a speedy disposition of the case has been violated,” it added.
expedite the pre-trial and start the trial within the bounds of reasonable timeliness,” the antigraft court said.
furthermore, sandiganbayan said the defendants, the heirs of former President marcos, have been prejudiced because of this delay.
“As regards prejudice, it is unquestionable that the defendants have already been prejudiced by the inordinate delay. the fact that the case was filed against the defendants and pending before this Court where they are made to defend themselves, secure services of paid counsel, and spend for their bail is enough trouble and prejudice to them,”
sandiganbayan said that under Article III, section 16 of the 1987 Constitution, all persons have the right to “a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.”
such a provision applies, the anti-graft court said, when considering that the length of delay is over 30 years.
“the burden is not upon them to ensure that the wheels of justice continue to turn or to
sandiganbayan noted. they can no longer be afforded a fair trial since the witnesses may have already died and the documentary evidence may no longer be located after more than 30 years from the filing of the complaint. Considering that the extant living defendant is 95 years old, her ability to testify and recall the events has assuredly declined, as has her health,” it added.
this is not the first time that a civil case against the marcoses was dismissed by the sandiganbayan. In December 2019, sandiganbayan junked a civil case where the family was accused of pocketing P200 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth. In its 58-page decision, the anti-graft court’s fourth Division dismissed the forfeiture case due to the inability of the prosecution to prove the allegations against the marcoses. In June 2023, sandiganbayan dismissed another civil case against the heirs of former President marcos because several pieces of evidence presented by the Presidential Commission on Good Government — the commission that filed the cases against the marcoses — were deemed inadmissible as judicial evidence. the latest dismissal came last february 2024, when the antigraft court dismissed charges against three alleged dummies of former President marcos, involving the accumulation of P2.4 billion worth of properties believed to be funded by illgotten wealth. n
Quiboloy seeks Senate seat; Guo not...
the respondent (Guo),” the poll body said in an 11-page decision.
During previous senate hearings, Guo was unmasked as a Chinese national named Guo hua Ping.
At the hearing on tuesday, senate President Pro-tempore Jinggoy estrada asked Guo if she would be running again for mayor. Alice Guo replied, “sa ngayon hindi po (Not at the moment).”
“What changed your mind?”
estrada further asked Guo. “I will face the accusations against me first, I will clear my name first,” she replied.
According to tolentino, religious freedom will be Quiboloy’s top advocacy.
“he believes that religious freedom is inviolable and the government should secure holy grounds against state forces,” tolentino said.
he added that Quiboloy aims to represent the poor, by giving them greater access to free medicine, faster medical services and quality education.
he will be the senator for the poor, the ordinary filipinos and workers… someone approachable and willing to listen to the problems of the people,” he said.
When asked how Quiboloy would run for office while in detention, tolentino responded, “the Philippines will campaign for him.”
he said Quiboloy will run under the Workers and Peasants Party, with volunteer groups from KoJC forming his campaign machinery.
Quiboloy, currently detained at the Pasig City Jail following his arrest at the KoJC compound in Davao City on sept. 8, faces multiple charges, including violation of labor laws and sex trafficking.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean fajardo said the pastor has the right to seek an elective post.
“eveybody is entitled to run if they they are qualified,” she said.
Kiko, Bikoy eye Senate
Another aspiring senator with criminal record also filed his CoC on tuesday. Peter
Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula said he decided to run for senator as an independent candidate so he could help reform the corrections system. In 2019, Advincula appeared in a viral video where he linked the Duterte family to illegal drugs. he said he is contesting his conviction for perjury before the Court of Appeals.
former senator francis Pangilinan also showed up at the manila hotel – accompanied by his singer-actress wife sharon Cuneta – to formalize his bid for a senate comeback under the Liberal Party.
he said helping bring down the price of rice would be his main advocacy.
“We cannot reach the developed nation status and achieve food security if we are not able to address the high prices of rice,” Pangilinan said. Although lagging in surveys, Pangilinan said he is confident of making it again to the senate with support from different party-list groups and votes from the youth sector.
former marcos administration executive secretary Vic rodriguez also filed his CoC for senator. he said he would be running as an independent candidate, with an endorsement from Duterte. he decided to run for senator so he could help stamp out corruption if he wins.
rodriguez said he had agreed to work for marcos “to temper greed and corruption.” But he said “the opposite happened.” he also said he would be a representative of the “true opposition” if he gets elected.
former Catanduanes congressman Leandro Verceles Jr. also filed his CoC for senator under President marcos’ Partido federal ng Pilipinas (PfP).
As a senator, Verceles said he would file a bill revolutionalizing Philippine education by using artificial intelligence.
Heidi files COC
Among them were reps. margarita “migs” Nograles, Jay Khonghun, Paolo ortega V, rodge Gutierrez and Queenie Gonzales, who will return as mandaluyong congresswoman to replace her husband Neptali II.
Nograles, daughter of the late speaker Prospero Nograles, filed her CoC not as Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list, but as first district congresswoman of Davao City, where she would be pitted against incumbent rep. Paolo Duterte, son of former president Duterte.
television host Wilfredo revillame also officially launched his senatorial bid by filing his CoC tuesday. revillame arrived at the manila hotel tent just a few minutes before the 5 p.m. closing time for the filing of CoC.
revillame’s filing of CoC was shown live on his “Will to Win” program on Channel 5.
revillame, a known supporter of former President Duterte, is running as an independent candidate.
fifty-seven aspiring senators on tuesday rushed to the manila hotel tent to beat the deadline for filing of CoCs.
At the closing of the filing hour, Comelec said a total of 184 aspirants for the senators had officially filed their CoCs since the start of filing last oct. 1. for the party-list elections, 190 organizations and political groups filed their certificate of nomination and certificate of acceptance, including the 53 filers tuesday.
two hours after closing time, the Comelec was still processing CoCs of those who arrived at the manila hotel before 5 p.m. deadline. (With reports from Marc Jayson cabrera, Emmanuel Tupas)
former Commission on Audit commissioner heidi mendoza, one of the whistleblowers in the multi-billion-peso pork barrel scam, also launched her senate bid as an independent candidate on tuesday. After her stint with CoA, she was nominated to serve as the undersecretary general for the UN office of Internal oversight services in 2015. meanwhile, several members of the house of representatives have launched their bids for reelection.
Mayor Breed, City Administrator Chu announce over $14M in funding for arts organizations in SF
sAN frANCIsCo – mayor
London N. Breed and the City Administrator’s office on Wednesday, october 2 announced over $14 million in continued and new funding for arts and cultural organizations in san francisco. this year, over 260 organizations received critical general operating support funding through the City’s Grants for the Arts (GftA) program. founded in 1961, GftA is the city’s program to provide general operating support grants to local arts organizations. since its inception, GftA has distributed over $400 million to sustain and uplift san francisco's nonprofit arts community. funding for GftA is approved by the mayor's office and the program is overseen by the City Administrator.
“Creating events across san francisco that are centered around arts and culture is what makes our City so special –it's what brings people from across the Bay Area and around the world to enjoy,” said mayor Breed. “We are making significant progress in san francisco’s economic recovery, which is why it is so important that we continue to invest and ramp up community festivals and events that are loved by so many and good for our city. And by doing so, we’re also supporting those who contribute to san francisco’s vibrant culture.” this year, in response to grantee feedback, GftA for the first time implemented a two-year grant cycle to support organizations’ ability to plan ahead and reduce the amount of time organizations spend working on applications, thus freeing up resources to focus on their mission. GftA will distribute $14 million to organizations in fiscal Year (fY) 2025, with additional funding coming in fY 2026. this year’s grantees enliven and enrich san francisco’s communities through a diverse array of arts programming, arts services, or parades and festivals, and stimulate the local economy through jobs and tourism. A 2021 study conducted by the Bay Area Council economic Institute found that the city’s nonprofit arts industry generates $1.7 billion in economic output and creates or supports 36,828 full-time equivalent jobs every year.
Included in this year’s grantees are filipino American organizations like Bindlestiff studio, Kulintang Arts Inc., manilatown heritage foundation, Parangal Dance Company, filipino-American Development foundation and Kultivate Labs.
“san francisco Pride is a proud recipient of the first twoyear awards from Grants for the Arts, which will better allow us to move forward into our 55th year with confidence,” said suzanne ford, executive director of the san francisco LGBt Pride Parade & Celebration Committee.
“the two-year granting period allows us to better plan and manage our cash flow throughout the year. since the pandemic, these grants have been vital to ensuring that san francisco Pride remains free. We would not be able to continue the work of bringing the diverse LGBtQ+ communities together for the iconic celebration of joy and resilience san francisco has come to be known for without the generous support of Grants for the Arts, and mayor London Breed.”
“Grants for the Arts' twoyear funding will provide CANA with the stability and resources needed to expand our programs, reach new audiences, and invest in long-term creative cultural projects,” said rodrigo e. Durán, program director of Cultura Y Arte Nativa de las Américas (CANA). this support will
empower us to amplify the voices of BIPoC artists, foster greater community engagement through the arts, and strengthen our local economy by attracting vital foot traffic and increasing business for local merchants through vibrant multicultural events.”
“the san francisco Chinese New Year festival & Parade is the largest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of Asian. hundreds of volunteers put in thousands of hours in order to execute all the special events during this three-week celebration,” said tony Lau, Chinese New Year festival & Parade Director at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of san francisco. “Grants for the Arts has been a continued supporter. this grant from the GftA helps to facilitate and materialize this annual observance of the Chinese New Year. With the funding from GftA, we can continue this treasured san francisco tradition and bring everyone out to celebrate the Chinese culture and art.”
“As the Gardens of Golden Gate Park continue to grow and we approach the tenth anniversary for flower Piano at san francisco Botanical Garden in 2025, we are so grateful for this essential funding from Grants for the Arts to support these beloved institutions for all san franciscans, the greater Bay Area, and for our visitors from around the world,” said Brendan Lange, Director of Advancement at Gardens of Golden Gate Park.
“the Grants for the Arts / hotel tax fund has been a consistent and important source of support for sfJAZZ, allowing us to continue as a global leader in jazz presentation and education,” said Greg stern, Ceo of sfJAZZ.
this multi-year support from Grants for the Arts will provide the hundreds of artists the Lab serves annually with the security to take artistic risks without risking their livelihoods,” said Andrew C. smith, executive director of the Lab sf furthermore, the many partnering organizations that rely on the Lab as a home base can now plan their own seasons of programming knowing that the Lab will be a stable and reliable partner. We are enormously grateful to GftA for their vision in helping secure a future for experimental work in san francisco.”
the support we’ve received from Grants for the Arts, especially in the last few difficult years, has been crucial and has enabled us to truly reflect our communities through diverse leadership,” said Angel Adeyoha, executive director of folsom street. “this funding is essential for creating a queer-centered, sex-positive, lively, and inclusive event where local LGBtQ+ artists can shine brilliantly. our fair is a powerful platform for expression and visibility, enriching every participant's experience while promoting a culture of acceptance, all thanks to Grants for the Arts.”
the Jerry Day Committee is ecstatic to be awarded this amazing two-year grant from Grants for the Arts and the City and County of san francisco,” said tom f murphy, Director of friends of JGA (Jerry Garcia Amphitheater), a nonprofit created to help promote and activate the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in mcLaren Park and its neighboring business districts. “this grant acknowledgement allows us to continue to exist and grow in celebrating the legacy of Native san franciscan and founding member of the Grateful DeadJerry Garcia. We are extremely honored to have this grant and want to give extra special thanks to Grants for the Arts and the city for their ongoing support of this
PH, Vietnam eye ‘new areas of cooperation’...
guard training exercises near manila Bay — the first between two southeast Asian countries that are also co-claimants in the disputed south China sea.
Vietnam is only one of four countries that the Philippines is strategic partners with, besides Japan, Australia, and just this week, south Korea.
marcos said his meeting with the Vietnamese prime minister comes after both countries have made a "good deal of progress since our very first discussion and some of the engagements between our two countries."
“And it gives us also the opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and of partnership,” marcos told the Vietnamese leader, according to a news release.
the Vietnamese leader also expressed his "unwavering commitment to the Philippines."
“I want to reaffirm that we always support to the strategic partnership with the Philippines. I’m glad to note that the discussions that we began two years ago have been implemented effectively,” the Vietnamese prime minister said.
on tuesday, october 8, the Philippines said Chinese Coast Guard vessels had shadowed and fired water cannons at fisheries boats near scarborough shoal (Bajo de masinloc).
the Philippines stood behind Vietnam over the alleged assault on Vietnamese fishers and condemned China's actions in the disputed waters, which it described as "violent and illegal."
cultural asset!”
“As the new director of GftA, I am honored to witness san francisco support 266 remarkable arts and cultural organizations through these new two-year grant awards,” said Kristen Jacobson, Director of GftA. “By investing in core operations, we empower
the bilateral meeting between marcos and the Vietnamese leader comes just days after both countries' boats had maritime altercations with Chinese vessels in two separate incidents in the south China sea.
on october 2, Vietnam accused China attacking Vietnamese fishing boats near a disputed island in the south China sea
Less than a week after that,
Beijing has been less vocal against Vietnam's attempts to advance its claims in the south China sea compared to its sharp rebukes of the Philippines' presence in the disputed waters.
meanwhile, unlike the Philippines, Vietnam maintains generally strong party-to-party relations with China and insists it remains nonaligned while pursuing closer ties with the United states.
During marcos' two-day visit
to Vietnam in January, both countries' leaders agreed to boost cooperation between their coast guards to prevent untoward incidents in the south China sea. reacting to the development, China in January rebuked the Philippines and Vietnam through its state-run Global times newspaper for "trying to form a small clique" and "complicate" the situation in the region.
Beijing claims almost the entire south China sea, dismissing rival claims of several southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
marcos arrived in Laos on tuesday to attend the AseAN summit from october 8 to 11, where he is expected to bring up the country's challenges in the West Philippine sea. n
On the first day of his official visit to Lao PDR for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to strengthen ties between the Philippines and Vietnam on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. File photo from Presidential Communications Office
All aboard! More clean buses and trains coming to California’s communities most affected by pollution
sACrAmeNto
— Governor Gavin Newsom on tuesday, october 8 announced that Caltrans will award $206 million for 149 local, clean transportation projects to reduce pollution, especially in disadvantaged communities across the state. the funding announced on tuesday brings the state’s total investment in these projects to more than $1 billion in the last decade.
“thanks to California’s capand-trade program, more clean transit is coming to communities impacted most by pollution. With more than $1 billion invested in clean transit in our communities, we’re bettering the health and day-to-day lives of countless Californians,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement released by his office. this funding is possible through the California Climate Investment funds in the Low Carbon transit operation Program (LCtoP), funded by the state’s cap-and-trade program. over the last decade, LCtoP has provided over $1 billion for over 1,400 projects which expanded bus or rail service, helped transit agencies purchase zero
emission vehicles, funded zero emission infrastructure projects, and supported free or reduced transit fare programs. About 96% of this funding has gone to disadvantaged and low-income communities.
“Caltrans is investing in transit services and infrastructure improvements to enhance and increase travel options in local, disadvantaged communities and help combat climate change,” said Caltrans Director tony tavares. the program exemplifies our commitment to ensuring a transportation network that respects the environment and serves all Californians.”
LCtoP is funded by the Greenhouse Gas reduction fund and is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that allocates billions of cap-and-trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
some of the projects that will benefit from LCtoP funding this year include:
• Los Angeles County
metropolitan transportation Authority – metro e-Line operations: $51.3 million for operations benefitting metro's e Line light rail service. the new and expanded transit line serves 29 stations and operates 7 days a week
• San Francisco Municipal transportation Agency - free muni for seniors, people with disabilities and youth: $18 million to operate the free muni program that reduces or eliminates muni fares for seniors, people with disabilities and youth
• Orange County transportation Authority (oCtA)
– 40 hydrogen fuel Cell electric Bus Project: $10.3 million to purchase 40 hydrogen fuel Cell electric Buses in support of oCtA's transition to a zeroemission fleet.
A full list of projects can be found at https://dot.ca.gov/-/ media/dot-media/programs/railmass-transportation/documents/ fy23-24-master-list-a11y.pdf. for more information about California’s transportation investments, visit rebuildingCA. ca.gov and build.ca.gov. (cA Governor’s office release)
Mayor Breed, City Administrator Chu announce...
organizations to focus on their artistic missions, enriching lives and driving cultural innovation in meaningful ways today and into the future. these grants help ensure the arts reflect the
full richness of our city, while sustaining san francisco as a vibrant arts and cultural hub, honoring both our heritage and the diverse voices that shape our communities.” the complete list of GftA’s
fiscal Year 2025 grants can be found on the Grants for the Arts website (https://www.sf.gov/ sites/default/files/2024-10/ GftA%20fY25%20awards%20 list_updated%2010-02-24.pdf). (SF Mayor’s office release)
Even political rivals agree that medical debt...
regardless of their party, regardless of their background … any significant medical procedure can place people into bankruptcy,” florida house speaker Paul renner, a conservative republican, said in an interview. “this is a real issue.” renner, who has shepherded controversial measures to curb abortion rights and expand the
death penalty in florida, this year also led an effort to limit when hospitals could send patients to collections. It garnered unanimous support in the florida Legislature.
Bipartisan measures in other states have gone further, barring unpaid medical bills from consumer credit reports and restricting medical providers from placing liens on patients’ homes.
About 100 million people in the U.s. are burdened by some form of health care debt, forcing millions to drain savings, take out second mortgages, or cut back on food and other essentials, Kff health News has found. A quarter of those with debt owed more than $5,000 in 2022. republicans in the legislature seem more open to protecting people from medical debt than from other kinds of debt,” said marceline White, executive director of economic Action maryland, which helped lead efforts in that state to stop medical providers from garnishing the wages of lowincome patients. that bill drew unanimous support from Democrats and republicans. there seems to be broad agreement that you shouldn’t lose your home or your life savings because you got ill,” White said. “that’s just a basic level of fairness.”
medical debt remains a more polarizing issue in Washington, where the Biden administration has pushed several efforts to tackle the issue, including a proposed rule by the Consumer financial Protection Bureau, or CfPB, to bar all medical debt from consumer credit reports.
Vice President Kamala harris, who is spearheading the administration’s medical debt campaign, has touted the work on the presidential campaign trail while calling for new efforts to retire health care debt for millions of Americans.
former President Donald trump doesn’t typically talk about medical debt while stumping. But congressional republicans have blasted the CfPB proposal, which house financial services Committee Chairman Patrick mchenry (r-N.C.) called “regulatory overreach.”
Nevertheless, pollster michael Perry, who has surveyed Americans extensively about health care, said that conservative voters typically wary of government seem to view medical debt through another lens. “I think they feel it’s so stacked against them that they, as patients, don’t really have a voice,” he said. “the partisan divides we normally see just aren’t there.”
When Arizona consumer advocates put a measure on the ballot in 2022 to cap interest rates on medical debt, 72% of voters backed the initiative. similarly, nationwide polls have found more than 80% of republicans and Democrats back limits on medical debt collections and stronger requirements that
hospitals provide financial aid to patients.
Perry surfaced something else that may be driving bipartisan interest in medical debt: growing mistrust as health systems get bigger and act more like major corporations. “hospitals aren’t what they used to be,” he said. that is making it clear that profit and greed are driving lots of the decision-making.”
Not every state effort to address medical debt has garnered broad bipartisan support.
When Colorado last year became the first state to bar medical debt from residents’ credit reports, just one republican lawmaker backed the measure. A minnesota bill that did the same thing this year passed without a single GoP vote.
But elsewhere, similarly tough measures have sailed through.
A 2024 Illinois bill to bar credit reporting for medical debt passed unanimously in the state senate and cleared the house of representatives 1092. In rhode Island, not a single GoP lawmaker opposed a credit reporting ban.
And when the California Legislature took up a 2021 bill to require hospitals in the state to provide more financial assistance to patients, it passed 72-0 in the state Assembly and 39-0 in the senate.
even some conservative states, such as oklahoma, have taken steps, albeit more modest. A new law there bars medical providers from pursuing patients for debts if the provider has not publicly posted its prices. the measure, signed by the state’s republican governor, passed unanimously.
New mexico state sen. steve Neville, a republican who backed legislation to restrict aggressive collections against low-income patients in that state, said he was simply being pragmatic.
“there was not much advantage to spending a lot of time trying to do collections on indigent patients,” Neville said.
“If they don’t have the money, they don’t have the money.” three of 12 GoP senators supported the measure. North Carolina state treasurer Dale folwell, a republican who as a state legislator spearheaded a 2012 effort to ban samesex marriage, said all elected officials, no matter their party, should care about what medical debt is doing to patients.
“It doesn’t matter if, as a conservative, I’m saying these things, or if Bernie sanders is saying these things,” folwell said, referencing Vermont’s liberal U.s. senator. “At the end of the day, it should be all our jobs to advocate for the invisible.” (Noam N. Levey/KFF Health News)
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.
BAMBOO LANTERNS. Budoy Iya (right) sells Christmas lanterns made from bamboo for PHP200 to PHP800 pesos each, depending on the size and design, at his stall along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City on Wednesday, October
DILG chief wants to shake up...
Nations (Asean) summits.
"I will review their records, and I will review the records of the department. And then I will make the major policy announcements maybe next week, early next week," he added.
remulla said he sees the PNP as his biggest challenge because "there is also a lot of competition and politics inside," which has to be addressed. the rogue cops can be easily dealt with. It's a matter of enforcement. But the politics is much more difficult. You're talking about everyone trying to find a solution from imperfect people," he said, adding that a possible reshuffle within the organization solely remains the call of the president.
"I will make recommendations, but it's the president's call... I think we're top-heavy. I think we need to streamline the organization. I think that there are many superfluous positions in the institution. And I think there's a lot of change that needs to be done... As a matter of course, leadership changes in the PNP every year because of retirement. so that's the least of our worries," he added.
remulla also committed to personally ensure that all operations of all Philippine offshore gaming operators (PoGos) will cease by December, as previously ordered by the president.
remulla said he would lead the inspection of every PoGo facility in the country and enforce the closure order, starting with the PoGo hub currently operating in Island Cove, a property formerly owned by their family in Cavite. that will be the first one to be closed. And correction, it's not ours. It was our property, but it's not ours today. that will be the first one to close, just to show proof of sincerity that I will start with my province and make sure that it is closed," he told reporters.
remulla also said it does not matter if a PoGo is being run by filipino or Chinese bosses as the standing order of marcos is that "all PoGos must be closed." the president last July said he could no longer tolerate PoGos "disguising as legitimate entities" and that it was high time they were stopped from further venturing "into elicit areas furthest from gaming," which include financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder. he directed law enforcement agencies and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to "wind down and cease the operations" of all PoGos, both licensed and operating underground, "by the end of the year."
More than qualified marcos earlier justified his choice of remulla as the new
DILG chief, insisting he was qualified for the job given his "extensive and excellent work in local government administration.
"Clearly, Governor Jonvic is more than qualified to handle the challenges of one of the government's most important jobs," the president said.
"I do not have to spell out my marching orders to him because, as a boot on the ground, he knows what to do and how best to do it, the most important of which is keeping our people safe in their homes and making our local governments dynamic frontliners of service," he added. the president said the best proof of his performance was how he had made Cavite province into a progressive economic powerhouse. for almost 30 years, remulla has been in the trenches of local governance, from board member to vice governor and governor, marcos said, adding that the Cavite official brought with him his province as he worked his way up.
"In every position, his people gifted him with overwhelming mandate for a job well done. he repaid the people's trust with hard work and honest service," the president said.
Due to his appointment, remulla withdrew his reelection bid as Cavite governor.
Another sibling, former journalist Gilbert remulla, serves as a member of the board of directors of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. this marks Jonvic's first national-level government post after serving as Cavite's governor since 2010.
remulla, 56, has spent all his political life in Cavite — as provincial legislator, then acting governor, vice governor, then governor again.
he started his career as a board member of the second district of Cavite and, in 1998, was elected vice governor, a post which he held for three terms.
As governor, remulla ensured equitable health and social services, relevant quality education, socialized housing units, peace and order, and a disaster-resilient community in Cavite.
he took his primary education at De La salle University and finished his secondary education at the Ateneo de manila University.
he also attended the University of the Philippines-Diliman, where he earned his degree in Philosophy.
"I wholeheartedly accepted this to help not only our province but also for the entire Philippines," remulla said.
remulla said he intends to improve the services of local government and the police through dialogues with stakeholders.
"this can only be done through consensus building, community empowerment, and enhancing
civic responsibility," he said.
remulla said he would leave the province "much better than when I first came in," noting that Cavite has the country's "largest state university system for a province," with nearly 100,000 students enrolled in the current school year.
the new DILG chief also asked for prayers and hoped that his constituents would still accept him should he decide to return to an elective post in the future.
"Being governor is the only job I ever wanted. serving all of you has given me immense joy and fulfillment. An honor of a lifetime," remulla said.
house speaker martin romualdez welcomed remulla's appointment.
"We are happy with Governor Jonvic's appointment as DILG secretary. As a veteran local official, he knows what our LGUs really need, especially when it comes to governance, peace and security," romualdez said in filipino and english.
remulla is exceptionally qualified for the job of DILG chief because of his years serving in the local government, romualdez said.
"Governor Jonvic's deep understanding of local issues, combined with his dedication to public service, will greatly benefit our LGUs nationwide. he knows what it takes to elevate local governance and to create a safe and secure environment for all filipinos," romualdez added.
romualdez said remulla would have the full support of the house of representatives.
surigao del Norte 2nd District rep. robert Ace Barbers also welcomed remulla's appointment to the DILG.
In a statement, Barbers, a former governor, said remulla "has spent almost 30 years of his political life in Cavite — as a provincial legislator, acting governor, vice governor and then governor again — and for these reasons, he certainly is fit for the job."
his wealth of experience and competency in local governance could prove that he could very well run the agency, to face and handle all the challenges that lie ahead of him as [DILG secretary]," said Barbers.
Cavite Vice Gov. Athena tolentino becomes the new governor of the province.
tolentino, 26, is among the youngest public servants. she won the vice gubernatorial race in the 2022 polls after serving as city councilor of tagaytay City from 2019 to 2022. she was the first female vice governor and the first female governor of Cavite. she is the daughter of the Philippine olympic Committee Chairman and tagaytay mayor Abraham tolentino and the niece of sen. francis tolentino. the younger tolentino vowed to continue remulla's programs and projects in the province. n
Who’s at risk under Project...
pregnant and needed chemo right away, and therefore needed an abortion. No provider in florida could provide this, because she was just over the six-week mark. Already ill herself, she had to leave the state,” said Gutierrez. those in favor of reproductive restrictions talk a lot about exceptions. exceptions don’t work,” she added. “this patient needed life-saving care, but because she wasn’t going to die tomorrow, it didn’t count … even when lives are on the line, where doctors are too afraid to give care or patients are too afraid to seek it, it becomes too late.”
LGBTQ+ rights
Defunding, surveilling and prosecuting health providers and clinics like Planned Parenthood would endanger the lives of many in the LGBtQ+ community as well, said tony hoang, executive director of equality California.
“this document equates the act of being transgenderism to pornography and declares that it should be outlawed … describing it as a ‘social contagion’ for youth,” he added.
Project 2025 would revoke federal funds for genderaffirming care for all adults and minors; allow health providers to deny it if they object for religious reasons; and replace the Department of health and human services with the “Department of Life”, cutting title X family planning funding and redirecting federal funds to support a biblicallybased definition of families as composed of a married father, mother and children.
the document would also close the Department of education and its protections for LGBtQ+ youth; order that no school employee have to use a student’s chosen pronoun; restore parental rights over a student’s decision to transition; and sue or withhold funding from school districts where officials affirm transgender students, including allowing students to use restrooms that accord with their identity.
“Project 2025 would reverse Biden policies that protect folks from being discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace,” hoang said. “this is not just in a vacuum. As
LGBtQ+ lives are threatened, so are other communities.”
Immigration the document also “poses an existential threat to immigrant communities,” said manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of the AAPI equity Alliance.
Project 2025 proposes a militaristic mass deportation of unauthorized immigrants “by giving broad authority to federal agents to enter our private homes, schools, places of business and even houses of worship. It allows agents to search for undocumented immigrants without a warrant from a judge and arrest suspected undocumented people,” she explained.
11 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.s as of 2022, according to Pew estimates.
Project 2025 would also eliminate family-based immigration, for which the U.s receives an average of 848,362 green card applications annually. the document would downsize “high-skilled” h1-B visas, “low-skilled” seasonal h2-A and h2-B visas, student visas and refugee admissions; strip temporary Protected status protections; and have the federal government “pause” legal immigration applications in the event of excessive backlogs, which the government is empowered engineer by deregulated understaffing.
“the document uses every opportunity to demonize immigrants, using terms like ‘illegal aliens,’ and ‘infiltrate,’” said Kulkarni. “All of this serves to fan the flames of racism, and we’ve seen the effects recently with false claims about haitian immigrants in springfield, ohio.”
A University of massachusetts Amherst August 2024 poll of 1,000 demographically representative Americans found that their views on immigration were conflicting. A small majority of polled Americans supported a path to citizenship (57%) and temporarily resettling and employing refugees and asylum seekers (51%), but about half also supported building a wall along the southern border (50%) and deporting the nation’s undocumented immigrants (49%). over half of polled Americans (53%) had heard of Project 2025, and most opposed key initiatives like replacing career government officials with political appointees (68% opposed), restricting contraception rights (72%) and eliminating the Department of education (64%).
“Ultimately, this is about power,” Kulkarni said. “folks who had a monopoly on power in America are losing it because of demographic changes, and they don’t like it. In our democracy, if you can’t do something when it’s unpopular, you can do it by taking away the rights of individuals through executive action … It’s going to take all of us to fight that.” (Selen ozturk/ Ethnic Media Services)
(This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of california, administered by the california State Library in partnership with the california Department of Social Services and the california commission on Asian and Pacific islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to cA vs Hate.)
TURNOVER. Outgoing Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (left) hands over the Department of the
OPiniOn Features
Fair campaigning
The period for the filing of certificates of candidacy and party-list certificates of nomination and acceptance of nomination ended on Tuesday, October 8, with the situation nationwide generally peaceful. Every effort must be made to ensure that the same peaceful and orderly environment will prevail as the 2025 midterm elections approach.
every effort must also be made to promote fair campaigning. the Commission on elections has been defanged by the courts in areas such as preventing premature campaigning and reining in party-list groups. But the Comelec can work with civic groups with election-related advocacies as well as executive agencies with mandates that can be applied to the promotion of fair campaigning.
Editorial
t he Comelec, for example, can work with environment groups and government agencies to take down posters and other campaign materials that have sprouted this early, posted on lampposts, trees and the walls of public schools and other government properties. since the violators may include local government officials themselves, the Comelec must seek the help of other authorities and groups. even before the start of the official campaign period on feb. 11, 2025, such materials can be taken down for violating national and local rules against pollution or littering and damaging trees. those who persist in displaying their campaign materials in public spaces, including incumbent local government officials, must be required to
GeNeVA – Now that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals are being run by a private sector-led management, it generated a lot of great expectations of improvements, at least on the services for starters. It will take definitely a longer period for the upgrade of existing facilities, given the enormous amount of investments it sorely needs.
the government, through the m anila International Airport Authority (mIAA), officially turned over last sept. 14 the management of NAIA passenger terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the san miguel Corp. (smC)-led group that took over the operations and maintenance of all four NAIA terminals.
But one should have lower expectations to avoid being dismayed by the realities on the ground.
It was only last July 31 that I was at the NAIA terminal 3 for an official trip to sydney, Australia. It was my first time to travel abroad again after the march 2020 CoVID pandemic, when lockdown on travel to and from the Philippines was imposed. Passengers, especially on international flights, were advised to give at least four hours lead-time to arrive at NAIA during the pandemic due to the added processes of anti-CoVID screening and other health and security protocols required then. With the pandemic period over
ABoUt five years ago, I found myself in a bright, breezy room with Leila de Lima. It was way past noon. A beautiful, sunny day had greeted all well-wishers who visited her in the detention facility in Camp Crame earlier in the day. After filling out some paperwork and leaving all my belongings with police officers, I was escorted to the visitors’ quarter. the room was clean and all white. No trace of luxury. t here was no airconditioning. And yet, it felt like one of the brightest and breeziest corners of the city, especially when De Lima walked in with a reassuring smile and resplendent dignity.
Cognizant of both the content
pay fees, with the rates similar to those charged for private outdoor advertising. the candidates must also be required to take down their materials after election day, with penalties imposed for failure to do so.
t he Philippine National Police has issued several statements reassuring the public that it is implementing measures to prevent violence in the 2025 elections. With 18,280 elective positions at stake, the PNP has its work cut out. every electoral exercise in this country has been marred by deadly violence. even before candidacies are formalized, politicians are already murdering potential rivals or harassing the rivals’ supporters.
In many cases, state security forces themselves are involved in the violence as they serve as the private armies of politicians. there must be no exceptions as the PNP reshuffles its members who have been assigned for a long time as security escorts of a particular politician or clan. the aspirants for the 2025 races have formalized their bids. every candidate must now be encouraged or compelled to play by the rules instead of going around them, and to eschew the use of armed violence. (Philstar.com)
and done with, passengers are still advised to arrive four hours ahead of scheduled flight. travelers must really get ahead of the hellish traffic going to the NAIA, especially if one will originate from far-flung parts in metro manila. But much worse traffic is found right inside the NAIA terminals. t he four hours allowance is apparently to account for the motions which a passenger must go through before being able to board the flight. the queue starts at the entry gates at NAIA. But that’s bearable now because the mIAA earlier removed the x-ray machines that used to cause the long lines of departing passengers. t he next arduous queue is at the airline desk for check-in. Not all but many of the airline ground crews, whether foreigner or local hires, are not mindful at all to help ease the long lines of passengers. Adding to the human traffic inside the terminals are the usual over-sized baggage/luggage and piles of balikbayan boxes of typical Pinoy travelers. the next traffic mess to hurdle is at the Immigration section. Despite many Immigration booths and e-travel done online, you will still be overwhelmed by the snake-like queues of passengers. fortunately, being a senior citizen got me to the shorter queue for the elderly, persons with disability, pregnant women and passengers accompanying children. the last stop is at the Customs security x-ray check. With the bulk of passengers still stuck at the Immigration lines, the
of her character and the dark uncertainty enveloping her life, a part of me fervently hoped to see a mandela-like figure, who could courageously defy both personal tragedy and political adversity. Although we barely had a single proper conversation before that fateful meeting, I immediately skipped any small talk and, instead, engaged in soulful conversation with a tinge of unfathomable familiarity. After all, she had read my works, especially in these august pages, so she was perhaps familiar with the coordinates of my thoughts. o n my part, I looked forward to hearing from the firebrand senator, who had perilously confronted the most terrifying man to have ever occupied malacañan Palace. for me, she was, along with the likes of Antonio trillanes IV, a pillar of selfless resistance
NAIA woes not yet over
queues at the Customs area are much shorter. But a number of passengers get stuck at Customs check-in if they are found carrying certain restricted items, if not contraband. that causes delay to the rest of the compliant passengers waiting in line.
t hat is how I saw NAIA terminal-3, still in the same old situation, when we took off for our trip to switzerland last monday, o ctober 7. But it’s been only less than a month after the new management took over. so we’ll wait with bated breath to see how the new NAIA operators will troubleshoot the traffic inside and outside the airport.
If you try to avoid the hellish road traffic, using the paid tollways of the overhead skyway/NAIA-X might not be the way out of slowmoving vehicles. A motorist is notified of the traffic speed in the overhead neon sign halfway through the NAIA-X. But if you enter the skyway during the 6 p.m. rush hour, traffic is moving at 29 to 34 kilometers per hour (kph) when the maximum speed is 60 kph. Ironically, another rsA-run subsidiary, san miguel Infrastructure, runs the skyway system. smC chairman ramon s. Ang, fondly called rsA, put up P30 billion to operate and maintain the NAIA under the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), a consortium of companies that includes the smC and Incheon International Airport Corp. rsA concurrently is the NNIC president who would oversee the total makeover of NAIA as our country’s
premier airport.
to achieve this, the NNIC will undertake massive rehabilitation of buildings, runways, passenger lounges and the rest of the internal and external structures of these airport facilities, all located in Pasay City. finance secretary ralph recto dubbed this NAIA rehab project as the largest public-private partnership deal finally undertaken during the administration of President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. (PBBm).
Under its concession contract, the NNIC is committed to increase airport capacity from 35 million passengers annually to 62 million and expand air traffic movements per hour from 40 to 48.
“this will not only transform NAIA into a world-class
airport, but also guarantees the government a healthy income stream from the private sector operator,” r ecto cited. In the 15-year concession contract of the NNIC, the government is expected to generate around P900 billion, the contract extendable by another 10 years.
the turnover should jumpstart the 15-year transformation of NAIA which has earned the dubious recognition as one of the worst airports in the region.
Apart from the upfront payment, the government will receive a fixed P2-billion annual payment and an 82 percent revenue share, excluding passenger service charges. Just last week, fees for vehicle parking around NAIA terminals as well as fees for takeoff and landing of airplanes were
officially increased, effective oct.1.
NAIA terminal fees will be raised by s eptember next year. t he present P200 for domestic flights will go up to P390. the fee for international flights will also be hiked to P950 from the present P550. overseas filipino workers, however, will remain exempt from paying international departure fees as provided by existing laws, the NNIC announced. But one airport’s systemic woes are forgotten upon arrival here in the very tourist-friendly land of the Alps. (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.
against the evils of demagoguery.
Quickly, it became clear to me that De Lima had seamlessly elevated herself to a higher moral plain through spiritual introspection. so, I wasted no time discussing the country’s grim political landscape and unabashedly shared ideas about how the opposition could collectively hold the line against the onslaught of murderous authoritarianism.
having stoically accepted her tortuous ordeal with leonine bravery, she brimmed with the audacity of hope. After jointly surveying granular developments in Philippine politics, I suggested to her that it would be a great idea if she had joined — perhaps through a letter or a pre-recorded video — a press conference or any public event featuring all the incredibly valiant women who have stood up to rodrigo Duterte’s despotism.
At the time, the idea seemed fanciful, if not outright delusional, given justified fears of a systematic crackdown on any voice of dissent. But De Lima immediately warmed up to the idea, even as she admitted that she had to prepare for the possibility of spending the rest of her days in arbitrary detention, or worse. A conspiracy of events, including the CoVID-19 pandemic, militated against that “united front” idea. Not to mention, De Lima barely escaped death during a harrowing hostage-taking crisis in the final days of the Duterte presidency. Against all odds, however, the upcoming elections have provided a historic opportunity for that united front to finally crystallize. Not long after regaining her freedom, De Lima made the heroic decision to throw her hat back into the ring by contesting for a seat in the house of representatives
under a revitalized opposition political party. And she is far from alone.
her fellow Bicolana, former Vice President Leni r obredo, who singularly inspired millionstrong “pink rallies” in major cities, has made it clear that she will continue to serve her people by leading an inspired “team Naga” in next year’s elections. Jose m anuel “Chel” Diokno, a champion of human rights and the rule of law, is vying for a congressional seat under the auspices of the progressive Akbayan party. t hey are joined by other champions of pluralistic politics, including former senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and f rancis “Kiko” Pangilinan as well as progressives such as ACt teachers r ep. f rance Castro and labor leader Leodegario de Guzman.
As if that weren’t inspiring enough, tough, youthful, and single-minded statesmen such as Vico s otto and trillanes are contesting crucial mayoral positions, which could positively transform the lives of millions of filipino families. Just as De Lima rightfully transcended her seemingly impossible circumstances a few years earlier just to be ultimately vindicated in style, we also should defy cynicism by looking beyond the cabal of clownish and crooked figures seeking elected office next year. fortunately, there is no shortage of inspiring candidates. All they need are your electoral support and precious votes. (inquirer.net) * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Marichu
Dateline PhiliPPines
Gina de Venecia files candidacy for Pangasinan’s
4th congressional district
former congresswoman Gina V.P. de Venecia, popularly known as Manay Gina, officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) on sunday, october 6, 2024, aiming to return to the house of representatives.
her CoC was filed on her behalf by her son, incumbent Congressman Christopher “toff” de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) at the Commission on elections (Comelec) provincial office in Dagupan City. she is running under the LAKAs-CmD political party headed by speaker martin romualdez.
Manay Gina expressed gratitude to the people of Pangasinan’s 4th district for their continued support of her family’s public service legacy. her husband, former speaker Jose de Venecia, served seven terms in the house of representatives, five of which as speaker, and Christopher is currently in his third and final term. manay Gina, herself, was elected as congresswoman in the 15th (20102013) and 16th (2013-2016) congresses and served twice as president of the Association of Women Legislators foundation, Inc. (AWLfI). my vision is to empower every generation by providing livelihood opportunities for all – from Gen Zs to millennials and their parents," she emphasized. she plans to champion the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (msmes), as well as nurture local tourism, arts, and culture.
Manay Gina introduced her campaign philosophy encapsulated in the acronym L.o.V.e.: "L" for Livelihood opportunities, "o" for overall health Care, "V" for Values formation, and "e" for education and environment. "together, let us build a future founded on L.o.V.e. where every individual can flourish,” she said.
Manay Gina is riding on the crest of a remarkable legislative track record of her son, Cong. Christopher de Venecia, who is recognized as a champion of creative industries. Manay Gina is also a notable advocate for abused women, street children, and abandoned senior citizens, having established three national welfare institutions: the haven for Women, the haven for Children, and the haven for the elderly.
In her congressional bid, Manay Gina enjoys
strong backing from all incumbent mayors in the district.
mayor Belen fernandez of Dagupan City expressed enthusiasm for working with her again, saying ,” I am very excited kasi makakatrabaho ko uli si manay. Alam n’yo noong ako ay naging councilor, vice mayor at mayor, partners na kami talaga.” (i am very excited to work again with Manay. When i became councilor, vice mayor and mayor, we had been partners already.)
mayor Bona fe de Vera Parayno of mangaldan stated, "open arms kami kay manay Gina. siya po ay nasubok na namin bilang kongresista dito sa 4th district, especially dito sa mangaldan. Walang makakapantay sa mga De Venecia. Kami ay ‘G na G na sa mangaldan’.” (We welcome Manay Gina with open arms. She has proven herself to us as a congresswoman in the 4th district, especially here in Mangaldan. Nobody can equal the level of the De Venecias. We are G na G here at Mangaldan.)
mayor marlyn Agbayani of san fabian also said, “Very welcome po s’ya dahil alam kong ipapagpatuloy niya ang programa ni former speaker Joe de Venecia at yung mga serbisyong binibigay ng mahal nating si Cong. toff.” (She’s very welcome because i know she will continue the program of former Speaker Joe de Venecia and the services that are being given by our beloved cong. Toff.) meanwhile, san Jacinto mayor Leo de Vera said, “Natutuwa po kami na magbabalik ang atin pong mahal na congresswoman manay Gina. Ang san Jacinto, ang team De Vera ay 100 porsiyento po sa inyo.” (We are happy for the return of our beloved congresswoman, Manay Gina. Here in San Jacinto, the Team De Vera is 100 percent supporting you.) for his part, manaoag mayor Jeremy rosario said, “honestly, excited po kami sa pagbabalik ni manay Gina. Parang babalik ang nanay namin sa 4th district. mahal na mahal po namin s’ya.” (Honestly, we are excited for the return of Manay Gina. it’s as if our mother is returning to the 4th district. We love her very much.) n
Marcos: PH seeks ways to be more conducive for int’l investments
by Zacarian sarao Inquirer.net
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. on monday, october 7 said that the national government is “continuously finding ways” to make the country a “conducive” and “sustainable” spot for foreign investments. marcos made the pronouncement during the Philippines-republic of Korea Business forum at the manila hotel, which was held shortly after a bilateral meeting and signing of various agreements with south Korean President Yoon suk Yeol.
In his speech, marcos expressed how the Philippines is “ready to embrace with open arms” investments from south Korea.
to our esteemed Korean partners, I want to assure you: the Philippine government stands ready to embrace your investments with open arms and with continuing and unwavering support,” said marcos.
“We are continuously finding ways to make the Philippines a more conducive place to do business. We are accelerating policy reforms designed to improve the business environment here,” he added.
Among these efforts, said marcos, is the enactment of the PPP or Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines, Internet transactions Act, and tatak Pinoy Act, which are laws intended to boost infrastructure, regulate e-commerce, and promote local industries in global markets to benefit the economy.
through key policy reforms and measures such as these, we aim to make the Philippines a top destination for sustainability — and to be sustainable in our strategic investments,” he said. marcos also cited international agreements such as the Association of southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Korea free trade Agreement and the regional Comprehensive economic Partnership Agreement, which paved the way for the Philippines to pursue its regional economic integration agenda actively. he also mentioned the Philippines-Korea free trade Agreement which “elevated relations” between the Philippines and south Korea by eliminating tariffs on agricultural goods, electronics, and automotive components. n
Rodrigo Duterte seeks comeback as Davao City mayor
by christina chi Philstar.com
mANILA — former President rodrigo Duterte has formalized his bid as mayor of Davao City in next year's elections, ending months of speculation on whether he will attempt to re-enter politics after the end of his presidency in 2022. the former president filed his certificate of candidacy for Davao City mayor at the Commission on elections in Davao City on monday, october 7. meanwhile, his son, sebastian Duterte, filed his CoC to run as city vice mayor. If elected, the 79-year-old will be expected to serve a three-year term as mayor until 2028.
earlier this year, Vice President sara Duterte announced that the elder Duterte and her two brothers were gunning for a senate post in the 2025 midterm elections. the former president had denied his daughter's statement, telling reporters: "hindi na ako babalik ng politika. tapos na po ako. Laos na ako. Wala na akong panggastos. Wala na lahat. Ang naiwan sa akin siguro yabang. (i will not return to politics. My time is over. i do not have money or anything else. What i have left is perhaps aroggance.)"
on monday, all three Dutertes — the elder Duterte and his two sons, sebastian and Paolo — now appear to have ruled out a bid for the senate. Paolo also filed his CoC for re-election as Davao City representative on the same day. the marcos and Duterte families and their allies have been publicly at odds since 2023 after Congress rejected the vice president's request for confidential and intelligence funds, on top of apparent disagreements over marcos' approach to China's aggression in the West Philippine sea. earlier this year, the elder Duterte publicly feuded with marcos, calling him lazy and
accusing him of abusing illegal substances. In retaliation, the president accused his predecessor of being hooked on fentanyl. Duterte's son, sebastian, the current mayor of Davao City, had called on marcos to resign over his flawed foreign policy that supposedly favors the United states, saying this "endangers the lives of innocent filipinos." the rift between the Dutertes and the marcoses deepened earlier this year amid speculation that the president has allowed prosecutors from the International Criminal Court to openly conduct their probe on Duterte's war on drugs in the country. n
Former President Rodrigo Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy for Davao City mayor on Oct. 7.
Photo courtesy of Sen. Bong Go
At home with the De Venecias: (from left) Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, son Christopher, and wife Gina.
Heart Evangelista among Paris Fashion Week SS25’s top influencers
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
heArt evangelista is the only filipina to be included in the list of top influencers for Paris fashion Week spring/summer 2025, more than a week after being noted for estimated media value (emV) in milan fashion Week. With 16.2 million followers on Instagram, evangelista placed 10th on the list where she garnered $5.1 million emV, per data from the fashion platform Lefty. the report also noted the number of fashion shows the actressfashion personality attended, among them high-end fashion houses like Dior, schiaparelli, and Balmain. she previously shared on Instagram that she attended 19 shows for the recent iteration of Paris fashion Week.
Also included in the list are Kylie Jenner (1st), Blackpink’s rosé (3rd), Jisoo (5th) and Lisa (8th), Cha eun-woo (7th), IVe’s Wonyoung (9th), and Kendall Jenner (14th).
evangelista was also named as one of the top influencers for milan fashion Week spring/ summer 2025 last month with fellow filipina and miss Universe titleholder Pia Wurtzbach. t he Kapuso star made
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘GUTS’ and proud Pinoy heart
by Patricia Dela roca Philstar.com
mANILA — filipino American pop star olivia rodrigo not only set the tickets for the manila stop of her “GUts” World tour at just P1,500, but she also donated all proceeds to Jhpiego, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare for women and girls in the country.
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
mANILA — megaworld Cor-
poration is eyeing the Philippines to become the "Broadway of Asia" in the next five years once the Westside City township in Parañaque City finishes its major infrastructures.
Kevin tan, president of megaworld's parent company Alliance Global Group, made the announcement during the inauguration of the new repertory Philippines theater in eastwood last october 5. the inauguration also served as the gala night of repertory Philippines' newest production "Jepoy and the magic Circle." tan joked the idea of the repertory Philippines theater was the fastest that megaworld Lifestyle malls head Graham Coates ever did because his two daughters were alumni of the local theater company.
h e noted that many other alumni went to star in international productions like in Broad-
way, "the new theater will continue to create and develop young talents and the future of performing arts."
tan then announced m egaworld's five-year plan to make the Philippines "the Broadway of Asia" with a theater district on Westside City, which includes a 2,100-seat main theater, two 800seat theaters, a 500 seat-theater, and a theater school.
repertory Philippines' artistic director Jeremy Domingo officially labeled "Jepoy and the magic Circle" as the theater company's 464th production in 57 years.
h e added that "Jepoy and the magic Circle" would run at the new theater until february, meaning, the company's holiday production using the songs of Jose mari Chan will run elsewhere.
t he announcement came after the vampire and driver’s license singer took the stage for her manila concert on saturday, october 5, at the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
“Been dreaming of this show for a whileeeee. my first time in the Philippines and also my biggest venue ever!!!!! t hank you to everyone m anila for welcoming me so generously and making me feel so loved,” the 20-year-old hitmaker wrote in her Instagram post.
“I’m so stoked that all the net ticket sales from last night could be donated to @jhpiego through my fund 4 Good,” she said.
olivia’s decision to direct the net proceeds to Jhpiego Philippines was aligned with her global initiative, fund 4 Good. the charitable organization that she founded currently supports community-based nonprofits focused on advancing girls’ education and reproductive rights, and preventing gender-based violence.
h er contribution to Jhpiego Philippines particularly aims to “improve the health and lives of women and girls in the Philippines, especially in underserved and conflict-affected areas.”
t he former Disney channel actress also visited the organization’s headquarters in manila and praised their efforts in providing healthcare services to filipino women and girls.
“I got to visit the organization while I was in manila and was so impressed by the work they are doing providing healthcare to women and girls in the Philippines.” m eanwhile, o livia had described her first visit to her ancestral country as both “special” and “meaningful.”
“It was the most special show and the most meaningful trip. s aying I’m grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it! Mahal kita ,” she wrote in her post, using the f ilipino phrase for “I love you.”
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
BINI — consisting of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, maloi, Gwen, stacey, mikha, and sheena — has been nominated for Best Asia Act at the 2024 mt V e urope m usic Awards (emA), their first time to be recognized by the awards
giving body. the girl group’s nomination was announced by mt V on tuesday, o ctober 8, and was confirmed by BINI’s social media platforms on the same day. “starting off the emA season with the Best Asia Nominee for 2024: [Philippine flag emoji] @ bini_ph,” the post read.
BINI will be up against K-pop girl group ILLIt, J-pop girl group sakurazaka46, Indonesian singersongwriter mahalini, and malaysian band masdo for the award. t he winner will be decided through fan votes on mtV emA’s official website and will run until November 6. ten votes per day will be counted by the site.
During the concert itself, olivia, whose father is filipino, declared her Pinoy pride as she expressed her joy to be in the country for the first time. Ahead of the concert, she was spotted visiting tourist spots like Intramuros and checking out local restaurants.
“I’m so happy to be in manila. t his is a dream come true. I wanted to come here for as long as I can remember. today is the day. I’m so thankful you guys showed up. It means so much,” she told the crowd of fans, fondly known as “Livies.”
“I had the best time exploring the Philippines, exploring the city… You have been so kind to me, I got to meet some of you guys, and I ate all my favorite food — pancit , lumpia and halo-halo every day that I’ve been here.
“I
Heart Evangelista
Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte
Artist rendering of Westside City in Parañaque Photo courtesy of Megaworld
BINI members (from upper left) Colet, Stacey, Sheena, and Gwen; (from lower left) Jhoanna, Maloi, Mikha, and Aiah. Photo from X/@bini_ph
also witnessed evangelista interacting with Anne Curtis on the
Puti’ special: A family reunited
sACrAmeNto — Insurance Commissioner ricardo Lara
thanked Governor Gavin Newsom recently for protecting California consumers through the signing of six bills that he sponsored this legislative session. these new laws focus on improving protections for vulnerable individuals, including women and LGBtQ+ families, disaster survivors, immigrants, and seniors. the laws guarantee insurance coverage for fertility treatments, implement important emergency disaster planning for LGBtQ+ youth, and protect reproductive health care without out-of-pocket expenses for consumers, among others.
“Protecting consumers is my number one priority,” said Commissioner Lara. “I am using every tool available to protect Californians, especially families, seniors, and those most vulnerable to abuse or disaster.
I am grateful to the many legislators and partners who worked with me to champion these important issues and thank Governor Newsom for signing these bills that ensure the health and safety of Californians.”
Expanding access and ensuring anti-discrimination in health and other insurance
• Senate Bill 729, authored by senator Caroline menjivar, requires insurance coverage for fertility and infertility care under disability insurance policies and large group health plans. this protects Californians’ access to in-vitro fertilization (IVf), and updates the definition of infertility to be inclusive of LGBtQ+ family planning experiences, despite any federal action to limit this coverage. this applies to large and small group health care service plan contracts and disability insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. for CalPers, the mandate begins July 1, 2027. sB 729 was co-
sponsored with the Alliance for fertility Preservation, the American society for reproductive medicine, equality California, our family Coalition, and resoLVe: the National Infertility Association.
• Assembly Bill 2258, authored by Assemblymember rick Chavez Zbur, makes sure that all Californians have access to affordable and preventive health care without out-ofpocket costs. this includes mandatory coverage for critical reproductive health care including contraceptives such as intrauterine device (IUDs), hIV prevention medications like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PeP), and screenings for hIV and other sexually transmitted infections (stIs). AB 2258 was co-sponsored with APLA health, equality California, the Los Angeles LGBt Center, and the san francisco AIDs foundation. Protecting vulnerable Californians
• Senate Bill 990, authored by senator steve Padilla, updates the state emergency Plan to include best practices for local government and nongovernmental entities to equitably serve LGBtQ+ communities during an emergency or natural disaster. this responds to data showing that LGBtQ+ people are more likely to become homeless or face negative health impacts after a disaster. sB 990 was co-sponsored with equality California and the California Legislative LGBtQ+ Caucus. this update is required to occur as soon as possible, but no later than January 1, 2029, and be updated every five years.
• Senate Bill 263, authored by senator Bill Dodd, protects Californians, especially vulnerable seniors, from potential abuse and exploitation by curtailing harmful sales of annuities that are not in the consumer’s best
interest. Annuities are typically marketed to retirees to provide a guaranteed income stream. California will now adopt the updated NAIC suitability in Annuity transactions model regulation, creating additional consumer protections to ensure California’s insurance companies and licensed producers who sell annuities are following the highest standards of conduct.
• Assembly Bill 2780, authored by Assemblymember tina mcKinnor, protects the safety of newly arrived immigrants by requiring commercial passenger transportation, prior to transporting 10 or more vulnerable passengers, to notify local authorities and follow basic requirements. this important piece of legislation will ensure California has the proper tools and support to welcome migrants in a humane manner and with the dignity and respect that migrants deserve. AB 2780 was co-sponsored by the Coalition for humane Immigrant rights.
Updating important insurance laws
• Senate Bill 577, authored by senator melissa hurtado, helps clarify existing law, deletes obsolete and superseded code sections, and creates new laws agreed to between the Department and stakeholders.
“I am very proud of the work we have done with our legislative partners this year to secure crucial protections for California consumers,” added Commissioner Lara. “As we look ahead to next session, I aim to push solutions to help address more insurancerelated problems while further expanding consumer protections in partnership with legislators and key stakeholders.”
All of these sponsored measures go into effect on January 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
(cA Department of insurance release)
DALY CItY – Amid the rare october heat wave across the Bay Area, the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco attended the milestone 10th annual Kasayahan sa Daly City, held at marchbank Park in Daly City, California on october 5, 2024. Kasayahan sa Daly City serves as the official celebration of filipino American history month in the city.
In his remarks, Consul General Neil ferrer recognized the organizers, sponsors, vendors, artists, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the last 10 years of the Kasayahan sa Daly City possible. “All of you here today are ‘citizen ambassadors’ of filipino culture and pride,” Consul General ferrer said.
“I encourage the community to continue supporting events in the Bay Area and elsewhere that celebrate filipino cultural heritage,” Consul General ferrer added.
the Philippine Consul General thanked the Daly City Government, led by fil-Am mayor Juslyn manalo, for its continued recognition of the significant contributions of the filipino community in Daly City. he also thanked the Daly City leadership for its efforts in forging closer ties with the Philippines through the longstanding sister city agreement between Quezon City and Daly City.
“I fervently hope that the ‘city
diplomacy’ initiatives between Daly City and Quezon City accelerate the people-to-people exchanges between our two nations especially in technology and innovation, fields that the Bay Area and silicon Valley are best known for,” Consul General
ferrer further said. Consul General ferrer then received from mayor manalo a proclamation signed by all members of the Daly City Council, declaring october as filipino American history month in the city. As in previous years, the Kasayahan sa Daly City featured filipino and fil-Am dance and musical performances, filipino food & craft vendors and other small businesses, filipino businesses and non-profits, and Daly City government agencies. According to the latest U.s census, close to 34,000 filipinos and filipino Americans live in Daly City which, against its total population of 100,000, comprise the highest concentration of filipinos in the Bay Area — which earned the city the moniker “the Pinoy Capital of the Bay Area.” (PcGSF release)
officer & Assessor-
Clerk-recorder, has announced that starting the san mateo County registration & elections Division began mailing the sample Ballot & Voter Information Pamphlet to registered voters for the upcoming November 5, 2024, Presidential General election on september 26. “the sample Ballot & official Voter Information Pamphlet offers voters comprehensive information on candidates, measures, and available voter services for the upcoming November 5, 2024, Presidential General election,” stated Church. “the pamphlet will be sent to all registered voters in the language they specified during voter registration.”
Voters can access their voter pamphlet online in
PDf or accessible format by visiting smcvote.gov and selecting “my election Info.”
Voters who are visually impaired can request an audio recording of the county's sample Ballot & official Voter Information Pamphlet by contacting the registration & elections Division at 888.smC.Vote (888.762.8683). Additionally, a screen-readable version of the pamphlet is available online at smcvote.gov and clicking “my election Info.”
“Voters can participate in our ‘Go Green! Program’ to access their pamphlets online instead of receiving a paper copy,” added Church. to enroll, simply click the “sign Up for Go Green!” button at smcvote. gov. once registered, voters will no longer receive a printed pamphlet and will be notified by email when their online pamphlet is available.
Early voting period begins October 7 to November 4, 2024 san mateo County's registered voters began receiving their Vote by mail ballots on october 7, 2024, in preparation for the Presidential General election on November 5, 2024. three (3) Vote Centers were opened on october 7, 2024. An additional seven (7) Vote Centers will become available starting october 26. on November 2, 36 more Vote Centers will open, and another three (3) will be added on November 4, 2024. on election Day, a total of 49 Vote Centers will be accessible throughout the county. for more information, voters should refer to their sample Ballot or may call or text 650.312.5222, visit smcacre. gov, or follow us on X
Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer (left) with the proclamation given by Mayor Juslyn Manalo (right), declaring October 2024 as Filipino American History Month in Daly City, California. San Francisco PCG photos
From left: Daly City Vice Mayor Rod Daus-Magbual, Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali, Consul General Neil Ferrer, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay.
A group of young performers on the stage at the 10th Kasayahan sa Daly City.
Sky River Casino reveals October promotions, Tequila Bar
eLK
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‘Citizen
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Arya were finally granted immigrant visas in April 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 Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen
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(Advertising Supplement)
PCGSF advisory: Passport,
clients
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
rogelio constantino Medina
IL o C os Norte Governor
matthew Joseph marcos manotoc, who finished a psychology course in Claremont mcKenna College in California and attended the National University of singapore’s s tanford Graduate s chool of Business, is inviting fellow Ilocano and non-Ilocano residents to join in “himala sa Buhangin” (miracle in the sand) event during the himala Arts and music festival at s uba s and Dunes (where some art installations can be found) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte on November 16. many artists and performers like Zack tabudlo and shanti Dope will participate in this festival (a brainchild of sen. Imee marcos). for tickets, you may contact himala.ilocosnorte.ph or http://www.smtickets.com.
m anotoc is an avid golfer and basketball player. he was a basketball coach and a co-founder of espiritu manotoc Basketball management (emBm).
* * *
r apper-comedian Andrew
espiritu, or simply Andrew e, is a responsible, caring husband to former mylene Yap of Boracay Island. h e sired three bright, talented kids. he will have his first major concert after 34 years, dubbed as “1 t ime for Your mind” at New frontier theatre in Quezon City on December 11.
* * * for Los Angeles-based filipino chef marvin Aritrangco, winning best action short film for “BareKnuckle” at this year’s Los Angeles film festival is a great honor. ‘We are grateful for the recognition and support from our fellow winners, as well as the opportunity to sit beside Lou Diamond Phillips,” he said.
Directed by Alex De ocampo and written by m ark Labella, “Bare-Knuckle” follows the story of a hitman coming to terms with his sexuality and grapples with the dual challenge of breaking free from a toxic relationship while confronting the merciless underworld he has chosen. the hitman eventually aims to redefine his own destiny through self-love and redemption. singing Chef marvin, is also part of the half-hour dramedy series “Nurse the Dead” by mark Labella, and it is in the works. h ailing from a family of
Himala Arts and Music Festival in Ilocos Norte on Nov. 16
overseas filipino workers, marvin was a sous chef de cuisine at sheikh hamad Al sharqi royal Palace in rabat, morocco some years ago. h is first exposure abroad was in 2006 in Dubai, United Arab emirates where he worked at the royal Palace for the Al maktoum-Al sharqi family. he later became chef de partie and personal chef of sheika fatima Al maktoum at the ruler’s Palace in fujairah, UAe. Interestingly, his communication line with his former lady boss is still open. Despite his success, he remains humble for he knows how to give back what he has now achieved in life. “Life, after all, is a continuous learning, and giving,” he said with a smile.
* * * Nicole Andersson is the daughter of 1975 miss Young Philippines titleholder and actress Jean s aburit while r obin da roza is the nephew of 1969 miss Universe titleholder and actress Gloria Diaz. Both followed the footsteps of their relatives, but later on left the kleig lights.
Nicole appeared in ABs-CBN’s “Kaya ni mister, Kaya ni misis” (with maricel soriano and Cesar montano in the lead) and in the film “mulawin, the movie.” she also used to host a tV show with Georgina Wilson. this writer met Nicole years ago during a yoga session launch in ortigas, Pasig City. through her french-filipina friend solenn heussaff, she has been doing yoga, a great full body workout, to build strength and to serve as stress therapy.
s he left the kleig lights (since she was three years old, she had been into acting for 13 years but she stopped) to study international business and marketing at the University of san francisco in California. After college, she worked abroad, then she took a year off, travelling around europe. she has a blog about her travelling experiences and enjoys reading business books that helps her in shaping her business philosophy: “Don’t be afraid to take a risk.”
former Close-Up toothpaste model robin da roza, who was first discovered in showbizness by simon ongpin, was asked by German moreno in 1984 (that time, he was about to finish his elementary education) to join Kuya Germs’ tV show but his mom wanted robin to finish his studies at De La salle University. At three years old, he did his first commercial. h e had done 18
tV commercials. he is now an interior design consultant.
* * * sixteen P. Ablero, or “hiwaga” of hiwaga Pares, from Negros island, appeared in G m A Network’s series “Black rider” as marisol as well as in “tiktoClock.” h e was interviewed in shows “Unang hirit,” “sarap ‘Di Ba?,” and “may Puhunan: Kaya mo.” he was recognized recently in the 1st filipino heroic Awards as m ost o utstanding s ocial media Influencer and fast-rising entrepreneur of the Year.
* * * Congressman Bro. e ddie Villanueva was recently recognized by the 2nd Philippines
f inest Business Awards and outstanding Achievers as most o utstanding Public s ervant in the Philippines. h e was represented by Leo Alconga during the awards ceremony at t he h exagon e vents Place in Quezon City. he is the founder of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide which will celebrate its 46th anniversary in Luneta, manila on october 12.
* * * 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
Sixteen Ablero, or Hiwaga, and Rogelio Medina Nicole Andersson with Rogelio Medina
From left: Marvin Aritrangco, Lou Diamond Phillips and Tamerlane Mopia
Rogelio Medina and Matthew Marcos Manotoc
The Manotocs (from left): Atty. Mike, dad Tommy, Borgy and Gov. Matthew.
Robin da Roza in India
Matthew Marcos Manotoc playing basketball.
Andrew E with wife Mylene and their kids in Japan.
Leo Alconga accepts the PFBA award on behalf of Bro. Eddie Villanueva.
Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
