Fil-Am labor leaders inducted into US Labor Dept’s Hall of Honor
Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Peter Gines Velasco honored for courage, perseverance in fighting for labor rights
WAshINGtoN – filipino American labor leaders Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Peter Gines Velasco have been inducted into the U.s. Department of Labor’s hall of honor for their courage and perseverance in fighting for labor rights.
Acting Labor secretary Julie su said she was honored to induct the fil-Am labor leaders into the Department’s hall of honor, “where they take their rightful place among giants in the labor movement who have shaped the fabric of American history.”
“Itliong, Vera Cruz and Velasco rallied farmworkers – who endured prejudice, low wages and poor working conditions – to courageously organize for fairer wages and humane treatment, all while providing food
Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during Ac A enrollment period
UNAUthorIzeD switching of Affordable Care Act plans appears to have tapered off in recent weeks based on an almost one-third drop in casework associated with consumer complaints, say federal regulators. the Centers for medicare & medicaid services, which oversees the ACA, credits steps taken to thwart enrollment and switching problems that triggered more than 274,000 complaints this year through August.
Now, the annual ACA open enrollment period that began Nov. 1 poses a real-world test: Will the changes curb fraud by rogue agents or brokerages without unduly slowing the process of enrolling or reducing the total number of sign-ups for 2025 coverage? they really have this tightrope to walk,” said sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on health Insurance reforms at Georgetown University. “the more you tighten it up to prevent fraud, the more
Marcos vows to fight back against threats
by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. on monday, November 25 vowed to resist a “disturbing” plot of Vice President sara Duterte to have him assassinated, chiding his political ally-turned-arch critic for resorting to “kwentong chicheria” or silly talk just to evade questions about her alleged misuse of confidential funds. In his strongest statement yet on Duterte, marcos said the issue would not have reached dramatic proportions had Duterte answered the “legitimate” questions raised in the senate and the house of representatives regarding her use of confidential funds. In a video statement, marcos said criminal plots should not be condoned, as he cited the need for every filipino to uphold the rule of law. the statements we heard in the past days are disturbing. there were indiscriminate profanities and threats to have some of us killed. If it’s that easy to plot the killing of a president, how much more the ordinary citizens?” the chief executive said. “that criminal plot should not be tolerated. I will resist it.”
Philippine Senate ends probe on illegal POGOS, leaves Alice Guo’s fate to courts
by JavieR Joe isMael ManilaTimes.net
mANILA — the senate Committee on Women, Children, family relations, and Gender equality concluded its investigation on tuesday, November 26 into the illegal Philippine offshore Gaming operator (PoGo) in tarlac and Pampanga. It took 16 hearings before the committee closed the investigation, which highlighted some of the crimes linked to PoGo such as large-scale scamming, corruption, kidnapping, torture, prostitution, and human trafficking.
the marcos administration might revise some of its macroeconomic assumptions to account for the impact of a second trump administration on the economy and the current weakness of the peso, Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
speaking to reporters on tuesday, November 26, Pangandaman said the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) would revisit the macroeconomic targets and assumptions that policymakers use as a guide to fiscal planning. the
While he did not mention Duterte in his nearly three-minute recorded statement, marcos made references to some of the controversies tied to her family. “Ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat i-tokhang (The truth should not be eliminated),” marcos said, using a term that has become synonymous with the killing of drug suspects in the previous administration’s controversial war on drugs that had left more than 6,000 killed, based on official data.
In her closing statement, Committee Chairman sen. risa hontiveros said that the panel had exposed Guo hua Ping also known as former Bamban, tarlac mayor Alice Guo, a Chinese citizen, who had allegedly "defamed the identity of a filipino, amassed wealth, and committed crimes against genuine filipinos." the lawmaker said that Guo abused birth certificate registration, immigration procedures, passport and visa applications, setting up businesses in the name of a company, bank secrecy, and the privilege of participating and running for office in elections. n
review will happen once the inter-agency body convenes again in the first week of December. specifically, the budget chief, who is also the chair of the DBCC, said the committee might have to revise its current pesodollar assumption of 56 to 58. this, as a volatile peso threatens to pierce through the record-low 59:$1 level that had been revisited last week amid a rallying dollar that draws its strength from investor unease following Donald trump’s election victory in the U.s
But overall, Pangandaman said any possible tweaks to the DBCC’s targets and predictions
“Imbes na deretsahang sagot, nililihis pa sa kwentong chicheria (instead of giving a direct answer, they mislead by spinning silly tales),” marcos said, apparently taunting Duterte for using the name of popular snack brands as u PAGE 2
‘Kill’ remark taken out of context – VP Sara
by Reina C. TolenTino ManilaTimes.net
mANILA — Vice President sara Duterte said on monday, November 25 that her remarks against President ferdinand marcos Jr. were “taken out of logical context.” she issued the statement in a letter to the National security Council (NsC) which earlier declared that it considers all threats to the president as serious.
“I would like to see a copy of the notice of meeting with proof of service, the list of attendees, photos of the meeting, and the notarized minutes of meeting where the Council, whether present or past, resolved to consider the remarks by a vice president against a president, maliciously taken out of logical context, as a national security concern,” Duterte said in an open letter to the NsC.
Last week, an enraged Duterte said that she told someone to kill marcos Jr., first Lady Liza Aranetamarcos, and house speaker ferdinand martin romualdez if she were killed. Duterte later said that her statement was not a threat. In her letter to the NsC, Duterte expressed her desire
Palace denounces Duterte coup call
by KRisTina MaRaliT aRiC John sy Cua and FRanCisCo Tuyay ManilaTimes.net
mALACAÑANG on tuesday, November 26 blasted former President rodrigo Duterte for urging the military to overthrow President ferdinand marcos Jr.
In a strongly worded statement, executive secretary Lucas Bersamin said the former president had a selfish motive for calling on the Armed forces of the Philippines (AfP) to “overthrow a sitting president” so that his daughter, Vice President sara Duterte, could ascend to power.
“And he will go to great and evil lengths, such as insulting
our professional armed forces by asking them to betray their oath, for his plan to succeed,” the statement read.
“the former president should respect the Constitution, not disobey it. he should desist from being as irresponsible as he has become,” Bersamin said.
“this administration will not shirk from its sworn duty to govern and manage the affairs of the filipino nation according to the Constitution and the rule of law. It will defend its legacy before u PAGE 4
‘Kill’ remark taken out of context...
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to present before the council “the threats to the vice president, the oVP institution and its personnel.”
the vice president also asked the council to submit within 24 hours “an explanation in writing with legal basis why the VP is not a member of the NsC or why as member I have not been invited to the meetings, whichever is applicable.”
National security Adviser eduardo Año earlier said that the NsC “considers all threats to the President of the Philippines as serious.”
“Any and all threats against the life of the president shall be validated and considered a matter of national security,” he said in a statement.
Duterte’s assassination threat prompted the Presidential security Command to heighten Palace security as it shifted to red alert on monday. n
Marcos vows to fight back...
fictitious signatories to receipts submitted by the office of the Vice President (oVP) to state auditors.
“I want this issue to end through a peaceful way that will lead us to the truth,” he added. meanwhile, the house of representatives unanimously passed on monday resolution No. 2092, expressing its “unwavering and unqualified support and solidarity” for the marcos administration and for speaker martin romualdez “in the face of serious and dangerous remarks and defiant acts that threaten the very foundation of democratic governance, rule of law and public trust and integrity of the government institutions.”
sinumpaang panata na bilang lingkod bayan ay magsabi ng totoo, at hindi hahadlangan (This issue would have been settled if the public servant’s vow to tell the truth had been fulfilled and not hindered),” he said. he vowed to remain focused on governance despite the criticisms hurled at him, but stressed that he would not allow the rule of law to be compromised. the law needs to prevail in any situation, regardless of who will be affected. Let us respect the process. Let us follow the law. Let us remember the mandate given to us by millions of filipinos,” he said.
notarized minutes of meeting where the Council, whether present or past, resolved to consider the remarks by a vice president against a president, maliciously taken out of logical context, as a national security concern,” she added. the vice president also questioned why the council had never invited her to their meetings since she assumed office in 2022 despite being a member of the NsC as stated under executive order 115 of 1986. she said she wants the council to allow her to present the threats made against her, her office and her officials and employees.
Lawmakers have been scrutinizing the oVP’s use of confidential funds, an issue that triggered the rift between Duterte and the marcos administration, which eventually led to her midyear resignation from the Cabinet as secretary of the Department of education (Deped).
A series of tense verbal exchanges between the Duterte and marcos camps then ensued, the latest of which was the vice president’s remark that she had asked an assassin to kill the president, first Lady Liza marcos and romualdez if an alleged plot to kill her succeeds.
Duterte, a former Deped chief and vice chair of the government’s anti-insurgency task force, held a late night virtual press conference last saturday, November 23, during which she talked about contracting an assassin.
this was hours after the house of representatives ordered the transfer of her detained chief of staff zuleika Lopez to the Correctional Institution for Women in mandaluyong.
the house ordered Lopez’s detention after she was cited in contempt for her alleged interference in a probe on the confidential funds of offices led by Duterte.
Duterte, who was marcos’ running mate in the 2022 elections, described the house order to transfer Lopez to the corrections facility as an “attempted homicide” and accused the chamber of pressuring her chief of staff into telling incriminating lies.
marcos said all government workers have the duty to comply with the Constitution and other laws so they should not prevent elected officials from searching for the truth.
Citing his 12 years as a member of the two chambers of Congress, marcos said he knows the authority given to the legislature by the electorate and by the Constitution.
“Because of this, I respect their activities as an independent branch of our republic,” he said.
“tapos na sana ang usapang ito kung tutuparin lamang ang
“Let us work for the progress of the republic of the Philippines and to achieve a new Philippines.”
In hr 2092, the lawmakers lauded marcos for his “vision for a strong and united Philippines.”
“It is our duty as legislators to rally behind our president in defending the interests of the filipino people and safeguarding the future of our democratic institutions,” according to hr 2092, principally authored by senior Deputy speaker rep. Aurelio Gonzales of Pampanga.
through the resolution, the lawmakers said romualdez’s “swift and decisive response” to a serious threat from Duterte “is a testament to his commitment to upholding the principles of democratic governance and the rule of law.”
“We have passed crucial legislations that support the priorities of the administration and address the needs of our constituents. these successes show that, with a stalwart like speaker romualdez, this institution can withstand any obstacle and remain a pillar of democracy,” the resolution stated.
VP: Kill statement taken out of context facing an investigation for her “kill” marcos pronouncement, Duterte said she was “maliciously taken out of logical context” by the National security Council (NsC). suggesting that her incendiary remarks over the weekend were hardly a concern for national security, Duterte challenged the NsC to provide a copy of the documents relevant to the meeting where the body resolved to take her remarks as a national security concern.
“National security pertains to the protection of our sovereignty, the safety of the filipino population and the preservation of our democratic institutions. the function of the National security Council is confined to the formulation of policies in furtherance of such pursuits,” Duterte said.
“I would like to see a copy of the notice of meeting with proof of service, the list of attendees, photos of the meeting and the
“I request the NsA to please send to me the notarized minutes of all meetings conducted by the Council from 30 June 2022, if any. I want to review what the council has accomplished so far, in terms of policies and recommendations for national security,” she said.
“moreover, please submit within 24 hours, an explanation in writing with legal basis why the VP is not a member of the NsC or why as member I have not been invited to the meetings, whichever is applicable,” she added.
Duterte also urged the public to demand transparency and accountability from the NsC.
As law enforcement agencies, lawmakers, legal experts and pundits started pushing to hold her criminally accountable for the threats, Duterte insisted that her remarks were “not actionable.”
stressing that the country has bigger problems than the oVP, Duterte said her political opponents were using her to mask their “corruption and anomalies in the government.”
“You have nothing left to scrutinize about me. You’re just covering up the government’s shortcomings. You’re making me your punching bag so that people do not notice, see, hear the nonsense, the corruption and the anomalies that are being done in the government,” she said.
Duterte also renewed her challenge to top government officials, including President marcos and members of Congress, to undergo drug tests. the vice president said she is aware that she is being labeled as crazy and unhinged, hence she is willing to take psychological, neuropsychiatric and drug tests if the president also agrees to undergo the same.
“Let’s all take a drug test in front of the people. my fellow citizens, we will give you the promises we made to you when we were campaigning, and we will show you that we are sober. We will all be drug tested. Let’s start with the office of the Vice President,” she added. (With reports from Neil Jayson Servallos, Diana Lhyd Suelto, Jose rodel clapano)
PH to revisit macro view on Trump...
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Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterte
SPECIAL GUEST. Former president and senator and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga’s 2nd District (center) witnesses the Senate pass on second reading on Monday, Nov. 25, the bill declaring her home province as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Senate Bill No. 2797 aims to not only honor Pampanga but also to ensure that the Philippines would remain a
player in the global culinary landscape. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Stay Safe from Holiday Scams
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• Missed packages or problems with delivery: Expecting a package? Be cautious of phishing messages through email or text impersonating delivery services like UPS or FedEx with links to view “missed deliveries.” These links may lead to fake sign-in pages or malware-infected sites. Do not respond to messages requesting personal or financial information, including money or cryptocurrency. Be wary of unexpected packages and avoid scanning QR codes, as they may be attempts to steal your information.
• Online deals that are too good to be true: When shopping online or on social media, buy only from trusted websites and vendors. If purchasing on a platform or marketplace, stay on the platform to complete transactions and communicate with sellers, as protections often only apply when you use the platform. Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, and never send money to strangers or use Zelle for purchases, especially when you can’t confirm the goods exist.
• Phony charities preying on your generosity: The Holidays is also a season of giving. Before you donate money, double-check contact and payment information for your charity of choice and watch for text, email or phone call solicitations. Like any other unsolicited message, don’t click on links or open attachments that may contain malware or attempt to steal your information.
“Scammers do not discriminate and can target anyone during this festive season. Don’t let your guard down. Always remember that if something seems off, it likely is. By staying alert and informed, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim during this holiday season,” said Darius Kingsley, head of Consumer Banking Practices at Chase.
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• Don’t send money to unknown individuals or for goods or services that you can’t confirm exist.
• Be cautious of friendly messages from strangers on social apps. Scammers might try to build trust before asking for money.
• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for deep discounts or low prices that may be scams.
• If you shop on social media marketplaces, never pay using Zelle—it is the same as cash and you may not get back if there is an issue.
For more information about ways to help protect yourself from scams, visit chase.com/scamspotting — it’s a free resource that offers information in English and Spanish.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.
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for families across the country,” su said during the induction ceremony this week.
“these three leaders instilled and inspired change for those who valiantly labor in the fields.”
Make America
healthy again: An unconventional movement that may have found its moment
by stePhanIe amour KFF Health Newa
WIthIN days of Donald trump’s election victory, health care entrepreneur Calley means turned to social media to crowdsource advice.
concerned that trump will parrot untested and unproven public health ideas he hears as if they are fact. experience has shown that people with unproven ideas will have his ear and his “very large bully pulpit,” he said. “Because he’s president, people will believe he won’t say things that aren’t true. this president, he will.”
consumption of which can expose consumers to foodborne illness. Its sale has prompted federal raids on farms for not complying with food safety regulations. means has called for top-down changes at the U.s. Department of Agriculture, which he says has been co-opted by the food industry.
Itliong, Vera Cruz and Velasco were recognized for their service to filipino farmworkers, starting in 1959 with the organization of the Agricultural Workers organizing Committee at the filipino hall in Delano, California. In 1965, the AWoC led the Delano Grape strike, where more than 800 filipino farmworkers in the grape fields went on strike against powerful grape industry growers.
backgrounds come together to advocate for higher wages and better working conditions.
In addition to the victories they achieved for farmworkers, their work is a reminder of what can be achieved when workers of all
“together we stand on the shoulders of those who struggled, labored, and organized before us, and in doing so, blazed a trail for us,” said former Cerritos mayor mark Pulido, one of the fil-Am leaders who attended the induction ceremony. “We have a shared commitment to keeping their legacies alive.”
the cast of “Larry the musical” performed during the ceremony. the musical is based on the book “Journey for Justice: the Life of Larry Itliong” by Dawn Bohulano mabalon and Gayle romasanta.
Acting secretary su presented medals commemorating the ceremony to the family members of Itliong, Vera Cruz and Velasco. established in 1988, the hall of honor recognizes the accomplishments and impact of dozens of groups and individuals on the nation’s workforce and workplaces. the hall is located inside the north plaza of the department’s headquarters in the frances Perkins Building.
U.s rep. Grace meng (D-Queens) applauded Acting secretary su for commemorating “the tremendous contributions that these filipino labor leaders made to our country and the labor movement.”
their leadership, determination and courage in fighting for better wages and improved working conditions continues to inspire me, and this well-deserved tribute to them is an outstanding way to ensure that our nation – and future generations – always remember the crucial work they did and the legacies they left behind,” meng said. (Bing cardenas Branigin/ inquirer.net)
Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world...
barriers there are that could inhibit enrollment among those who need the coverage.”
Cms said in July that some types of policy changes — those in which the agent is not “affiliated” with the existing plan — will face more requirements, such as a three-way call with the consumer, broker, and a healthcare.gov call center representative.
In August, the agency barred two of about a dozen private sector online-enrollment platforms from connecting with healthcare.gov over concerns related to improper switching. And Cms has suspended 850 agents suspected of being involved in unauthorized planswitching from accessing the ACA marketplace. still, the clampdown could add complexity to enrollment and slow the process. for example, a consumer might have to wait in a queue for a three-way call, or scramble to find a new agent because the one they previously worked with had been suspended.
Given that phone lines with healthcare.gov staff already get busy — especially during midDecember — agents and policy analysts advise consumers not to dally this year.
“hit the ground running,” said ronnell Nolan, president and Ceo of health Agents for America, a professional organization for brokers. meanwhile, reports are emerging that some rogue entities are already figuring out workarounds that could undermine some of the antifraud protections Cms put in place, Nolan said.
“Bottom line is: fraud and abuse is still happening,” Nolan said.
Brokers assist the majority of people actively enrolling in ACA plans and are paid a monthly commission by insurers for their efforts. Consumers can compare plans or enroll themselves online through federal or state marketplace websites. they can also seek help from people called assisters or navigators — certified helpers who are not paid commissions. Under a “find local help” button on the federal and state ACA websites, consumers can search for nearby brokers or navigators.
Cms says it has “ramped up support operations” at its healthcare.gov marketplace call centers, which are open 24/7, in anticipation of increased demand
for three-way calls, and it expects “minimal wait times,” said Jeff Wu, deputy director for policy of the Cms Center for Consumer Information and Insurance oversight.
Wu said those three-way calls are necessary only when an agent or a broker not already associated with a consumer’s enrollment wants to change that consumer’s enrollment or end that consumer’s coverage. It does not apply to people seeking coverage for the first time. organizations paid by the government to offer navigator services have a dedicated phone line to the federal marketplace, and callers are not currently experiencing long waits, said Xonjenese Jacobs, director of florida Covering Kids & families, a program based at the University of south florida that coordinates enrollment across the state through its Covering florida navigator program.
Navigators can assist with the three-way calls if a consumer’s situation requires it.
“Because we have our quick line in, there’s no increased wait time,” Jacobs said. the problem of unauthorized switches has been around for a while but took off during last year’s open enrollment season.
Brokers generally blamed much of the problem on the ease with which rogue agents can access ACA information in the federal marketplace, needing only a person’s name, date of birth, and state of residence. though federal regulators have worked to tighten that access with the three-way call requirement, they stopped short of instituting what some agent groups say is needed: two-factor authentication, which could involve a code accessed by a consumer through a smartphone.
Unauthorized switches can lead to a host of problems for consumers, from higher deductibles to landing in new networks that do not include their preferred physicians or hospitals. some people have received tax bills when unauthorized policies came with premium credits for which they did not qualify.
Unauthorized switches posed a political liability for the Biden administration, a blemish on two years of record ACA enrollment. the practice drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; Democrats demanded more oversight and punishment of rogue agents, while republicans said fraud attempts were fueled by Biden administration moves
first 100 days,” said means, a former consultant to Big Pharma who uses the social platform X to focus attention on chronic disease. “What should be done to reform the fDA?” the question was more than rhetorical. means is among a cadre of health business leaders and nonmainstream doctors who are influencing President Donald trump’s focus on health policy. trump’s return to the White house has given means and others in this space significant clout in shaping the nascent health policies of the new administration and its federal agencies. It’s also giving newfound momentum to make America healthy Again,” or mAhA, a controversial movement that challenges prevailing thinking on public health and chronic disease.
Its followers couch their ideals in phrases like “health freedom” and “true health.” their stated causes are as diverse as revamping certain agricultural subsidies, firing National Institutes of health employees, rethinking childhood vaccination schedules, and banning marketing of ultraprocessed foods to children on tV.
Public health leaders say the emerging trump administration’s interest in elevating the sometimes unorthodox concepts could be catastrophic, eroding decades of scientific progress while spurring a rise in preventable disease. they worry the administration’s support could weaken trust in public health agencies.
Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public health Association, said he welcomes broad intellectual scientific discussion but is
But those in the mAhA camp have a very different take. they say they have been maligned as dangerous for questioning the status quo. the election has given them an enormous opportunity to shape politics and policies, and they say they won’t undermine public health. Instead, they say, they will restore trust in federal health agencies that lost public support during the pandemic.
“It may be a brilliant strategy by the right,” said Peter mcCullough, a cardiologist who has come under fire for saying covid-19 vaccines are unsafe. he was describing some of the election-season messaging that mainstreamed their perspectives. “the right was saying we care about medical and environmental issues. the left was pursuing abortion rights and a negative campaign on trump. But everyone should care about health. health should be apolitical.”
the movement is largely anti-regulatory and anti-big government, whether concerning raw milk or drug approvals, although implementing changes would require more regulation. many of its concepts cross over to include ideas that have also been championed by some on the far left.
robert f. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist trump has nominated to run the Department of health and human services, has called for firing hundreds of people at the National Institutes of health, removing fluoride from water, boosting federal support for psychedelic therapy, and loosening restrictions on raw milk,
though he himself is not trained in science or medicine, he has said people had almost no chance of dying of covid-19 if they were “metabolically healthy,” referring to eating, sleeping, exercise, and stress management habits, and has said that about 85% of deaths and health care costs in the U.s are tied to preventable foodborne metabolic conditions.
A co-founder of truemed, a company that helps consumers use pretax savings and reimbursement programs on supplements, sleep aids, and exercise equipment, means says he has had conversations behind closed doors with dozens of members of Congress. he said he also helped bring rfK Jr. and trump together. rfK Jr. endorsed trump in August after ending his independent presidential campaign.
“I had this vision for a year, actually. It sounds very woo-woo, but I was in a sweat tent with him in Austin at a campaign event six months before, and I just had this strong vision of him standing with trump,” means said recently on the Joe rogan experience podcast. the former self-described never-trumper said that, after trump’s first assassination attempt, he felt it was a powerful moment. means called rfK Jr. and worked with conservative political commentator tucker Carlson to connect him to the former president. trump and rfK Jr. then had weeks of conversations about topics such as child obesity and causes of infertility, means said.
u PAGE 7
Palace denounces Duterte coup...
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the filipino people only by lawful means. the state will act resolutely to go against all unlawful attempts and challenges,” he added.
persecutes political enemies.”
she also said the government’s accusations of a plot were a “farce.”
means to bring himself back to power.
that allowed for more generous premium subsidies and special enrollment periods. the fate of those enhanced subsidies, which are set to expire, will be decided by Congress next year as the trump administration takes power. But the premiums and subsidies that come with 2025 plans that people are enrolling in now will remain in effect for the entire year.
the actions taken this year to thwart the unauthorized enrollments apply to the federal marketplace, used by 31 states. the remaining states and the District of Columbia run their own websites, with many having in place additional layers of security.
for its part, Cms says its efforts are working, pointing to the 30% drop in complaint casework. the agency also noted a 90% drop in the number of times an agent’s name was replaced by another’s, which it says indicates that it is tougher for rival agents to steal clients to gain the monthly commissions that insurers pay. still, the move to suspend 850 agents has drawn pushback from agent groups that initially brought the problem to federal regulators’ attention. they say some of those accused were suspended before getting a chance to respond to the allegations. there will be a certain number of agents and brokers who are going to be suspended without due process,” said Nolan, with the health agents’ group. she said that it has called for increased protections against unauthorized switching and that two-factor authentication, like that used in some state marketplaces or in the financial sector, would be more effective than what’s been done.
“We now have to jump through so many hoops that I’m not sure we’re going to survive,” she said of agents in general. “they are just throwing things against the wall to see what sticks when they could just do two-factor.” the agency did not respond to questions asking for details about how the 850 agents suspended since July were selected, the states where they were located, or how many had their suspensions reversed after supplying additional information.
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.
In a press conference in Davao City, Duterte on monday, November 25 called for the AfP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take control and correct marcos’ “fractured governance.”
Duterte, whose daughter is facing congressional investigations over her use of confidential funds, told reporters that only the military can correct the situation. there is a fractured governance in the Philippines right now. there is no urgent remedy. It is only the military who can correct it,” he said.
he later repeated his accusation that President marcos was a drug addict.
the older Duterte’s statements came after his daughter went on an angry rant in a virtual press conference, where she said she had contacted an assassin to kill marcos, his wife Liza Aranetamarcos and speaker martin romualdez if she herself was killed.
the military on tuesday said it was unbothered by the row between the country’s leaders, stressing that the troops remain loyal to their duty to protect the country and the Constitution.
“Your Armed forces will remain loyal to the Constitution and the duly constituted civil authorities,” said Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine sea, rear Adm. roy Vincent trinidad.
In a press conference, trinidad said the chain of command remained intact despite efforts by some groups to weaken it through disinformation.
“to those who are spreading misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation designed to weaken the chain of command, listen and listen well. the chain of command is intact. It is secure. It will remain intact and secure. We take pride in being military professionals,” he said.
AfP spokesman Col. francel margareth Padilla, meanwhile, said the military would not get involved in politics.
“We see our soldiers being highly professional,” Padilla said. “At this point, there is no need for loyalty checks.”
she added that the political noise could cause the country to lose focus “on the bigger challenge that we are facing.”
‘Plan without flesh’
the vice president on tuesday denied she was plotting to kill marcos, saying her comments that sparked a government probe only reflected “consternation” with her one-time ally.
Duterte described her statements as an expression of “consternation” at the marcos administration’s “failure to serve the filipinos while it masterfully
“Common sense should be enough for us to understand and accept that a supposed conditional act of revenge does not constitute an active threat. this is a plan without flesh,” the vice president said in a statement.
Despite her denial, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said the National Bureau of Investigation had initiated a hunt for the alleged assassin or assassins supposedly hired by the vice president.
In a statement, the DoJ said this move underscores the government’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions and statements.
It added that Vice President Duterte is “not immune from suit” and will face legal consequences for her recent remarks, which have been deemed highly concerning.
It emphasized that the words of public officials must be interpreted literally, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
Also on tuesday, hundreds of people gathered at the eDsA shrine in Quezon City, the area that was the center of the People Power revolution that ousted the president’s father, President ferdinand e marcos, in 1986. the shrine was built in 1989.
It was not clear who the churchgoers were. fr. Jerome secillano said in an advisory on the eDsA shrine facebook page that people flocked to the church for “reasons only known to them, and for some, unknown to them.”
“they were warmly allowed inside the shrine, and they participated in the celebration of the 7 a.m. mass,” he wrote.
secillano also said those who flocked to the shrine opted to stay inside and were accommodated and not “shooed away,” as some alleged. the same people attended the 12:15 p.m. mass but were allowed again to stay inside the church, given that they were praying and not doing anything else.
Although nobody took credit for gathering the crowd, the Duterte-allied sonshine media Network International (smNI), as well as on the page of former Duterte spokesman harry roque, streamed the event.
Akbayan party-list first nominee Chel Diokno condemned Duterte’s call for the military and police to intervene to supposedly protect the Constitution as a means to escape accountability for his war on drugs and the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds by his daughter.
In a statement on tuesday, Diokno said the older Duterte’s pronouncement is not merely about the Constitution but a
“After his daughter revealed the plan to kill high-ranking government officials, now, former President Duterte is hinting at a coup. Is this how desperate this family has become to escape accountability to the nation at the cost of the lives of fellow filipinos?” Diokno said in filipino.
he added that Duterte’s sudden concern for the Constitution was laughable. “Under his regime, he trampled on it repeatedly — through extrajudicial killings, attacks on the free press, and the weakening of democratic institutions. Now, he dares invoke it to justify a military coup. this is hypocrisy at its peak,” the human rights lawyer said.
former senator Leila de Lima on monday said the Dutertes must be held accountable for their words and actions.
“We’re not fools to think that what [Duterte] is inciting in the military is not a coup d’état. the daughter wants an assassination. the father wants a coup d’état. how did it happen that the Dutertes seem immune to the law? Can they really be held accountable for their blatant disruption or terrorism against the nation?” de Lima said in one post on X. the malaya movement UsA on tuesday called for the impeachment of the vice president over her “unhinged” tirades over the weekend.
“Vice President sara Duterte’s unhinged tirades show she is unfit for office. much like her tyrant father, she is undeserving of one of the highest seats of power in the Philippines. malaya movement UsA echoes the people’s organizations in the Philippines calling for her impeachment,” the group said. forty-five officials from eastern Visayas, including congressional representatives, spoke out against remarks made by the vice president against romualdez. of the 45 officials, 38 expressed “profound indignation” at “baseless and reckless accusations made by” the vice president against romualdez, the congressional representative of Leyte’s first district.
Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon said he would file a complaint on Wednesday, November 27 before the supreme Court against Vice President Duterte for disbarment. Gadon himself was disbarred in June 2023 by the supreme Court over a video that circulated online, where he “repeatedly cursed and uttered profane remarks against journalist raissa robles.”
Insisting that the high court had wrongfully applied the principle when it disbarred him, Gadon said “there would be no reason that the supreme Court cannot apply it rightfully to the vice president.” n
From left: Filipino American labor leaders Peter Gines Velasco, Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz. File photos
From left: Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su with Larry Itliong’s daughters Sandra Itliong Bowman and Patty Itliong Serda, and Deborah Vollmer. Contributed photos
Fil-Am community leaders attend the induction ceremony.
Marcos forms committee on International Humanitarian Law
by luIsa K. cabato Inquirer.net
mANILA — President
Government, the Department of
and
the Department of
the Department of
and Industry, and other relevant agencies. Based on the eo, the IACIhL shall advise and assist concerned government agencies in “implementing, developing, and raising public awareness” about IhL. some of the committee’s tasks are to formulate and
ferdinand marcos Jr. has issued an executive order (eo) establishing an Inter-agency Committee on International humanitarian Law (IAC-IhL). eo No. 77 was signed on November 22 and published in the official Gazette on tuesday, November 26. It specifies that the IACIhL shall be co-chaired by the Department of National Defense and the Department of foreign Affairs. Its members will include the Department of the Interior and
implement year-round programs and activities for the promotion of IhL and international agreements, study and submit recommendations on the effective implementation of and compliance with IhL, and coordinate and collaborate with concerned agencies as well as non-government agencies and other groups for the promotion of IhL. funding of the committee, meanwhile, shall be charged against the current and available budgets of the member agencies. n
Marcos signs a flurry of proclamations, EOs
• Executive Order No. 76:
by luisA K. CAbAto Inquirer.net
mANILA — President
ferdinand marcos Jr. has issued several executive order and proclamations regarding various declarations across the country. they are as follows:
• Proclamation No. 753:
• Proclamation No. 754:
Declaring monday, 02 December 2024, a special (Non-working) Day in the municipality of Bonifacio, Province of misamis occidental
• Executive Order No. 75: strengthening the Center for International trade expositions and missions
Declaring the month of october of every Year as “National Agriculture and fisheries extension services month”
Declaring the ‘tara, Basa! tutoring Program’ as a flagship Program of the National Government.
All were signed last November 22, except for Proclamation No. 754 which was forged last November 25. they were uploaded in the official Gazette on tuesday, November 26. n
CHR demands transparency from media companies as layoffs increase
by crIstIna chI Philstar.com
mANILA, — the Commission on human rights urged media companies on tuesday, November 26, to be more transparent about their layoff decisions and provide adequate support to displaced workers after job cuts hit around 400 this year. the call follows ABs-CBN's layoff of 100 employees this october and CNN Philippines' shutdown in January that displaced an estimated 300 media workers.
"While we acknowledge that traditional media outlets face revenue declines due to shifting audiences and the growth of new media, the Commission emphasizes the employees' right to transparency from their companies' management," the human rights body said in a statement.
ABs-CBN, whose franchise renewal bid was killed in 2020 during the Duterte administration, laid off 3% of its workforce in october due to declining advertising revenues. this follows the shutdown of CNN Philippines earlier this year, which closed its operations due
to "serious financial losses" that were worsened by the CoVID-19 pandemic.
the Chr expressed concern that "media workers are being forced to accept abrupt job losses as inevitable," particularly when prices for essential goods are soaring.
Beyond transparency, the human rights body stressed that "laid-off media workers be provided ample assistance and benefits in this difficult period.
the Chr specifically addressed the circumstances surrounding ABs-CBN's financial situation, where employees continue to face uncertainty following the network's franchise denial in 2020.
the Chr has previously stressed that this decision— lacking fairness and justice—has inevitably cast a chilling effect on press freedom," the human rights body said.
While acknowledging that media outlets operate as businesses, the Chr emphasized that "journalism is a vital public service.
the Chr also said media companies must strike a balance between their business interests and their responsibility to their workers, particularly given
the media's crucial role in democracy and the approaching 2025 elections."
With the 2025 local and national elections approaching, timely and credible information is even more crucial in empowering filipinos to choose competent public servants. We cannot uphold a firm standard of truth in the country if journalists are unable to carry out their duties," it said.
"Just as the media has consistently played its valuable role in shaping communities and societies, it is now imperative that we equally ensure the protection of their rights as workers and as bastions of truth," it added.
Irene Khan, the United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion, said in february that CNN Philippines' closure was a "worrying sign" for media freedom in the country. After her 10-day assessment of human rights and press freedom in the country, Khan noted that media's essential function in public information and dialogue was being undermined by powerful economic and political interests, which she said was eroding media and editorial freedom both in the Philippines and globally. n
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang file photo
HONORING JPE. Senators pose with Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile (6th from left) on Tuesday, November 26, after adopting
Resolution No. 225 which cited their former colleague’s extensive career in public service as well as his stellar achievements in lawmaking. Enrile, who will turn 101 on Feb. 14, 2025, also received the gavel he used during his tenure as Senate president (2008-2013) as a commemorative gift.
PNA photo by Avito Dalan
OPiniOn Features
UNiTE vs violence
It’s unfortunate that the nation’s highest ranking female official threatened to unleash lethal violence against the president, his wife and his cousin who is the Speaker of the House as the world prepared to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Vice President sara Duterte should have been leading the events in the country marking the special day on monday, November 25, during which the United Nations kicked off the 16-day UNite campaign, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, to end violence against women. Violence against women and girls persists in this country, despite the existence of laws including one of the world’s toughest against domestic violence – republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004.
UN Women reports that worldwide, a woman was murdered every 10 minutes by partners and family members, with the problem exacerbated by conflicts and climate change. UN Women describes violence against women and girls as “one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world,” with one in three women worldwide having been subjected at least once in life to physical or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both.
Accountability requires victims seeking help, identifying their oppressors and pursuing complaints. this, however, is a problem in many societies.
Because of poverty and undereducation, too
the escalating war in Ukraine is already sending chills down the spine of many people, most especially those in europe. shortly after U.s. President Biden gave the greenlight for the use of U.s.-made longrange missiles, Ukraine fired eight AtACms (Army tactical missile system) missiles that hit a russian weapon arsenal in Bryansk oblast on tuesday, November 26.
In response to the AtACms firing, President Vladimir Putin approved changes to russia’s nuclear doctrine that says an attack from a non-nuclear state with the backing or support by a nuclear country would be considered a joint attack – giving russia the right to use nuclear weapons as a response. Clearly, the war seems to be “escalating quickly and unpredictably” as New York Times’ German Lopez described it, with Ukraine also firing the UK-provided, longer-range storm shadow missiles at targets inside russia for the first
ALL hell broke loose, so to speak. It was like seeing a dormant but active volcano called mt. Apo in Davao City erupt without warning over the weekend. Also known as the highest point in the Philippines, mt. Apo last erupted in 1640 and thankfully has been calm for so many years. smouldering in wrath, Vice President sara Duterte unleashed her bottled up fury. the volcanic-like temper of VP sara cut down to pieces the people who blocked her path. Blinded by rage, the VP unfortunately forgot her role as the second highest elected official of the land. As such, she must be responsible for the welfare and national interest of our people and country over and above anything else, come what may. But her personal gripes, frustrations and disappointments over politics got the better of her. methinks, VP sara let her unhinged self pour her deep-
many filipino women are unaware of their rights under the law. And even when the awareness is there, too many women are scared of seeking help, wondering if the law will protect them from their abusers. there have been numerous reports of battered women complaining that barangay officials, who are mandated by law to provide the first line of assistance to victims of domestic violence, refuse to help the women, dismissing the complaints as private matters. for other women, including those with sufficient education and financial means, domestic violence still carries a stigma. fearing public humiliation, they eschew seeking help or filing a complaint against their oppressors. some simply relocate to other cities or move to another country to escape further abuse.
these are among the hurdles that must be overcome as the international community intensifies efforts to end violence against women and girls, and to hold the perpetrators accountable. In the Philippines, women occupy high office, and it doesn’t look like the vice president is a victim of domestic violence. But millions of other filipino women face physical, sexual and other forms of
abuse.
The very real threat of a nuclear war
time. According to the BBC, the storm shadow is an “Anglofrench cruise missile” with a high-explosive warhead and is called “scalp” by the french. the Biden administration’s decision allowing Ukraine to use the AtACms is perceived to be in response to North Korea’s sending of thousands of soldiers to russia. reports say over 100,000 North Koreans may be deployed as the relationship between moscow and Pyongyang deepens. North Korean President Kim Jong Un reportedly told troops to “go all out” – not surprising since russia is reportedly paying each soldier $2,000 a month. U.s. ambassador to the UN robert Wood had warned that North Korean forces entering Ukraine would “return in body bags,” while south Korea said it will not sit idly by and is prepared to do what it takes, including the option to directly supply weapons to Ukraine. seoul has been providing financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, sending non-lethal military supplies and artillery shells indirectly through the U.s But all of this could change, said south Korean President Yoon suk-yeol.
According to an article titled, how should seoul respond to North Korea’s soldiers in russia?” published by the United states Institute of Peace, the greatest threat to south Korea is the possibility that russia might provide North Korea with advanced military technologies that include nuclear-powered submarine technology; highresolution satellite imaging for improved intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities; and combat aircraft to reduce the gap with south Korea’s air superiority. foreign ministers from france, Germany, Italy, Poland, spain and the United Kingdom have also expressed tremendous concern about russia’s “hybrid warfare” and issued a joint statement accusing russia of “systematically attacking european security architecture.” Last week, two fiber-optic internet cables in the Baltic sea – one connecting sweden and Lithuania and the other connecting finland and Germany – were cut, with european officials suspecting russia of sabotage and accusing it of stepping up its hybrid attacks across allied territories – although the presence of a
Money politics
seated hurt when she had a zoom conference with known social media vloggers of DDs (diehard Duterte supporters). she apparently did not know the entire video zoom conferencing of her ranting and harangue were shared online by the likes of maharlika, Lorraine Badoy, the smNI network identified with detained Pastor Quiboloy, who were among those seen in the video screen behind her. Aside from the cussing, the visibly incensed VP sara nonchalantly announced having hired an unnamed “assassin” to specifically kill President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr.(PBBm), his wife first Lady Liza Araneta-marcos, speaker martin romualdez. that is, in case she is killed.
Armed forces chief of staff Gen. r omeo Brawner was not even spared, as VP s ara accused him of “comfortably speaking” while the country is supposedly in turmoil. It was short of asking the military to intervene anew ala 1986 e D s A People Power r evolution. VP s ara though would later clarify the people only need to go to m alacañang Palace.
s till sounds like inciting to sedition.
But there was a notable shift back to VP sara’s public statements and official demeanor hours later, when the mainstream media covered the ensuing “drama” at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City. As a lawyer and politician, she turned to her legalistic self and calculated public statements. What gives? It was too late to backpedal now that all security authorities have doubled down against the assassin’s threat on PBBm. And the chief executive himself is not taking any chances. While proceeding on his scheduled state visit tomorrow morning in the United Arab emirates, PBBm and the first lady will return to manila later on the same day.
PBBm earlier begged off from attending the annual APeC Leaders’ summit in Peru in deference to the victims and destruction from the series of typhoon calamities that hit the Philippines one after the other. With no less than the VP kicking up dust, PBBm could not afford to be out of the country to foil
Chinese ship in the area has also raised suspicions. first defined by frank hoffman in his December 2007 paper titled “Conflict in the 21st Century: the rise of hybrid Wars,” hybrid warfare “incorporate a range of different modes of warfare” such as physical or military conflict, disinformation, cyberattacks, economic coercion and political interference to undermine or destroy a target.
many are now looking to President-elect Donald trump to end the war in Ukraine, who had said this will be a priority of his administration. “It’s got to stop,” trump said, lamenting the death of thousands because of the conflict that has already gone on for more than a thousand days. trump also vowed to work in bringing peace to the middle east.
our friend Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific security Program at the Center for a New American security who served as deputy assistant to Presidentelect trump during his first term, said ending the war needs to be “done in a way that doesn’t encourage other U.s. adversaries to try to illegally invade their neighbor’s territory.”
any political instability from another coup attempt or any destabilization plot.
At the rate of deep division being sown upon us, it is incumbent upon PBBm, as the father of the filipino nation, to reach out to disgruntled and feuding children, including his 46-year-old VP sara.
In her rage-filled narratives, VP sara recalled it all started after the speaker, PBBm’s first cousin, met with the makabayan bloc late last year. Brutally frank, she berated manila rep. Joel Chua and the left-leaning house makabayan bloc. from then on, according to VP sara, this “drama” unfolded. the house of representatives started its legislative inquiry into the questioned use of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIf) in the 2023 budgets of office of the Vice President (oVP) and the Department of education (Deped). As Deped secretary, VP sara used to concurrently serve as co-chair of the National task force to end the Communist Armed Conflict (Ntf-eLCAC). this was until June this year when she resigned from the Cabinet of PBBm the house committee on good government chaired by
the situation in europe has raised concerns that the same thing could happen in the Indo-Pacific region with North Korea ratcheting up its nuclear threats and China’s continued aggression particularly against the Philippines. According to a recent foreign Affairs magazine article, “the true Aims of China’s Nuclear Buildup,” our giant neighbor has “initiated a short-of-war coercion campaign to dissolve the U.s. alliance system in the Pacific, and its increasingly sophisticated nuclear arsenal gives it more leverage to achieve this objective without igniting a catastrophic greatpower war.”
If World War 3 were to ever break out, everyone knowledgeable recognizes it would be more devastating than World War 2 and could literally spell the end of the world.
Undoubtedly, technologically advanced nuclear weapons have become more lethal and whose impact will be far greater than hiroshima.
In his speech before a Joint meeting of the U.s. Congress last April, former Japanese Prime minister fumio Kishida – who knows it only too well being a
rep. Chua tried but failed to summon VP sara to appear before them to explain the CIf expenditures of the oVP and the Deped. Although they failed to get the VP to cooperate with them, Deped and oVP officials under her were invited to testify. Initially, six of the oVP officials refused to attend. one of them, oVP chief of staff lawyer zuleika Lopez, however, left the country purportedly to visit relatives in the United states.
Under pain of contempt charges, the six oVP officials subsequently showed up at the house hearing, including Lopez who flew back home last week. for allegedly “lying” under oath during her testimony last thursday, November 21, Lopez was cited for contempt upon the motion of another makabayan bloc member, ACt party list rep. france Castro. Upon learning this, VP sara wrote two letter requests to rep. Chua. In her first letter, she asked to be allowed to visit Lopez. And in the second letter, she asked to be allowed to stay with Lopez, who was being detained at the house Legislative security Building at Batasan. that very thursday night, VP sara slept at the house office of her brother, Davao City
native of hiroshima – said he has devoted his political career to bringing about a world without nuclear weapons. During the hiroshima Peace memorial Ceremony last August, he talked of the human suffering caused by the atomic bomb, saying the horror of nuclear devastation must never be repeated.
As a country, the Philippines has never provoked or instigated conflicts, always trying to resolve issues through peaceful means. We also continue to reach out to allies and friends, not only the U.s. but other like-minded nations, through bilateral engagements and even multilateral coalitions which has always been the approach taken by President marcos Jr.
Being a nation of deep Catholic faith, we strongly believe in prayer – which to many of us can often be the more powerful weapon.
(Philstar.com)
God bless our country!
* * *
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.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
rep. Polong Duterte. What finally made VP sara blow her top was the sudden and hasty house committee order to transfer Lopez to the Women’s Correctional in mandaluyong City. Nine members of the house sergeantat-arms fetched Lopez midnight of friday, November 22. Acting as the lawyer for Lopez, the VP tried but failed to stop the house from implementing the transfer order. stress-stricken Lopez vomitted. fearing Lopez had a heart attack of sorts drove the feisty VP crazy angry. It was at this juncture that all hell broke loose. from a legal standpoint, the VP camp had valid arguments. But for us ordinary filipinos, VP sara’s revelations show that all of her woes trace their roots to “money politics.” Alas, it’s our taxpayers’ money that they are all fighting about. With the may 2025 national and local elections just around the corner, we dread the thought of more “drama” ahead of us. (Philstar.com)
* * * 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.
mANILA — former President rodrigo Duterte’s call to the military to “correct” the supposed “fractured governance” under President ferdinand marcos Jr. is bordering on sedition and is legally actionable, said the Department of Justice (DoJ) on tuesday, November 26.
DoJ Undersecretary
Jesse Andres made the pronouncement in response to former President rodrigo Duterte’s statement.
“I do not know where the [former] president is getting his notion, we have a strong and functioning republic. Civil governance is for civilians, and the military has no role whatsoever,” Andres told reporters in a chance interview.
“for him to invite the military to have a part in seeking remedy is bordering on sedition and is legally actionable,” he added.
According to Andres, the DoJ is already investigating Duterte’s remarks along with
other similar efforts—all of which seem to encourage “something of a demonstration.”
“We do know whether this is coming from the efforts of the former president or elsewhere, but again, we will have to look at every angle,” said Andres.
Along with Duterte’s pronouncement currently under investigation, said Andres, is the threat her daughter Vice President sara Duterte recently admitted—where she supposedly instructed an unidentified individual to kill marcos, his wife Liza and cousin speaker martin romualdez.
Andres said the DoJ is considering whether the threat and former president Duterte’s remarks are “part and parcel of a bigger plan for destabilization.”
however, he assured the public that the government is ready to address contingencies, even vouching for the Armed forces of the Philippines as a “professional organization that is loyal to the chain of command.”
When asked how the DoJ will
respond should the Dutertes brush their own statements as metaphorical or hyperbolic, Andres responded that they would then have to consider “other contemporaneous acts.”
“In legal contemplation, we have to put it in its proper context and ordinary meaning. And we have to take it in consideration of other contemporaneous acts, ano ‘yung sinasabi niyo, ano binibigkas niyo and ano ginagawa niyo,” said Andres.
he again cited sara’s admission of a kill plot against marcos, tagging it as “very revealing” and disputing claims that it was merely a “conditional threat.”
“there is no such thing as a conditional threat, once it is a threat, it is a threat—and it is a matter of national security because it is coming from a very influential person, the vice president and the subject of the criminal act is the president himself, elected leader of our country,” said Andres.
so we will not take this lightly and we will address this very seriously,” he added. n
Harry Roque may be overseas – NBI
mANILA — the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on tuesday, November 26 said it has information that former presidential spokesperson harry roque has left the country.
roque is facing an arrest order from the house of representatives after being cited for contempt and ordered to be detained due to his failure to submit documents that would supposedly justify his sudden increased wealth.
he is also facing human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice due to his alleged “active participation” in the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operator Lucky south 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
“that is the same information we have but it’s not yet confirmed,” said NBI Director Jaime santiago said in an interview over DzBB, when asked to comment on Vice President sara Duterte’s statement that roque has left the country. santiago then refused to
his failure to submit documents that would supposedly justify his sudden increased wealth. Senate photo further discuss the topic as the NBI’s investigation is still ongoing.
In an online press conference last s aturday, November 23, Duterte — a known ally of r oque — accidentally said that r oque left the country. “Ayaw umalis niyan noon sa bansa kasi ‘yung mga anak niya maiiwanan. Pero look at him, umalis na lang,” Duterte said. (He didn’t want to leave the country because his children would be left behind. But look at him, he still left.) While roque’s whereabouts have been unknown, he regularly posts on his social media and even holds online press conferences from time to time. (inquirer.net)
Make America healthy again: An unconventional...
PAGE 4
“I really felt, and he felt, like this could be a realignment of American politics,” means said.
he is joined in the effort by his sister, Casey means, a stanford University-trained doctor and coauthor with her brother of “Good energy,” a book about improving metabolic health. the duo has blamed Big Pharma and the agriculture industry for increasing rates of obesity, depression, and chronic health conditions in the country. they have also raised questions about vaccines.
“Yeah, I bet that one vaccine probably isn’t causing autism, but what about the 20 that they are getting before 18 months,” Casey means said in the Joe rogan podcast episode with her brother. the movement, which challenges what its adherents call “the cult of science,” gained significant traction during the pandemic, fueled by a backlash against vaccine and mask mandates that flourished during the Biden administration. many of its supporters say they gained followers who believed they had been misled on the effectiveness of CoVID-19 vaccines.
In July 2022, Deborah Birx, CoVID-19 response coordinator in trump’s first administration, said on fox News that “we overplayed the vaccines,” although she noted that they do work.
Anthony fauci, who advised trump during the pandemic, in December 2020 called the vaccines a game changer that
could diminish CoVID-19 the way the polio vaccine did for that disease.
eventually, though, it became evident that the shots don’t necessarily prevent transmission and the effectiveness of the booster wanes with time, which some conservatives say led to disillusionment that has driven interest in the health freedom movement.
federal health officials say the rollout of the covid vaccine was a turning point in the pandemic and that the shots lessen the severity of the disease by teaching the immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes it.
Postelection, some trump allies such as elon musk have called for fauci to be prosecuted. fauci declined to comment.
Joe Grogan, a former director of the White house’s Domestic Policy Council and assistant to trump, said conservatives have been trying to articulate why government control of health care is troublesome.
two things have happened. the government went totally overboard and lied about many things during covid and showed no compassion about people’s needs outside of covid,” he said. “rfK Jr. came along and articulated very simply that government control of health care can’t be trusted, and we’re spending money, and it isn’t making anyone healthier. In some instances, it may be making people sicker.” the mAhA movement
capitalizes on many of the nonconventional health concepts that have been darlings of the left, such as promoting organic foods and food as medicine. But in an environment of polarized politics, the growing prominence of leaders who challenge what they call the cult of science could lead to more public confusion and division, some health analysts say. Jeffrey singer, a surgeon and senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian public policy research group, said in a statement that he agrees with rfK Jr.’s focus on reevaluating the public health system. But he said it comes with risks.
“I am concerned that many of rfK Jr.’s claims about vaccine safety, environmental toxins, and food additives lack evidence, have stoked public fears, and contributed to a decline in childhood vaccination rates,” he said.
measles vaccination among kindergartners in the U.s dropped to 92.7% in the 202324 school year from 95.2% in the 2019-20 school year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. the agency said that has left about 280,000 kindergartners at risk. 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.
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is facing an arrest order from the House of Representatives after being cited for contempt and ordered to be detained due to
HAZARD ALERT. Non-profit environmental group BAN toxic holds a press briefing in Quezon City on Tuesday, November 26 to inform about harmful chemicals in plastic toys that will flood the market this Christmas season. The group’s study finds that children in the Philippines are highly exposed to toxic health hazards due to chemicals in widely available and affordable toys, including heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and traces of bromine and chlorine.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Harvy Santos: The Pinoy designer behind the iconic hats of ‘Wicked’
by PAtriciA DelA rocA Philstar.com
fILIPINo
santos
hat worn by one of the main characters, elphaba, who is played by Cynthia erivo, who stars alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda.
“I originally came from the Philippines,” he said, adding that his fascination with costumes began at an early age. “my fascination for costumes
millinery, harvy pursued a career as a ballet dancer with the hong Kong Ballet. Using his earnings, he nurtured his passion for costume design.
“All of the money that I got from dancing, every payday I would buy myself books on garment construction and costume design,” he shared. his dedication led him to study millinery at Kensington and Chelsea colleges in the United Kingdom. today, harvy’s award-winning creations have graced the pages of prestigious magazines including Vogue and harper’s Bazaar. for “Wicked,” harvy embraced the challenges of designing hats that symbolize empowerment and strength.
“millinery is like sculpture. We started playing with materials, experimenting with shapes,” he explained. “It’s still fascinating, it’s still challenging, and I quite like those challenges because I get to be inventive and creative with it.”
he expressed his excitement about contributing to such a monumental film, saying, “every day, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. Knowing that you’re contributing to an epic film — that’s very exhilarating.”
Catch harvy’ stunning work on the big screen as “Wicked” is now showing in cinemasnationwide.
KAthrYN Bernardo and Alden richards have nothing but gratitude to their supporters as their film “hello, Love, Again” made history as the first Philippine film to cross the P1 billion mark at the box office. since its release in theaters earlier this month, the Bernardo and richards starrer made numerous records such as earning the biggest first-day ticket sales at P85 million and debuting on the eighth spot at the U.s.’ top 10 box office last Nov. 19, among other milestones.
It has overtaken marian rivera and Dingdong Dantes’ “rewind” to be the highest-grossing filipino film, earning P1.06 billion. this milestone led the actor to thank the film’s supporters on his Instagram account on saturday, Nov. 23. thank you for making this happen. We are truly grateful beyond words. maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat (Thank you very much to all of you). to God be the glory,” he wrote. Bernardo and richards also showed their appreciation in a video message on ABsCBN News’ Youtube channel uploaded on monday, Nov. 25, with the latter saying he loves their fans a “billion times.”
“We love you a billion times, guys. Grabe (Wow),” he said. “We didn’t expect na aabot nang ganito ang gross income ng ‘hello, Love, Again’ (We didn’t expect that the gross income of ‘Hello, Love, Again’ will hit this mark). No words to say how
grateful we are.” meanwhile, Bernardo admitted that she’s left with “no words” about the film’s achievement. “Yes, no words po.
You’re part of this),” she said. thank you for making this happen. thank you for making this possible. And congratulations
Anne Curtis’ wax figure unveiled in Hong Kong
ANNe Curtis’ wax figure is now officially displayed in a museum in hong Kong, and the actress-tV host could not help but gush over it. Glimpses from the unveiling event were shown by Curtis’ talent management company, Viva Artists Agency, through its Instagram page on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
“multimedia superstar Anne Curtis unveils her madame tussauds wax figure, making history as the first filipino actress and tV host in madame tussauds hong Kong’s ‘hong Kong Glamour zone,'” it said. sharing the spotlight with hollywood legends like Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Chris hemsworth, Anne continues to shine on the global stage,” it added.
Curtis, meanwhile, earlier treated fans to a peek into her preparations for the event, adding the caption “Can’t believe it!” Curtis, who is currently among the hosts of the ABs-CBN noontime show “It’s showtime,” first announced her wax figure in December last year.
Aside from her, other filipino celebrities who also have their own wax figures done by the museum include boxing legend manny Pacquiao, beauty queens Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, and Broadway superstar Lea salonga.
by jessicA Ann evAngelistA Inquirer.net
WheN Dolly de Leon became the first filipina to be nominated for Best supporting Actress for her performance in the satirical black comedy “triangle of sadness” at the Golden Globe Awards and British Academy of film and television Arts (BAftA) Awards in 2022, it gave the filipinos hope that it could also lead to a first oscar nomination for the Philippines. sadly, it didn’t happen.
Ahead of the oscars 2025, Cinegang Inc. and the manila International film festival (mIff) held a panel discussion on monday, Nov. 25, as a way to help boost the filipino actors, filmmakers, and producers’ chances to break through the hollywood awards season.
During the discussion, dubbed “how to Award Your film and tV Project,” the distinguished speakers, filipino-American publicists David magdael and Annalee Paulo, who are also recognized voters for the Academy Awards, weighed in on what happened during De Leon’s oscar campaign, saying that presence on the campaign season is a very big factor to consider.
she (de Leon) should have lived in America for like three months for the campaign,” began Paulo. magdael concurred with Paulo, saying de Leon could have made it big in hollywood had she made herself present in the United states at least for the duration of the campaign. “she should have been in America as much as for the campaign. I think that was the biggest mistake she made. Because I remember she
blew everybody in hollywood; everybody was talking about her.
When it comes to her part, she just takes over the movie and runs with it,” magdael said.
“We kept trying to get her to stay in the U.s., but she had familial obligations, and it was hard because her kids are here [in the Philippines]. she could have gotten nominated if she had been in every screening for like a four-week period. everybody wanted to get in touch with her,” he said. Paulo used “Parasite” director Bong Joon-ho as an example of someone who went all out with his campaign that eventually led him to bag the Academy Award.
“I fully believe the reason Parasite won is because Bong Joon-ho lived in the United states for like four months and went to every party. It’s a campaign, right?” she explained. on the other hand, four-time emmy Award-winning television producer Lisa Lew, who served as one of the moderators in the discussion, believed that all went down to “timing.” triangle of sadness was a discovery. she (De Leon) could have won,” she added. meanwhile, the speakers emphasized that De Leon is already on the map, and with the right strategies, she still stands a chance to bag that first oscar nomination or victory for the Philippines. the 2nd mIff will take place in hollywood on Jan. 28 to february 2, which will screen the film entries from the 2024 metro manila film festival (mmff).
to us,” she added. “hello, Love, Again” picks up where the story of Joy (Bernardo) and ethan (richards) left off, as the latter is determined to win her back after breaking up during the height of the pandemic. But Joy remained firm with her decision, and she made the bold declaration that “Joy is gone.” Aside from theaters in the Philippines, the romance drama is also screened in theaters in North America, Asia and the middle east.
Harvy’s creations include the signature witch’s hat worn by one of the main characters, Elphaba, who is played by Cynthia Erivo (above), who stars alongside Ariana Grande (below) as Glinda. Photo from Instagram/@wickedmovie
Dolly de Leon
Photo from Instagram/@dollyedeleon
From left to right: Winston Emano, David Magdael, Annalee Paulo, and Lisa Lew. Inquirer.net photo
Alden Richards (left) and Kathryn Bernardo
Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02
Anne Curtis (right) and her wax figure in a museum in Hong Kong. Photo from Instagram/@vivartistsagency
started when I was six.” Before venturing into
NAPCA hosts ‘Confronting Obesity’ within the
WAshINGtoN, D.C. – on Wednesday, November 20, NAPCA hosted the Confronting obesity and obesity related Illnesses briefing in Washington, D.C., bringing together Congressmembers, over 60 attendees, and healthcare experts to address obesity and related illnesses in Asian American, Native hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA&NhPI) communities.
During the event, NAPCA’s President & Ceo Clayton s fong expressed deep gratitude for Congresswoman michelle steel and Congresswoman marilyn strickland. “We thank Congresswoman steel for hosting this briefing. she has always been a steadfast champion for tailored and inlanguage access for AA&NhPI communities,” fong said. highlighting Congresswoman strickland’s exceptional opening remarks, he added, representative strickland shared a moving story of helping her Korean-speaking mother navigate healthcare growing
up, powerfully highlighting her deep understanding of the need for linguistically and culturally inclusive services. We are honored by the support and leadership both Congresswomen bring to these critical conversations.”
Dr. soo-Young Chin, obesity researcher and co-founder of ethnoworks, started the panel off with findings from NAPCA’s study, “Understanding obesity Among Native hawaiian and Pacific Islander Americans.”
Dr. Chin revealed that obesity prevalence among Native hawaiian and Pacific Islander Americans exceeds that of the overall U.s. population and remains persistently high, often masked by aggregated data. ofa matagi, executive director of UPIhC: Utah Pacific Islander health Coalition, called for disaggregated data and emphasized the importance of not treating AA&NhPI communities as a monolith. matagi also highlighted the need for prevention and intervention strategies that integrate cultural
practices and linguistic nuances. Ka hei Karen Lau, registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Joslin Diabetes Center, highlighted tailored solutions such as culturally relevant recipes provided by the Joslin Diabetes Center. Lau also discussed how despite having a lower average BmI, Asian Americans face a high rate of obesity-related illnesses. this shows how eurocentric BmI measures may not adequately capture health risks for AA&NhPI individuals and the need for screening at a lower BmI threshold (BmI 23) to enable early prevention and care.
fong concluded, “Contrary to stereotypes, not everyone in our community is wealthy, an Ivy League graduate, or thin. obesity and obesity related illnesses is a growing and critical issue. And as we work to improve our nation’s health, it’s essential to advocate for and include the diverse needs of our AA&NhPI communities in the conversation.”(NAPcA release)
Limited winter tour includes stops in California, Arizona and New York
CeNter stage records has officially released “Lea salonga: sounding Joy – the holiday Album,” marking the tony Award winner’s first holiday album in over 20 years. fans can order the album on Amazon and Centerstagerecords.com, with a limited number of signed copies available exclusively on the label’s website.
Now available on digital platforms and CD, the highly anticipated album by the international icon and Disney legend features reimagined Christmas classics, brandnew original songs, and a special duet with American Idol star Clay Aiken. sounding Joy” promises to enchant listeners with salonga’s heartfelt interpretations and flawless vocals, offering a perfect soundtrack for the holiday season.
“We are so thrilled to reunite with Lea, having previously worked with her on once on this Island,’ ‘Allegiance,’ and her live album with the sydney symphony orchestra,” said Van Dean, Center stage records president. “there’s something so special about pairing her voice with these songs. We can’t wait for everyone to hear the magic that Lea and her musicians have created.”
In support of the album, salonga will be hitting the road again this winter.
salonga will bring “sounding Joy | the holiday tour,” her celebrated holiday concert to san Diego on Wednesday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Balboa
theater. this highly anticipated performance is part of her limited winter tour, which also includes stops at the Warfield theatre in san francisco on December 7 (sold out), Arizona musicfest in scottsdale on December 9, the soraya in Northridge on December 15, and the town hall in New York on December 20 (sold out). fans can expect an evening filled with holiday classics, new songs, and salonga’s signature charm and artistry. tickets are available now at leasalonga.com. recently, Lea starred in the new musical “here Lies Love” at the Broadway
theater and headlined “old friends” (alongside Bernadette Peters) on London’s West end, which she will star in on Broadway in the spring. In her 45-year career, Lea has performed for six Philippine presidents (from ferdinand marcos to Benigno s. Aquino III), four American Presidents (Joe Biden, George h. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush), and for Diana, Princess of Wales and her majesty Queen elizabeth II. she was honored by time magazine as a time100 Impact Award recipient and received the Gold house 2023 Gold Legend Award.
Success story: Lost petition is found and reinstated in an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy this Sunday
U.s. Immigration Attorney michael J. Gurfinkel saves the day by finding a mother’s missing petition for her daughter and reinstating it in time. even when she was working as a domestic helper in hong Kong, Nanay Nelfa has always felt sorry for leaving her youngest daughter elyssa behind in the Philippines. for many years, mother and daughter missed out on celebrating special events like Christmas and birthdays together. so, when Nelfa immigrated to the U.s in 2016 courtesy of her eldest daughter’s petition, she filed her petition for elyssa immediately so
they could all be together in the soonest time possible. three years passed. Nelfa and her family in the U.s. were wondering why she never received any notices from the UsCIs they called the agency to inquire about elyssa’s petition and were told it was already with the National Visa Center (NVC). they called the NVC and were informed the file was nowhere to be found.
Nelfa would call every month, but every time she inquired, she got different answers. Adding to the frustration, elyssa was close to aging out of the petition.
Atty. Gurfinkel took on the case
in January 2020 and, to Nelfa and her family’s amazement, he was able to track down the petition and have it reinstated in less than a month. however, the celebration was short-lived because after a few months, CoVID hit and all the immigration offices shut down. Despite this setback, the law office continued to work on elyssa’s case. one major accomplishment was to ensure that elyssa, who was about to turn 21, would not age out of the petition. the Child status Protection Act (CsPA) was able to preserve elyssa’s eligibility for PAGE 10
As California achieves historic milestone, Gov. Newsom commits to restarting state’s ZEV rebate program if federal tax credit is eliminated
sACrAmeNto – California has surpassed 2 million zeroemission vehicles (zeV) sold, reaffirming California’s status as the country’s leader in clean vehicles. this milestone comes a little over two years after California eclipsed the 1 million zeV sales mark.
to ensure the state’s continued progress, Governor Gavin Newsom on monday, November 25 announced that if the incoming trump Administration eliminates a federal zeV tax credit, he will propose creating a new version of the state’s successful Clean Vehicle rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023. During its lifetime, the CVrP funded more than 594,000 vehicles and saved more than 456 million gallons of fuel.
the proposed California rebates, which would include changes to promote innovation and competition in the zeV market, could come from the Greenhouse Gas reduction fund, which is funded by polluters under the state’s capand-trade program.
“Consumers continue to prove the skeptics wrong –zero-emission vehicles are here to stay. We will intervene if the trump Administration eliminates the federal tax credit, doubling down on our commitment to clean air and green jobs in California. We’re not turning back on a clean transportation future — we’re going to make it more affordable for people to drive vehicles that don’t pollute,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement released by his office.
In the third quarter of 2024, Californians purchased 115,897 zeVs, representing 26.4% of all new vehicle sales in the state. With more electric vehicles (eVs), including plugin hybrids, on the road every
day, consumers are benefitting from the state’s work to build a bigger, better and more reliable charging network.
The nation’s leader in ZEV vehicles and infrastructure California’s support for clean cars is unmatched. With the rise in eV and plug-in hybrid demand, the state is committed to rapidly deploying funds to develop and ensure an accessible, reliable and easy-touse charging network. In 2024, the state has doubled down on improving the network:
• 150,000 public or shared private electric vehicle chargers have been installed throughout California, plus over 500,000 at-home chargers.
• Awarded over $32 million in federal funds to install, operate and maintain 458 direct-current fast chargers (DCfC) along interstates and highways across the state thanks to the first round of funding President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. California was recently approved to spend another $81.7 million in federal funding next year.
• Thousands of dollars in grants and rebates available for low-income Californians. Learn more at ClimateAction. ca.gov or electricforAll.org. the work doesn’t stop with electric, hydrogen, and plugin hybrid vehicles — the state has been hard at work to cut emissions in the freight sector and in school districts. recent efforts include:
• $102 million to install charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations for zeroemissions trucks along Interstate 5 and other key freight corridors.
• $500 million to put another 1,000 zeV school buses on the road.
Building a bigger, better charging network state agencies are working to speed up charger deployment, cut through red tape, establish guidelines, plan for the expected increased grid demand, and efficiently electrify charging stations through local utilities. this includes:
• Gathering better data on EV charger counts.
• Prioritizing shovel-ready projects for both state and federal incentives.
• Developing the Zeroemission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (zIP), a comprehensive plan that lays out the overall strategy to meet California’s zeV goals.
• Establishing reliability standards.
• Updating transportation energy forecasts. California is spending billions to speed zeV infrastructure deployment, tear down barriers, and deploy infrastructure in hard-to-reach and low-income areas. 30.3% of new zeVs sold in the U.s. are sold in California, according to the California Air resources Board.
California’s strategy for a clean transportation transition this is a major milestone on California’s path to a clean transportation future. In addition to advancing zeVs, the Newsom Administration is prioritizing clean fuel production, public transit and rail infrastructure enhancements, and a cleaner, smarter electric grid to help power it all. As California works toward this clean transportation future, the state is also advancing efforts to prevent gasoline price spikes. (cA Governor’s office release)
• Under President George W. Bush, the first federal eV tax credit was introduced through the U.s energy Policy Act of 2005.
Mayor Breed announces return of Winter Wander-land to SF’s Union Square this holiday season
Multi-month campaign will include special events, activations, and attractions in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown shopping district
sAN frANCIsCo – mayor London Breed joined the office of economic and Workforce Development (oeWD) and the Union square Alliance to announce the return of Winter Wanderland, a series of special events, attractions, and activations that last year alone drew more than 1.6 million people to Union square during the holiday season. earlier this week we came together for the annual lighting of the macy’s Great tree in Union square, one of san francisco’s favorite holiday traditions and I am so excited to again welcome back Winter Wander-land,” said san francisco mayor Breed. “Whether it’s ice skating in the beautiful plaza, looking at all the adorable sf sPCA kittens and puppies at macy’s, or shopping at our wonderful Union square stores, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We are looking forward to sharing this safe, welcoming, and entertaining experience this holiday season.”
Union square welcomes almost 10 million visitors a year and offers more than 4.8 million square feet of retail space. this year, the iconic district will capture the holiday magic that has made shopping, dining, and staying in Union square a beloved annual tradition. from November through the end of December, a variety of businesses throughout the neighborhood will spread the holiday cheer with special promotions, food and drink specials, and exclusive shopping events.
the Winter Wander-land is the latest in a series of activation initiatives, including the Let’s Glow sf annual holiday light show (December 6 – 15), aimed at boosting Downtown’s economy as part of the mayor’s roadmap to san francisco’s future. since 2022, mayor Breed has invested $15 million to support Downtown events and activations.
“In Union square, the holidays are more than just a season — they’re an experience filled with joy, tradition, and cherished memories that last a lifetime,” said marisa rodriguez, Ceo of Union square Alliance. “People come from far and wide to experience the magic of the square at the holidays. from the festive Winter Walk and ice skating to the adorable san francisco sPCA holiday pet windows at macy’s, tea services at the rotunda or Post room after a long day of shopping, Christmas Dinner at John's Grill, and the annual menorah lighting, there’s something for everyone. Union square is a world-class destination where the magic of the san francisco Bay Area shines brightest during the holiday season.”
In June 2024, mayor Breed introduced the hospitality, entertainment, Arts and Culture, retail and tourism (heArt) Action Plan, which aims to remediate post-CoVID challenges in Union square and Yerba Buena, such as storefront vacancies, declining foot traffic, and a slow tourism recovery. supported by more than $13 million in the mayor’s budget, the heArt Action Plan focuses on creating bustling public spaces through events and activations, strengthening destination retail, bolstering tourism, and expanding uses on upper floors to ensure a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. As part of the heArt Action Plan, Powell street will be transformed into an ornament trail starting mid-November, and the Winter Walk will return to Union square from December 13 – 22. Visitors to the area can explore the larger-thanlife ornaments created by talented local artists on Powell street, which will also be decked out with festive lights and will feature performances at the
Cable Car turnaround. the Winter Walk will be located on stockton street from Post to Geary and from Geary to o farrell. With additional funding from Amazon, JP morgan Chase, Build Group, Gap Inc., and Waymo, this two-block walk will be a holiday extravaganza and winter holiday plaza with food trucks, bar options, and visually captivating experiences featuring contemporary Arctic décor, and various exciting performances. mayor Breed has committed to the success of Union square, and oeWD is glad to support this top-notch holiday experience Downtown that will draw people from across the city and beyond,” said oeWD executive Director sarah Dennis Phillips. “I want to thank our partners and small businesses for making this season bright. shopping online is convenient, but shopping in person is what is going to make the difference for Union square’s economy and all the businesses who make san francisco unlike any city in the world.”
other popular attractions and san francisco holiday traditions include the safeway holiday Ice rink presented by Kaiser Permanente, back for its 17th season in Union square, running outdoors daily through January 20.
there's something magical about skating in the heart of downtown san francisco, where Union square lights up with the energy of the season,” said san francisco recreation and Park Department General manager Phil Ginsburg. the rink brings people together, creating moments of joy and connection against our city’s iconic skyline. And when they’re finished skating, there is so much to do in the area. It’s a reminder of san francisco’s unique charm — a place where everyone can share in the season’s warmth, right in the heart of it all.” the macy’s Great tree took center stage in Union square with the official lightning held recently, and from November 22–December 31, macy’s beloved sPCA holiday Windows will once again feature rescue animals in need of finding their forever homes.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Winter Wanderland celebration, which brings so much joy to the heart of Union square,” said Jonathan Davis, macy’s Union square store manager. “At macy’s, the holidays are all about creating magical moments, from the perfect holiday gifts to the iconic Great tree, sf sPCA holiday Windows and macy’s santa, we’re proud to offer experiences that have become cherished traditions for families across san francisco. We invite everyone to visit and make memories that will last a lifetime while enjoying all that Union square has to offer this season.” the office of small Business’s shop Dinesf shop local campaign in partnership with the san francisco Chamber, JLL, and the san francisco Arts Commission will host a two-day holiday popup at the san francisco Center. Illuminating the season in Downtown popup will feature over 65 small san francisco makers and artisans and will be held on friday December 6, 1–5 p.m. and saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Capping off the season, the Bill Graham menorah will mark its 49th year in Union square from December 25 – January 2. the Bill Graham menorah is the first giant public menorah outside of Israel and is an annual tradition as we celebrate the Chanukah menorah Lighting. safety in Union square continues to be a top priority for the city. mayor Breed’s investments as part of the heArt Plan include $4 million for additional safety to bolster security efforts on the ground and providing additional support to the san francisco Police Department (sfPD) in Union square and Yerba Buena neighborhoods.
While private security will be in place at all times within Winter Walk, the sfPD presence at Union square will also triple for the holiday season. the department has a dedicated mobile command center, and 24-hour deployment, including plainclothes officers in Union square.
Additionally, the sf travel Welcome Ambassadors, Union square Ambassadors, and members of the Police reserve officer Program will maintain a presence throughout the district to support a welcoming outdoor environment for all to enjoy. the san francisco Police Department will be out in force in Union square to ensure this holiday season is fun and safe for everyone," said Police Chief Bill scott. “We know how important Union square is to the vitality of our city, and we will be there to support a warm, welcoming environment that will showcase our beautiful city.”
Additional information about the various Winter Wander-land attractions can be found online at https://visitunionsquaresf.com/winter-wanderland. (SF Mayor’s office release)
McDonald’s gets saucy this holiday season to celebrate the return of the McRib® sandwich
ChICAGo – the wait is finally over. starting Dec. 3, for a limited time, your favorite saucy sandwich – the mcrib – returns to participating restaurants just in time to satisfy your holiday cravings. After all, ‘tis the season…mcrib szN, that is.
The sauciest time of the year for the first time ever, we’re giving fans a chance to savor the mcrib’s signature flavor.
Introducing: A Whole Lotta mcrib sauce, a half-gallon jug of the iconic mcrib sauce – perfect for holiday parties, festive recipes or the ultimate stocking stuffer for mcrib lovers.
“the mcrib is more than a sandwich – it’s a part of culture, it’s a legend, it’s an event,” said tariq hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer at mcDonald’s. “mcrib szN is a holiday unto itself, so we wanted to embrace that spirit and give fans an even bigger way to celebrate this year with A Whole Lotta mcrib sauce.”
Whether you’re a die-hard mcrib fan or looking to add the newest mcDonald’s drop to your collection, you can buy A Whole Lotta mcrib sauce for $19.99 online only at www. wholelottamcribsauce.com. Jugs have been available for purchase starting Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. et, while supplies last. And if you can't get your hands on this limited drop, you can still grab the sauciest sandwich of the year via the mcDonald’s App, in-
restaurant and the Drive thru at participating restaurants starting Dec. 3. Unwrap more this McRib SZN there are so many ways to celebrate this mcrib szN! Preview our upcoming holiday jingle, “It Could only mean one thing (mcrib is here),” a mcribinspired anthem celebrating the return of the beloved sandwich and helping fans kickstart the season – available soon on all streaming platforms. Plus, be on the lookout for unique mcrib szN integrations across various channels including social, entertainment, retail and more. mark your calendars and get ready for the most festive flavor of the year. mcDonald’s UsA, LLC, serves
a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of mcDonald's approximately 13,500 U.s. restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees. At franchised restaurants, the independent franchisee is the sole and exclusive employer of all restaurant employees – the franchisee alone sets all terms and conditions of employment, establishes all employment policies and practices, and is solely responsible for all employmentrelated matters in the restaurant. for more information, visit www. mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: X, Instagram, tiktok and facebook. (Advertising Supplement)
2024. the whole family is excited about the coming holidays because it will be the first time in more than 10 years that they will celebrate Christmas and New Year’s eve together. Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on sunday, December 1 at 6:30 Pm Pt (9:30 Pm et) through select Cable/satellite providers, right after tV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWanttfC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
April Boy Regino’s true-to-life story on the big screen
DIreCtor and Associate Producer Armando A. reyes said that efren reyes Jr. knows what he is doing as a director, and that is very vital in order to have a successful film.
efren reyes Jr. is the directorwriter of “Idol: the April Boy regino story,” based on the life story of singer-songwriter April Bariso regino (not Dennis magloyuan regino as what is mistakenly posted in Wikipedia) who passed away on November 29, 2020, and known for his songs “Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin,” “Umiiyak ang Puso,” and “Sana’y Laging Magkapiling.” the father of efren Jr. was efren ongpin reyes sr., the original Pedro Penduko in the film with the same title. the grandfather of efren sr., severino reyes, was the author of “Lola Basyang” and of zarzuela Walang Sugat.”
Included in Water Plus Productions’ “Idol: the April Boy regino story” are John Arcenas (as April Boy), Kate Yalung, tanya Gomez, rey PJ Abellana, Dindo Arroyo, Irene Celebre, Jaden Yago, Jimsen Austria Jison, migz Coloma,and JC regino. marynette Gamboa is the executive producer.
It started showing on November 27 in different Philippine cinemas. * * * Atty. Bienvenido o. Benitez Jr. is a former classmate at De La salle University in manila. Aside from being a gifted artist, he is the administrator of the Parole and Probation Administration of the Department of Justice.
I am a witness to how kind he is. he has been quietly helping the kids with cancer at the east Avenue medical Center and the ChILDhaus at Quezon City's mapang-akit street in Barangay Pinyahan. that is simply Bien, a man with a golden heart and a talented painter to watch for he explores the abstract possibilities of hues that remind the countryside of the archipelago.
* * * first Lady Louise Aranetamarcos expressed her support to miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDs Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific Pia Wurtzbach in spreading awareness on hIVAIDs through supporting a non-government organization, “LoveYourself.” she met with Pia in Bahay Pangulo in preparation for World AIDs Day. thank you for creating safe, compassionate spaces and offering life-changing resources to empower those who need it most,” said the first Lady.
It should be recalled that the former beauty queen said this program aims to raise awareness on hIV-AIDs through social media campaigns, educational videos and training sessions, including online testing, resource centers,
and mental health services. on December 3, there will be a LoveYourself Love Gala, dubbed as “eternal elegance: A Night of timeless Love” at marquis events Place in BGC, taguig.
* * * Congrats to my good friend, Andrew De real, owner of noted comedy bar, the Library, for being one of the awardees in the 2nd southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award to be held on December 8, 2024. “When I opened the first few pages of the Library Comedy Bar in 1986, I never knew that it would become a hit because my only intention then was to build a safe space for the LGBtQIA community and to make people happy with our brand of entertainment,” said the Godfather of Comedy entertainment.
* * * I had a recent chat with my uncle Joselito Constantino, father of singer Yeng Constantino. he is now based in Unisan, Quezon. my uncle worked at Ateneo de manila University’s rizal Library as library assistant for 34 years. he studied at florentino torres high in Gagalangin, tondo, manila and at the University of the east. he often updates me on my cousin Yeng, a good daughter who during her young age upon listening to her voice would be famous and it came true years after.
* * *
GmA Network celebrates the Christmas season with its 2024 Christmas station ID, “Ganito Ang Paskong Pinoy: Puno ng Pasasalamat.” It embraces a culture of gratitude as filipinos come together to celebrate the season with and give thanks to the Lord, family, friends, and loved ones. It also aims to express its gratitude by continuously giving back: through GmA Kapuso foundation’s Christmas project “Give A Gift: Alay sa Batang Pinoy,” donors are encouraged to spread more cheer and hope during the holiday season with donations that will provide children and their families with noche buena food packs. this station ID gathers its biggest stars and personalities, together with the executives, led by GmA Network Chairman Atty. felipe L. Gozon and President and Ceo Gilberto r. Duavit, Jr., showcasing the Kapuso family’s deep bond. making it more festive are Dingdong Dantes and marian rivera, Alden richards, michael V., Dennis trillo, Jennylyn mercado, rayver Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Carla Abellana, sanya Lopez, and David Licauco. Also joining them are some of the country’s most awarded broadcast journalists – Jessica soho, Arnold Clavio, Vicky morales, howie severino, and mel tiangco, together with other personalities from GmA Integrated News and GmA Public Affairs. other artists taking part in the celebration include 2nd Philippines finest Business Awards and outstanding Achievers love team sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil ramos, Christian Bautista, mark Bautista, richard Yap, michelle Dee, rhian ramos, Glaiza de Castro, rabiya mateo, elle Villanueva, Derrick monasterio, megan Young, mikael Daez, sB19’s Pablo and stell, Billy Crawford, rocco Nacino, Katrina halili, and Kim Atienza, among many more. helping to spread the spirit of gratitude further are other GmA Network officers and employees, plus members of the Kapuso Brigade. the station's ID was performed by Julie Anne san Jose, Aicelle santos, rita Daniela, Jessica
Villarubin, hannah Precillas, mariane osabel, Garrett Bolden, Anthony rosaldo, thea Astley, John rex, and Cloud 7.
* * * Volunteerism, the practice of doing work for good causes, is alive in times of natural disaster. It is certainly the act of contributing free labor to conduct community service or support an NGo rather than receiving a financial reward, volunteers change the lives of their community members out
of feelings of social responsibility and a desire to give back.
* * * thanks to Cosmo Digest International magazine, published by Global Asia InsiderUsA-UK-Dubai, for featuring me in its November 2024 cover issue. thanks also to Pradash m Nanimba's “the heartbeat of a Journalist – the Inspiring Journey of rogelio Constantino medina.”
* * * Nirro marcelo, saleha Pangarungan sacar of the
The
Clockwise, from bottom left: ATOM members at Museo ng Pag-asa; Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc attends to evacuees; Rogelio Medina at Biyaya Animal Sanctuary in Alfonso, Cavite; Former VP Leni Robredo at flooded Naga City. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Joselito Constantino with daughter, singer Yeng Constantino Andrew De Real
GMA Network recently unveiled its highly-anticipated Christmas Station ID, “Ganito Ang Paskong Pinoy: Puno ng Pasasalamat.”
Left photo shows (from left) John Arcenas, Armando Reyes, Marynette Gamboa and Efren Reyes Jr.; Right photo shows (seated, from left) Madelyn Regino, April Boy Regino, Marynette Gamboa, Efren Reyes Jr. and (standing, from left) Obette Serrano and Lyn Madrigal.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos (left) and 2015 Miss Universe winner Pia Wurtzbach
Saleha Pangarungan Sacar, Rogelio Medina and Nirro Marcelo were guests at PTV’s “Rise and Shine Pilipinas” last November 28.
Artist Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez with some of his artworks.
Rogelio Medina at the cover of the November 2024 issue of Cosmo Digest.
National Commission on muslim filipinos and I were guests on November 28 at rise and shine Pilipinas at PtV.
