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Yearender: Peso faces pressure heading into 2026 DATELINE USA by Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America
Minimum wage increases take effect in key states as new year begins
Millions of workers across several large U.S. states are starting the new year under higher statutory minimum wages, as scheduled increases approved in prior years took effect on January 1. The changes underscore the growing role of state and local governments in setting wage floors, as the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 an hour, unchanged since 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. California California’s statewide minimum wage rose to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026, applying to all employers regardless of size. The rate serves as the baseline across the state. In many California cities and counties, however, local minimum wages exceed the statewide floor and must be paid instead. In addition, certain industries are governed by sector-specific wage laws, including a $20 per hour minimum for covered fast-food
Inquirer.net
MANILA – The Philippine peso is likely to remain under pressure early next year before strengthening later on, as uncertainty over the pace of interest rate cuts in the U.S. and persistent geopolitical tensions may pose the main risks to the currency. The peso closed 2025 at 58.79 to the dollar on Monday, December 29, down 1.6 percent from its end-2024 level, though well off the record low of 59.22 reached on Dec. 8. That slide came amid slowing economic growth and intensifying political fallout that has dented
business confidence. After data showed the economy expanding just 4 percent in the third quarter—its weakest pace in more than four years—President Marcos’ economic team acknowledged that official macroeconomic targets may need to be revised to account for strains linked to the administration’s antigraft drive. External pressures also weighed on the peso this year, with uncertainty over the trajectory of U.S. monetary easing and higher tariffs adding to volatility in emerging-market currencies. 58-61 range “The peso will likely stay under pressure early next year as global uncertainty and U.S. rate cuts unfold
slowly,” Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said in an interview. “Expect it to trade in the 58 to 61 range, with volatility tied to tariff, oil and geopolitical risks.” A weaker peso carries mixed consequences for the Philippines. It boosts the domestic value of remittances sent home by millions of overseas workers and could help make Filipino exports more competitive. But it also risks driving up import costs and reigniting inflation. Prolonged depreciation could likewise inflate the peso value of foreign debts held by the government u PAGE 3
Infrastructure commission moves to close flood-control probe Rossana Fajardo steps down from the ICI, saying she has completed her role as the ad hoc panel wraps up its probe into alleged flood-control project irregularities by AJPress
u PAGE 4
Missed retirement withdrawals are triggering costly tax penalties for some seniors Each year, U.S. retirees risk significant tax penalties not by withdrawing too much from their retirement accounts, but by withdrawing too little. Required minimum distributions, commonly known as RMDs, are mandatory withdrawals from most tax-deferred retirement plans, and failure to comply can quietly erode savings accumulated over decades. The obligation applies regardless of whether the omission was intentional. Federal tax rules place responsibility squarely on the account holder, even when accounts are managed by financial institutions or advisers. A rule intended to defer taxes, not avoid them RMDs apply to traditional individual retirement accounts, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s. Roth IRAs are exempt during the u PAGE 4
TRADITION. A stall owner checks the round fruits she’s selling at San Andres Market in Malate, Manila on Monday (Dec. 29, 2025). Filipinos believe in buying 12 or 13 kinds of fruits for good fortune as they welcome the new year. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
MANILA — The government’s Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), created to examine alleged irregularities in flood-control and other public-works projects, is moving toward the conclusion of its work after two of its three commissioners stepped down, according to official statements. Rossana Fajardo, one of the commission’s remaining members, in her statement, Fajardo said she had completed the responsibilities she accepted when she joined the panel and described her role as limited and timebound. Her resignation follows the earlier departure of Rou PAGE 3
Palace begins 2026 budget review by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — Any changes made to the budget are now up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the Palace received the ratified 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) from Congress. In a statement on Tuesday, December 30, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed that the Palace received the P6.793-trillion budget the day prior and that a thorough review had begun. “The president and his team are scrutinizing all allocations and provisions to
fully account for any changes from the originally submitted National Expenditure Program (NEP),” Recto stated. Recto said that the review will “take about a week”. Recto initially announced that the signing of the budget would be on Jan. 5, 2026—leaving the country on a reenacted budget for five days. A reenacted budget means that the government will run on the previous year’s fiscal budget The Palace, however, reassured the public that this would not disrupt govu PAGE 4
Filipino American technology Ombudsman says Leviste pioneer Dado Banatao dies at 79 showed only parts of ‘Cabral Rizal Day: Marcos urges files’ amid dispute over access
IN REMEMBRANCE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the commemoration of the 129th death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Rizal Park in Manila on Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025). The First Family also led a gift giving activity at the park’s Open Auditorium. Contributed photo
by AJPress
Diosdado “Dado” Banatao
Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, a semiconductor engineer and entrepreneur whose behind-thescenes innovations helped lower the cost and expand the reach of personal computers, died December 25, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, according to a statement released by the Banatao family. He was 79, five months short of his 80th birthday. The family said he died from complications of a neurological disorder that developed later in life. Banatao was not a household name, but his work was embedu PAGE 4 File photo
by AJPress MANILA — Investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman sought to examine the full set of documents known as the “Cabral files” in the possession of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, but the lawmaker agreed to show only selected portions and not the complete collection, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano. Clavano said the approach followed Leviste’s public statements that he possessed documents linked to the late De-
partment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, which Leviste has said could shed light on alleged insertions in the 2025 national budget. According to Clavano, Ombudsman investigators were permitted to review only portions of the materials responsive to specific inquiries. He said the full set was not presented. Lawmaker denies unlawful acquisition Leviste has denied allegations that he unlawfully obtained u PAGE 4
integrity, Sara cites freedom from ‘disunity and evil’ by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte touted the legacy of national hero Jose Rizal in separate Rizal Day messages on Tuesday, December 30, urging Filipinos — and public officials — to uphold integrity amid repeated calls for accountability from leaders. Marcos said Rizal’s life and
martyrdom offered guidance at a time when Filipinos are pressing their leaders for “integrity and accountability,” saying the commemoration is a reminder of the standards expected of those in power. “Today, as Filipinos demand integrity and accountability from its leaders, we look up to his life to provide us with guidance and strength,” Marcos said. He called on Filipinos to live u PAGE 3
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From the Front Page
Yearender: Peso faces pressure... PAGE 1 and private firms. Already, the latest central bank data show that banks’ foreign currency–denominated loans fell 5 percent in the third quarter to $15.13 billion, while foreign currency deposits rose 5.7 percent. The shift suggests borrowers are paring back dollar loans to limit foreign-exchange risk, even as savers build up their holdings to capitalize on the peso’s weakness. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has signaled that it will allow market forces to determine the exchange rate, intervening only if a sustained downturn threatens to fuel imported inflation rather than to smooth out day-to-day volatility. Manageable “The peso is likely to remain volatile but broadly manageable,”
John Paolo Rivera, a senior research fellow at the staterun Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said. “Any sustained appreciation will depend less on rates and more on stronger investment inflows, export performance, and confidence.”
For Ruben Carlo Asuncion, chief economist at UnionBank of the Philippines, there’s room for the peso to appreciate next year. “We expect the peso to trade stronger next year, likely moving toward the 55-57 levels as global and local conditions stabilize,” he OTHER CHOICE. Teal shirts are selling out fast at Novaliches Market in Quezon City on Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025). Trend forecasting partners WGSN said. n and Coloro pick “Transformative Teal,” a blend of dark blue and aquatic green, as the Color of the Year for 2026 while leading authority on color
Infrastructure commission moves to close... PAGE 1 gelio Babes Singson, leaving the commission with one remaining commissioner, alongside its chair and secretariat. A temporary body nearing the end of its mandate The ICI was established by executive order in September 2025 as an independent, ad hoc fact-finding body tasked with gathering and evaluating evidence related to alleged misuse of public funds in flood-control and other major infrastructure projects. The commission was not granted prosecutorial powers; instead, it was directed to prepare case folders and refer findings to appropriate government agencies. Malacañang officials have previously described Fajardo’s assignment as focused on financial review and tracing public expenditures linked to projects under scrutiny, and as intended to support referrals to permanent oversight bodies. In her statement, Fajardo said the next phase of the process should be carried by institutions with authority to determine liability, including the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Commission on Audit. Referrals already submitted ICI chair Andres Reyes Jr. has
said in public briefings that the commission has already transmitted multiple case folders and referrals to the Ombudsman and other oversight agencies. The submissions involve contractors and government personnel linked to projects under review. Reyes has emphasized that the commission’s role is limited to evidence-building and fact-finding, and that decisions on whether to file criminal or administrative cases rest solely with prosecutors and the courts. He has also said the panel is focused on completing remaining documentation before the end of its mandate. Questions over continuity The successive resignations have prompted questions about whether the ICI’s work is effec-
Pantone Color Institute chooses the shade of white “Cloud Dancer” as its Color of the Year.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Rizal Day: Marcos urges integrity, Sara cites...
PAGE 1 by values he attributed to Rizal, including “respect for truth,” the pursuit of “just reform,” and the courage to speak and act for what is right. Marcos added that Rizal’s principles should guide choices in both public and private life, urging citizens to put “country over personal interests.” Marcos also appealed to young Filipinos, saying Rizal, through his writings, placed hope in the tively drawing to a close. Some youth to combine patriotism lawmakers have urged the execwith responsible citizenship. utive branch to appoint replaceHe again linked Rizal’s ideals ments to ensure continuity, while others have said the commission has reached a natural transition point given its ad hoc nature. Fajardo, in her statement, pointed to legislative proposals seeking to establish permanent, independent bodies to oversee infrastructure spending, arguing that long-term institutions are better suited to sustained accountability than temporary commissions. She described her service on the ICI as an honor and framed her resignation as a handoff to permanent accountability mechanisms rather than a withdrawal from efforts to address alleged abuses in public-works spending. n
to his administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” slogan, saying the hero’s vision should be reflected in everyday acts of integrity. Duterte, in her own Rizal Day message, framed Rizal’s legacy as a broader struggle for freedom that goes beyond colonial rule, calling it a fight against abuse, division and moral decay. “The true lesson of Rizal is clear,” Duterte said in Filipino. “Freedom is not only liberation from foreign powers, but also the liberation of our minds and hearts from abuse, disunity and evil.”
She urged Filipinos to stand for truth and justice and warned against allowing the “the spirit of wisdom and unity" to fade. Rizal Day, observed every December 30, marks the 1896 execution of Jose Rizal by Spanish colonial authorities, an event that helped galvanize the Philippine revolution. Rizal’s body of work became mandatory reading in schools under Republic Act 1425, or the Rizal Law, passed in 1956. The law requires the study of his life, works and writings at the tertiary level. n
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january 2-8, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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Filipino American technology pioneer... PAGE 1 ded in millions of machines. As a co-founder of key Silicon Valley companies, he helped compress functions that once required multiple components onto fewer chips—an engineering shift that reduced costs and improved performance just as personal computers were moving from offices into homes. From a farming town to engineering Banatao described growing up in Iguig, Cagayan, in what he called “very humble” circumstances. In recorded interviews, he said his father was a farmer and his mother worked as a housekeeper, and he recalled walking barefoot to reach his elementary school. He attended Ateneo de Tuguegarao High School, where his education was supported largely through scholarships, before moving to Manila for university studies. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Mapúa Institute of Technology where he graduated cum laude. After completing his undergraduate studies, Banatao moved to the United States, where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Engineering foundations In the United States, Banatao worked as an engineer at Boeing, where he gained experience in large-scale systems design and disciplined engineering methods. Authoritative profiles identify his professional path as engineering training that would shape his later work in semiconductors.
Making the PC cheaper and faster Banatao rose to prominence during the personal-computer boom as a co-founder of Chips and Technologies, where he helped develop highly integrated chipsets that consolidated multiple PC functions onto fewer components. The result was lower manufacturing cost and improved performance at a moment when price and reliability determined whether computing would spread. He later co-founded S3 Graphics, a leading supplier of graphics accelerators in the 1990s as graphical user interfaces and multimedia became standard. Industry observers noted that Banatao’s contributions were essential but rarely visible critical infrastructure rather than marquee features. Investing and institution-building Beyond operating companies, Banatao co-founded Tallwood Venture Capital, a Menlo Park– based firm focused on early-stage semiconductor and deep-technology investments. He also devoted sustained effort to education and innovation. He was a co-founder and longtime supporter of the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), which administers scholarships and mentoring for Filipino students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the United States, the Banatao family established the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund, a scholarship
program administered through the Asian Pacific Fund. The program provides financial support to California students of Filipino heritage pursuing STEM degrees. Banatao’s name is institutionally linked to CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, a multi-campus University of California collaboration supporting interdisciplinary research and technology translation. In the Philippines, the University of the Philippines has acknowledged donations supporting engineering education through professorial chairs and academic programs under the Dado and Maria Banatao Institute framework. He also supported entrepreneurship through the Asian Institute of Management, which operates the AIM–Dado Banatao Incubator. A measured presence Despite his influence, Banatao kept a low public profile. Colleagues recall an engineer’s FOOD HUNT. Customers choose from among various pork products at Libertad Public Market in Pasay City on Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025). Filipinos will welcome 2026 with grand feasts and high hopes that each day of the coming year will be bountiful. P NA photo by Avito Dalan focus on rigor, execution, and long-term impact over visibility - an approach mirrored in his philanthropy, which emphasized access, training, and durable institutions. Banatao is survived by his wife, Maria Banatao; their children; and grandchildren. by Krixia Subingsubing In the end, Dado Banatao Inquirer.net did what engineers do best. He solved problems others acceptMANILA — A coalition of proed as fixed. He reduced barriers others took for granted. And he gressive groups in the House left behind systems, both techno- of Representatives sounded the logical and human, that will con- alarm over a multibillion-peso tinue to work quietly, long after surge in confidential and intelhis name is no longer attached to ligence funds (CIF) in the proposed 2026 national budget now them. n awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, warning that the allocations could be a tool for corruption. In their initial analysis of next country. State and local minimum year’s budget, the Makabayan wages supersede the federal coalition flagged the “significant rate when higher, reinforcing a increases” to all but two agensystem in which pay floors are cies that requested CIF, which increasingly determined outside they have long marked for their Washington. President Marcos is expected to sign the budget on Jan. 5, according to Executive Secretary lack of transparency. Inquirer.net file photo Labor economists note that It also challenged President Ralph Recto. while not all workers earn the le- Marcos, whose office is set to re- P729.9 million, nearly double side the equally problematic gal minimum, higher wage floors ceive the biggest chunk of CIFs, the P364-million proposal; allocations for what other civcan influence pay just above the to veto these items. • Bureau of Customs: P250 il society groups call pork and threshold as employers adjust “[…] It is clear to the coalition million, a significant increase patronage programs, which all compensation structures. Busi- and to the Filipino people that the from P79.5 million; saw their budgets double in the ness groups, meanwhile, contin- proposed 2026 budget that Con• Department of the Interior bicameral version. ue to cite rising labor costs as a gress is set to ratify is full of funds and Local Government-Office of Aid programs concern, particularly for small that are vulnerable to corruption the Secretary: P300.6 million, Among the most contentious employers. and fascism,” Makabayan said in up from P100.6 million; and items were the sharp increases What remains clear is that min- a statement. “This, while it has • National Bureau of Investi- to what it called “soft pork” proimum wage policy in the United underfunded critical services like gation: P300.4 million, up from grams, which are implemented States is increasingly shaped at education, health, and other so- P174.4 million. at the discretion of lawmakers the state and local level, produc- cial services that the public truly The bicameral conference or elected officials—particularly ing a fragmented but steadily needs.” committee has yet to official- the Department of Social Welevolving national wage landComparing the National Ex- ly release its final report, but fare and Development’s Assisscape. (AJPress) penditure Program (NEP) pro- based on the figures flashed tance to Individuals in Crisis Sitposal to the Senate version of onscreen during the livestream uations (AICS), the Department the 2026 general appropriations of its meeting, both panels have of Labor and Employment’s Tubill, confidential funds rose by approved the figures for the OP, long Panghanapbuhay sa Ating P876.6 million to a total of P5.24 NBI, DOJ and the Bureau of Cus- Disadvantaged/Displaced Workbillion, while intelligence funds toms. owed on the distribution. ers (Tupad) and the Department A compliance gap with de- were increased by P231.15 ‘Bloated’ funds of Health’s Medical Assistance million to P6.63 billion. This layed consequences In a move described by the to Indigents and Financially InMissed RMDs are often not amounts to P11.87 billion, or al- coalition as a historical first, the capacitated Patients (Maifip) detected immediately. In many most P12 billion, for both. Anti-Red Tape Authority was programs. Substantial boosts cases, omissions surface years also granted P6.7 million in conAll three programs saw their Based on the Senate version, fidential funds. later during audits or account budgets more than double from The budget also earmarks the original proposal under the reviews, when penalties and the coalition said, the country’s interest may already have accu- CIFs are highly concentrated significant intelligence funds NEP: Maifip, from P24 billion to mulated. Retirement advocates within the Office of the President for the country’s security appa- P51 billion; AICS, from P27 bilnote that older retirees who are (OP), which controls a combined ratus. The Philippine National lion to P63 billion; and Tupad, Police is set to receive P871.3 from P12 billion to P25 billion. no longer actively managing fi- P4.56 billion in secret funds. The OP holds 43 percent million, while the Armed Forces nances are particularly vulnerAt the same time, the bicam (P2.25 billion) of the govern- of the Philippines General Head- upheld the P243 billion in unable. A challenge emerging from ment’s total confidential funds quarters has been allocated programmed appropriations evolving retirement structures and 35 percent (P2.31 billion) of P1.216 billion. despite public clamor to strip The coalition criticized the it after it was revealed to have As Americans live longer and the total intelligence funds. Beyond the presidency, sev- Senate for “bloating” these been used to fund anomalous retirement savings are spread across a growing array of ac- eral agencies saw substantial funds, which undergo a differ- projects after the enactment of counts, compliance with RMD boosts to their confidential al- ent audit process and therefore the budget. rules has become more complex. locations in the Senate version could not be publicly scrutiMarcos is expected to sign the nized. Legislative changes intended to compared to the NEP: budget on Jan. 5, according to • Department of Justice They challenged the President Executive Secretary Ralph Recmodernize retirement policy have also added layers of admin- (DOJ)-Office of the Secretary: to reject these provisions along- to. n istrative difficulty. For retirees, what appears to be a minor oversight can result in lasting financial consequences, underscoring the importance of regular account review and proactive planning well into retirement. (AJPress)
Makabayan: Secret funds swell to P12B in 2026 budget
Minimum wage increases take effect in... PAGE 1
workers, and higher minimums for some healthcare employees under phased implementation schedules. New York New York’s minimum wage continues to vary by region. As of January 1, higher wage floors apply in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, while a lower - though still elevated - rate applies to the rest of the state. These increases are part of a multi-year schedule enacted by state lawmakers, with automatic adjustments written into law. New Jersey New Jersey’s minimum wage also increased at the start of the year, continuing the state’s gradual climb under legislation approved by voters and the leg-
islature. The higher rate applies to most employees, while separate wage tracks remain in effect for small and seasonal employers, farm workers, and certain caregiving positions. Nevada Nevada maintains a single statewide minimum wage, following the elimination of its former two-tier system that differentiated pay based on employer-provided health benefits. While Nevada’s most recent increase took effect on a midyear cycle, the higher rate remains in force entering the new year. A patchwork system Because wage laws differ sharply by state, county, city, employer size, and industry, the impact of minimum wage increases varies widely across the
Missed retirement withdrawals are triggering... PAGE 1 lifetime of the original owner. The rules are administered by the Internal Revenue Service, which requires retirees to begin withdrawals once they reach a specified age. Individuals who turned 72 before 2023 were required to start RMDs at that age. Those who turned 73 in 2023 or later must begin at 73. For younger cohorts, the starting age will eventually increase to 75. The required amount is calculated annually using IRS life-expectancy tables and the account balance as of the previous yearend. Why retirees miss required distributions Federal guidance and retirement analysts cite several common causes of noncompliance: • Confusion resulting from recent legislative changes • Multiple retirement accounts held across institutions • The mistaken belief that withdrawals occur automatically • Continued employment later in life
• Health disruptions or diminished capacity One frequent misunderstanding involves aggregation rules. While retirees may calculate a combined RMD across multiple traditional IRAs and withdraw from one account, employer-sponsored plans typically require withdrawals from each plan separately. Penalties that can compound over time Under current law, retirees who fail to withdraw the full required amount may face a penalty equal to 25 percent of the shortfall. That rate was reduced following passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, but it remains substantial. If the error is corrected promptly and the appropriate tax form is filed, the penalty may be reduced to 10 percent. The IRS also has discretion to waive the penalty entirely if the taxpayer demonstrates that the failure resulted from reasonable error and that corrective action was taken. Any penalty is assessed in addition to regular income taxes
Ombudsman says Leviste showed...
PAGE 1 the documents, saying the files were given to him by Cabral on September 4, 2025, before her death. He has said he did not take or copy the documents without authorization. His statement followed accusations, reported by local media, from a person identified as a staff member of Cabral, who claimed Leviste illegally obtained and copied budget documents. Those allegations have not been the subject of a formal finding. Claims have also circulated publicly suggesting that the alleged copying occurred under instructions involving DPWH leadership, including Secretary Vince Dizon. The DPWH has denied the allegations, saying the claims are unfounded. Ethics questions raised in the House Separately, Terry Ridon, chair of the House committee on public accounts, said Leviste’s handling of the documents could lead to an ethics complaint if it is shown that the files were obtained or shared improperly. Ridon said Leviste should explain how the documents were
Former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral
File photo
obtained, copied, stored, and shared, and whether any authorization was given by DPWH officials. He said issues of provenance and custody are relevant to both ethical standards and the credibility of materials submitted to investigators. Ombudsman cautions against assumptions Ombudsman officials said the documents form only part of a broader review and that references to projects or budget entries do not, on their own, establish wrongdoing. Clavano said investigators
must still determine whether any projects cited in the documents were implemented and whether any irregularities involve fraud, misuse of public funds, overpricing, or non-existent projects. In Philippine budget practice, allegations of “insertions” or “allocables” are frequently contested, and officials have said criminal liability depends on evidence of unlawful action, not the presence of documents alone. No charges have been filed in connection with the Cabral files as of press time. Investigations remain ongoing. n
President Marcos looks over items in the 2025 General Appropriations Act during a signing ceremony at Malacañang on December 30, 2024. Philstar.com photo by Noel Pabalate
Palace begins 2026 budget...
PAGE 1 ernment services. “The public is assured that a brief period under a reenacted budget will not disrupt government operations. This deliberate review safeguards fiscal discipline and ensures that taxpayers’ hard-earned money is spent wisely and translated into benefits for the Filipino people,” Recto said. The 2026 budget is set to
be the most delayed budget during the Marcos administration, with it being the first one to trigger a reenacted budget. The pending budget comes at the heels of the most controversial corruption scandal of the administration, where billions are suspected of being stolen by lawmakers, officials and contractors in a kickback scheme at the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH). The systemic thievery is believed to have been embedded into the budget, prompting lawmakers to livestream the bicameral conference committee meetings. The bicam, typically held behind closed doors and lasting two days, lasted four days after lawmakers reached a deadlock over the DPWH budget. n
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Pulse Asia: Marcos, Duterte trust ratings fall as corruption woes drag on by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — The trust ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte both declined this December, according to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia. In a report released on Tuesday, December 30, the trust ratings of both Marcos and Duterte declined by two points, with the vice president still holding the higher trust score. Marcos scored a net trust rating of 32, down from his score in September of 34. Meanwhile, Duterte held a trust score of 56 in September, which declined to 54. In terms of performance, Duterte still had a high performance rating of 56 compared to Marcos’ 34—both had a onepoint increase from their respective September ratings. Marcos scored the highest in his bailiwick of Luzon for both his trust and performance ratings. Duterte held the strongest
ratings in Visayas and Mindanao. While both Marcos and Duterte’s trust and performance ratings moved by mere inches, fighting corruption remained one of the chief concerns for many Filipinos, only being preceded by controlling inflation. The top five concerns for Filipinos are as follows: controlling inflation, fighting graft and corruption, increasing workers’ pay, reducing poverty for Filipinos, and creating more jobs. Pulse Asia listed 18 concerns overall, with the national administration only scoring one majority approval rating: the protection of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers. The Palace has maintained that the results of the Pulse Asia survey are mere guidelines and will not affect the president. However, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Marcos’ crackdown on corruption may have led him to be less liked. “Kung ang dahilan ng pagbaba
ng rating ng Pangulo ay dahil sa ginagawa niya sa pagpapaimbestiga sa mga sangkot sa maanomalyang flood control projects na nakakaapekto sa ekonomiya na nagiging sanhi ng political noise, hindi iindahin ng Pangulo ang pagbaba ng rating dahil sa ang ginawa niya ay isang right decision na maaaring hindi popular decision dahil maraming maaapektuhang tao at politiko,” Castro told reporters. (If the President’s ratings decline because of his investigation into those involved in the anomalous flood control projects that affected the economy because of all the political noise, the President will not mind low ratings because he made the right decision that may be unpopular because of how people and politicians are affected.) The Marcos administration was rocked by its largest corruption scandal yet, with billions of pesos suspected of being stolen from the country’s coffers through kickback schemes in flood control projects.
2026 budget: Foreign-assisted projects in PH suffer cuts again by Krixia Subingsubing Inquirer.net
flagged by budget advocates as effectively functioning as a “shadow flood control budget.” Two FAPs under the DOTr also suffered major cuts in the proposed 2026 budget, which could affect their implementation timeline and incur higher commitment (late penalty) fees. The Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1 (MMSP1) received only P20.4 billion in funding, down from the original P39.2 billion proposal, while the NorthSouth Commuter Railway (NSCR) system saw its budget halved from P57.6 billion to P28.8 billion. Both projects are funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the bicameral conference committee deliberations in Pasay City earlier this month, the panel led by Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela
Suansing agreed to realign portions of the MMSP1 and NSCR budget to the Light Rail Transit Line 1-Cavite extension’s Unified Grand Central Station and the automated fare collection system for all the metro’s railways. Budget advocates and civil society watchdogs have been calling on Congress to protect funding for FAPs, which require co-financing from the Philippine government to complement the foreign loan to meet the total project cost. In 2024 and 2025, funding for the FAPs was slashed, even though the Department of Budget and Management requested P246 billion and P215.6 billion for these respective years. Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program, P283 billion was proposed for FAPs, which are funded by multilateral agencies such as JICA, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.
MANILA — Foreign-assisted projects (FAPs) will again face deep budget cuts in 2026, despite earlier commitments by the Philippine Congress to ensure adequate government support after years of underfunding. According to the bicameral Meanwhile, once Sara arrived committee conference report upA day later, Duterte casually brushed off her impeachment in The Hague to support her fa- loaded to the Senate budget transin the House, even claiming that ther, she attended a series of parency portal, funding for FAPs losing a boyfriend or girlfriend meetings while waiting for the under the Department of Public would be more painful than be- chance to visit her father. Works and Highways (DPWH) was She spent weeks in The Hague, reduced to P17.7 billion, down ing impeached by the lower with helping her father seeming- P52.3 billion from the original P70 chamber. Duterte kept her response to ly becoming a stronger priority billion proposed by the House of her impeachment simple, leav- than her duties as vice president, Representatives. ing it to a higher being to “save eventually leading the Palace to However, another contentious remind her not to forget her re- item in the DPWH budget, the Conthe Philippines.” “Despite my statements regard- sponsibilities. vergence and Special Support ProHowever, she maintained that gram (CSSP), received a P6.2-biling the impeachment plan in the past months, all I can say at this it is her responsibility as the lion increase—from P234.2 billion point is God save the Philippines,” country’s second-highest official to P240.5 billion—despite being said Duterte in a press confer- to ensure her father’s return to the country from the ICC. ence. “As vice president, I also have In fact, Duterte — who did not look troubled at all during the a duty to a fellow countryman, a press conference — simply said Filipino citizen who is being held she was “okay,” even with her against his will here at the ICC detention center,” Duterte said impeachment. She then dismissed rumors while in The Hague. that she would resign, even re“Let’s not think of him as my iterating that despite being im- father. Let’s just focus on the fact peached, she continues to “se- that I’m the vice president, and Photo from the joint explanation of the conference committee on the disagreeing votes on House Bill No. 4058 riously consider” running for I’m doing everything I can to bring office in 2028. a Filipino back to our country,” But Duterte’s obstacles did not she added. stop there. In the same month, Despite her father’s arrest, the just a few days after being im- vice president said she was not peached, the National Bureau of angry, even admitting the slim Investigation filed criminal cases chances of her father returning against Duterte before the De- home from his ICC arrest. partment of Justice, stemming “Honestly, I don’t feel anything from the supposed kill plot she at all. I’m not angry, I’m not disearlier revealed in 2024. appointed. Nothing at all. BeHowever, even at this point, cause it’s pointless to harbor any Duterte projected a calm perso- feelings about what happened. It na — only stating that the cases can’t be undone, President Dutercame “as expected.” te can no longer be brought back In fact, Duterte was again seen to the Philippines,” Duterte said. in Japan, this time posing with She then stayed in The Hague her sister, Veronica “Kitty” Dute- until April 7, even leading varirte, as her revealed on in a series ous protests in The Hague callof posts by her younger sister ing for her father’s release. documenting the two of them April traveling together in the Land of After returning home from the Rising Sun. The Hague, Sara went back to It was then a week later when preparing for the impeachment Duterte filed a petition before proceedings against her. the Supreme Court to block the On April 22, Sara expressed impeachment complaint filed confidence in winning the proagainst her in Congress, naming ceedings, citing her lawyers, her father, former President Ro- who apparently told her that drigo Duterte, as one of her legal “they are more than confident in counsels in the impeachment. winning the impeachment trial.” March She also used this as the reaAfter being impeached, some- son for playing down rumors thing happened that further in- about her endorsement choices flamed Marcos and Duterte’s for the 2025 senatorial elections, feud, as well as the latter’s allies’ as she allegedly chose to endorse anger against Marcos: on March allies who would help her against 11 and 12, Rodrigo Duterte was her impeachment by siding with arrested on returning from a trip her once the Senate convenes as in Hong Kong and was sent to an impeachment court. The Hague in the Netherlands May to face the International Criminal At the conclusion of the May Court (ICC) on his alleged crimes 2025 elections, only three of the against humanity. PDP-Laban’s “DuterTEN” enVice President Duterte quick- tered the Magic 12 — reelectionly followed suit, traveling to The ist Senators Christopher “Bong” Hague the same day. Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Meanwhile, as with the im- as well as former House Rep. peachment of the vice president, Rodante Marcoleta. Marcos maintained that he had However, two other candino role in the arrest of the elder dates endorsed by Sara also Duterte and dismissed claims made the cut, Camille Villar and that it was an act of political per- loyal Duterte-ally Imee Marcos, secution. despite being the president’s sisHe pointed out that the case ter. against Duterte was initiated in Sara then expressed her dis2017, when the Philippines was appointment over the results, but still a member of the ICC and then vowed to build a “powerful” Duterte was still in office. opposition against the current “So, I don’t see how that can be administration. political persecution on my part “While the outcome was not because it was initiated before I what we had hoped for, our comcame into the picture,” Marcos mitment to the people remains said. unwavering. We will continue to Davao City Mayor Sebastian hold the government accountable, Duterte, meanwhile, called Mar- advocate for the issues that matcos ungrateful and cursed at him ter, and work tirelessly to serve as for allowing the ICC to take cus- a strong and constructive oppositody of his father. tion,” she said. “My father [Rodrigo Duterte] Despite Sara’s disappointallowed your father [Ferdinand ment, she effectively secured five Sr.] to be buried, but you had my allies in the impeachment trial father jailed. You son of a b****,” against her. the mayor said in Filipino during With conviction requiring 16 the 88th Araw ng Dabaw cele- votes, or two-thirds of the senabration in Davao City. u PAGE 7
2025 sees ties between Marcos, Sara Duterte break beyond repair MANILA — After projecting an image of “unity” when they ran for the nation’s two highest offices, the partnership between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte has deteriorated beyond repair by the end of 2025, with impeachment proceedings and relentless attacks only further widening the rift within what was once known as the “UniTeam.” Even at the start of 2025, reconciliation between the country’s two highest officials appeared unlikely, as their relationship had already reached its worst the previous year. From Sara Duterte’s intense feud with then-Speaker Martin Romualdez to her revealing that she ordered a supposed kill plot against Marcos, his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and cousin Romualdez, these served as the foundation for furthering impeachment plans against Duterte and what was to unfold between the President and vice president in early 2025. January Almost right at the start of the year, Marcos issued an executive order reorganizing the National Security Council (NSC), removing Duterte as a member because he said her position was no longer relevant to the council’s responsibilities. Executive Order No. 81, signed on Dec. 30, 2024, cited the need to “further guarantee that the NSC remains a resilient national security institution, capable of adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities both domestically and internationally.” This move further diminished — if not entirely eclipsed — Duterte’s role in the Marcos administration. Meanwhile, Duterte’s most notable movement at this point was her private trip to Japan — the first of many in 2025 — where she met with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It was there when she first declared that she was “seriously considering” running in the 2028 elections, though she did not specify what position she had her sights on. Her declaration was met with heat, with the Palace tagging it as “too premature” as Marcos has barely even reached the midpoint of his six-year term. February On Feb. 6, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach Duterte, the first time in the post-EDSA People Power era that a sitting vice president has been pushed to the brink of removal. The impeachment complaint stemmed from the inquiry of the House committee on good government and public accountability into the use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte then concurrently headed. With his worsening feud with Duterte being seen as a possible trigger to the impeachment, Marcos later clarified that he had no involvement in the vice president’s impeachment in the lower chamber of Congress, emphasizing that the executive branch played no role in the process. “No. The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. The executive had no role in the impeachment,” Marcos said in a mix of English and Filipino in a Palace briefing when asked if he played a part in Duterte’s impeachment.
APPROVED. Senate President Vicente Sotto III leads the ratification of the 2026 national budget on Monday (Dec. 29, 2025) before adjournment and the last plenary session of the year. Session resumes on Jan. 26, 2026. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
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january 2-8, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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On Dado Banatao and the documentation of Filipino achievement The passing of Dado Banatao is not simply the loss of a distinguished Filipino engineer, technology entrepreneur, and philanthropist. It is a test of whether Filipino achievement is recorded with precision, proportion, and permanence or allowed to dissolve into shorthand and omission. To memorialize Banatao is not an act of reverence. It is an act of record-keeping. From marginal beginnings to consequential work Born in rural Cagayan Valley, far from centers of capital or influence, Banatao did not begin with inherited advantage. The son of a farmer and a housekeeper, he began with education, discipline, and a practical intelligence shaped by constraint. Engineering became his means of mobility - first as a way out of poverty, then as an entry point into Silicon Valley at a time when personal computing was still uncertain, expensive, and largely confined to institutions. When Banatao entered the industry, computers were neither ordinary nor accessible. They were complex, costly, and limited in reach. His contribution, stated plainly, was to simplify what happened inside them so they could be cheaper to produce, easier to deploy, and viable at scale. That shift mattered more than novelty. It determined reach.
The work that made scale possible Banatao helped reduce the number of components required for computers to function reliably. He helped make network connectivity practical in offices and schools. He helped improve how computers handled graphics so they could be used beyond specialists. These were not decorative changes. They were structural decisions. They determined whether personal computing would remain confined to institutions or become part of daily life. Widespread adoption followed those decisions. Impact without visibility Banatao did not stop at invention. He built companies that translated engineering choices into products manufactured and deployed at scale. His work moved through supply chains rather than headlines, into machines used by millions of people who never encountered his name but depended on his work nonetheless. This is why his influence is pervasive and largely
Editorial
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invisible. It exists not as brand recognition, but as infrastructure. Beyond borrowed comparisons Banatao has often been described, largely for convenience, as the “Filipino Bill Gates.” The comparison is understandable and ultimately insufficient. Gates shaped what people did on computers. Banatao helped shape the conditions that made computing affordable to a far wider public.
What most Filipinos wish No Free Lunch for their country
babe’s eye view Babe Romualdez
As the year winds down, reflection and introspection come naturally. From where I sit in Washington, D.C., thousands of miles away but never distant from home, I find myself asking Filipinos a simple question: what do you wish for the Philippines? I usually ask this of overseas Filipinos after our embassy events; of visiting businessmen passing through Washington; of friends back home when I call late at night and of students or young professionals deciding whether to return home or remain abroad. The answers are never rehearsed or offhand. They are honest and candid, sometimes emotional, often tinged with quiet frustration – but always anchored in hope. Rarely do they begin with politics or government affairs. Instead, they begin with family. “I wish my children could build a very good future at home.” “I wish we didn’t have to leave to succeed.” “I wish daily life wasn’t so hard for ordinary people in the Philippines.” These wishes may sound
simple, but they cut deep. They speak of a longing not for perfection, but for dignity. Overseas Filipinos do not expect miracles from their country. What they want – what they wish for – is fairness and justice; a government that works; institutions that endure beyond personalities and a system where hard work and sincere effort is rewarded, and honesty is not treated as foolishness or naïveté. In many ways, Filipinos abroad serve as mirrors for what the country can become. Here in the United States, Filipino-Americans do extremely well as nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs, seafarers, hotel managers, executives and public servants. Hundreds of them also serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, most especially in the U.S. Navy. As I have mentioned on numerous occasions, Filipino Americans are truly appreciated and well-respected in their respective communities. Many have also become very successful, making a name for themselves in their respective careers. Among them is retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Dr. Connie Mariano who was the first female director of
the White House Medical Unit, having served under presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Then there is retired Lt. General Edward Soriano who has the distinction of being the first Filipino to be promoted to the rank of general in the U.S. Army; chef Cristeta “Chris” Comerford who has earned the distinction of being the first woman and the first of Asian descent to serve as White House executive chef; former State Department undersecretary and CIA chief operating officer Brian Bulatao; mayor Arvin Amatorio of Bergenfield in New Jersey who is now on his second term and many others who are successful in U.S. politics. Overseas Filipinos serve as a strong anchor to the people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines. Their strong work ethic and contribution to essential sectors like health care, technology and services have generated deep respect. They are known for competence, reliability and integrity. Americans often ask me the same question: if Filipinos peru PAGE 7
Cielito F. Habito It seems that the dreams with which Jose Rizal died exactly 129 years ago at his execution by the Spanish colonizers are the same dreams we dream today, in a society still mired in the corruption, oppression, and injustice Rizal wrote about in his time. The painful difference is that those evils are no longer coming from foreign colonizers, but from fellow Filipinos, making the social cancer Rizal described then even harder, in many ways, to excise now. We’re caught in an evil web that has permeated all parts and levels of government, business, and economic institutions, the educational system, and even down to the minds and hearts of the ordinary citizenry. We are trapped in a vicious cycle of corruption abetting and funding campaigns of political dynasties whose hold on power is perpetuated by an electoral system that permits them to abuse it, and an educational system unable to foster the electoral maturity that would stop it. But it is these very dynasties that manage to create the conditions that keep the elec-
Accountability or anarchy: Peddler of Hope The next two years will tell
Sharp Edges
Jake J. Maderazo The year 2025 exposed a rot that many Filipinos have long suspected but hoped had at last met its match. The flood-control scandal — the alleged looting of billions meant to protect communities from deluge — blew apart the comfortable fiction that thefts of public funds are victimless and politically untouchable. From the President’s blistering State of the Nation Address to mass street protests and the arrest of contractors, the fallout has delivered shocks and opened a rare window of public appetite for accountability. But as we stand at the threshold of 2026, that window risks becoming a stage for show trials and selective purges unless institutions, the media, and the citizenry insist on one uncompromising principle: justice must be impartial, transparent, and anchored in law. Reports that the Ombudsman is poised to file charges that
could lead to the imprisonment of well-known political figures — including Sen. Chiz Escudero, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Joel Villanueva, and Rep. Eric Yap — must be welcomed only insofar as they follow credible evidence, not partisan zeal. The star witness at the center of these accusations, former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo has placed names at the heart of a scandal that stretches from ghost projects to alleged budget insertions. These allegations are explosive and merit exhaustive and impartial investigations. Equally disturbing are the accusations surrounding armored trucks and the alleged delivery of billions in cash inside a luxury hotel — claims now implicating former DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan, former DepEd Usec. Trigyve Olivar, former Palace Undersecretary Adrian Panganiban and former DOJ Usec Jojo Cadiz Jr. If any truth lies in these sensational accounts, the full force of the law must follow. But sensationalism cannot replace
due process. The people must be given solid forensic audits, chain-of-custody explanations, and public accounting of how these allegations were substantiated. The case of Zaldy Co — reportedly now in Portugal or Spain who maybe arrested next year is another litmus test. Will his overseas arrest lead to a thorough inquiry that follows leads up and down the ladder of power? The same question applies to any Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommendations concerning former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Allegation after allegation has been hurled in public; institutions must translate them into admissible evidence or risk turning the courts into arenas for political score-settling. The scandal’s web is further complicated by competing leaks and dossiers — from the socalled “Cabral Files” raised by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste to “DPWH leaks” circulated u PAGE 7
George Royeca A country’s belief in itself is often reflected in what it chooses to build. For decades, the Philippines has been proud of exporting talent. Our nurses, engineers, seafarers and professionals have proven themselves across the world. But in the digital age, exporting talent alone is no longer enough. Nations that truly prosper are those that build companies, platforms and technologies that scale globally while remaining rooted at home. This is why Filipino technology startups matter. And this is why the Philippines must eventually produce its own unicorns. A unicorn is not just a company valued at a billion dollars. It is a signal. It tells young people that success is possible without leaving. It tells investors that the ecosystem works. It tells the world that a country can innovate at scale. When a nation produces a unicorn, the economic impact goes far beyond valuation. It cre-
He was not a software magnate presiding over a consumer-facing empire. His work operated deeper in the system, in the foundational decisions that lowered costs, normalized connectivity, and made computing practical at scale. His influence spread through adoption, not promotion. He was not a Filipino version of someone else. He was Dado Banatao, and his work stands on its own terms. u PAGE 7
Fixing a broken Philippines toral and educational systems the way they are. Our country is broken because it is stuck in a political-economic equilibrium that rewards predation more than production, thievery more than creativity. It’s in equilibrium because the situation has seemingly become stable, unchanging, and even self-reinforcing. Fixing it requires disrupting this equilibrium, which will need profound changes to somehow happen on various fronts: in governance, in education, in the economy, in our communities, and in the very hearts and minds of ordinary citizens. Politics, with the fabulous illicit incomes it can bring, has become a family business for dynasties that control elections through money, name recall, and patronage, making an antidynasty law a long-needed fix on the governance front. Will the antidynasty measure currently pending in Congress finally change things? Some applaud it as a game changer, but others see in it loopholes that would keep dynasties alive. Other critical governance fixes include a strong political party system, strict enforcement of campaign finance rules, independent prosecution of corrupt officials, and complete
budget transparency from preparation to execution. Some progress has been made on the last, thanks to Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian’s openness and willingness to collaborate with the People’s Budget Coalition and the thousands of volunteer data analysts behind it. But old habits die hard, and shameless politicians appear to have still managed to have their way with the inclusion of disguised pork and spurious public works allocations in the emerging 2026 budget. Critical to achieving the above political and governance reforms is an educated electorate, highlighting the vital role of educational reform to ensure wide access to quality education. But this is a long-haul journey whose impacts would only begin to show beyond the current generation of voters. Much work has been done in the Second Congressional Commission on Education, whose recommendations are being translated into legislation and administrative reforms in the education sector. But the often overlooked link is the still-high rate of early childhood malnutrition and stunting that has impaired the learning and cognitive abilities of a quarter of u PAGE 7
Why the Philippines needs its own unicorns ates jobs, attracts capital, deepens expertise and inspires an entire generation to think bigger. Many countries understood this early. The United States did not become an innovation powerhouse by accident. It nurtured startups, protected local innovators in their early years and allowed them to grow into global leaders. Silicon Valley was not built overnight. It was built through decades of policy choices, patient capital and a culture that celebrated entrepreneurship. The result was not just wealth for founders but trillions of dollars in economic activity, technological leadership and national influence. Israel offers another powerful example. A small country with limited natural resources chose to invest heavily in startups, research and technology. Government support, strong education and a willingness to take risks created one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the world. Today, Israeli technology companies power industries far be-
yond their borders. Their success strengthened their economy and reshaped their national identity. Closer to home, we see similar stories unfolding. Indonesia made a conscious decision to back its local startups. It encouraged domestic platforms in transport, payments and commerce. It invested in digital infrastructure and supported founders who understood local needs. The result was not just one unicorn but several. These companies kept profits circulating within the country, trained thousands of local engineers and created services designed for Indonesians. Singapore followed a different but equally deliberate path. It positioned itself as a startup hub by offering clear rules, strong protection for intellectual property and deep government support for innovation. It invested in accelerators, research and early stage funding. Today, Singapore is home to startups that operate across Asia and beyond. The economic windfall is visible u PAGE 7
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ity improvement, translating to lower costs and prices for food and nonfood essentials—thereby striking at the root of our malnutrition and education crisis. A competitive and democratized economy friendly to small farms and firms, in turn, forestalls capture of the political system by moneyed elites and dynastic leaders. The final crucial front is our own communities and families, whose collective power could be harnessed by galvanizing a national reform coalition. Reform champions across business, the academe, church, youth, basic sectors, and the government itself are needed to spearhead
this coalition for change. There’s a silent majority out there just waiting to be led to act in unity and solidarity toward achieving the country we all aspire to. It is only when this silent majority is mobilized to act toward making the needed changes on the governance, education, and economic fronts that we can begin fixing our broken country. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** cielito.habito@gmail.com
Accountability or anarchy: The next...
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by media. These clashes have placed Secretary Dizon and key oversight agencies in an impossible bind: manage a deluge of claims while ensuring whistleblowers and accused alike are treated fairly. The answer cannot be reflexive silence or knee-jerk dismissals. What we need are protected channels for credible whistleblowers, rigorous verification protocols, and public disclosure of investigative steps so that the people can see the law at work, not the theater of accusation. But over-all, public trust is not some abstract metric. The November SWS survey — showing the President’s “much trust” rating slipped to 38 percent — is a stark warning. Analysts are right to say that a genuine conviction of those who looted public works could catalyze a rebound in trust. But the converse is equally true: hollow gestures, staged arrests, or the selective targeting of opponents will deepen cynicism and fuel more protests, not heal the nation. The calendar is unforgiving. With only two years left before the next presidential campaign season intensifies and 2028 looming, the Marcos administration faces a stark choice. It must complete the painstaking work of institutional reform and impartial prosecution of the real flood control culprits. On the
other hand, it can attempt to convert accountability into a political weapon to clear the field of rivals — including, fresh rounds of impeachment complaints and charges against Vice President Sara Duterte. Moving forward, we must all insist on due process in these investigations. It must be evidence-based, and open to public where possible, and subject to independent forensic audit. Rumors and viral videos are no substitute for admissible proof. Protect, verify and utilize only qualified whistleblowers: Create secure, independent mechanisms that protect sources and verify claims quickly through impartial forensic accountants and prosecutors. Prosecution must be cleared of politics. The Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan, DOJ, and courts must resist becoming instruments of political warfare. Speed is necessary, but not at the expense of fairness. On the yearly national budget, we must end the culture of opaque insertions and discretionary slush funds. Pass procurement and budget transparency reforms, strengthen whistleblower protections, and institutionalize public asset recovery processes. And for us, Media, churches, civic groups, and the electorate must hold these government institutions accountable every step
of the way. A free press and an engaged citizenry are the best safeguards against both impunity and political persecution. The people who lost homes and lives to floods deserve more than emotional rhetoric and televised handcuffs. They deserve the restoration of systems that prevent theft in the first place — transparent budgets, accountable procurement, and independent oversight that survives whatever political winds blow through Malacañang, Congress, or the courts. If the forthcoming prosecutions and investigations are genuine, comprehensive, and blind to status, this moment could be the beginning of a real moral and institutional cleansing. If, however, they become selective, theatrical, or procedurally flawed, they will only deepen the rot and produce yet another generation of cynics who believe that in the Philippines, law is a weapon, not a shield. We have two years. Our country deserves justice. Not a show. Not news stories. Only real, fair justice that restores confidence and makes sure that public service returns to being a public trust. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Why the Philippines needs its own...
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not only in valuations but in jobs, skills and long-term competitiveness. Even Thailand, once seen as a slower adopter of technology, has begun investing in its startup ecosystem. By supporting local founders and digital industries, it is creating new growth engines for its economy. These examples show a clear pattern. Countries that invest in startups do not just grow companies. They future proof their economies. The Philippines cannot afford to ignore this lesson. Without strong local startups, we remain dependent on foreign platforms. Without homegrown success stories, our youth will continue to believe that the ceiling for Filipino ambition is somewhere else. Without unicorns, our ecosystem lacks the proof point that convinces capital to stay and scale. A healthy startup community does something powerful. It changes mindset. When young Filipinos see founders like them building successful companies, they stop asking if it is possible and start asking how. Entrepreneurship becomes a real path, not a fantasy. Risk taking becomes acceptable. Innovation becomes aspirational. This shift in mindset is just as important as policy or funding. But startups do not grow in a
vacuum. They need an environment that allows them to compete. This is where government plays a critical role. Supporting local startups is not protectionism. It is good economic sense. Every major technology economy did this in some form. No country allowed its most strategic digital industries to be dominated by global giants from day one without consequences. Protecting local players does not mean shutting the door to foreign investment. It means ensuring fair competition. It means recognizing that global platforms arrive with massive capital, advanced technology and global networks that local startups simply do not have at the beginning. Without smart policy, local companies are crushed before they can mature. That is not efficiency. That is economic self sabotage. Government support can take many forms. Access to early stage funding. Procurement policies that give startups a chance. Regulatory sandboxes that allow innovation. Support for incubators and accelerators. Education systems that encourage entrepreneurship. Clear data and competition rules that prevent abuse of dominance. These are not radical ideas. They are proven tools used by both developed and emerging economies. The payoff is significant.
When startups succeed, they create entire ecosystems around them. Employees leave to start new companies. Suppliers grow alongside them. Skills spread across industries. Capital recycles into the next generation of founders. This is how innovation compounds. This is how economies grow from within. Ultimately, the question is not whether the Philippines can produce unicorns. The question is whether we choose to create the conditions that allow them to exist. We have the talent. We have the market. We have the creativity. What we need is belief backed by policy. If we nurture a thriving startup ecosystem, we do more than build companies. We build confidence. We build capability. We build a future where young Filipinos see themselves not just as workers in the global economy but as builders of it. That future is not only desirable. It is necessary. The next chapter of the Philippine economy will be written by those who dare to build. Let us make sure we give them the chance to succeed. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
2025 sees ties between Marcos, Sara... PAGE 5 tor-judges in the impeachment court, Sara Duterte needed only two additional votes for acquittal — assuming that the trial would be held during the 20th Congress — having already seven firm allies, including Senators Robinhood Padilla and dela Rosa. Meanwhile, come May 19, in a somewhat surprising turn of events, Marcos claimed in his podcast that he was willing to make peace with the Dutertes. “I don’t like conflicts. What I want is to get along with everyone,” he said. “It’s better… I already have a lot of enemies; I don’t need more. What I need are friends,” he added. However, nothing came of his statement, as the rift between the two leaders continued to widen. By the end of May, the vice president once again left the country for a private trip, this time to Qatar to meet with OFWs and the Netherlands to celebrate her birthday with her father and participate in a gathering by various Filipino groups in front of the ICC in The Hague. June Come June, Sara’s impeach-
ment proceedings were further delayed to June 11 by then-Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero. June 11 fell on the day the Congress would adjourn, but Escudero said that the impeachment was delayed so that the Congress could pass priority legislation before adjourning sine die. This meant the impeachment trial against the vice president could spill over from the 19th Congress to the 20th Congress. This development was met with heated debates, as many argued that the Senate leadership was ignoring the “forthwith” component in the context of impeachment proceedings in the Constitution, where Article XI, Section 3 (4) states that if a complaint is filed by one-third of the House members, the trial by the Senate “shall forthwith proceed.” The Palace then once again distanced Marcos from this clamor, stating that Marcos would not interfere with the ongoing debates regarding Duterte’s impeachment trial. On June 11, the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, returned the Articles of Impeach-
ASIAN JOURNAL • january 2-8, 2026
On Dado Banatao and the...
Fixing a broken Philippines
our children in school, for whom education system improvements may help little. And equally overlooked is how malnutrition is not about weak feeding programs, but fundamentally traces to inordinately high food prices beyond the reach of the poor, the outcome of a flawed economic environment. The fix on the economic front entails shifting from undue economic concentration marked by monopolies, oligopolies, and cartels to healthy economic competition, where large and small enterprises thrive side by side. A strong competition policy impels innovation and productiv-
Opinion & Features
ment against the vice president to the House of Representatives — effectively cancelling the scheduled presentation set for June 11. While this development was not tantamount to the dismissal or termination of the case, this effectively meant that the continuation of the impeachment process would fall to the 20th Congress, with a new set of senator-judges. In the same month, Sara then traveled to Australia for another personal trip to once again attend a rally calling for her father’s release from the ICC. It was in Australia that the vice president finally responded to Marcos’ earlier pronouncement of being open to making peace with the Dutertes. According to Sara, despite Marcos’ sentiments, she has never received any request to meet with the president. She then declared that she had “no ill feelings” against Marcos, even claiming that the “political persecution” she was experiencing under his administration was merely a part of a politician’s life. u PAGE 8
PAGE 6 Access as a condition of innovation Silicon Valley has long celebrated personalities and products while overlooking the builders who make entire systems viable. Banatao belonged to that latter group. By lowering barriers to entry, he expanded participation in the digital age. Innovation followed access, not the reverse. Memorializing him corrects a persistent imbalance in how contribution is assigned and remembered. Filipinos have not merely adapted to global innovation. We have helped construct its foundations. From builder to investor Later in his career, Banatao became a venture capitalist. This role did not replace his identity as a builder; it extended it. As an investor and mentor, he brought an operator’s discipline to capital. He favored sound engineering, long-term viability, and practical problem-solving over financial spectacle. His influence was measured less by deals completed than by companies and people strengthened over time.
Philanthropy with intent Banatao understood that success which terminates with the individual is incomplete. He invested deliberately in education, scholarships, and engineering and innovation programs, particularly within Filipino-American communities. His philanthropy was neither symbolic nor episodic. It was designed for continuity. He invested in systems capable of reproducing opportunity beyond his own involvement, guided by a conviction shaped by experience: talent is widespread; access is not. Memorialization as obligation To memorialize Dado Banatao properly is not to elevate him beyond scrutiny. It is to place his life accurately within the historical record. That requires teaching his story as evidence rather than exception. It requires valuing engineers and builders alongside figures whose work is more visible. It requires documentation that resists exaggeration and omission alike. What continuation demands Continuing Banatao’s legacy does not require another singu-
7
lar figure. It requires sustained attention to the ecosystem he believed in. It requires families who treat science and engineering as legitimate paths. Institutions that fund access rather than symbolism. Community organizations that invest in mentorship over ceremony. Professionals who understand that opportunity, once received, carries responsibility. Progress is not preserved by admiration. It is preserved by participation. The responsibility of record The responsibility here is not merely to commemorate achievement, but to document it accurately and durably. Lives like Banatao’s demonstrate how Filipino contribution can be foundational and yet overlooked when history is written loosely. Remembering Dado Banatao honors the past. Advancing the principles that shaped his work access, education, and continuity - secures the future. His life leaves a clear instruction: the highest form of success is not visibility, but continuity. Impact is measured by what is sustained after recognition fades. (AJPress)
What most Filipinos wish for... PAGE 6 form so well abroad, why does the system at home struggle so much? I understand that it is not a question meant to criticize. On the contrary, it is a question born of possibility. When Filipinos – the ones who are sincere and are not out to self-promote or aggrandize themselves – express their hopes and wishes for the country, good governance inevitably enters the conversation. Not ideology, not slogans – but outcomes. They wish for leaders who would spend public money as carefully as they would their own. For a bureaucracy that moves with purpose instead of delay. For laws that apply equally to the powerful and the powerless. They are tired of corruption being treated as inevitable. They wish – quietly but firmly – for accountability to become routine, instead of being the exception. Equally strong is the wish for unity. Filipinos are weary of endless divisions that consume energy but produce little progress. They understand disagreement and respect differences in opinion, but what they reject is dys-
function. They wish for a politics that debates vigorously (passionately even) yet governs responsibly, remembering that no matter how heated elections become, the country remains long after the campaign season is over. From the many Fil-Am events I attended all around the United States, I see something else Filipinos wish for: respect. Respect on the world stage. Respect for our passport. Respect for our voice in regional and global affairs. The Philippines today occupies a more prominent place in international conversations – economically, strategically, diplomatically. This attention brings opportunity, but also responsibility. There is also a deeply personal wish I hear repeatedly: a better daily life. Less time stuck in traffic. More reliable public services. Streets that feel safer. Jobs that pay better. Parents wish for schools that truly educate. Farmers wish for fair prices. Fishermen wish to work without fear. Young professionals wish to dream without immediately planning an exit.
These are not radical demands. They are reasonable hopes. Let me share an interesting story which happened not too long ago. After my meeting at the White House executive building and while waiting for my ride back to the Philippine embassy, a Filipina nurse working in a New York hospital, on vacation, recognized me and approached me. She did not ask for help. She did not complain. She simply said, “Ambassador, I hope someday I can go home for good – and feel confident I made the right choice.” That was her wish. Not extraordinary. Not unreasonable. Simply – hopeful. Many Filipinos have not given up on their country. And as long as that remains true, neither should all of us in the country give up as well. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
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Dizon denies links to flood control insertions alleged by Leviste by Keith Clores Inquirer.net
MANILA – Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon denied on Tuesday Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste’s allegations linking him to supposed flood control insertions in the national budget. “[Dizon] categorically denies the baseless and malicious allegations made by Rep. Leandro Leviste regarding supposed ‘insertions’ or ‘allocables’,” the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a statement. Leviste accused Dizon of making insertions in the controversial infrastructure projects funded through the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). In a separate statement, the BC also shut down Leviste’s allegations, saying “no such funds exist within BCDA projects or its authority. Claims to the contrary
are unsupported by evidence and false.” “BCDA does not receive or control discretionary funds and does not participate in budget insertions. All projects are financed only through approved government programs, released through the National Treasury, implemented under the General Appropriations Act, and governed by procurement laws and Commission on Audit rules,” the BCDA added. The group also welcomed an investigation, saying the BDCA’s records are open to oversight institutions. Meanwhile, the DPWH said the timing of Leviste’s allegations “raises suspicions,” after the agency’s staff reported that the lawmaker “forcefully and illegally” took the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral’s files supposedly containing data on infrastructure allocations. Dizon previously denied that he had authenticated the documents in Leviste’s possession,
adding that he had never seen them, prompting Malacañang to call for a probe of how the congressman got hold of the socalled “Cabral files.” The Office of the Ombudsman is set to examine the files in the congressman’s possession. On December 24, Leviste began sparsely releasing the data contained in the documents after Cabral died on December 18. By Christmas Day, Leviste had released data showing the DPWH budget allocations per district, province and region from 2023 to 2026 amounting to around P3.5 trillion. The files showed that the biggest allocations by region went to Central Luzon with P406.9 billion, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) with P341.8 billion, and the Bicol re- HORSING AROUND. Children welcome the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse at Malabon Zoo on Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025). They also appealed for the implementation of the zero fireworks campaign for the safety of both humans and pets. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc gion, P272.3 billion. The summary also revealed unprogrammed appropriations from 2023 to 2024 amounting to P213.8 billion. n PAGE 7 the floodgates for all of the al- trol.”
2025 sees ties between Marcos, Sara...
Bersamin denies link to P8.3B DPWH projects in Cabral Files by Christina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — Former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin rejected on Sunday, December 28, allegations that he is the “ES” tagged in the so-called Cabral Files, saying he had no role at any stage in the approval of public works projects. In a statement, Bersamin said he was “aghast and outraged” by claims that the initials referred to him and that P8.3 billion worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects were supposedly allocated to his office under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. “I did not ever request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process,” Bersamin said. He also denied instructing anyone inside or outside government to use his name or his former position for any budget-related purpose. As executive secretary, Bersamin held one of the most powerful posts in the Marcos administra-
tion, overseeing the execution of Marcos' orders and coordinating among different Cabinet secretaries. His exit last month came as the administration tried to contain fallout from allegations it was Bersamin all along who pushed for a whopping P100 billion in bicameral insertions in the 2025 national budget — a claim the former chief justice has denied. Shortly after, Bersamin shared that he did not resign willingly and was told to step down. Cabral files claims disputed On Sunday, Bersamin stressed that the newly surfaced allegations in the Cabral files were unfounded. “This incident only serves to raise more questions about the deeply flawed budget process followed at the DPWH,” he said, urging that the so-called Cabral documents to be thoroughly scrutinized to identify those responsible for any manipulation. Bersamin added that he was eager and willing to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial inquiry into the issue. Sen. Ping Lacson claimed at
least five Cabinet secretaries and several undersecretaries had “allocables” and “non-allocables” amounting to billions of pesos in the 2025 national budget based on documents linked to former Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. Lacson said the documents showed a certain “ES” with P8.3 billion in allocables, among others. Questions over document source. Malacañang, however, has questioned both the source and authenticity of the files. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said there were reports indicating the documents were obtained from a staff member, not from former DPWH undersecretary Cabral, after whom the files were named. A copy of the supposed contents of the documents was released on social media by Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) on Christmas Eve. The files reportedly include summaries of DPWH allocations by district, province, and region from 2023 to 2026, totaling around P3.5 trillion. n
However, Duterte clarified that while she has no hard feelings for the president regarding her “persecution,” she still had problems with Marcos in his role as president, especially with his supposed “violations of the law” on the arrest of her father before the ICC, which she tagged as “an affront to Philippine sovereignty.” She claimed in the same interview that Marcos had been consistently giving “conflicting statements” since the beginning of his administration, labelling him as having the “hallmark of a scammer.” Meanwhile, while Marcos did not always take jabs against Duterte, Palace press officer Claire Castro was on hand to defend him whenever the vice president had something to say against him This year, the verbal sparring between Castro and Sara frequently made headlines, as neither appeared willing to back down. One notable instance was when Sara, during her trip to Australia, questioned where and how the government spent its P16-trillion national debt. Castro dismissed this by reminding Sara of the trillions of pesos in debt incurred during her father’s administration. Castro also labeled Duterte a “source of fake news” after the latter claimed that Marcos smelled of alcohol early one morning when he received her resignation as education secretary in June 2024. “These stories against President Marcos Jr. are not true. It is easy for them to make up stories and propaganda, especially since former President Duterte admitted that he is an expert in planting evidence and creating intrigue,” Castro said in Filipino. “All of her stories are meant to discredit the president because she wants to remove him from office and become president herself,” she added. July Marcos delivered his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July, with one notable absentee: the vice president. Sara skipped Marcos’ Sona for the second consecutive year, this time simply stating that she did not see any significance to the occasion. “I do not intend to attend the State of the Nation address of President Marcos since I don’t think he will be providing anything substantial about our country,” said Duterte in an interview in June. Meanwhile, in his third Sona, Marcos issued a warning to officials involved in corruption related to flood control projects, which often result in substandard infrastructure and severe flooding during periods of heavy rain. “Have some shame, especially towards fellow Filipinos,” he said in Filipino. The pronouncement opened
most 10,000 flood control projects completed in the past three years, and he himself revealed that P100 billion — or about 20 percent of the entire P545-billion budget for flood mitigation projects undertaken by his administration from July 2022 to May 2025 — was awarded to only 15 contractors. But this disclosure still drew criticism from Duterte, who said that, if the president were truly serious, the probe could be completed in a single day. She maintained that Marcos could easily identify those responsible for corruption in the budget, but that the public was instead being treated to what she described as a “zarzuela.” Castro responded by saying that Marcos does not conduct investigations in a “tokhang-style way.” “President Marcos Jr. does not conduct investigations in a tokhang-style manner. He respects due process and human rights, which is why everything goes through the proper procedure,” she said in Filipino Castro’s “tokhang” remarks were a jab at the vice president’s father, former President Rodrigo. It was also in July when the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the impeachment complaint against the vice president was unconstitutional, effectively halting the Senate’s scheduled trial. The court held that the complaint violated the Constitution’s one‑year bar on filing multiple impeachment cases against the same official and denied Duterte’s right to due process, since earlier complaints counted toward this limit. This meant that the Senate could not proceed with the trial, and a new complaint could only be filed after February 2026. August It was in August when Sara’s impeachment trial officially concluded. On Aug. 6, after hours of debate, the Senate ruled to archive the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing the Supreme Court decision. Nineteen senators, including then-Senate President Escudero, voted in favor of Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva’s motion to archive the complaint against Duterte, while four voted against it. The vice president and her legal team then hosted a thanksgiving celebration right after the Senate’s decision. September onwards From September onwards, much of the public attention shifted to the corruption scandal involving flood control projects and other governance issues, eclipsing the impeachment case in public discourse. Sara, for her part, voiced her opinions about the issue, questioning the government’s handling of the probe, calling on Marcos to “go beyond flood con-
On Sept. 21, tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets to protest against corruption and call for accountability of those involved in the controversy — both Marcos and Duterte expressed their support for the movement. On Nov. 13, Sara expressed her belief that Marcos should be investigated and jailed over the flood control anomalies, insisting on the role he played in signing the annual budget despite questions. She then later claimed that Marcos Jr. was facing “a profound crisis of confidence” amid allegations of corruption stemming from the flood-control scandal. “The President now faces a profound crisis of confidence, especially in the way these corruption investigations are being handled, which appear to lack both direction and resolve,” said Duterte in a video statement. “We also seek clear answers on how a budget that deprived Filipinos of billions and billions of pesos was approved under his watch,” she added. Marcos, for his part, pressed forward with his pledge to investigate anomalous flood control projects. On Nov. 21, Marcos announced that arrest warrants have already been issued against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 others involved in anomalous flood control projects. A month later, on Dec. 19, he then announced that warrants of arrest had also already been issued against controversial public works contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya and her nine co-accused in relation to an alleged anomalous flood control project in Davao Occidental. While Marcos essentially ignored Sara’s criticisms amid the flood control controversy — leaving it to his press officer, Castro, to respond — developments this year prove that the alliance that once delivered a landslide victory in 2022 by promising a “united” country had not only collapsed but has effectively hardened into a political rift arguably wider than ever before. What initially started as internal tensions in early 2024 escalated into impeachment proceedings, criminal cases, international arrest warrants, and even sustained public attacks. These events permanently altered Marcos and Duterte’s partnership, with the once-dominant UniTeam becoming nothing more than a reminder of their partnership’s campaign promise that was never realized. As the country heads into 2026, the fallout between Marcos and Duterte continues to shape Philippine politics. Sure to serve as a defining feature of Marcos’ second half in office, only time will tell how it will further escalate and affect not only his administration, but the entire country. (Inquirer.net)
Then presidential and vice presidential candidates Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte in a political rally during the 2022 presidential elections. File photo
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Jour n al Friday, January 2, 2026
inside >>> L i f e s t y l e • C o n s u m e r G u i d e • C o m m u n i t y • M a r k e t p l a c e
In Memoriam 2025: Filipino cultural figures and public personalities we lost by AJPress The year 2025 marked the passing of Filipinos whose work shaped the nation’s cultural, artistic, and public life across generations. From cinema and music to cuisine, television, comedy, and digital media, these figures influenced how Filipinos told their stories, confronted social change, and engaged audiences at home and abroad. Presented below is a fact-based accounting of notable deaths in 2025, sequenced strictly by date of death.Causes of death are included only when publicly disclosed. Gloria Romero (September 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025) Gloria Romero was among the most enduring figures in Philip-
Nora Aunor
pine cinema, with a career that bridged the postwar studio era and the modern television age. Rising to prominence in the 1950s, she became a leading lady before transitioning into character roles that sustained her relevance across generations. She appeared in hundreds of films and television productions over more than seven decades. Romero died at age 91, marking the passing of one of the last living links to the classical era of Philippine film. Margarita Forés (March 23, 1959 – February 11, 2025) Margarita “Gaita” Forés was a pioneering chef and restaurateur credited with reshaping contemporary Filipino dining. Trained in Italy, she helped define Manila’s modern restaurant culture while
File photo
serving as a culinary ambassador for the Philippines abroad. An Asia’s Best Female Chef awardee, Forés remained an influential voice in hospitality and mentorship. She died at age 65 while in Hong Kong, according to family and media reports. Matutina (c. 1946 – February 14, 2025) Known professionally as Matutina, Evelyn Bontogon-Guerrero was a comedienne best remembered for her work on the long-running sitcom John en Marsha. Her career also included radio drama and voice work. She died at age 78. Delia Razon (c. 1931 – March 15, 2025) Delia Razon was a Golden Age film actress whose career began in the 1940s. She appeared in numerous postwar Filipino films and remained a respected figure in cinema history. She died at age 94. Gold Dagal (1986 – March 16, 2025) Gold Dagal was a stand-up comedian and founder of Comedy Roast Battles PH. Known for provocative humor, he was fatally shot in Angeles City. Authorities confirmed that an investigation was launched following his death. He was 38. Pilita Corrales (August 22, 1937 – April 12, 2025) Celebrated as Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales was among the first Filipino performers to achieve sustained international success. Fluent in multiple languages, she recorded more than 130 albums and worked across
music, film, and television. She died in her sleep at age 87 and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit. Nora Aunor (May 21, 1953 – April 16, 2025) Nora Aunor rose from rural poverty to become one of the most influential figures in Philippine cinema. Known for restrained, emotionally precise performances, she reshaped Filipino screen acting and storytelling. A National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, she died at age 71. The Philippine government declared a national day of mourning and accorded her state funeral honors. Hajji Alejandro (December 26, 1954 – April 21, 2025) Hajji Alejandro was a defining voice of Original Pilipino Music during its commercial and artistic expansion. Known for romantic ballads, he helped establish Filipino-language popular music as a mainstream force. He died at age 70 after battling stage 4 colon cancer. Jiggly Caliente (November 29, 1980 – April 25, 2025) Jiggly Caliente was a Filipina drag performer and television personality who gained international recognition through RuPaul’s Drag Race and later served as a judge on Drag Race Philippines. Her work expanded global visibility for Filipino and LGBTQ+ artists. She died at age 44. Ricky Davao (May 30, 1961 – May 2, 2025) Ricky Davao was a disciplined
Gloria Romero
Facebook/Gloria Romero
Margarita Forés
Instagram/margaritafores
Matutina
Delia Razon
and versatile actor and director whose career spanned film, television, and theater. Known for professionalism over celebrity, he later earned respect behind the camera as a collaborative director. He died at age 63. Amay Bisaya (April 3, 1958 – May 8, 2025) Amay Bisaya was an actor and comedian recognized for his distinctive Visayan delivery and supporting roles in film and television. He also briefly engaged in public service. He died at age
67 following complications from long-term illness. Freddie Aguilar (February 5, 1953 – May 27, 2025) Freddie Aguilar achieved global recognition with “Anak,” one of the most widely translated Filipino songs in history. His music combined folk sensibilities with social commentary on family, migration, and inequality. He died at age 72. Red Sternberg (1974 – May 27, 2025) PAGE 10
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In Memoriam 2025: My Visits to Manila’s Bgy. 539 and Malacanang’s “Tara sa Palasyo” Filipino cultural figures...
Congratulations to barangay chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito of Barangay 539 in Sampaloc, Manila for he has done lots of good deeds for his constituents. He is recognized for fostering a welcoming and efficient community environment. Visitors have described his barangay staff as accommodating and courteous, indicating a focus on responsive local service and effective administration. He supported the recently concluded Christmas Food Bazaar on Calabash Road in District IV’s Zone 53 in Manila and organized gatherings noted for high levels of community support and participation, such as the Barangay 539 Christmas Party for the children. He also led the distribution of educational books for the kids. He has shown a dedicated administrative leadership, heading the Barangay Council and collaborating with local officials to manage neighborhood improvements and support services. Malacanang’s “Tara sa Palasyo After many years, I visited Malacanang’s Kalayaan Hall where I used to work as Presidential Message Writer. It gave me a big smile as I was grateful for how lovelier and more organized it is than ever before. As I gazed at the surrounding breezy trees, the ambience soothed my inner soul as I harked to the enchanting music of Immacolada Concepcion de Malolos Chamber Singers. Malacanang’s “Tara sa Palasyo” is truly a relief that I felt I was in James Hilton’s novel. I was fortunate to talk to Social Secretary’s Office Director Vivian C. Recio that night. She told me there were 10 award-winning choirs that had performed since the start of Simbang Gabi (Christmas dawn masses). “Tara sa Palasyo” is a holiday initiative by President Ferdinand
Health @Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS The holidays may be behind us, but their physical effects, among others, will linger a while. Medically speaking, it is actually a time for “damage control” for those of us who have over-indulged during the festivities. The post-holiday “makeover” is just as a healthy pre-emptive measure, more so for those who really want to maintain their normal weight or those who have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. As with anything else, damage control is most effective when employed as a preventive strategy. However, special celebrations and holidays, such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, Thanksgiving Day, and especially the Christmas and New Year festivities, which can last for more than a week, expose us all to that great, irresistible gastronomical temptation. For dieters, those who are watching their weight or counting calories, these occasions are tough times. Blessed are those strong-willed souls, whether or not they carry a calorie counter on one hand and a scale on the other. These health-conscious individuals will reap their rewards in terms of stamina, energy, a stronger immune system, and even longevity, as shown by medical statistics. Bear and horse analogy Talking about the impact of our lifestyle on our health, my son-inlaw, Jim M. Brown, MD, during a lunch buffet last Saturday, related to me the analogy of the bear and the horse. He said the bear, a carnivore, eats with impunity in one sitting, gaining pounds after pounds, and then sleeps, slowing down its body metabolism, while the horse grazes on grass several times the whole day, and runs around very frequently, and as such, is a more agile, leaner, and healthier animal. Our physiology is at the optimum when we consume just the right amount of calories to maintain our normal weight, and when our glucose (blood sugar) level is on an even keel most of the time. When we overeat and then try to starve ourselves to compensate for our indiscretion, our blood glucose spikes up and down, described as yo-yo dieting. This severe fluctuation in our blood glucose level has adverse effects on
Christmas Food Bazaar on Calabash Road in Sampaloc, Manila that started last Dec. 8, 2025 until Dec. 28, 2025.
Barangay 539 Chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito giving gifts to kids during Christmas party for the children.
R. Marcos Jr. that opens the Malacañang grounds to the public for Misa de Gallo. Now in its fourth year, the Eucharistic celebration is part of the program organized by the Office of the President (OP), inviting Filipinos to experience Yuletide traditions within the historic Malacanang complex. Attendees were welcomed with traditional Filipino Christmas treats, including hot chocolate, bibingka and puto bumbong, adding warmth and flavor to the early morning celebration. I was able to meet Fr. (LTC) Roel Arceno Isip (GSC), Malacanang’s chaplain, as I listened attentively to his Christmas message last Dec. 24. Beyond the Masses, visitors enjoyed a host of family-friendly activities, including carnivalthemed rides, film showings and a dazzling Christmas display from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. that began Dec. 16 until Dec. 23, 2025. The “Tara sa Palasyo” program has become a hallmark of the current administration, highlighting efforts to make Malacañang more accessible to the public while promoting “Filipino culture, faith and community spirit during the holiday season.” I would surely treasure this moment as how I remember the happy faces and smiles of the family of Jeff and Ann Plar, with their kids Raquel and Atasha, who just live at the back of a church nearby.
*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
(From left) SK Ally Miranda, Kagawad Jerome Manila’s Barangay 539 Chairman Christopher Clark Gallegos, Treasurer Lorna Mendez, Chairman C. Quito with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Christopher Clark C. Quito, journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina. Constantino Medina, and Kagawad Arsenio Q. Mena.
Barangay 539 Chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito Malacanang chaplain Fr. (LTC) Roel Arceno Isip (GSC) (6th from left) leads in distributing educational books with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina. to the children.
Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina reads the December 24, 2025 Gospel as Fr. Roel A. Vivian C. Recio of Malacanang with Asian Journal Isip shares the said Gospel during the Misa de Gallo in Publications columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina. Malacanang ground.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos joins the visitors in “Tara sa Palasyo” and enjoys the ride inside the President Bongbong Marcos joins the people in “Tara sa Palasyo”. Malacanang ground.
Damage control
our body and on our immune system. And this poses even greater danger for persons with diabetes. Eating several times a day, even 5 or 6 times a day, not exceeding the total 24-hour caloric need of our body, is a healthier habit, which helps maintain our blood glucose level in a more stable, less erratic pattern during the day. But the key is calorie control, especially the ones from carbohydrates (rice, bread, soft drinks, cakes, ice cream, candies, and other sweets). About 4 years ago, we wrote about two main hormones that control our appetite, which is apropos to our discussion. Here is a segment of that column: Hunger and satiety triggers The urge to eat (hungry or not) is, to a large extent, controlled by hormones in our body. And these hormones fluctuate depending on how much sleep we get, what types of food we eat and how many calories we take in, and how much physical activity we indulge in daily. Scientific researchers are focusing on four specific substances they call “fat hormones,” which our own endocrine glands in the body produce. There are hormones that make one eat, and there are also hormones that signal the brain to tell the person to stop eating. These substances control hunger and satiety. The hunger hormone The hunger hormone is Ghrelin, which is secreted by our guts (stomach and intestines). When its level goes up, we feel hungry and have the urge to eat. The level of Ghrelin goes up when we get less sleep or not enough sleep. This is the reason why those who are trying to lose weight should get an adequate amount (about 8 hours) of sleep. An imbalanced meal and stress also elevate the Ghrelin level. Food deprivation obviously increases the Ghrelin level, hence it is better to keep the level of this hormone on an even keel and not fluctuate too much by eating regularly (or even more than 3 times a day) but at a controlled total calorie ceiling, to maintain health and body weight. So, starving oneself is not a good way to lose weight, since this will lead to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in the latter part of the day. The satiety hormone The opposite or counter-hormone, which is called Leptin, signals the brain when to stop eating. It controls the appetite. This “satiety hormone” is produced by fat cells in the body.
When a person loses weight, the leptin level in the bloodstream also goes down. As a result, there is a “rebound” weight gain. The best strategy for losing and maintaining a desired weight level is to lose at a slow and steady pace, about one to two pounds a week, and not more. In this manner, there will still be an effective level of leptin in the body to control the urge to eat. Appetite suppressants: Safe? Most appetite control pills, juices, solutions, and powders on the market are not physiological and unnatural ways to suppress (by force) the appetite for weight control. While they are readily available and very popular, they have potential adverse side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain in the long run. Some serious complications, and even deaths, have been reported from the use of these diet substances. Since greater calorie intake than output is the cause of an increase in body weight, the safest, most natural strategy is to eat less and burn more calories with physical exercises, making the output of calories (energy) greater than the intake of calories (food). The use of appetite suppressants could be dangerous, except for the new GLP-1 class of drugs for obesity and diabetes, which is effective and safe, albeit also with some potential side effects, like any other drug. The healthier “makeover” for our post-holiday misadventures includes daily gradual incremental reduction in the food we eat, daily physical exercises, as simple and easy as brisk walking for about 30 minutes a day, and hitting the scale daily (yes, daily) to check on any progress. Drinking a lot of water (not fruit juices or soft drinks!) can help a lot. Excess weight that does not come down only means a greater reduction in food intake is needed. The excess weight gained over the holidays could be safely eliminated within a week. For those really overweight to begin with, the same strategy (output of calories must exceed the intake). Simply put, more exercise and less food, until the scale tells you that you have achieved your dream weight for the NEW YOU and the new year. A blessed, peaceful, and happy new year to you and your loved ones! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial
PAGE 9 Red Sternberg was a television actor associated with 1990s youth-oriented dramas that shaped a generation of viewers. He died at age 50. Reports cited cardiac arrest. Cocoy Laurel (Victor D. Laurel | August 4, 1952 – June 14, 2025) Cocoy Laurel was an actor, singer, and visual artist whose career emphasized music, mentorship, and artistic integrity over celebrity. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, he later became known for guiding younger artists and advocating disciplined musicianship. His later years were marked by declining health. Laurel died in Metro Manila at age 72 from cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure. Lolit Solis (1947 – July 3, 2025) Lolit Solis was a longtime entertainment columnist, publicist, and talent manager whose influence shaped Philippine show business for decades. Known for her direct style and industry reach, she died at age 78. Fritz Ynfante (1941 – July 21, 2025) Fritz Ynfante was a veteran television director whose behind-thescenes work helped shape decades of Philippine broadcast programming across news, talk, and entertainment formats. He died at age 84. Mike de Leon (November 6, 1946 – August 28, 2025) Mike de Leon was among the most analytically rigorous filmmakers in Philippine cinema. His films - Itim, Kisapmata, Batch ’81, and Bayaning Third World - interrogated authoritarianism, memory, masculinity, and historical mythmaking with formal precision. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, he died at age 78 from related complications. His death was confirmed by his family to Carlotta Films, a French distributor that had honored and circulated his work internationally Emman Atienza (February 8, 2006 – October 23, 2025) Emman Atienza was a social media personality and fashion content creator known for lifestyle posts and mental-health advocacy. She died in Los Angeles at age 19. Her family confirmed her death in a public statement. Louie Reyes (c. 1957 – October 26, 2025) Louie Reyes was a jazz and popular music singer best known as a member of The New Minstrels, an influential vocal group that shaped the show-band tradition of the 1970s. She died at age 68 from ovarian cancer. Patrick Dela Rosa (– October 27, 2025) Patrick Dela Rosa was an actor and former Quezon City councilor whose career bridged entertainment and public service. He died at age 64. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed. Rosa Rosal (October 16, 1928 – November 15, 2025) Rosa Rosal balanced a prolific acting career with decades of humanitarian work, including leadership in national blood-donation campaigns. A recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, she was widely regarded as both a cultural and civic figure. She died at age 97. Marking a cultural passage Taken together, these deaths marked the closing of several chapters in Philippine cultural history - from postwar cinema and the rise of Original Pilipino Music to the evolution of television, cuisine, comedy, and digital expression. Their passing in a single year underscored a generational transition now underway, as new voices inherit institutions shaped by artists and public figures whose influence extended far beyond their time on stage, screen, or public life.
Sky River Casino kicks off the New Year with Million-Dollar promotion and Lunar New Year celebrations just around the corner Elk Grove, CA – Sky River Casino kicks off 2026 with the $1,000,000 Cash Vault Challenge, an eight-week promotion running every Saturday from January 3 through February 28, offering players the chance to win up to $100,000 cash in a single drawing. The casino will also celebrate Lunar New Year with a traditional Lion Dance performance on Sunday, February 15, and an exclusive eight-course menu at Dragon Beaux featuring authentic celebratory dishes. $1,000,000 Cash Vault Challenge offers $100,000 Top Prize Every Saturday from January 3 through February 28, Sky River Casino presents the $1,000,000 Cash Vault Challenge from 7 PM to 10 PM, featuring drawings every 30 minutes and a highstakes finale game with the potential for a $100,000 cash prize. Sky River Rewards members earn entries daily through slot and table game play with their rewards card, receive one free daily entry at promotional kiosks, and can redeem 100 bonus entries every Monday and Friday at the kiosk. With drawings held across eight consecutive Saturdays, the promotion offers multiple opportunities to compete for the top prize throughout January and February. Guests must be Sky River Rewards members and 21 years of age or older to participate in the Cash Vault Challenge promotion. Complete promotion details and drawing schedules are available at SkyRiver.com. Lunar New Year Celebrations Featuring Traditional Lion Dance & Specialty Menu Coming Soon Sky River Casino honors Lunar New Year traditions with a vibrant dragon and lion dance performance by Leung's White Crane Dragon & Lion Dance Association on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:00AM. The traditional performance will feature unique, Sky River-branded lions to celebrate the prosperity and good fortune for the Year of the Horse. Dragon Beaux, Sky River Casino’s premier dinboard and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition
ing destination, ushers in the Lunar New Year with an auspicious feast highlighting classic flavors and symbolic blessings. The specially curated menu features “Good Fortune Soup” to open the celebration with prosperity, followed by fragrant “Sautéed Short Ribs with Black Pepper Sauce” and the wealth-symbolizing “Braised Dried Oyster with Black Moss”. Guests can savor “Stewed Pork Trotter” for harmony and good fortune, alongside the elegant “Princess Chicken” and richly flavored “Braised Pork Belly with Tofu and Mushrooms”. Rounding out the celebratory spread are the aromatic “Ginger & Onion Lamb” and the luxurious “Braised Abalone with Three-Color Noodles”, a tribute to longevity and abundance that completes this festive culinary journey. Join Sky River Rewards Sky River Rewards, is one of the most hi-tech rewards programs among casinos in Northern California, allowing guests cardless play, cashless wallet, and more. The Sky River Rewards card is your key to receiving points for all your activities and those points can be redeemed for Free Play or dining credits. Visit the Sky River Rewards club or an enrollment kiosk on property to sign up. Earn 25 same-day Tier Credits for a chance to receive up to $2,500 in Free Slot Play. About Sky River Casino Sky River Casino was built by Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is managing the property for the Tribe. The casino opened in August 2022 and includes 100,000 sq ft of gaming, 2,190 slot machines, 82 table games, and 18 elevated restaurants, bars, and lounge destinations. Official expansion plans for Sky River Casino include a multi-story parking structure with 1,600 parking spaces, an expanded gaming floor, a 300-room state-of-the-art hotel, day spa and salon, outdoor pool, and a multi-use event and entertainment space. To learn more about the casino and/or future expansion plans currently underway, please visit www.SkyRiver.com. (Advertising Supplement)
well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sag-
amore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
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The top 40 Filipino athletes of the last century
Filipino sports have risen to great heights over the past hundred years — here are the ultimate men and women you need to know about by Romeo Moran Inquirer.net
It doesn’t take a hardcore sports fan to realize it, but in case you didn’t know, we are living in a renaissance of Filipino sports. With three Olympic gold medals and young stars still in the international eye, there’s arguably never been a better time to be a Filipino athlete. While yes, non-basketball athletes still have a relatively more difficult climb to success, the pathways—and Filipino sports fans’ eyes and minds—are more open than ever, especially as our biggest global wins came at the hands of more niche sports. As the Philippine Daily InquirPhoto from Facebook/@MannyPacquiao er celebrates its 40th anniversa- Manny Pacquiao ry, we’ve put together 40 Filipino rise to global success (and lift up • Manny Pacquiao, boxing athletes you absolutely have to local sports because of it), the • Efren “Bata” Reyes, billiards know about, spanning around a better. • Onyok Velasco, boxing century of the country’s athletic • Hidilyn Diaz, weightlifting • Brandon Vera, mixed martial greatness, and separated by gen• Carlos Yulo, gymnastics arts eration. • EJ Obiena, pole vaulting • Benjie Paras, basketball Disclaimer: because we only • Alex Eala, tennis • Akiko Thomson, swimming have 40 spots and a hundred • Alyssa Valdez, volleyball • Donnie Nietes, boxing years or so of athletics history • Phil and James Younghus• Alvin Patrimonio, basketball to cover, there are unfortunate- band, football • Nonito Donaire, boxing ly quite a few omissions—and • Nesthy Petecio, boxing • Dave Bautista, wrestling. these omissions are likely to • Eduard Folayang, mixed 3. The ‘70s and ‘80s legends offend. I just want to say that I martial arts and wushu If you’re a young or relativeunderstand, and I mean no disre• Rachel Anne Daquis, volley- ly young Filipino, chances are spect to all the talented athletes ball you’ve heard your parents and throughout the generations by • Wesley So, chess. titos and titas talk about basnot including them. Had there 2. The ‘90s and ‘00s icons ketball stars growing up. In the been more spots, I’d have includWhile the current era could interest of diversity and acknowled the person you were rooting be considered the Philippines’ edgment, we can’t put all of them for, but unfortunately, we must most winningest, it’s pretty safe on this list, but we do have the curate. to say that the 1990s and the legends like Jawo, “The Skywalk1. The gold medal era 2000s were the most star-stud- er,” Samboy Lim, and “The Trig(2010s-2020s) ded era of Filipino sports. We german” Allan Caidic, to name a The current era in Philippine had peak Manny Pacquiao, for few. sports and arguably the most crying out loud, who the world’s Athletes from this time also successful. We can talk about stars all over still revere (just go grew to be certified legends, like how the 2000s saw prime Man- watch “Physical Asia” on Netflix Lydia de Vega, known as the fastny Pacquiao become a legend, to see). est woman in Asia, the iconic Filbut he was only one person. MilBut we also had legends like ipino bowler Paeng Nepomucelennial and Gen Z athletes such Efren “Bata” Reyes, Olympic no, and Long Jump Queen Elma as Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, EJ medalists like Onyok Velasco, Muros-Posadas. Obiena, and Alex Eala wrote PBA superstars like Alvin Pa• Robert Jaworski, basketball their own sports legacies by do- trimonio and Benjie Paras, and • Samboy Lim, basketball ing what previous generations even a proudly Filipino WWE • Lydia de Vega, track and of athletes could only dream of champion pro wrestler in Dave field doing. “Batista” Bautista. This was an • Allan Caidic, basketball And honestly, the more people all-timer generation. • Paeng Nepomuceno, bowling • Atoy Co, basketball • Eugene Torre, chess • Bong Coo, bowling • Ramon Fernandez, basketball • Elma Muros-Posadas, long jump. 4. The OGs And of course, Philippine athletics isn’t just recency bias; we have to show respect and honor those who came before in the formative years of modern sports. Flash Elorde—the Filipino boxing icon before Manny Pacquiao, and the name behind a whole boxing dynasty and franchise—may very well be our first-ever sports icon, and fellow boxing legend Pancho Villa did it decades before the Flash in the 1920s, before his untimely demise.We also have early basketball and football legends in Lasallian Kurt Bachmann and Carlos Yulo Photo from Facebook/@carlosedrielyulo Bedan Eddie Pacheco, and we also acknowledge our earliest Olympians (and medalists!) in swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso (the first Filipino and Southeast Asian Olympic medalist), high jumper Simeon Toribio, and father-son boxing medalists Jose and Anthony Villanueva. • Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, boxing • Pancho Villa, boxing • Caloy Loyzaga, basketball • Kurt Bachmann, basketball • Eddie Pacheco, football, basketball • David Nepomuceno, track and field • Teofilo Yldefonso, swimming • Simeon Toribio, high jump • Jose Villanueva, boxing • Anthony Villanueva, boxing. Hidilyn Diaz Photo from Facebook/@hidilynweightlifter
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ASIAN JOURNAL • january 2-8, 2026
Christmas tree recycling
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Give your Christmas tree a second life this holiday season After the holidays wrap up, many Christmas trees end up at the curb — but they don’t have to. Christmas trees are valuable organic material that can be recycled and transformed into nutrient-rich mulch that benefits parks, gardens, schools, and neighborhoods across the Las Vegas Valley. By recycling your tree, you’re helping reduce landfill waste, conserve water, and support greener, healthier public spaces. It’s a simple action that makes a lasting impact. Why recycle your Christmas tree? When recycled, Christmas trees are chipped into mulch that is used throughout the valley to: • Help retain soil moisture • Improve plant health • Support public landscaping and dust control • Enhance school and community gardens. Instead of taking up space in a landfill, your tree becomes part of a sustainable cycle that gives back to the community. Since tree recycling began in 2001, Las Vegas Valley residents have recycled 319,009 Christmas trees, creating more than 2,774 tons of mulch. Last winter alone, 11,698 trees were recycled and turned into 102 tons of mulch, which were used for landscaping projects and dust control efforts throughout the region. Free Christmas tree drop-off locations Recycling your tree is easy and free. Drop-off dates: Dec. 26 – Jan. 15 Locations: More than 30 convenient drop sites across Southern Nevada
Before dropping off your tree, please make sure to: • Remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, and nails • Do not bring flocked trees. Non-organic materials can contaminate mulch and damage recycling equipment, and flocked trees cannot be processed. Can’t drop off your tree? If you’re unable to visit a dropoff site, Move It offers Christmas tree pickup for recycling for a fee of $25.99. Visit gomoveit.com or download the Move It app for more information. Get Free Mulch for Your Yard or Garden Recycled Christmas tree mulch is also available to residents at several locations across the valley. Supplies are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Residents should bring their own containers and shovels. City of Henderson – Free Mulch Pickup Available December 28 – January 19, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Locations: • Acacia Park
• Pecos Legacy Park • Capriola Park\ • Discovery Park University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) Research Center and Demonstration Orchard 4600 Horse Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89131 Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lifelong Learning Center 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89123 Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A small action with a big impact Last year alone, Christmas tree recycling helped spare 1,560 cubic yards of landfill space. Since 2001, that number has grown to 42,535 cubic yards, a powerful reminder that small choices add up. Recycling your Christmas tree is a simple way to close out the holiday season with purpose. It’s a gift that keeps on giving — to our parks, our schools, and our community.
Setting boundaries, Filipino-style Do boundaries make sense in Filipino social psychology? by Carl Lorenz Cervantes Inquirer.net
In the Western mind, “boundaries” often refer to clearly defined terms of engagement—or better yet, something written as a legally-binding agreement. In Filipino psychology, boundaries are constantly negotiated depending on the depth of a person’s relationship with another. These boundaries are enforced through “hiya,” which is our social sensitivity and context-specific manners. More than just shame or guilt On the outside, hiya can look like shame, but we also know that we only have hiya about something if we care about creating or maintaining certain relationships. Psychologists long ago have already pointed out that hiya is not necessarily tied to guilt. I may not feel guilty about what I did—but I feel hiya that you found out about it. Hiya can be an uncomfortable experience, but this is what controls the self-centeredness of our individual ego. It helps us think about others. A person without hiya (walang hiya) is seen as rude and inconsiderate. Some try to “reclaim” being walang hiya because they have been raised as “people pleasers.” But ironically, it only answers the problem by deepening separation rather than strengthening relationships. And the truth is that relationships are not just about pleasure and comfort; it is also, sometimes, the discomfort of growth, going out of your own comfort zone, being challenged to be a better person, and so
on. We cannot just be pleasing others, or be pleased by others. It stunts us and leaves us trapped. If you really think about it, the toxicity hiya supposedly has is actually promoted by people who are walang hiya. They want to impose a standard and suppress uniqueness or disagreement. Nobody should question them or how they have always done things. That is not the real hiya that comes from within a person who cares. That is the kind of hiya that comes from outside— that is forced as a form of social control. Ibang Tao versus Hindi Ibang Tao At the core, we are all kapwa, but that does not mean that we cannot have boundaries with each other. There are two levels of kapwa: Ibang Tao (stranger) and Hindi Ibang Tao (one-ofus). Our treatment of Ibang Tao is different from our treatment of Hindi Ibang Tao. The former does not have the same access to social and physical resources as the latter does. With the Ibang Tao, we just treat them with politeness (pakikitungo). We only start to trust others when they start to really participate in our activities (pakikisama). Our position in this spectrum is negotiated by feeling with others and being sensitive to their needs (pakikiramdam). We stop when we feel that we have offended others, and we act when we feel that others need our help. That is our application of hiya. That is how we become Hindi Ibang Tao. The deepest level of kapwa is pakikiisa, which is oneness.
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On crossing and setting boundaries Actually, people cross boundaries when they do not respect the appropriate and patient process of socialization. There are two ways to do this: panghihimasok and pananakop. Panghihimasok means to enter by force, usually by insisting oneself upon another person’s body or space. No time is taken to feel with them. When we knock on doors, we often say, “Tao po!” This is a gentle call to the human (tao) within, by announcing that there is a human outside. But in panghihimasok, they do not knock gently on the door—they blast through it. Pananakop refers to subjugation, usually in the context of colonization. But this happens in a lot of subtle, everyday ways, too. Instead of forcefully entering into our space, they forcefully include us in theirs, without asking us if we wanted to be a part of it in the first place. They take over conversations, projects, and so on. The fact that we have to “set clear boundaries” today implies that we have been crossing each other’s boundaries. The society we live in promotes and encourages panghihimasok and pananakop, especially when they can turn a profit— we enter spaces, assert our dominion, and take what we can. This is the kaniya-kaniya (to each their own) mentality at play. It is the same mentality of the colonizer. So in order to effectively set boundaries, we must recover our sense of care for others, and with it, our social sensitivity—that is, our hiya.
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january 2-8, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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