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JANUARY 9-15, 2026 Volume 20 - No.2 • 16 Pages
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Marcos signs P6.793-trillion national DATELINE USA budget, the largest in Philippine history ICE announces FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
historic manpower surge after nationwide recruitment drive
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that it has expanded its workforce by roughly 120 percent following a nationwide recruitment campaign that federal officials described as unprecedented in scope and scale. According to a statement released by the Department of Homeland Security, the campaign resulted in the hiring of approximately 12,000 officers and employees, exceeding the agency’s original recruitment target. ICE said interest in the effort was significant, with more than 220,000 applications submitted nationwide. The agency reported that the new hires include personnel assigned to enforcement operations, investigative units, and operational support roles. With the additional staff, ICE said its total workforce now stands at an estimated 22,000 employees, more than double its previous size. Federal officials attributed the surge to an aggressive recruitment strategy that com-
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The 2026 spending law bars lawmakers from participating in aid distribution and trims unprogrammed funds, as the administration frames the budget as a response to economic, climate, and governance pressures. by AJPress
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the national budget for 2026
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by Daphne Galvez, Jose Rodel Clapano Philstar.com
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the 2026 General Appropriations Act into law at Malacañang Palace, as members of the Cabinet and other officials look on. During the signing ceremony at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos assured the public that the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) or Republic Act No. 12314 is appropriately aligned with the government’s medium- and long-term development plans and is focused on uplifting the lives of Filipinos. “We are committing to implement a budget that serves the people.” the president added. Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)
The Philippines’ largest annual religious gathering
Observed each year during the Feast of the Black Nazarene, the Traslación draws millions of devotees to Manila’s streets, driven by sacred vows, physical devotion, and a centuriesold tradition that continues to shape Philippine public life. MANILA — Once a year, the streets of Manila are transformed by a religious gathering unlike any other in scale or intensity. Millions of devotees converge for the Traslación, the annual Black
priations. In remarks following the signing, Marcos said the law includes provisions intended to
Unprogrammed funds challenged before SC
INSIDE THE BLACK NAZARENE PROCESSION:
by AJPress
on January 5, 2026, approving a P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Act, the largest spending plan in Philippine history, while vetoing P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appro-
Nazarene procession, held in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Together, the feast and procession form the largest recurring religious event in the Philippines and one of the largest in the world.
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MANILA — The constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 national budget faces a challenge before the Supreme Court (SC) for allegedly being repugnant to the Charter and violating constitutional principles on public finance, budget accountability and Congress’ power of the purse. Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima filed a petition before the SC that sought to declare null and void Section XLIII of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the provision containing the unprogrammed funds. They also sought a temporary restraining
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Lacson to Marcos: Don’t ICC rejects Duterte’s waver against corruption expert report bid by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faces slipping public trust amid corruption controversies, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said national leaders must be prepared to confront growing public anger over the misuse of public funds. Lacson made the remarks as multiple reputable survey firms showed waning popularity for Marcos, a trend Malacañang has attributed to the administration’s efforts to make difficult decisions against corruption.
Lacson, a presidential candidate in the 2025 elections, said he hoped Marcos would remain firm in pursuing accountability. “I hope the president will not waver in his remaining years in office. I thought the momentum was already on his side with his famous ‘Mahiya naman kayo!’ SONA (State of the Nation Address) remark. Unfortunately, the Filipino people’s perception has not been kind to him, as what the latest surveys have indicated,” Lacson said in a statement.
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by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — Pre-trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have denied the request of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team for an additional expert report on his medical condition. In a five-page decision dated Jan. 7, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I said the three-member expert panel was appointed for a “limited purpose” of assessing Duterte’s medical condition in relation to his fitness to take part in the pre-trial proceedings. “The Panel has fulfilled its mandate with the submission of the Panel’s Reports, which are
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Marcos signs P6.793-trillion... PAGE 1 ensure that government assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries and is not used for political patronage. The budget, he said, bars elected officials from participating in the distribution or handling of financial and other forms of aid. “The distribution of financial and other forms of aid shall reach those it is meant to serve and will not be used for political patronage,” the President said, describing the restrictions as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability in public spending. Restrictions on political involvement Budget summaries released by the Department of Budget and Management show that the 2026 General Appropriations Act reiterates long-standing prohibitions on lawmakers’ direct involvement in the implementation of social protection and subsidy programs. These provisions are consistent with Supreme Court rulings and executive guidelines adopted after the abolition of discretionary congressional funds, and are aimed at limiting political influence over cash assistance, livelihood grants, and similar programs. Administration officials said the restrictions respond to persistent public concern that aid distribution can be politicized, particularly during election periods, and are intended to reinforce transparency and rule-based implementation. Veto of unprogrammed
appropriations Marcos vetoed P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations, items that may be released only if additional revenues or financing materialize. In his veto message, the President said the move was meant to prevent premature spending commitments and to ensure that expenditures remain aligned with realistic revenue projections. Unprogrammed appropriations have been a recurring source of debate during budget deliberations. Critics argue they can weaken oversight if activated without sufficient safeguards, while proponents say they provide fiscal flexibility in the event of revenue windfalls or emergency financing. A year of compounding challenges Placing the 2026 budget in context, Marcos described 2025 as a year marked by overlapping crises. “The year 2025 tested our nation on many fronts,” he said. “We experienced climate-related disruptions, earthquakes, economic uncertainty, and the exposure of widespread corruption within our system.” “These challenges are painful,” he added, “but they also made one thing clear: real change could no longer wait.” Government data show that disaster response, climate adaptation, and social protection continue to account for a significant share of public spending, alongside heightened scrutiny of procurement
and governance practices following investigations and congressional inquiries over the past year. Size and priorities of the 2026 budget At P6.793 trillion, the 2026 national budget represents the largest annual allocation in Philippine history. Education again received the biggest share, in line with constitutional requirements, followed by public works, health services, social welfare, and debt servicing, according to official budget tables. Economic managers have said the spending plan seeks to balance growth-oriented investments with targeted support for vulnerable sectors, while maintaining fiscal stability amid global economic uncertainty. Implementation and oversight Marcos said the effectiveness of the 2026 budget would depend on strict adherence to procurement rules, auditing standards, and transparency requirements. He called on executive agencies to ensure timely and lawful implementation and urged Congress and oversight institutions to remain vigilant in monitoring how public funds are spent. The General Appropriations Act for 2026 takes effect at the start of the fiscal year, setting the framework for government operations as the country navigates continuing economic, climate, and governance challenges in the year ahead. n
Lacson to Marcos: Don’t waver against... PAGE 1 “With a more awakened and angrier citizenry who have never been exposed before to more detailed acts of corruption and plunder of their hard-earned tax money, our national leaders have to brace themselves to address more corruption issues in 2026,” he added. Looking forward to active role Lacson was among the first to raise allegations surrounding the infrastructure scam at the Department of Public Works and Highways, where he detailed how the First District Engineering Office of Bulacan was allegedly used as a conduit for money laundering. Following a leadership shuffle in the Senate, Lacson
Sen. Ping Lacson (L) and President Bongbong Marcos.
assumed the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon Committee and oversaw the investigation into the alleged infrastructure scam. Several House lawmakers and senators were implicated in the probe, including Sens. Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada.
Philstar.com file photos
“I am looking forward to being actively involved again, along with my team of like-minded individuals with renewed vigor and courage to contribute our share in informing the public through our investigations and research work in ways we know best,” Lacson said. n
As one of the world’s largest recurring religious gatherings, the Black Nazarene procession stands apart for its scale and consistency - an annual event that continues to define the place of faith in Philippine public life. Photo Credit CC BY-SA 3.0
The Philippines’ largest annual... PAGE 1 At the center of the observance is a life-sized image of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, enshrined at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, commonly known as Quiapo Church. The procession commemorates the transfer of the image to the church in 1787 and has since become the most visible public expression of the feast. Feast and procession, distinct but inseparable The Feast of the Black Nazarene refers to the official Catholic liturgical observance held every January 9, marked by Masses and devotional rites. The Traslación refers specifically to the massive street procession that accompanies the feast and draws millions of participants. Held on the same date each year, the feast and procession have become a fixed point in the Philippine religious calendar, requiring extensive coordination among church authorities, local governments, medical services, and thousands of volunteers. A fixed annual tradition Unlike religious observances that move with the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is held on a set date. That consistency has turned the Traslación into a predictable moment of national mobilization. During the procession, the image is placed on a wooden carriage, or andas, and pulled through several kilometers of Manila streets using thick ropes held by devotees. Because of the size of the crowd, progress is slow, and the procession often
lasts an entire day and into the night. Attendance is routinely estimated in the millions. A centuries-old image with enduring appeal The Black Nazarene dates to the early 1600s and was brought to the Philippines from Mexico during Spanish colonial rule. Its dark color, commonly attributed to age, smoke, and centuries of exposure to candles and incense, has become one of its defining features. The image depicts Christ bent under the weight of the cross, emphasizing suffering and perseverance rather than triumph. For many Filipino Catholics, the portrayal resonates as a symbol of endurance amid hardship. Why devotees return year after year For many participants, devotion to the Black Nazarene is anchored in a panata, or sacred vow. These vows are often made during moments of crisis, such as serious illness, financial hardship, or family emergencies, and are fulfilled through repeated participation in the procession. Once undertaken, a panata is often regarded as binding. Some devotees return annually for decades. Others walk barefoot or endure long hours in dense crowds as a form of sacrifice and gratitude. The physical demands of the event are widely understood by devotees as central to the expression of faith. Faith expressed through physical action The Traslación reflects a distinctly Filipino expression
of Catholic devotion that emphasizes action as much as prayer. Devotees attempt to touch the rope pulling the andas or wipe the image with cloths believed to carry blessings. Chants of “Viva Señor!” move through the crowd as the procession advances. Because of heat, congestion, and exhaustion, injuries and medical emergencies are reported each year, prompting authorities to deploy ambulances and first-aid stations along the route. Despite these risks, participation has remained consistently high. A communal and generational event Devotion to the Black Nazarene is often passed down through families. Many devotees first attend as children, brought by parents or grandparents who have participated for years. Over time, the Traslación becomes a shared family tradition and a marker of identity. The observance also resonates strongly with Filipinos overseas. Communities abroad frequently mark the Feast of the Black Nazarene with Masses and related devotions, underscoring the Nazarene’s role as both a religious symbol and a cultural anchor for the diaspora. An enduring fixture of public life More than three centuries after the image arrived in Manila, the Black Nazarene remains a living focus of devotion. Its significance lies not in a single procession, but in its repetition—returning each year to the same streets, the same vows, and the same act of faith. n
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Dateline USA
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026
Medical concerns halt deportation of elderly 70-year-old Filipina detained by ICE
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by AJPress AN elderly Filipina woman facing deportation was temporarily prevented from being removed from the United States after airline officials determined she was medically unfit to fly, according to her family. The woman, identified by relatives as Rebecca Pinyerd, 70, had been scheduled for removal to the Philippines on a commercial flight departing from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Friday morning. The deportation was halted after her family presented documentation outlining multiple serious health conditions, including advanced kidney disease, thyroid complications, and uncontrolled hypertension. According to the family, those concerns were raised directly with United Airlines, which subsequently declined to transport her, citing fitnessto-fly considerations. Airlines operating under U.S. law retain discretion to deny boarding to passengers deemed medically unstable, including individuals under federal custody. Pinyerd was returned to detention at the Clay County Jail in Indiana, where she remains in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Her daughter, April Lowe, said she had planned to accompany her mother as an escort on the deportation flight and learned of the cancellation shortly before departure. She said the family has not been able to speak with Pinyerd since she was returned to detention.
NEW LAWYERS. Bar passers celebrate during the announcement of results of the 2025 Bar examinations at the Supreme Court in Manila on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. A total of 5,594 out of 11,420 examinees, translating to a passing rate of 48.98 percent, will join the country’s roster of lawyers after hurdling the exams. PNA photo by Yancy Lim 70-year-old grandmother Rebecca Pinyerd
Long U.S. residency and prior conviction Family members said Pinyerd has lived in the United States for more than four decades. They acknowledged that she previously served a lengthy federal prison sentence, approximately 19 years, for drug-related offenses stemming from an arrest more than 20 years ago. Lowe said her mother was released after completing her sentence and subsequently complied with post-release requirements, including annual check-ins with the Department of Homeland Security. According to the family, Pinyerd was taken into federal custody during one of those routine check-ins in March. The precise legal basis for her detention has not been publicly disclosed. Relatives have stated that Pinyerd holds lawful permanent resident status, commonly referred to as a green card. Immigration law experts note
Contributed photos
that certain criminal convictions—even decades old—can still trigger removal proceedings, though each case depends on statutory classifications, procedural history, and judicial review. No official response from authorities As of publication, ICE had not responded to requests for comment regarding Pinyerd’s detention, medical condition, or immigration status. United Airlines declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing privacy and security considerations. Advocates say the case highlights ongoing questions about the treatment of elderly and medically vulnerable detainees in immigration custody, particularly when removal involves long-haul international flights. For now, Pinyerd remains detained in Indiana while her family explores legal options. No new deportation date has been announced. n
ICC rejects Duterte’s expert report... PAGE 1 available to the Defense and, should it wish to do so, can be referred to in its observations regarding the review of Mr. Duterte’s detention,” read the decision. “In these circumstances, the Chamber sees no reason to order the Panel to prepare any additional report that exceeds its mandate,” it added. In his Dec. 19 request, defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman asked the Pre-Trial Chamber to direct the panel of medical experts to issue a report on whether Duterte’s “current cognitive state would permit him to flee the ongoing judicial proceedings, to intimidate witnesses, or to commit crimes.” The request was made in the context of the defense’s push for interim release. Both the prosecution and the victims’ counsel have opposed the request for the expert report. n
Former President Rodrigo Duterte Philstar.com file photo
Billions in federal aid paused for five states
A temporary federal funding pause affecting five Democratic-led states places the greatest strain on California and New York, which operate the nation’s largest family assistance and child care programs. by AJPress
Washington — The Trump administration has moved to temporarily suspend more than $10 billion in federal funding for major social services programs in five Democratic-led states, a decision with outsized consequences for California and New York, which together administer the nation’s largest family assistance and child care systems. The funding pause, disclosed Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, by officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, affects federally financed but state-administered programs that provide cash assistance, child care subsidies, and social services for low-income families. Federal officials cited concerns related to documentation, oversight, and compliance with program requirements, describing the action as a temporary suspension pending further review. The pause applies to approximately $7 billion allocated through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)program, nearly $2.4 billion from the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), and about $870 million in Social Services Block Grant funding. In addition to California and New York, the affected states are Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado. A federal funding pause with outsized stakes for the largest states While the suspension applies across five states, its
practical impact is expected to be greatest in California and New York because of the scale, cost structure, and administrative complexity of their programs. Together, the two states account for a disproportionate share of national TANF and CCDF caseloads, particularly in highcost urban regions where demand for assistance is highest and alternatives are limited. Federal funding for these programs flows on regular schedules that states use to reimburse child care providers and issue monthly assistance to families. In California and New York, where programs operate at scale and providers often rely on continuous reimbursements to meet payroll and fixed costs, even short disruptions can have cascading effects. How California and New York administer the nation’s largest family assistance systems TANF and CCDF are federally funded programs that give states broad discretion in implementation, subject to federal guidelines on eligibility, reporting, and use of funds. California and New York operate among the most expansive versions of these systems in the country. In California, TANF is administered through CalWORKs, overseen by the California Department of Social Services and implemented by county agencies. The program provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families with children, along
with job training, employment services, and supportive aid such as transportation and child care. Benefit levels and service delivery vary by county, reflecting the state’s decentralized governance model and wide differences in regional cost of living. California’s CCDF funding supports a large child care subsidy system administered through state and regional agencies. Licensed child care providers are reimbursed for serving eligible low-income families, including those transitioning off cash assistance. State officials have long acknowledged that demand for subsidized child care exceeds available slots in many counties, leaving providers especially sensitive to funding delays. In New York, TANF is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, with services delivered by county social services districts and New York City agencies. The program provides time-limited cash assistance, employment and work participation programs, and related support for families with dependent children. New York supplements federal TANF funds with state and local resources, particularly in high-cost urban areas. New York’s CCDF funding is overseen by the Office of Children and Family Services, with local districts determining eligibility and issuing payments to child care providers. Subsidies help working families offset child
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
ICE announces historic manpower surge... PAGE 1 bined traditional outreach with expanded digital advertising and targeted campaigns aimed at broadening the applicant pool. The department said the effort was designed to address long standing staffing gaps and to strengthen the agency’s ability to carry out its statutory responsibilities. ICE officials said many of the new employees have already entered training or begun field assignments. The agency stated that the expanded workforce is intended to support enforcement actions, criminal investigations, case processing, and removals, while providing greater flexibility to respond to operational demands across jurisdictions. Budget and policy context The recruitment drive followed increased congressional appropriations for immigration enforcement approved in 2025. Those funding measures authorized additional spending for personnel, training, and related infrastructure, creating the fiscal conditions for the hiring expansion, according to DHS budget documents.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer records biometric information as part of routine enforcement and processing operations conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Photo courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/ Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
As part of the recruitment effort, ICE also adjusted certain hiring policies, including offering financial incentives such as signing bonuses and student loan repayment assistance. Federal officials previously confirmed that some age restrictions were relaxed to widen eligibility and attract experienced candidates from other sectors. Oversight and implementation While ICE characterized the recruitment campaign as a record setting achievement, independent evaluations of training timelines, retention rates, and long term oper-
ational impact have not yet been released. DHS officials said internal monitoring is ongoing as new hires complete training and integrate into field operations. ICE said recruitment efforts remain active as the agency seeks to maintain staffing levels and meet future operational needs. The workforce expansion comes amid a broader federal push to bolster staffing across multiple law enforcement and security agencies, reflecting heightened enforcement priorities and increased demand on federal personnel. (AJPress)
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Unprogrammed funds challenged... PAGE 1 order (TRO) against the implementation of the funds pending adjudication on the matter. In their 41-page petition, Erice and De Lima argued that the inclusion of unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget was committed with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction. They said the allocations posed a serious threat to transparency, accountability, and the balance of powers in the government by allowing the expenditure of public funds without clear and existing sources of financing. De Lima said the inclusion of unprogrammed funds in the national budget violates Article VII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, stating a national budget should have clear and identified sources of funding, not just the programs. “It is clear that this reduces the power of Congress,” she said in an interview. President Marcos signed the GAA, Republic Act No. 12314, which set the national government’s budget for 2026 at P6.793 trillion, last Jan. 5. He, however, vetoed P92.5 billion in the allocation for unprogrammed appropriations and imposed certain conditions on other provisions to ensure that public funds will be spent on what they have been allocated for. Unprogrammed funds are standby appropriations that can only be funded when the government collects enough revenues during the fiscal year. Erice and De Lima said Marcos’ veto of the P92.5-billion unprogrammed funds did not cure the GAA’s constitutional defects, as there is still P150.9 billion left. “We need a categorical ruling now. The Supreme Court must interpret if unprogrammed appropriations are constitutional or not,” De Lima said. The petition also cited violations of several provisions of the 1987 Constitution, including rules on the budget ceiling, contingent appropriations, and the proper allocation and disbursement of public funds. It also flagged budget items such as teachers’ gratuity pay and local government shares in national taxes, which the lawmakers said should have been included under programmed appropriations as mandatory gov-
ernment obligations. DBM defends UA The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has affirmed that unprogrammed appropriations under the 2026 budget are constitutionally valid, emphasizing they are strictly controlled standby funds, not a blank check. In response to the complaint challenging the constitutionality of the 2026 unprogrammed appropriations before the SC, the budget department said they remain committed to upholding the Constitution and authority of courts. “As previously upheld by the Supreme Court, the unprogrammed appropriation is a standby appropriation that may only be released upon the occurrence of clearly defined fiscal conditions and subject to strict validation and control mechanisms,” the DBM said. The DBM said it has yet to receive an official copy of the petition. Once received, the department said it will review the petition and transmit it to the Office of the Solicitor General, the government’s statutory counsel. “It also bears noting that the fiscal year 2026 unprogrammed appropriations amount to P150.9 billion, the lowest level since 2019, reflecting heightened fiscal discipline and reinforced safeguards in the current budget,” the DBM said. Unprogrammed appropriations that were retained in the outlay were the support to foreign-assisted projects with loan agreements expected to be finalized during the year (P97.3 billion), risk management provisions for unforeseen contingencies (P3.6 billion) and the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program (P50 billion). “The DBM remains committed to upholding the Constitution, respecting the authority of the courts and ensuring that the national budget is implemented in a prudent, transparent and accountable manner,” the budget department added. The vetoed items on the standby allocation for 2026 include budgetary support to government-owned and controlled corporations, prior year’s local government unit shares, certain industry support programs, insurance of government assets and some proposed government counterpart funding.
Deleting UA Meanwhile, Sen. Erwin Tulfo yesterday vowed to push for the deletion of unprogrammed appropriations in next year’s budget amid concerns that the standby funds were being used for corruption. Tulfo said he finds it impractical that the government allocates billions in standby funds for priority programs when it can only be tapped with excess non-tax revenue source or loans. He also questioned setting aside billions for unprogrammed funds, when the government does not always meet its revenue targets to have excess funds for the UA. But Tulfo clarified that he was only against the UA items for projects that can otherwise be put in the programmed budget. He said there is a need for the UA item to assist the foreign-assisted projects. Meanwhile, Tulfo also said the proposed Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (JCOC) on Public Expenditures should have the power to do ocular inspections of flood control and other anomalous infrastructure projects. During the Kapihan sa Senado forum yesterday, Tulfo welcomed the move to activate the JCOC being pushed by his colleague Sherwin Gatchalian, a joint congressional committee mandated in the GAA to have oversight on the use of public funds. But Tulfo cautioned about relying on the reports and statements of government executives in agencies under scrutiny of the JCOC. He cited the Senate Blue Ribbon committee probe findings that Cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries, and their directors were in cahoots with lawmakers to allegedly earn kickbacks from anomalous public works. Tulfo said the JCOC should narrow down the projects that it can inspect for any anomaly and make random inspections to check on corruption. According to the budget law, the JCOC would also be tasked to monitor the implementation of the “anti-epal” general provision, which expressly prohibits politicians from being involved in the distribution of government financial assistance programs. (With reports of Marco Luis Beech, Marc Jayson Cayabyab)
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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Opinion
Beyond the budget battle: Why the 2026 appropriations law deserves public attention
Features
FOR months, the Philippine national budget has dominated headlines, often portrayed as a power struggle between legislative chambers or a contest between Congress and the executive. Many Filipinos, at home and abroad, have responded by tuning it out and regarding the dispute as an internal political drama with little relevance to everyday life. That reading understates what is at stake. The national budget is not an abstract institutional exercise. It is the state’s most consequential policy instrument, determining how public resources are translated into education, health care, disaster preparedness, and economic security. How it is debated, structured, and implemented shapes the daily realities and long-term prospects of the Filipino people, wherever they reside. The signing of the P6.7-trillion national budget for 2026 has brought these issues into sharper focus. In remarks following its enactment,
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the distribution of financial and other forms of assistance must reach intended beneficiaries and must not be used for political patronage. He noted that the General Appropriations Act includes provisions barring politicians from involvement in the handling of aid. The statement addresses one of the most persistent public concerns surrounding the budget, namely whether government assistance is insulated from political influence. Its inclusion in law reflects an acknowledgment that trust in the budget process has been strained and that
Editorial
When corruption public lives could no longer hide Randy David
THE year 2025 will likely be remembered as a turning point in our nation’s history—a moment when corruption reached such magnitude that it could no longer be concealed or excused. Its scale and consequences became so damaging to the public good that denial itself ceased to be plausible. For decades, corruption in public office had been tolerated as an integral perk of
power. It was rationalized as a by-product of a patronage-driven political system, its excesses softened by the belief that some benefits eventually trickled down. Lawmakers routinely inserted questionable items into the national budget, justifying them as legislative prerogatives and keeping them within what was assumed to be a “manageable” range. That equilibrium collapsed in 2025, driven by three developments few had antici-
pated. First, destructive floods laid bare the consequences of years of neglect and plunder. Extreme weather easily overwhelmed flood control systems that, in many places, proved to be substandard or altogether missing. Billions of pesos spent on these projects—earlier touted by President Marcos as a centerpiece of his administration—were revealed as evidence of shoddy conPAGE 8
ManilaTimes.net photo
explicit safeguards are needed to restore credibility. Still, safeguards written into legislation are
only as effective as their enforcement. Much of the budget’s recurring controversy PAGE 7
Without hope, there can be no peace in an increasingly armed world
babe’s eye view Babe Romualdez
TO many of us diplomats in Washington, D.C., the continuing war in Ukraine remains one of the most sobering reminders that peace, once taken for granted in much of the world, is never permanent. What many initially assumed would be a short and decisive conflict has instead evolved into a brutal war of attrition. Cities have been destroyed and lives have been uprooted, with an entire generation of
Ukrainians now forced to live under the constant shadow of violence and uncertainty. Like my diplomatic colleagues, I continue to hope that a peace pact can still be achieved. History teaches us that even the most entrenched conflicts eventually find a political solution. Yet realism compels us to acknowledge that the dangers surrounding this war go far beyond Ukraine’s borders. This is no longer
just a regional conflict; it has become a central fault line in today’s global order, carrying with it the real and frightening possibility of a wider war. At the heart of this anxiety is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-standing ambition to reassert Moscow’s influence over territories that were once part of the Soviet Union. This desire for restored greatness may resonate with naPAGE 7
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Opinion & Features
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026
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BI records 15.6 million passenger arrivals by Evelyn Macairan, Rudy Santos Philstar.com
MANILA — Over 15.6 million foreign passenger arrivals were recorded by the Bureau of Immigration last year. In a statement yesterday, the BI said international ports of entry registered 15,608,868 arrivals, including foreign nationals, in 2025.
The figure is six percent higher than the 14,733,597 passenger arrivals posted in 2024, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said. South Koreans accounted for the biggest number of international arrivals with 1,453,239, followed by Americans with 1,413,192, Japanese with 523,493, Chinese with 458,809 and Australians with 379,720. n
Beyond the budget battle...
PAGE 6 stems from questions of transparency and accountability. While Congress deliberates allocations, significant portions of spending remain difficult for citizens to follow from approval to implementation. Latestage revisions, consolidated line items, and discretionary mechanisms can obscure how funds are ultimately deployed. This opacity reinforces skepticism and feeds the perception that budget decisions are shaped as much by political negotiation as by public need. The consequences are concrete. Budget priorities determine whether classrooms remain overcrowded, hospitals under-resourced, and flood-control systems unfinished. In a country repeatedly tested by typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, public spending is ultimately judged not by assurances, but by preparedness and results. There is also an enduring tension between large-scale infrastructure ambitions and immediate human needs. Roads, ports, and digital networks are essential to longterm growth, but they cannot crowd out investments in food security, public health, disaster mitigation, and social protection. Development that neglects vulnerability risks deepening inequality rather than reducing it. Debt servicing further narrows these choices. As borrowing rises, a growing share of the budget is devoted to interest payments, constraining fiscal space for essential services. This trade-off is rarely foregrounded in public debate, yet its implications will be felt for years, particularly by younger generations. Participation exists but unevenly What is often overlooked is that citizen participation in the budget process is not informal or symbolic. It is embedded in the country’s constitutional and legal framework. Congressional budget hearings are open to the public, and civil society organizations are permitted to submit position papers and testify during deliberations. The executive
branch, primarily through the Department of Budget and Management, publishes budget documents, spending reports, and performance data intended to allow public scrutiny of allocations and disbursements. At the local level, participation is more formalized. Under the Local Government Code, Local Development Councils are required to include representatives from civil society, giving communities a voice in shaping local investment plans and budgets funded partly by national transfers. In theory, this is the most direct channel for citizen influence. There are also sectoral councils and advisory bodies representing labor, youth, women, indigenous peoples, and other groups, as well as post-implementation oversight mechanisms through the Commission on Audit, the courts, and investigative journalism. The limitation is not the absence of structures, but their uneven effectiveness. Participation often favors organized groups with technical capacity or political access. Data is frequently complex or released after key decisions are made. Advisory recommendations can be acknowledged without being adopted. As a result, many citizens experience participation as procedural rather than consequential. Citizens and the diaspora as stakeholders Public influence over the national budget does not end with elections, nor does it require physical proximity. For citizens in the Philippines, participation includes monitoring implementation, reporting stalled projects or misdirected aid, and using existing accountability mechanisms when safeguards fail. Attention that is sustained, informed, and documented remains a powerful form of pressure. For the Filipino diaspora, engagement is necessarily indirect but no less significant. Overseas Filipinos remain major stakeholders through remittances, voting, civic organizations, media engagement, and professional expertise.
While the diaspora does not have formal representation in budget deliberations, it contributes scrutiny, comparative perspective, and influence, often surfacing implementation failures through family and community networks. In a globalized economy, citizenship does not end at the border. Budget decisions shape whether overseas Filipinos return to resilient communities or remain connected to the country primarily through obligation and remittance. A shared responsibility What is best for the Filipino nation requires moving beyond transactional politics toward long-term stewardship. Budgets must prioritize sustained investment in people, including education that emphasizes quality, health systems that build capacity, and social programs that reduce vulnerability rather than entrench dependence. Infrastructure spending must be disciplined and climate-resilient, acknowledging that disaster risk is now an economic reality. Accountability must be non-negotiable, with every peso spent or borrowed defensible in terms of public benefit. Transparency is not a procedural formality. It is the foundation of legitimacy. Above all, the budgeting process must treat citizens as stakeholders, not spectators, whether they live in Manila, Mindanao, or thousands of miles away. Clear communication, accessible data, and credible enforcement of safeguards are essential to rebuilding trust. The national budget is a mirror of national priorities. It reveals who is protected, which risks are taken seriously, and whether leadership is oriented toward the future or the next election. Ignoring it as a political quarrel is a mistake. Understanding it and insisting that existing participatory structures work as intended is a basic civic obligation. That obligation belongs not only to those in power, but to a nation and a diaspora whose greatest and most enduring asset remains its people. (AJPress)
MONITORING CENTER. Philippine Red Cross staff watch the press conference of their chair Richard Gordon and secretary general Dr. Gwen Pang in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (Jan. 7, 2026). Aside from assisting hospitals, medical stations and the Manila local government during the Feast of Jesus Nazareno’s Traslacion procession on Friday (Jan. 9), PRC will have real-time monitoring. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Without hope, there can be no peace...
PAGE 6 tionalist sentiment in Russia, but it deeply unsettles Europe and creates unease for much of the international community. When territorial ambition is backed by military force, history shows us that escalation often follows, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. The war in Ukraine has also triggered profound shifts in the strategic thinking of countries that, for decades, have defined themselves by restraint rather than military assertiveness. Germany is perhaps the most striking example. Shaped by the trauma of World War II, postwar Germany built its identity on economic strength, diplomacy and a deliberate reluctance to project military power. That era is now ending. In his New Year address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “A terrible war is raging in Europe, one that poses a direct threat to our freedom and our security.” Faced with war on European soil and an increasing uncertainty about the reliability of long?standing security arrangements, Berlin has embarked on a significant buildup of its military capabilities. This shift did not happen overnight, nor did it happen lightly. It reflects a growing recognition that peace in Europe cannot rest on hope alone. It must be underpinned by credible deterrence and the ability to defend democratic values when they are threatened. Across the Pacific, a similar rethinking is underway in Japan which, for decades, has embraced a pacifist constitution and limited its military role, relying heavily on its alliance with the United States. Today, however, Tokyo is strengthening its defense posture, increasing military spending and preparing for a more uncertain security environment. The reasons are
clear and compelling. China’s increasingly assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region – from the South China Sea to the Taiwan Strait – have reshaped strategic calculations across Asia. The message coming from Washington, particularly from President Trump himself, was blunt but unmistakable: allies must be capable of protecting themselves. The expectation that the U.S. will always shoulder the primary burden of defense is no longer assured. The irony of our times is hard to miss. Germany and Japan, once adversaries of the West in a devastating global conflict, are now among its closest allies. Their renewed focus on military readiness is not driven by expansionism, but by caution; not by ambition, but by necessity. These are nations seeking to prevent war – not provoke it. For countries like ours, situated in a strategically sensitive region, these developments resonate deeply. We understand the delicate balance between diplomacy and deterrence, between maintaining peaceful relations and ensuring national security. Our own history reminds us that sovereignty and stability are preserved not only by goodwill, but by preparedness and strong partnerships. Yet amid this global rearmament, we must remain clear?eyed about what truly secures lasting peace. Weapons may deter aggression, but they do not resolve the underlying causes of conflict. Peace ultimately comes from dialogue, compromise and the willingness of leaders to step back from the brink – even when pride, politics or history make that difficult. The tragedy of Ukraine should serve as a warning and a lesson. A world sliding into rigid blocs, fueled by mistrust
and unresolved grievances, is a world at risk of repeating the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Full?scale world war is no longer an abstract concept confined to history books – it is a possibility that responsible leaders must work tirelessly to prevent. As the war in Ukraine drags on, the international community must continue to push for a negotiated settlement, however elusive it may seem. Ceasefires, confidence?building measures and sustained diplomacy are not signs of weakness: they are acts of courage. The alternative – endless escalation – is a path that does not lead to true victory. From Washington, one can sense both the anxiety of the moment and the determination to avoid catastrophe. Policymakers speak openly of deterrence and defense, but behind closed doors, there remains a shared understanding that peace – however imperfect – is always preferable to war. History has shown us that former enemies can become partners, that restraint can coexist with strength and that diplomacy can succeed even after prolonged conflict. As nations rebuild their defenses and redraw strategic lines, let us hope that wisdom keeps pace with power. In the end, despite the weapons being built and the tensions being tested, we must continue to believe that peace can still prevail. Hope alone is not a strategy – yet without hope, there can be no peace at all. (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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JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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What’s taking gov’t so long to Remulla won’t give dates on filing of flood raps verify Leviste’s ‘Cabral files’? by Brix Lelis, Daphne Galvez Philstar.com
by Dominique Nicole Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — Nearly two weeks have passed since Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) went public with the alleged “Cabral files,” yet appropriate agencies seem to be taking their time verifying their authenticity. In a radio interview on Friday, January 2, human rights advocate and lawyer Erin Tañada questioned why the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been slow in cross-checking the list of projects Leviste claims is in the copy given to him, despite having official copies themselves. The documents, which Leviste said he obtained on September 4 from former DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, list names of lawmakers and executive officials who may have requested the agency for insertions through the 2025 national budget. According to Leviste, every member of Congress is given the opportunity to propose at least P150 million in budget insertions with the DPWH each year. While these allegations have fueled public perception of immediate corruption, Tañada said verifying the documents is necessary for transparency and for establishing the facts. “The longer it takes, the more it makes people wonder why it’s taking so long. After all, this is just a list. The DPWH has official records. They could just say, ‘Oh, this is correct. Oh, this is wrong,’” he said over DZMM Teleradyo in a mix of English and Filipino. The documents do not, by themselves, establish corruption, but only show which projects received funding and who may have proposed them, Tañada added. “We’re not talking of corruption here. We’re just talking about the list of projects that were allocated to the different agencies, to the different offices, to the different congressional districts, to the different senators,” he said. Passing the ball Since Leviste publicized these documents after Cabral’s death, agencies have only been pointing fingers at each other on who should initiate the verification. When Malacañang described his claims against executive officials as “hearsay,”
According to Rep. Leandro Leviste, every member of Congress is given the opportunity to propose at least P150 million in budget insertions with the DPWH each year. Photo from facebook/@lingkodlegardaleviste
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the burden of proof should be with Leviste. Meanwhile, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon clarified that he had not authenticated any of the documents that Leviste has, since he has not seen them himself. He also said the congressman forcibly took other files from the computer of Cabral’s staff. Leviste, however, claimed Dizon knew and gave him permission to get a copy of the list. He also said he did not force Cabral to provide him with the documents of alleged proponents. The Office of the Ombudsman, on the other hand, said Leviste had shared only portions of the alleged Cabral files. Since it has already taken custody of Cabral’s computer, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the agency will conduct a forensic examination. However, the Ombudsman has not responded to queries from reporters on whether they will compare the socalled “Cabral files” with documents it and the DPWH have in their possession. So, who should take the lead in authenticating the documents? What the DPWH should do Tañada, who also served as House deputy speaker under the Aquino administration, said that verifying the files should be the DPWH’s responsibility. The Ombudsman, he said, will “quietly do their own work” before filing any case, if deemed necessary. “It is the DPWH that has the ball if they really want to be transparent and say this list that Congressman Leviste is holding is totally different,” he added.
Whether or not the document has some truth to it or that it was forcibly taken, Tañada said the copy in Leviste’s possession should not be outright dismissed but used as a reference or starting point for investigating the alleged budget insertions made by several public officials. In doing so, he said the government should first check if the projects listed in the alleged Cabral files match those in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Secondly, it should verify whether the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) funded these projects through the special allotment release orders (SARO), which evidently provides a clear paper trail. Lastly, investigative bodies should determine whether the funded projects were poorly implemented or not carried out at all. This way, he said, there would be an established basis for looking into the involvement of alleged proponents. “If the DPWH wants to end this issue and have a single narrative — because they’re struggling over the narrative — they should release the official documents they have, based on what was submitted to Congress as part of the budget, what came out of the 2025 GAA and what the DBM, under the Office of the President, can even say,” Tanada said. After President Bongbong Marcos failed to deliver on his promise to arrest the “big fishes” before Christmas, and with his Independent Commission for Infrastructure down to a single commissioner, the public has now been left questioning the administration’s seriousness in pursuing anti-corruption efforts. n
MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla shrugged off Sen. Imee Marcos’ claim that charges in relation to the flood control scandal against some senators will be filed next week. Remulla said he would not be giving dates on the filing of charges, but assured the public that “things are moving smoothly.” “She (Marcos) is fortunate that she knows. I don’t. I don’t know where that came from. We cannot give any dates or any commitments on anything,” Remulla said. Marcos earlier claimed that charges would be filed against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Bong Revilla on Jan. 15. “I don’t want to mention any more names for now. All I can say is that things are moving smoothly. We are hiring people. The work is continuing on
a daily basis and we intend to keep it that way for the next seven years. We are doing our work. The DOJ is doing its work,” Remulla said. He also said it would be better to refrain from mentioning dates so as not to preempt the filing and there would be no misinterpretation among the public. Remulla said last year that major perpetrators of the flood control mess would be in jail by Dec. 15, 2025. So far, the ombudsman under Remulla’s tenure has filed two batches of flood control related cases – the malversation and graft charges against former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co and 16 others over the P289-million substandard road dike project in Oriental Mindoro and the malversation and graft charges filed against contractor Sarah Discaya, among others, with the Digos City, Davao del Sur Regional Trial Court over the P96.5-million ghost flood
control project in Davao Occidental. He, however, gave assurance that justice will be served and that the “big fish” behind the flood control kickback scheme will face consequences. Recalculate costs, budget estimates In his first order of business for the year, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has issued guidelines to ensure the recalculation of all infrastructure project costs and budget estimates in all the regional offices and district engineering offices, and unified project management offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways. In Department Order 1 issued last Jan. 7, Dizon laid down the guidelines for the “updating and monitoring” of programs of work (POWs), and approved budgets for the contract (ABCs) of infrastructure projects in line with the lowered Construction MateriPAGE 10
When corruption could no longer...
PAGE 6 struction, gross overpricing, or outright fabrication. Second, the ease with which public works funds could be siphoned off led to an escalation in scale and brazenness. Kickbacks grew larger, more actors demanded a share, and soon there was nothing left to skim except entire budgets. Ghost projects proliferated: funds were released for structures that were never built, paperwork replaced concrete, and audit mechanisms became instruments of concealment. Flood control ceased to be about protection; it became a favored system for private extraction. Third, Congress’ extensive reworking of the 2025 National Expenditure Program resulted in a budget the executive could barely recognize. Through “adjustments,” “insertions,” and “unprogrammed allocations,” lawmakers reshaped the budget to serve parochial interests. In a rare public rebuke, Mr. Marcos reacted by ending his State of the Nation Address in July last year with a pointed admonition: “Mahiya naman kayo!” The standing ovation that followed—apparently oblivious to the message’s target—only deepened public disgust. Few expected what came next. Two weeks lat-
er, the President released the names of 15 contractors that had cornered at least a fifth of all flood control projects since 2022. Notably, he named no legislators or senior officials. Instead, he announced a digital portal inviting citizens to report on the actual state of flood control projects. By acting before a full-blown crisis of confidence erupted, Mr. Marcos cast himself as a reformist whistleblower within a corrupt system. In the age of social media, however, narratives are hard to contain. Identifying the beneficial owners of the named construction firms took little effort. Journalists and netizens quickly traced them to members of Congress, powerful political families, and major campaign financiers. Former party list representative Zaldy Co, once head of the House appropriations committee, emerged as a central figure. Through a series of videos sent from abroad, he retaliated by implicating top officials within the administration, suggesting presidential complicity. This is the reality we face today: an entire government engulfed in a crisis of credibility, compounded by economic strain and public anger. With national elections still more than two years
away, frustration has nowhere obvious to go. Yet something has shifted. What distinguishes this moment from the 2013 Napoles scam involving the budgetary feature known as the Priority Development Assistance Fund is not the moral outrage—of that we have never been short—but the impossibility of denying it. Corruption became visible in ways that ordinary citizens could easily recognize, document, and call out. Once exposed, it proved harder to fold it back into silence or routine. We know that simply changing leaders will not solve the problem. But exposing corruption can have real political impact. If citizens remain vigilant and push for lasting institutional reforms, the public engagement seen in 2025 could be the start of a long and challenging process of rebuilding trust in our institutions. This effort should focus less on personalities and more on restoring boundaries, accountability, and restraint to those in power. (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.
*** public.lives@gmail.com
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026
9
Palace denies ex-PAL chief replacing Frasco ‘Mahiya naman kayo’: Nazareno 2026 Mass used as platform vs corruption by Helen Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — Malacañang denied a report that former Philippine Airlines president Stanley Ng would replace Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. An online news site reported that Malacañang has received positive feedback about the idea of tapping Ng as the next tourism
Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon
secretary. Asked to comment about the report, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said, “negative.” Ng is a son-in-law of business tycoon Lucio Tan. Frasco faced criticisms for alleged underperformance after the Department of Tourism (DOT) failed to meet tourist arrival targets
in 2025. Apart from the DOT, other executive departments reportedly under review are health, education, foreign affairs, transportation, information and communications technology and public works and highways as well as the Bureau of Customs. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has denied that he is on the way out. n
by John Eric Mendoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon, who officiated the high mass which marked the start of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Friday, January 9 used the pulpit to preach against corruption amid the multibillion flood control projects controversy. In his homily at the Quirino Grandstand for the Misa Mayor (High Mass), Sescon urged those involved in the anomalous projects to voluntarily step down from their post. “Mahiya naman kayo (Shame on you),” Sescon said. “Step down voluntarily.” Secson said personalities who cling to power should learn from the example of Jesus Christ. “Brothers and sisters, let’s learn from Jesus Nazareno who stepped down on His own accord, for the sake of His love,” he said. “But in our country now, there are those who don’t
Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon
want to step down even though it’s wrong and their faults obvious,” he continued. “They don’t want to step down even if they make our country suffer, even if the poor are suffering, even if there are floods.” Hours before the mass, a stage play which went on while the “Pahalik”, or the veneration of Jesus Christ, had been going on, likewise tackled the flood control projects mess. During the play, the
performers sang “Di Mo Ba Naririnig”, the Filipino version of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the musical Les Miserables, while calling for justice and accountability. The “Pahalik” for the dark wooden image of Jesus Christ—clad with a maroon vest and carrying a True Cross depicting the scene when He was en route to the Calvary for His crucifixion— began on Wednesday night. n
10 JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Remulla won’t give dates...
PAGE 8 als Price Data (CMPD) set by the DPWH last November. Dizon said that the effort was being done “in order to ensure the reasonableness and consistency of project cost estimates, and to promote uniformity in the preparation and updating of the POWs, ABCs, and other related cost estimation documents for projects proposed under the Revised National Expenditure Program for FY 2026 and subsequently authorized under the General Appropriations Act of FY 2026.” In the guidelines, Dizon had required all regional offices (ROs), district engineering offices (DEOs), and unified project management offices (UPMOs) to conduct a validation of each project’s “location, station limits and/or coordinates, scope of work, and physical targets” and then execute a “certificate of validation.” “A Certificate of Validation shall be prepared and issued as evidence of compliance with this requirement. For projects implemented by the RO and DEO, the Certificate
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla
shall be issued by the Planning and Design Division Chief or Section Chief, as applicable,” Dizon said. For projects implemented under the UPMO Clusters, the Certificate shall be issued by the Project Manager concerned,” Dizon ordered. Dizon said that there should be a recalculation of unit costs in the Detailed Unit Price Analysis of all affected “pay items, especially those with material cost components.” The recalculation of the unit costs should cover the material component, the material price, labor and
Philstar.com file photo
equipment component, labor and equipment unit cost, the application of indirect cost mark-up, and the application of value added tax, the order enumerated. In another development, the National Bureau of Investigation is set to file charges against a contractor and 12 DPWH-Davao personnel for alleged anomalous flood control project that until now has caused flooding and has become a perennial problem to the residents in La Verna Subdivision, Barangay Buhangin in Davao City. (With reports from Rainier Allan Ronda, Edith Regalado)
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Billions in federal aid paused... PAGE 3 care costs, with family copayments tied to income. Provider availability and reimbursement levels vary widely between New York City and upstate regions. Federal compliance reviews and the limits of administrative discretion HHS officials said the funding suspension follows federal reviews examining whether states have met documentation and oversight requirements tied to the administration of federal funds. Officials emphasized that the action does not constitute a permanent reduction or rescission of funding approved by Congress. “This is a pause while additional information is reviewed,” an HHS official said, speaking on background. “Funds may be released once required documentation and compliance standards are satisfied.” Officials in California and New York said they were seeking additional clarification from federal authorities and reviewing the scope of the suspension. Both states rejected suggestions of sys-
temic failure, noting that no final federal findings or completed audits have been publicly released to support claims of widespread noncompliance. Why even a temporary delay reverberates through families and providers Advocates and service providers warned that even a temporary disruption in federal funding could affect the timing of assistance payments to families and reimbursements to child care providers. Many providers operate on narrow margins and rely on predictable funding flows to cover labor, rent, and regulatory costs. The risk is heightened in California and New York, where higher costs for child care, housing, and wages reduce providers’ ability to absorb delays. In both states, program delivery is spread across multiple administrative layers—county agencies in California and a mix of state, county, and New York City entities in New York— raising the likelihood that federal pauses ripple unevenly through local systems. While both states contrib-
ute additional state and local funding to supplement federal assistance, those appropriations are budgeted annually and are not designed to immediately replace paused federal flows at scale. Administration officials said the review is intended to ensure consistent enforcement of federal standards and appropriate use of taxpayer funds. Critics counter that delays risk disrupting essential services for families already facing economic pressure. An unresolved timeline and questions over federal-state coordination The Department of Health and Human Services has not announced a timeline for resolving the funding suspension. Federal and state officials said discussions are ongoing and that further guidance will be issued as reviews continue. For California and New York, the outcome will determine whether billions of dollars resume flowing to programs that underpin child care access, family stability, and workforce participation or remain paused as compliance reviews proceed. n
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY JANUARY 9, 2026
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people events arts culture entertainment
Sharon Cuneta at 60: Her journey from pre-teen star to cultural icon
She was barely in her teens when a novelty song made her a household name. At 60, Sharon Cuneta remains a defining figure across generations of Philippine popular culture by AJPress AT 12, Sharon Cuneta did not set out to become a public figure for life. A novelty song did that for her. In 1978, “Mr. DJ” became an unexpected national hit, lifting an elementary schoolaged Cuneta into a spotlight that would never fully recede. She was still attending classes when the song climbed the charts. By the time she understood what public recognition demanded, it had already taken hold, shaping a childhood and a career that unfolded in full view. Fame before adolescence Early success often fixes performers in time. Cuneta did not remain fixed. She grew up in public, learning early that attention brings expectations that do not pause for age. The transition from pre-teen star to serious performer unfolded under constant watch, shaping instincts about work, restraint, and visibility. What followed was not a straight line, but a process. Presence mattered, but so did progression. A family accustomed to public life Public visibility was not entirely foreign. Cuneta is the daughter of Pablo Cuneta, who served for decades as mayor of Pasay City, and Elaine Gamboa, who anchored family life as attention gathered outside. The household existed within the orbit of public service and scrutiny, offering early lessons in how attention can be both ordinary and exacting. When entertainment drew her fully into the spotlight, the shift from private child to public figure was swift and largely irreversible. Childhood did not
Sharon was barely in her teens when a novelty song made her a household name. In 1978, “Mr. DJ” became an unexpected national hit, lifting an elementary school-aged Cuneta into a spotlight that would never fully recede.
Sharon with her husband, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, and their children Frankie Pangilinan, Miel Pangilinan, and Miguel Pangilinan during a family outing, reflecting the quieter domestic life that has come to define her later years away from the spotlight.
ly about health challenges, emotional fatigue, and faith. The tone was measured and grounded. Resilience was no longer performed. It was practiced. These choices did not diminish her presence. They deepened it. What 60 signifies Cuneta’s 60th birthday was marked publicly, but its meaning was quieter. It was not framed as culmination or victory. It marked continuity of presence, voice, and choice. What distinguishes Cuneta is not the absence of turmoil, but her capacity to remain central despite it. Not unchanged. Not untouched. Still present. She was a pre-teen when the country first learned her name. At 60, the journey that began with a novelty song has settled into a lasting place in the country’s cultural consciousness.
Sharon Cuneta pictured with her late parents, Pablo Cuneta, longtime mayor of Pasay City, and Elaine Gamboa, and her brother Chet Cuneta, in a family portrait reflecting the political and domestic environment in which she grew up. Raised in a household accustomed to public life, Cuneta’s early exposure to visibility would later shape how she navigated fame from childhood into adulthood.
end. It changed form. From novelty success to serious craft Music opened the door. Film secured her place. By the early 1980s, Cuneta was anchoring box office films that shaped a generation’s emotional vocabulary. Over time, she emerged as an award-winning actress who continued to hone her craft, moving beyond ingénue roles toward performances defined by restraint, range, and emotional intelligence. Her career was built not on repetition, but on accumulation. Popularity evolved into familiarity. Familiarity settled into permanence. Love and loss, lived publicly Cuneta’s personal life unfolded with the same visibility as her career. Her marriage to actor Gabby Concepcion captivated public attention and produced a daughter, KC Concepcion. Its dissolution
became one of the country’s most closely watched celebrity separations, underscoring the cost of public intimacy. There were no quiet endings. Decisions were examined, remembered, and replayed. Her later marriage to Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, a lawyer and current senator of the Philippines, followed a different rhythm. Together, they built a blended family, welcoming three more children into their life. Stability did not mean privacy. It meant negotiation, patience, and adaptation under continued scrutiny. Recalibration in midlife By midlife, Cuneta had lived several versions of success. Periods of pause were often labeled comebacks when she returned. In hindsight, they read as recalibrations, conscious decisions about how much of herself to give and when. She spoke more plain-
12 JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Marcelito Pomoy performs in front Beloved sitcom ‘Home Along Da Riles’ hints at 2026 comeback of US President Donald Trump by Jan Milo Severo
by Hannah Mallorca
FILIPINO singer Marcelito Pomoy received a standing ovation for his performance at the The Trump Estate in Florida to close off 2025. On his Facebook page, Pomoy posted last December 29 a video of his performance of Andrea Bocelli's "Time To Say Goodbye" in Mar-a-Lago, the private estate of U.S. President Donald Trump. "Thank you for the standing ovation. It is always a dream for me to sing 'Time to Say Goodbye' by Andrea Bocelli," he said. "Andrea and Sarah Brightman turned this song into an iconic finale for musical performances around the world, and I feel truly honored to perform it each and every time." Trump was not present for that performance "due to a demanding day of international meetings" according to Pomoy, but the president did see Pomoy sing at Mar-a-Lago's New Year's Eve Celebration
THERE will be a continuation to the story of the Cosme family, as long-running “Home Along Da Riles” will seemingly make its return sometime this year. “Home Along Da Riles’” social media platforms announced the return of the beloved sitcom on Sunday, Dec. 28, along with a teaser showing how the Cosme family changed through the years. The clip began with a peek into the Cosmes’ home before showing framed photos of the family patriarch Kevin (Dolphy), Rebecca (Claudine Barretto), Bill (Smokey Manaloto) and other members of their family and neighborhood. The scene then shifted to Azon (Nova Villa) holding a letter while looking at the family home with a longing expression on her face. “Da reunion 2026,” the post read. The show’s upcoming reunion caught the attention of netizens in the comments, who showed their excitement for what’s to come, including Dingdong Dantes. Further details on the sitcom’s reunion are yet to be announced. “Home Along Da Riles,”
Philstar.com
Inquirer.net
Marcelito Pomoy with US President Donald Trump Photo from Facebook/@Marcelito Pomoy
Party. This time Pomoy performed "The Prayer," showing off his capability for dual voices in front of the president and other guests including First Lady Melania Trump. "What a start of 2026! A real dream came true," Pomoy wrote on Facebook, thanking those who made his performance possible. The singer later shook hands with the Trumps, re-
ceiving praise from the president whom he also got a photo with. "No more words needed. The best possible kick off of 2026," Pomoy said in the caption for his photos with the Trumps. Pomoy rose to fame as the Season 2 champion of "Pilipinas Got Talent," going on to be third runner-up for "America's Got Talent: The Champions" in 2020.
Ria Atayde speaks up on Robi Domingo– John Lloyd Cruz rift rumors at wedding by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA actress Ria Atayde addressed rumors of an alleged conflict between Robi Domingo and John Lloyd Cruz during her wedding with actor Zanjoe Marudo. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Atayde said she neither confirmed nor denied the reports, stressing that nothing disrupted the ceremony. "If something happened between them, they kept it away from me. It wasn't something that disrupted the event or anything. It went very smoothly. It was a beautiful night," Atayde said. She added that guests cooperated in keeping the wedding private, refraining from taking photos or videos during the event. "That was what we wanted from the start. It was non-negotiable to have a party like that," she said. "Sometimes you watch same-day edit videos and everybody's phones are up. Iba kasi 'yung feeling na you're all there, enjoying the moment." Atayde described the ceremony as intimate, attended only by close friends and family. "We're so grateful that they all showed up for us," she said. "It was just a nice celebration of our love and of everyone who has been a part of our story as a couple." Rumors sparked by showbiz report Showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz recently reported that Robi and John Lloyd had a confrontation at the wedding. “So habang nagho-host daw itong si Robi, ito’y kuwento lamang sa atin ano, ng isa sa mga nakasaksi ro’n, na habang nagho-host (nagsasalita) si Robi ay nasambit niya kay Ria
A scene from a teaser of the “Home Along Da Riles” reunion. Screengrab from Instagram/@homealongdareels
which first aired on ABS-CBN in 1992, tells the story of the Cosme family and their daily life while living near the railroad tracks. It ran for 11 years until 2003.
The sitcom starred Dolphy, Villa, Barretto, Manaloto, Bernardo Bernardo, Gio Alvarez, Cita Astals, Boy 2 Quizon, Vandolph Quizon and Babalu, to name a few.
Hilda Koronel’s ‘Sisa’ to hit PH theaters on March 2026 by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net
Ria on relationship with husband Zanjoe Marudo: ‘Happy and relaxed.’ @ria; PR screenshots; YouTube
na, ‘how does it feel do be Mrs. Marudo?’ and si Zanjoe naman, ‘how does if feel to be Mr. Atayde?’ Siyempre magkakaibigan sila, so, tawanan (at) wala namang napikon even Zanjoe at si Ria, tawanan kasi sobrang close ‘yang mga ‘yan. “So, pagbaba ni Robi ng entablado patungo do’n sa may bar, e, biglang (lumapit) um-approach si John Lloyd Cruz na isa rin sa mga bisita at ‘yung tagpo na ‘yun na paglapit ni John Lloyd, e, biglang napalakas ‘yung boses ni John Lloyd kaya nakapukaw ng atensyon ng ibang bisita. “Sabi raw ni John Lloyd (kay Robi), ‘mali ‘yung sinabi mo, in-appropriate ‘yung sinabi mo okay ba ‘yung sinabi mo na tawagin mong Mr. Atayde (si Zanjoe). “Sabi ni Robi raw, ‘may isyu ba tayo?" “Bakit ano gusto mo mangyari (pasugod na sabi raw ni Lloydie).” Neither Domingo nor Cruz has publicly commented on the report. n
“SISA,” an upcoming film that marks the acting comeback of Hilda Koronel after a 14-year hiatus, is scheduled to hit Philippine theaters in March 2026. The IdeaFirst Company confirmed that the film will premiere on March 4, as it released the trailer showing a glimpse of Sisa braving through the horrors of the Philippine-American War. Based on the trailer, Koronel plays the eponymous Sisa, a madwoman wandering around a barren town. She does not know her name or where she came from, although it turns out to be a cover-up of her true identity as a spy seeking revenge. “Hindi mo alam kung ano ang kayang gawin ng isang babae (You don’t know what a woman can do),” the trailer’s description read. In a Deadline report, the
Hilda Koronel in a scene from “Sisa.” Screengrab from YouTube/The IdeaFirst Company
film’s director, Jun Robles Lana, said “Sisa” is a film that tells the story of marginalized women challenging traditional gender roles. “This story elevates the voices and experiences of marginalized women, challenging traditional gender roles and highlighting their crucial role in resistance movements,” he said. “Despite the brutality and oppression they face, the char-
acters in the story demonstrate the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Filipino people in their struggle for freedom and self-determination.” “Sisa” made its premiere at the Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, Estonia, in November 2025. Aside from Koronel, the film also stars Eugene Domingo and Jennica Garcia. n
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OPM and Filipino psychology Guarding the blessing: What our words cost us What makes OPM “original” and “Pilipino”? by Carl Lorenz Cervantes Inquirer.net
WHEN I think of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), I think of the harmonic disco tunes of Manila Sound, the sappy rock of the ’90s and early 2000s, and the high-octane rap music being blasted in patok jeepneys. Like Philippine culture itself, OPM cannot be just one thing; it is an umbrella term for a lot of different things. But is it not a bit ironic that most of what we call “original” and “Pilipino” are just Filipinized versions of whatever is trending in the US music scene? Of course, this is not true for all songs, but it is observable enough to be noticed as a trend. We deserve better Actually, I am not the first to point this out. In a booklet he published in the same year he passed away, the father of Filipino psychology Virgilio Enriquez said that most OPM did not seem to be inspired by Indigenous Filipino styles. Most of the popular singers copied what was “uso” in America. They would sing like Elvis or the Bee Gees, and some bands are just the “Filipino version” of, for example, the Beatles. In his 2016 book “Basagan ng Trip,” Lisandro Claudio claimed, alongside other critics, that OPM is dead. That, maybe, the last great Filipino band was Eraserheads, and that nothing as profound as their music has been produced since. It could be that this is just millennial sentimentality, maybe a bit of snobbery. That said, there might be some truth in the fact that it seems as though we have not really changed our tastes so much. People will continue listening to the same hugot lyrics, the same pagbirit and pagkulot, the same inoffensive millennial pop (I am sure you already know who these are). Some people, such as Claudio, believe that we, as listeners, deserve better. Why it resonates with Filipinos Personally, I have no intention to prescribe what we should be listening to. We all like different things. I have my own preferences, too. But in terms of understanding collective Filipino psychology, what I am interested in is what we are actually
AS a new year begins, many of us reflect on our finances—how to earn more, save better, and steward what God has entrusted to us. But there’s another form of stewardship we often overlook, one that quietly affects both our peace and our prosperity: our words. Recently, someone in my own community spoke badly about me. The comments were hurtful and untrue. Like anyone, I felt justified defending myself. But I was reminded of a deeper truth— restraint takes strength. In Filipino culture, conversation flows easily. Stories are shared, opinions offered, and sometimes gossip is brushed off as harmless kwento. But Scripture reminds us that words carry weight. What we speak doesn’t just shape relationships; it affects alignment. When we engage in evil speech—especially when we feel justified—we interrupt Eraserheads
listening to—and what that reflects about our shared mindsets. There is probably a reason why everyday Filipinos resonate with and overplay the same themes and styles. Could it be that we just like what is familiar, or “hiyang”? Could it be that OPM, for better or worse, reflects actual Filipino tastes? Maybe we just express ourselves well through disco because we get to dance with our friends. Maybe we like rock because we enjoy rocking out with our barkada. Maybe we love deeply, so most of our songs are also about heartbreak and hope—about tadhana, torpe, torete, and so on. Turn the radio on today, and it is the same 10 songs on repeat since the 1980s. Does this mean we have stagnated in our musical taste, or does it mean that we just really, really know what we like? If a loved one keeps telling us the same thing over and over in different ways, maybe we should listen. Maybe what we keep hearing on the radio is that cultural pahiwatig. Maybe the consistent
Photo from Genius/Official website
list of favorite songs best reflects what the everyday Filipino feels about themself— the driver and commuter, the sari-sari store owner, the labandera, the construction worker, the tambay, and so on. A gateway of understanding The thing is that we already have a societal idea of what OPM should sound like—but what does that say about how much we have limited our own capacity to appreciate Indigenous sounds? What gets to be “Pilipino music”? In fact, I am not sure whether some people are ready to face the fact that budots can also be considered as OPM, being that it is probably one of the truly “original” styles we enjoy. But I will save that discussion for next time; for now, it may be good to just sit with the idea. For better or worse, whether cool or corny, burgis or baduy, OPM is a gateway to understanding who we are as people. Popular OPM, the stuff that gets replayed for decades, may offer clues to what we value in our culture.
the flow of blessings God desires to release into our lives. Gossip creates invisible debt. It builds resentment, fractures trust, and creates spiritual distance. Much like financial debt, it compounds quietly over time. What feels momentary can linger longer than we expect. Here’s the lesson I’m learning: silence can be an act of stewardship. Stewardship of the heart. Stewardship of peace. Stewardship of blessing. Choosing not to respond doesn’t excuse another person’s behavior. It protects our own future. God sees what we don’t say. And often, what we withhold speaks louder than any explanation we could offer. In faith and finance, alignment matters. We can do everything right on paper—budget wisely, invest strategically, work diligently—yet still feel stuck if our hearts are weighed down by offense. Prosperity isn’t just about income; it’s about flow. And flow is disrupted when bitterness takes root. As we step into this new year, perhaps it’s time to practice a different kind of discipline: guarding our
words as carefully as we guard our wallets. Not every comment deserves a response. Not every story needs repeating. Sometimes the most powerful choice is restraint. As we begin this new year, let this be the discipline we practice daily: speak life or say nothing at all. Refuse to participate in conversations that diminish others, even when the story is tempting and the emotions feel justified. Every time we choose restraint, we choose alignment. And alignment is where peace, provision, and favor flow freely. Guard your words—because they are quietly guarding your future. *** 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. *** Kathy Current is a financial coach, mortgage advisor, and author of Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way, where she combines over three decades of financial experience with timeless biblical wisdom. Kathy addresses real-life questions about God and money, helping readers find freedom and purpose in their financial lives.
Former Miss International Melanie Marquez alleges involuntary confinement in TV interview by AJPress ACTRESS and former beauty queen Melanie Marquez alleged in a nationally televised interview that she was taken against her will and confined in mental health and rehabilitation facilities in 2022, an episode she said she had not previously discussed in public. Marquez made the allegations during a January 5 appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, hosted by Boy Abunda and aired on GMA Network. According to the program, Marquez sought the interview to address what she described as an unresolved and difficult period in her life. In the interview, Marquez said that in July 2022 she was admitted to a mental health facility without her consent and later transferred to a rehabilitation center,
Melanie Marquez during her recent television interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda / GMA Network (left) and as Miss International 1979 (right). Photo credit: Fast Talk with Boy Abunda / GMA Network and Miss International official website
where she said she remained for several months. She described the experience as an “abduction,” telling Abunda that she did not know where she was being taken and did
not agree to the confinement. Marquez did not identify the facilities involved and did not present medical records, court orders, or other PAGE 14
14 JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS THE devastating statistics about deaths from colon cancer have put the spotlight on a dreaded disease, which, today, could be detected early with a relatively simple diagnostic regimen, which includes a colonoscopy. A recent German study involving more than 3600 patients shows that the overall risk of developing malignancy (cancer) among those who underwent colonoscopies is reduced by 77%. The study also shows that the procedure has no “blind spot” and detects malignancies both on the left and right sides of the colon. This confirms once again that colonoscopy as a tool against cancer is a lifesaver. What is a colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible endoscope (malleable tube like a telescope), equipped with fiberoptic lighting and (video CCD) camera, is passed through the anus, to view and examine the inner walls of the colon (large bowels) and distal part of the small bowels for any abnormality, like bleeding, ulcers, or the presence of benign poly(s), or cancer. Through the colonoscope, excision of polyps or biopsies may also be performed for a definitive microscopic tissue diagnosis. A sigmoidoscope is another scope that examines the final two feet of the colon, while the colonoscope examines the rest of the colon, which is about four to five feet long. Many times it is done in conjunction with a colonoscopy. How common is cancer of the colon and rectum? Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in humans, topped only by cancer of the lungs and female breasts. More than 150,000 people in the United States each year discover they have cancer of the colon or rectum, and approximately 46,000 will die from it this year alone. The incidence starts to rise at the age of 40, and the peak is between the ages of 60 and 75. Colon cancer is more common among women, and cancer of the rectum among men. About 5% of the patients have both (synchronous cancer). Are meat-eaters more prone to colorectal cancer? It appears to be so because colorectal cancer is found to be more prevalent in populations whose diet is low in fiber and high in animal proteins, fats,
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and refined carbohydrates. The incidence of colorectal cancer is indeed high among those who eat red meat (pork, beef, etc) compared to those who eat high fiber diets (vegetables, fruits, wheat, bran, etc) and fish. The other predisposing factors include chronic ulcerative colitis, granulomatous colitis, and familial polyposis. The older the person is, the higher the risk. Smoking, in general, severely increases the risk for cancer formation of the lungs and various organs in the body, not to mention pulmonary diseases, heart attack and stroke. What are the signs of colorectal cancer? The person may not have symptoms at all. It could be so subtle, like fatigue and anemia. Blood in the stool (black or bloody red stools) is one common sign. The others include a change in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, stools more slender or flatter than usual, stomach discomfort, bloating, fullness, abdominal cramps, frequent gas pains, unexplained weight loss, and a sensation that the rectum does not empty completely. Not all these symptoms and signs need to be present, or necessary, to suspect the possible presence of colorectal cancer. Any one of these, if persistent, should alert one to seek medical help. When should a colonoscopy be done? Everyone 50 years old and older should have an annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT), a rectal digital exam, and a prophylactic colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. Since blood in the feces is one of the earliest signs of colorectal cancer, testing for blood in the stools yearly among those 50 and older is essential, and could be lifesaving. And so with prophylactic rectal digital examination and colonoscopy. How do we prevent colorectal cancer? As alluded to above, a high-fiber (fruits and vegetables, bran, oat, wheat) and fish diet will tremendously reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, staying away from animal protein, like red meat (pork, beef, and anything made of these) is a big factor in preventing the development of colorectal cancer, besides heart attack and stroke. Daily exercises make our bodies healthier and more resistant to illnesses. Abstinence from tobacco is a must. Checking your stools for blood every time you defecate and reporting any warning signs listed
above to your physician will help. Rectal Exam and colonoscopy are strongly recommended as stipulated above. What is the treatment for colorectal cancer? Depending on the stage and location of the colorectal cancer, the primary strategy is wide surgical resection of the cancer and regional lymphatic drainage. Cure is possible in 75% of surgical patients. For cancer limited to the mucosa (surface lining of the wall of the colon), 5-year survival is about 90%; for cancer going deeper into the mucularis propia (muscle-layer of colon), 80%; those with positive lymph nodes, meaning cancer already spreading to the lymph nodes, 30%. Other modalities of treatment include pre-operative radiotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, cand hemotherapy. Whether surgery and/or any of these other modalities are indicated will depend on the location, extent, and stage of the colorectal cancer. What is the outlook for colorectal cancer patients? There is no question that the outlook for colorectal cancer, and most other cancers in general, is much better today, depending on their stages when first diagnosed. This is why we cannot overemphasize the common-sense wisdom that prevention is the best “treatment,” especially when dealing with any potentially deadly disease like cancer, heart attack, stroke, AIDS, etc. New hopes for cancer victims are in the pipeline of dozens of research/clinical laboratories in the United States and other countries around the world. Before the advent of the oral medications for pulmonary tuberculosis, this disease acted like cancer, spreading from the lungs to the brain, bones, liver, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, etc. We predict that someday, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, many forms of cancers, if not all, will be cured by simply taking anti-cancer pills. In the meantime, it behooves each one of us to play an active role in protecting ourselves from becoming cancer victims by living a healthy lifestyle and by being ever-vigilant about our health and that of our 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 board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses
Fatima Ignacio Gimenez A COLLEAGUE threw the question randomly to another and was surprised when she received the answer, “I really haven’t thought about it.” For starters, how should one define it? Once you are done with your own interpretation, the next question is, ”Do you—or should you—have one? Toward the end of the year, cleaning up the clutter that has accumulated, both physical and mental, is an activity that has become a personal ritual. Between the two, oftentimes, the former takes longer. Mine goes through interrupted phases, mostly because of old photographs and books. Books that have remained unread, left to lounge on the shelf because of varied reasons: decreased visibility (piled on top of others), in the back seat of priorities (unrelated to medicine), or simply neglected, even if once a favorite, just because life always seems to take over. In the process of attempting to organize, I unearthed one by Toni Birdsong. The title of her book, ”More Than A Bucket List: Making Your Dreams, Passions And Faith A Reality,” is the principal reference for this week’s column. In order to preserve the beauty of her thoughts and her gift for words, I have directly quoted lines from her book, which are highlighted, and followed through with reflections of my own. Not necessarily original, for no one has an exclusive right to words, unique, or perhaps even one you can readily identify with. The main objective is that you will experience the same positive vibes generated. As of this writing, “Project Clean-Up” remains on hold.
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More than a bucket list
Pursue laughter. What comes to mind when one sees the word pursue? Often, it would equate to working toward fulfilling a dream or reaching for a goal. But laughter? When has it ever become a daily priority in the list of things to be done? It should be. How many of us have experienced the simple joy of laughing so hard to the point of choking, or worse, having accidental leaks from half-filled bladders? Its instant after-effects on overall well-being are priceless. Laughter is the best medicine. Become a more positive person. Who you are and how you choose to be, especially in very trying situations, affects the people around you. Have you ever been with individuals who constantly complain about every single thing, criticize endlessly, and are impossible to please? Not only is it tiring, but it is also burdensome. If one isn’t too careful, one can become one of them. Remember that it is only you who has the power to analyze yourself. Step on the brakes if you are beginning to slip into negativity. Seek the company of people who choose to be positive so that you can be rescued from falling into that deep, dark pit of regrets. Live with compassion. Who doesn’t need some form of affirmation? Be genuinely and deliberately generous to those who are unintentionally overlooked. When was the last time you said thank you to the people who keep our public restrooms clean, collect the garbage, gas up our cars, or even direct traffic? There are thousands out there who may not be as fortunate or as comfortable as you. Find small ways to let them know they matter. Write your kids a letter. Tell them all the things that they are doing right.
For that matter, write your parents a letter. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them, and let them know all the things that they are doing right. Skip the computer and the printer; gift them with a handwritten one. Learn to look at missteps as opportunities to enjoy what otherwise may seem ordinary. A few days ago, we decided to leave the family reunion early so that my 93-year-old mother wouldn’t have to sit through traffic. I inadvertently took the wrong exit, and we eventually ended up in Manila instead of Quezon City. Thankfully, my mother is not the type to make a fuss. What else is there to do but make the best out of the situation? Driving through the endless stretch of NLEx, we agreed that it felt like being transported to another place. A bonus was not only that we had a longer time to bond but that we also caught the beautiful sunset through clear windows. Live with strength. Do what you can to change you. Leave the other people to God. Become an expert in conflict resolution. Be okay with a nothing day. There are still so many things to serve as reminders of how we can constantly refashion ourselves to better appreciate the life that God has lent us. The number one thing on that bucket list should be to constantly learn the lesson of making each day count. Episode two is coming up. In the meantime, try making one of yours. (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. *** timgim_67@yahoo.com
Former Miss International Melanie Marquez...
PAGE 13 documentation during the broadcast establishing the legal or medical basis for her admission. She attributed the episode to what she characterized as a breach of trust by people close to her and placed the events within the context of serious personal and marital conflict at the time. The interview was presented as a first-person account.
No responses from other individuals referenced by Marquez were included in the episode. In the Philippines, involuntary admission to mental health facilities is governed by the Mental Health Act, which sets out patient rights and procedural safeguards. The information disclosed during the interview does not permit a determination as to whether those stan-
dards were followed in this case. Marquez rose to international prominence after winning the Miss International title in 1979 and later built a long career in Philippine film and television. Her appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” marked a rare instance in which she spoke publicly and at length about a private ordeal rather than her professional career.
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 15
I Spent My New Year's Eve in Presidential Security Command
My P.E.P.
(People, Events,Places)
Rogelio Constantino Medina FOR the first time since my return to the Philippines in August 2025 from Northern California, I spent my New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025, in the Presidential Security Command (PSC), Malacanang Park. First, I was escorted by a kind PSC soldier to Sto. Nino Chapel, not far from a hospital inside the camp. I arrived 30 minutes before 7 p.m. Afterwards, a kagawad led me to the Office of the Malacanang Chaplain. Father Roel Arceno Isip, the Command Chaplain, greeted me with open arms as he introduced me to Father John Paul Hechanova, the Assistant Command Chaplain, who was in the past based in the USA. Both of them would celebrate the Mass at 7:30 p.m. I was very attentive in the Mass 1st Reading on Numbers 6: 22-27 that records the priestly blessing "where God instructs Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the Israelites. This divine, sixfold benediction requests God’s protection, grace, favor, and peace upon the people, specifically to place His name on them and invoke His blessing." Then this was followed by the 2nd Reading of Galatians 4: 2-7 which explains that believers are "no longer slaves to legalism or worldly principles but are adopted as God’s children and heirs through Jesus Christ. Having sent His Son to redeem those under the law, God sent the Spirit into believers' hearts, enabling them to call Him 'Abba, Father'." As read by Fr. Hechanova, the Holy Gospel that night was on Luke 2: 16-21, which highlights "the humble birth of Jesus, the validation of his messianic identity by shepherds, and his submission to Jewish law through circumcision, where he is officially named. It emphasizes Mary’s role as the theotokos (God-Bearer or Mother of God) pondering these events in her heart." It centers on our faith, a conscious, trust-based relationship with the Divine that
Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina with PSC Chaplain Fr. Roel Arceno Isip (left) at PSC Sto. Nino Chapel.
Assistant PSC Chaplain Fr. John Paul Hechanova (right) with US-based journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Fathers Roel Isip and John Paul Hechanova at PSC Sto. Nino Chapel.
Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina (2nd from left) with the ladies of PSC Sto. Nino Chapel.
Balikbayan Magazine writer and Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina inside the PSC Sto. Nino Chapel.
Washington DC and New York City Foreign Press Center's credentialed member Rogelio Constantino Medina inside the PSC's Cafe Troopers in Malacanang Park.
fosters peace and purpose. Certainly, true faith offers spiritual freedom. Thanks to the sponsors of the Mass: the Presidential Security Battalion, Presidential Guard Battalion, Presidential Security Command School, Presidential Communication and Electronic Information System Battalion, and Presidential Intelligence and Security Group. After the Mass, Fathers Isip and Hechanova invited me to join them in the year-end dinner at the Presidential Security Command's Cafe Troopers. As I left the Cafe Troopers, which was my first time, I was looking forward for more visits in the near future. *** More on PSC's Experiences I was fortunate that during Presidents Cory Aquino, Eddie Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, and Bongbong Marcos I was able to enter the PSC, formerly the PSG (Presidential Security
Journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina inside First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos' study room/office at Bahay Pangulo in Malacanang Park during media tour.
Group), except during the administration of Presidents Noynoy Aquino and Rodrigo Duterte. Cory Aquino: I was the Presidential Message Writer. Twice I had a personal talk with then Presidential Son Noynoy Aquino in PSC. Eddie Ramos: I often joined the Malacanang Press Corps in PSC. Joseph Estrada: I was often invited to the PSC sever-
al times. Gloria Arroyo: I took the opportunity to roam around the entire PSC lot, including the housing for the soldiers' families. Bongbong Marcos: I wrote the Bahay Pangulo (Presidential Residence) for Balikbayan Magazine for it was the first time the Bahay Pangulo was open to selected media. I was able to enter First Lady Louise Arane-
Journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina inside First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos' study room/office at Bahay Pangulo in Malacanang Park during media tour.
ta-Marcos' study room/office. And recently I attended Dec. 31, 2025 mass at PSC Sto. Nino Chapel and dinner at PSC's Cafe Troopers. *** Anacleta Angeles of U.S. Consulate General Osaka I was fortunate to meet recently Filipina OFW, Ms. Anacleta Angeles, who has been working in the US Consulate General in Osaka, Japan.
She is from Pangasinan and is spending her vacation in the Philippines to be reunited with her family, relatives and close friends. *** 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
16 JANUARY 9 - 15, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426