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january 16-22, 2026 www.asianjournal.com • Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879 • 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109
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Peso hits new historic low, settles into DATELINE USA 59 to the dollar as global pressures persist PH excluded from from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America
US visa processing suspension — envoy
MANILA — The Philippines is excluded from the list of 75 countries whose nationals are affected by the United States’ temporary suspension of visa processing, according to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez. “No, not included,” he told the Inquirer in a text message on Thursday when he was asked about the matter. The State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, earlier said it had instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the countries affected in accordance with a broader order issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become “public charges” in the U.S. The suspension will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant, or temporary tourist or business visas. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration
by AJPress MANILA — The Philippine peso slid to a historic low this week, closing at P59.44 per U.S. dollar, as sustained global demand for the greenback continued to weigh on emerging-market currencies and keep the peso anchored in the 59 range. The latest close marked the weakest level on record for the peso, surpassing the previous low set
earlier this month. Currency traders said the move reflects external pressures rather than a sudden shift in domestic fundamentals, with market participants broadly expecting the peso to trade sideways near current levels in the near term. Dollar strength, not domestic shock, drives the decline Analysts attributed the peso’s weakness primarily to the strength of the U.S. dollar, which has re-
Manhunt intensifies after Laguna court orders arrest of Atong Ang in missing sabungeros case The court found probable cause in kidnapping with homicide complaints. Atong Ang, through counsel, denied involvement in the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros and said his defense will challenge the arrest warrants, as authorities announced a P10 million reward for information leading to his arrest
u PAGE 2
by AJPress
US redefines healthy eating in updated national dietary guidelines WASHINGTON — The federal government on January 7, 2026, released updated national nutrition advice, signaling a renewed emphasis on whole foods and a sharper warning against ultra-processed diets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services jointly issued the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the latest edition of science-based recommendations that guide federal nutrition programs and public health messaging nationwide. Updated every five years, the guidelines shape meals served in schools, childcare centers, senior nutrition programs, and military and veterans’ facilities. They are also widely used by healthcare providers and policymakers as a benchmark for dietary counseling and nutrition education. Federal officials described the update as u PAGE 4
mained firm as investors reassess the timing and scale of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. When U.S. interest rates stay elevated, dollar-denominated assets become more attractive to global investors. That dynamic draws capital toward the United States and away from emerging markets, placing downward pressure on currencies such as u PAGE 2
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE. Parishioners view the exhibit of Santo Niño images at the Diocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño Parish in Barangay Bago Bantay, Quezon City on Wednesday (Jan. 14, 2026). The Feast of the Holy Child Jesus will be on Jan. 18. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Philippine authorities have expanded efforts to locate businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang following the issuance of arrest warrants by a Laguna court in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros. The Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Santa Cruz, Laguna issued the warrants on January 13, 2026, ordering Ang’s arrest in cases alleging kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The offenses cited in the warrants are classified as non-bailable under Philippine law. The issuance of the u PAGE 2
Palace on VP impeach rap: It’s about accountability by Dexter Cabalza, Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
MANILA — From saying in 2024 that impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte would be a “waste of time” and he wasn’t supporting it, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appears to have had a change of heart and is now open to letting the process play out. Following news that a fresh impeachment complaint will be filed in the House of Representatives against Duterte, Palace press officer Claire Castro on Monday said the president’s view was that the move against the vice president should be treated similar-
ly to how the government investigates the flood control mess. “The president only said that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara would be treated the same way as discussions and investigations into the anomalous flood control projects,” she told reporters in a briefing. “It means that whoever should be held accountable should be made accountable. That’s the president’s order. There should be no exceptions,” she said. Asked what made the president change Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga and Enrique Razon Jr. his stance, Castro said, “It may be that the u PAGE 3
Dizon denies authorizing Senator’s prolonged absence fuels removal of ‘Cabral files’ scrutiny as civic groups press Senate for as investigations widen clarity and colleagues urge restraint
Billionaire Razon files cyberlibel cases vs Barzaga over Facebook posts Enrique Razon Jr. filed two cyberlibel complaints against Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga over posts alleging bribery in Congress, seeking P110 million in damages
Civic groups question Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s by AJPress DPWH says documents are under Ombudsman custody prolonged paid absence as officials say no ICC warrant and must undergo digital-forensic review; lawmakers seek MANILA — Businessman Enhas been received and colleagues urge due process rique K. Razon Jr. has filed two subpoenas and official copies amid authenticity dispute To date, the Philippine govern- counts of cyberlibel against Franby AJPress ment has not publicly disclosed cisco “Kiko” Barzaga, accusing Dizon issued the denial afby AJPress the senator’s location. Senior
Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on January 12, 2026 denied that he authorized the removal of documents now widely referred to as the “Cabral files” from the office or computer of the late Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
ter Leandro Leviste, a member of the House of Representatives, publicly claimed that the retrieval or possession of the documents had been carried out with the knowledge or approval of the department’s leadership. “The removal of files that you saw, those that former staff of Undersecretary Cabral allegedly u PAGE 3
MANILA — The extended absence of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from Senate sessions has moved from rumor to record, prompting civic groups to question the propriety of a paid, open ended leave and drawing measured reactions from colleagues who caution against prejudgment in the absence of a lawful arrest order.
the suspended Cavite lawmaker of publishing false and malicious allegations on social media that linked Razon to bribery and corruption in the House of Representatives. The complaints were filed on January 14, 2026, before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office, according to statements from u PAGE 2 Razon’s legal counsel cited by
officials say authorities are monitoring his movements, while emphasizing that no Philippine agency has acknowledged receipt of a formal arrest warrant or request from the International Criminal Court that would legally compel enforcement. A paid absence draws civic
Inquirer.net file photos
multiple national news organizations. Posts cited in the complaint The cyberlibel complaints stem from January 9 Facebook posts attributed to Barzaga. In those posts, Barzaga alleged that members of the National Unity Party received bribes from Razon during gatherings at Solaire ahead of the 2025 elections, purportedly in exchange for supporting House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Another post cited in the complaint described Razon as the u PAGE 4