011726 - Los Angeles Edition

Trump rolls out ‘The Great Healthcare Plan,’ proposing a reworking of ACA-era subsidy design

WAshiNGtoN D.c. — President Donald trump on January 15 unveiled a new health policy framework branded “the Great healthcare Plan,” a set of proposals the White house says is aimed at lowering health care costs and expanding consumer choice. the initiative is framed by the administration as a reworking of Affordable care Act–era subsidy design, not a formal repeal of the law. outlined in White house fact sheets and briefing materials, the plan is presented as a policy framework rather than enacted legislation. Administration officials said most of its provisions would require congressional approval and subsequent regulatory action.

A reorientation after subsidy changes the rollout comes after enhanced Affordable care Act premium subsidies expired on December 31, 2025, a change that led to higher out-of-pocket costs for some enrollees beginning in 2026. the Affordable care Act

Kaiser Permanente to pay $556 million in record Medicare Advantage fraud settlement

iN the largest medicare Advantage fraud settlement to date, Kaiser Permanente has agreed to pay $556 million to settle Justice Department allegations that it billed the government for medical conditions patients didn’t have. the settlement, announced Jan. 14, resolves whistleblower lawsuits that accused the giant health insurer of mounting a years-long scheme in which it overstated how sick patients were to illegally boost revenues.

“Medicare Advantage is a vital program that must serve patients’ needs, not corporate profits,” said U.s. Attorney craig missakian for the Northern District of california, in announcing the settlement.

Fraud on Medicare costs the public billions annually, so when a health plan knowingly submits false information to obtain higher payments, everyone — from beneficiaries to taxpayers — loses,” he said. medicare Advantage plans offer seniors

Peso hits new historic low, settles into 59 to the dollar as global pressures persist

by AJPress

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 similarly to how the government investigates the

Dizon denies authorizing removal of ‘Cabral files’ as investigations widen

DPWH says documents are under Ombudsman custody and must undergo digital-forensic review; lawmakers seek subpoenas and official copies amid authenticity dispute

by AJPress

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.

Dizon issued the denial after 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 took

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 his stance, castro said, “It may be that the extent of the issue at that time was not yet fully seen or understood.”

Senator’s prolonged absence fuels scrutiny as civic

groups press Senate for clarity and colleagues urge restraint

Civic groups question Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s prolonged paid absence as officials say no ICC warrant has been received and colleagues urge due process

by AJPress

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.

to date, the Philippine government has not publicly disclosed the senator’s location. senior 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

Arrest warrants issued by courts in Batangas and Laguna have intensified the case against Atong Ang over the disappearance of sabungeros. Police are enforcing non-bailable orders as authorities announced a P10 million reward for information leading to his arrest

— Arrest warrants issued by regional trial courts in Batangas and Laguna have intensified the prosecution of businessman charlie “Atong” Ang in connection with the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros, moving the case decisively from investigation to enforcement across multiple jurisdictions. A second court orders arrest on non-bailable charge A regional trial court in Lipa city, Batangas has issued a warrant of arrest against Ang for kidnapping with ho-

Enrique Razon Jr. filed two cyberlibel complaints against Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga over posts alleging bribery in Congress, seeking P110 million in

by AJPress

mANiLA — Businessman enrique K. razon Jr. has filed two counts of cyberlibel against francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, accusing 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 razon’s legal counsel cited by 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 mastermind behind the corruption in Congress” and included the hashtag #ikulongsirazon. razon maintains that these state-

Arrest warrants from Batangas and...

micide. the court order states that the offense is not bailable, precluding provisional release while proceedings are pending. earlier warrants from Laguna broaden the case the Batangas action adds to earlier arrest orders from regional trial courts in Laguna. rtc Branch 26 in sta. cruz, Laguna previously ordered Ang’s arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, likewise described as non-bailable, and issued a separate warrant for kidnapping with homicide with no possible bail. together, the orders reflect judicial findings that sufficient legal grounds exist to compel arrest and proceed to trial.

DoJ filings spread across three venues Government records show the Department of Justice filed related criminal cases in sta. cruz, Laguna; san Pablo city, Laguna; and Lipa city, Batangas, following a determination of prima facie evidence to indict Ang and other respondents.

Police implement court orders; reward announced the Philippine National Police said it is implementing the warrants and coordinating across units to locate Ang, who remains at large. interior and law enforcement officials announced a P10 million reward for information that would directly lead to his arrest,

stressing that the incentive applies only to information resulting in a lawful arrest and that operations are being conducted in accordance with court directives.

firearms action and custody of co-accused

Police officials confirmed that firearms licenses associated with Ang have been revoked, describing the move as a standard precautionary measure when a suspect faces serious criminal charges and remains at large. Authorities also said several individuals named in the warrants are under restrictive custody, including police personnel directed to surrender to the criminal investigation and Detection Group for processing. efforts to serve remaining warrants continue.

Allegations trace back to 2021–2022 disappearances the cases arise from the disappearance of at least 34 sabungeros reported missing between 2021 and 2022. Prosecutors allege the victims were abducted following disputes linked to cockfighting matches. A whistleblower and co-accused has claimed the victims were killed and disposed of, including allegations involving taal Lake. Authorities have confirmed that search operations recovered human remains. these claims remain allegations pending judicial determination.

Defense signals challenge to

warrants Ang, through legal counsel, has denied involvement in the disappearances. his defense has questioned the validity of the arrest warrants and said it will pursue legal remedies to challenge the cases in court. from investigation to enforcement With arrest warrants now issued by courts in both Batangas and Laguna, the cases have entered the enforcement phase. Prosecutors are expected to move toward arraignment and pretrial proceedings once all accused are before the courts, where evidence and testimony will be tested under oath. n

Peso hits new historic low...

the peso. similar trends have been observed across Asia in recent weeks.

Energy imports add pressure at the margin rising energy prices have compounded currency pressures. the Philippines is a net importer of oil, and higher crude prices increase demand for dollars to pay for fuel imports, adding incremental strain to the exchange rate.

Central bank signals continuity, not defense the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas has reiterated that it does not target a specific exchange rate level. instead, the central bank’s policy is to intervene only to smooth excessive volatility and prevent disorderly market conditions.

BsP officials have said the peso’s recent movements are largely driven by global factors and that there is no intention to defend any particular level, even if the currency weakens further. market participants noted that this stance preserves foreign exchange reserves and aligns with long-standing policy.

Markets expect consolidation rather than a free fall

Despite the record low, economists and bank strategists do not expect a sharp or sustained slide in the near term. several forecasts point to the peso remaining broadly range bound around the 59-to-the-dollar level, assuming

no major external shock and a gradual easing of global monetary conditions later in the year.

hsBc Private Bank has said the peso is expected to remain largely range bound, with projections placing it close to current levels toward the end of 2026. Analysts cautioned that short-term volatility is likely as markets respond to U.s. inflation data, shifts in risk sentiment, and policy signals from major central banks.

Everyday impact unfolds gradually for consumers, a weaker peso can translate into higher prices for imported goods, particularly fuel and products tied to global commodity markets. these effects typically filter through over time rather than appearing immediately.

for households receiving remittances from overseas, peso weakness means each dollar converts into more pesos, offering some relief, although that benefit can be offset if domestic prices rise.

A currency shaped by global forces for policymakers, the challenge remains balancing currency flexibility with price stability. As long as inflation remains manageable and markets stay orderly, officials have signaled that exchange rate movements alone will not drive policy shifts. the peso’s historic low underscores the Philippines’ exposure to a dollar-driven global financial system, where international forces often outweigh local developments in determining currency direction. n

Senator’s prolonged absence fuels scrutiny...

scrutiny Accountability focused civil society groups have called on senate leadership to clarify whether Dela rosa’s prolonged nonattendance is covered by an approved leave under chamber rules and, if so, on what basis. in public statements, the groups framed their concern around transparency and representation, arguing that sustained absence from plenary work raises legitimate questions for taxpayers when salary and benefits continue. the groups did not allege wrongdoing. instead, they urged the senate to disclose the procedural footing of the absence and to explain how long such an arrangement can continue without review. senate officials have not released detailed attendance records linked to the issue, and no disciplinary action has been announced.

What authorities acknowledge and what they withhold the Department of the interior and Local Government has acknowledged monitoring the senator but declined to identify his whereabouts, citing security and confidentiality. interior secretary Jonvic remulla has repeatedly said that, as of January 13, no Philippine agency, including the Department of foreign Affairs, had received an icc arrest warrant or a request to act on one. the Philippine National Police has taken a parallel legal position, saying it has no warrant to enforce and therefore no basis to arrest the senator. officials have stressed that, without a valid order, Dela rosa is not considered a fugitive under Philippine law. Senate voices urge process

out, and the retrieval of files from a computer did not have my authorization. I will say that again and again,” Dizon said.

cabral, a former DPWh undersecretary, died in late 2025, according to government and media reports. following her death, documents attributed to her office surfaced publicly and were cited by Leviste in connection with alleged irregularities involving flood-control and infrastructure projects.

Dizon said he has not authenticated any of the documents circulating in public, stressing that the department has not verified their origin, completeness, or integrity. the documents and cabral’s computer are now under the custody of the office of the ombudsman, after the DPWh turned over records in compliance with a subpoena duces tecum issued in late December 2025. officials have said the ombudsman is preparing a digital-forensic examination to determine the authenticity and integrity of original files. the ombudsman has also stated that Leviste did not submit a complete set of the so-called cabral files despite requests, a characterization that Leviste has disputed in separate statements.

Authorities have emphasized that copies held outside official custody are vulnerable to alteration and cannot substitute for authenticated records obtained through formal investigative processes.

in early January, cabral’s legal

over presumption several senators, speaking separately, have urged caution in public characterizations of the absence. Attendance and compensation, they said, are governed by senate rules and should be addressed through institutional mechanisms rather than speculation. others emphasized that allegations tied to international proceedings must be matched by clear legal instruments before they can alter a member’s rights or obligations.

Notably, none of the senators who commented publicly asserted that Dela rosa was evading arrest. multiple lawmakers underscored that, in the absence of a warrant, the chamber should avoid conclusions that go beyond the established record.

How the issue reached a tipping point Dela rosa’s reduced public visibility followed public claims late in 2025 that an icc warrant existed in relation to the court’s

investigation into killings linked to the anti illegal drugs campaign, during which he served as national police chief. those claims heightened scrutiny and coincided with his absence from sessions. they were later met with statements from the icc denying issuance of a warrant and from Philippine agencies saying they had received no formal arrest request.

Legal analysts note that when senior officials publicly raise the possibility of arrest, even if later disputed, limiting public exposure is a common precaution while legal status is clarified. such conduct does not amount to an admission of guilt or evasion in the absence of a lawful order.

A narrow set of facts, unresolved questions taken together, the publicly attributable facts establish a limited but clear picture. Authorities say they are monitoring the senator but have chosen not to disclose his location. No Philippine agency has confirmed receipt of an enforceable icc arrest warrant, and there is no judicial finding that Dela rosa is a fugitive or obstructing justice. At the same time, civic groups continue to press the senate to explain the procedural basis for a prolonged, paid absence from legislative work.

What remains unresolved is whether an icc arrest request will be formally transmitted, how Philippine authorities would respond under domestic law, and how senate leadership will address questions of attendance and accountability if the absence continues. n

counsel said several boxes of documents that cabral had previously identified were unaccounted for, raising additional questions about the completeness of records tied to the department’s budget preparation and project listings. Lawmakers have since moved to secure official copies through institutional channels. the house infrastructure committee said it would request documents directly from the DPWh,

US redefines healthy eating in updated national dietary guidelines

by AJPress

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 a response to persistent diet-related health challenges in the United states, where chronic conditions linked to poor nutrition continue to drive the bulk of healthcare spending and affect workforce readiness.

Whole foods at the center of the plate the new guidelines place clear emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods, encouraging Americans to prioritize vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, healthy fats, and a variety of protein sources from both plant and animal origins. the guidance highlights the importance of including protein at every meal and incorporating healthy fats from foods such as seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados. fruits and vegetables are encouraged throughout the day, with an emphasis on whole forms rather than heavily processed versions. rather than focusing narrowly on calories or individual nutrients, the updated guidelines stress overall dietary patterns— how foods are eaten together over time — as a more meaningful measure of diet quality.

Stronger limits on ultra-processed foods

A central feature of the 2025–

2030 guidelines is a firmer stance on ultra-processed foods. federal nutrition messaging advises Americans to limit highly processed packaged, prepared, and ready-to-eat products, particularly those high in added sugars and refined carbohydrates. the guidance also recommends reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and choosing water or unsweetened drinks as default options. Alcohol intake is advised to be limited as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

federal health agencies cite research linking frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods to higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.

Why federal guidance evolved officials point to a growing body of nutrition research showing that diets dominated by ultra-processed foods are associated with poorer long-term health outcomes, while eating patterns centered on minimally processed foods are linked to improved metabolic and cardiovascular health.

the agencies also note broader national implications, including the impact of diet-related conditions on healthcare costs and military readiness.

Moving beyond earlier nutrition models the updated guidelines continue a gradual shift away from earlier federal nutrition tools, including the food Guide Pyramid introduced in the 1990s, which

emphasized food group proportions but did not clearly distinguish between refined and whole foods.

Later models, such as myPlate, sought to simplify nutrition advice at the meal level. the 2025–2030 guidelines build on those efforts by placing greater emphasis on food quality, degree of processing, and sustainability of eating habits over time.

Designed for diverse households

federal officials emphasized that the guidelines are intended to be flexible and culturally adaptable, allowing individuals and families to apply the recommendations within their own cuisines, traditions, and household budgets.

the guidance includes considerations for different life stages, including infants and toddlers, children and adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and those following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Impact over the next five years the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines will guide updates to federally funded nutrition programs and influence nutrition education and public health campaigns nationwide over the next five years.

As nutrition science continues to evolve, the revised guidance reflects a broader consensus emerging across public health research: diets built around whole, minimally processed foods remain central to improving long-term health. (AJPress)

Trump rolls out ‘The Great Healthcare Plan...

itself did not expire and remains federal law, including its insurance marketplaces and consumer protections, unless congress acts to repeal or amend it.

Against that backdrop, the trump administration has positioned its proposal as a response to how federal health assistance has been structured under the AcA framework.

Shifting subsidies from insurers to individuals

Under the proposal, the administration would move away from certain AcA subsidy mechanisms by sending federal assistance directly to eligible Americans, allowing them to purchase health coverage of their choosing, a shift the administration argues would move assistance away from insurer-administered subsidy structures established under the AcA. the White house argues that the change would reduce taxpayer costs and lower insurance premiums, citing internal projections and referencing congressional Budget office analyses. Detailed legislative language and formal budget scoring have not yet been released, and the ultimate fiscal impact would depend on how congress structures any implementing legislation.

Administration officials emphasized that the proposal does not repeal the Affordable care Act, which remains in force unless congress acts. instead, they described the plan as an effort to reorient federal health policy toward a more consumer-directed model by reworking AcA-era subsidy delivery, while leaving the broader law intact.

Drug pricing and expanded access on prescription drugs, the

plan calls on congress to codify “most-favored-nation” pricing, an approach the administration says would bring U.s. drug prices closer to those paid in other developed countries. the White house said previously negotiated voluntary pricing arrangements with federal health agencies would be preserved. the proposal also seeks to expand the number of medications approved for over-the-counter sale. Administration officials argued that broader access could reduce out-of-pocket costs and limit the need for certain physician visits, particularly for routine conditions.

New disclosure requirements for insurers and intermediaries the framework proposes a significant expansion of transparency rules for insurers and health care intermediaries. insurers would be required to present coverage information in what the White house describes as plain language, enabling consumers to compare plans more easily. the plan also calls for public disclosure of claim denial rates, average wait times for routine care, and how premium revenue is allocated among medical claims, administrative costs, and profits. these measures would build on existing federal transparency requirements but expand their scope and enforcement.

Pharmacy benefit managers are also targeted under the proposal. the White house says it would seek to end rebate and fee arrangements that it argues contribute to higher drug costs, though any changes would require legislative or regulatory action.

Pricing disclosures tied to

Billionaire Razon files cyberlibel cases...

ments are entirely false and defamatory.

Razon denies allegations through counsel, razon denied having bribed any lawmaker or political party, saying the posts went beyond protected political speech and constituted malicious imputations that damaged his reputation. the complaint argues that the allegations were presented as statements of fact despite lacking proof, and that they were disseminated to a wide audience through social media.

Damages sought

razon is seeking P100 million in moral damages and P10 million in exemplary damages, citing reputational harm, emotional distress, and the broader impact of the allegations on his personal and business standing.

Barzaga’s response

Barzaga, who is serving a 60day suspension from the house of representatives that took effect on December 1, 2025, has said he is prepared to face the complaints. in media interviews, he said he intends to present evidence supporting his claims in the appropriate forum.

Party reaction the National Unity Party, through its chair, former house speaker ronaldo “ronnie” Puno, has said the party is also considering legal action, arguing that Barzaga’s statements unfairly maligned its members by accusing them of accepting bribes.

Legal framework

cyberlibel is prosecuted under the cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (republic Act No. 10175), which treats libel committed through computer systems as a

criminal offense. the supreme court has upheld the constitutionality of the law’s cyberlibel provision, while emphasizing that courts must balance reputational rights with freedom of expression. the cases now move to preliminary investigation, where prosecutors will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to file charges in court. At this stage, the filings reflect competing claims, and no findings on the merits have been made. n

Palace on VP impeach rap: It’s about...

‘Not important’ in late November 2024, following the breakup of Duterte’s political alliance with the administration, marcos told reporters that he opposed the plan of some members of the lower house to impeach Duterte, saying the highly polarizing political process would not benefit the filipino people. This is not important. This does not make any difference to even one single Filipino life. So, why waste time on this? None of this will help improve a single Filipino life,” he said.

several house lawmakers, particularly members of the makabayan bloc, are set to refile and endorse the impeachment complaint to the house justice committee next month as the one-year ban on Duterte’s impeachment lapses on feb. 6.

facing impeachment raps, after senior house Deputy minority Leader rep. edgar erice said on sunday that some lawmakers were planning to file a complaint against marcos for “betrayal of public trust,” among others. specifically, these lawmakers want to impeach marcos for allegedly being complicit in the budget insertions made by cabinet members and congressional allies and for enacting corruption-riddled budget laws from 2023 to 2025.

mains confident that lawmakers also continue to trust him, because the president is not committing any wrongdoing. In fact, he was the one who protected the 2025 budget in particular,” castro said.

federal programs

Another provision would condition participation in medicare and medicaid on compliance with expanded pricing disclosure requirements. Providers and insurers accepting federal funds would be required to prominently post prices and fees, an effort the administration says would strengthen enforcement of existing transparency laws and reduce unexpected medical billing.

Administration officials said prior transparency initiatives were unevenly enforced and argued that stronger oversight would be necessary if the proposal is enacted. A framework facing congressional debate the White house stressed that the Great healthcare Plan” is a policy blueprint rather than a finished bill. major elements, including the proposed reworking of AcA-era subsidy design, drug pricing changes, and expanded disclosure mandates, would require congressional approval.

National reporting has noted that the proposal is expected to face debate over its potential effects on lower-income Americans and insurance market stability, particularly the shift toward consumer-directed payments.

Administration officials said additional legislative details would be released as the plan moves through the congressional process. for now, the rollout signals a renewed effort by the trump administration to reshape federal health policy by revisiting how affordability assistance is delivered, while leaving the Affordable care Act itself intact unless congress chooses otherwise. (AJPress)

But this time, malacañang said that if lawmakers have the evidence against Duterte, they should proceed with the filing, and “the president will not interfere with their mandate.” castro said marcos would allow the impeachment process to take its course, “and whatever outcome emerges in accordance with the law and proper procedure will be supported by the president.”

she also expressed hope that the legislators hearing the new impeachment complaint “will think about the interest of the people, not the interests of the individuals they idolize.” Complaint vs Marcos?

the president himself may be

he also revealed that some “pro-vice president” groups had called to ask him if he could endorse an impeachment complaint against the p-resident. to this, castro said marcos is ready for any such complaint that may be thrown at him, and that he believes members of congress still trust him. The president is prepared for any situation because he respects the Constitution and respects due process,” said castro. “But if we are talking about a breach of public trust, which has been mentioned in relation to the alleged signing of the GAA (General Appropriations Act) — first of all, the president did not steal any money. Second, he is the one ordering investigations into anomalous flood control projects that may have been a source of corruption. And third, he does not have any ‘Mary Grace Piattos,’” she added, referring to one of the names uncovered in house hearings as allegedly fictitious beneficiaries of the confidential funds released to the office of the Vice President.

At present, the president re-

Archived complaint in December 2024, four impeachment complaints were filed against the vice president. the fourth complaint led to Duterte’s impeachment in the house — the first time the second-highest official of the Philippines was formally charged with a serious breach of the constitution. crossing party lines, 215 house members voted to approve the articles of impeachment. Duterte was accused of culpable violation of the constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes, including her alleged misuse of up to P612.5 million in confidential funds assigned to her office and the Department of education, which she headed in a concurrent position, from 2022 to 2023. the approved articles of impeachment were then transmitted to the senate for the conduct of the trial. But senators led by then senate President francis escudero sat on the impeachment articles. in August 2025, the senate voted 19–4, with one abstention, to archive the impeachment articles following the supreme court’s ruling that declared the complaint unconstitutional. n

Kaiser Permanente to pay $556 million in...

a private alternative to original medicare. the insurance plans have grown dramatically in recent years and now enroll about 34 million members, more than half of the people eligible for medicare. About 2 million medicare members are enrolled in KP plans.

Attorney max Voldman, who represents whistleblower James taylor, said the case shows the need for a “continued effort to fight fraud in health care.”

“It’s important to send a signal to the industry, and this number hopefully does that,” he said.

taylor, a longtime Kaiser Permanente physician, filed his suit against the company in october 2014.

It was a long, hard-fought case,” Voldman said. the Justice Department took over his case, bundled with others, in July 2021. in court filings, the government argued the health plan “pressured” doctors in colorado and california to add diagnoses “regardless of whether these conditions were actually considered or addressed by the physician during the patient visits,” policies that violated medicare requirements.

from 2009 through 2018, KP added roughly half a million diagnoses that generated about $1 billion in improper payments to the health plan, according to the complaint.

the government pays medicare Advantage plans higher rates to cover sicker patients. But over the past decade, dozens of whistleblower lawsuits, government audits, and other investigations have alleged that health plans exaggerate how sick patients are to pocket payments they don’t deserve, a tactic known in the industry as “upcoding.”

the Justice Department alleged that Kaiser Permanente officials knew its practices were “widespread and unlawful” but that the

company “ignored numerous red flags and internal warnings that it was violating” medicare rules. in settling the case, KP did not admit any wrongdoing. in a statement posted on its website, the company said it settled the case “to avoid the delay, uncertainty, and cost of prolonged litigation.” the company noted that other health plans had “faced similar government scrutiny” over medicare Advantage billing practices. it said the whistleblower cases “involved a dispute about how to interpret” medicare’s billing requirements. the civil suits were filed under the false claims Act, a federal law that permits private citizens to sue on behalf of the government and share any money collected as a result. in all, six whistleblowers filed cases against Kaiser Permanente. in June 2021, the District court for the Northern District of california consolidated the cases into two, one brought by taylor and the other by ronda osinek, also a former KP employee.

osinek, who trained physicians on medical coding guidelines, filed her case in August 2013. in her suit, she alleged that Kaiser Permanente inflated claims submitted to medicare by having doctors amend medical files, often months after a patient’s visit, to slap on diagnoses that were not treated at the time or didn’t exist. Under the settlement, the whistleblowers, known as “relators,” are set to receive a combined $95 million, according to the Justice Department. the KP settlement comes on the heels of a senate report this month that accused Unitedhealth Group of “gaming” the medicare Advantage payment system, which is called “risk adjustment.”

“My investigation has shown UnitedHealth Group appears to be gaming the system and abus-

ing the risk adjustment process to turn a steep profit,” sen. chuck Grassley (r-iowa) said in a statement accompanying the report’s release.

Grassley, who chairs the senate Judiciary committee, said his findings were based on a review of more than 50,000 pages of internal company documents. Unitedhealth Group disputed the findings and has long denied that its coding practice triggers improper payments. the report cited several medical conditions that have repeatedly been linked to overbilling by medicare Advantage plans, such as coding for opioid dependence disorder in patients who are taking their medications as directed for pain. the senate report also alleged that medicare Advantage plans have improperly diagnosed dementia. the report said that medicare removed dementia from its list of codes in 2014 partly due to concerns over upcoding. After the centers for medicare & medicaid services reintroduced the code in 2020, researchers found that “annual incident dementia diagnosis rates in mA increased by 11.5%” relative to traditional medicare, the report said.

“Medicare Advantage is an important option for America’s seniors, but as the program adds more patients and spends billions in taxpayer dollars, Congress has a responsibility to conduct aggressive oversight,” Grassley said. “Bloated federal spending to

by AJPress

mANiLA — the return to the Philippines of former Department of Public Works and highways secretary manuel Bonoan has been delayed after medical complications related to his wife’s recent procedure, according to the Department of Justice.

Justice secretary fredderick

Vida said in a press briefing on thursday, January 15, that Bonoan’s lawyer sent him an email shortly before christmas explain-

DAteline PhiliPPines

ing that Bonoan could not return to the country as earlier indicated because of issues arising from an operation undergone by his wife.

Vida said the explanation was formally conveyed through counsel and involved a private medical matter. he did not provide details about the procedure or the nature of the complications, and he did not specify a revised timetable for Bonoan’s return.

Bonoan, who previously headed the Department of Public Works and highways, had earlier informed authorities through

legal representatives that he would return to the Philippines, prompting expectations within government that his arrival was forthcoming.

Vida said the Department of Justice has taken note of the explanation provided and is awaiting further communication from Bonoan or his legal team. he added that no additional action has been announced in connection with the delayed return.

officials said the DoJ would issue updates should new information be formally relayed.

PH enters final stretch for maiden WTA hosting

by AJPress

mANiLA — With less than two weeks to go before the first serve of the Philippine Women’s open 2026, excitement is intensifying as the country enters the final stretch of preparations for its maiden hosting of a Women’s tennis Association tournament. scheduled for January 26 to 31 at the rizal memorial tennis center, the event marks the Philippines’ debut on the Women’s tennis Association calendar as a WtA 125, placing manila on the global professional tennis circuit for the first time.

A tour-level debut on home soil the Philippine Women’s open is listed on the WtA calendar as a hard-court tournament with a $115,000 prize pool, featuring a 32-player singles draw and 16team doubles field. As a WtA 125 event, it offers ranking points and competitive opportunities for players moving between the itf and main WtA tour levels, while giving local fans rare, close-up access to international women’s tennis. for Philippine sports officials, the listing itself represents a milestone years in the making. securing a WtA-sanctioned event requires compliance with strict standards covering courts, player services, officiating, medical support, broadcast readiness, and operations.

Rizal Memorial upgrade under pressure

At the center of the preparations is the historic rizal memorial tennis center, part of the rizal memorial sports complex. the venue has undergone accelerated upgrades to meet WtA specifications, including court resurfacing, improved lighting, player facili-

ties, and tournament operations areas.

the Philippine sports commission (Psc), working with the Philippine tennis Association (PhiLtA), has overseen the refurbishment as part of a broader push to modernize legacy sports infrastructure. officials have described the work as both event-driven and future-oriented, positioning the venue for continued international and regional use beyond the tournament. test events and local competitions have already been staged on the refurbished courts, allowing organizers to simulate match conditions, officiating flow, and crowd management ahead of the WtA arrival.

Ticketing and access organizers have emphasized accessibility in pricing for the inaugural staging. tickets for qualifying matches are set at entry-level prices, while maindraw sessions and championship rounds are priced below typical international tour standards. the approach, officials say, is deliberate: to prioritize audience-building, introduce more filipinos to live professional tennis, and ensure a strong atmosphere for the tournament’s first edition. Junior players and grassroots programs are also expected to be integrated into the event through ball-kid participation and on-site engagement activities. Local players in focus Beyond the international field, attention is centered on filipino participation. Wildcard entries have been earmarked for local players, giving homegrown talents the chance to compete against WtA-ranked opponents on Philippine soil. for PhiLtA, this exposure is a central objective. competing in a

tour-level event at home reduces the financial and logistical barriers that often limit international experience for developing players, while offering ranking opportunities that would otherwise require overseas travel.

Managing expectations

While the WtA listing lends global credibility, organizers have also cautioned that final player fields can shift late due to scheduling conflicts, injuries, or results in preceding tournaments, particularly with the Philippine Women’s open positioned near the Australian open window. even so, officials stress that the success of the inaugural edition will be measured not only by names on the draw sheet, but by execution: court quality, scheduling discipline, player services, and the overall spectator experience.

Beyond a single event sports authorities have framed the Philippine Women’s open as a starting point rather than a oneoff spectacle. the hosting is being positioned as part of a longer-term strategy that links international event hosting, sports tourism, and athlete development. if successfully delivered, the tournament could strengthen the case for future WtA returns and open the door to additional international competitions across other sports, reinforcing manila’s credentials as a capable host city. for now, the focus is firmly on the countdown. As finishing work continues at rizal memorial and operational teams shift into tournament mode, the Philippines is preparing to welcome the WtA — and to test whether its long-awaited return to the international tennis stage can translate into a sustainable presence. n

Bonoan return delayed after wife’s medical complications, justice secretary says 2nd plunder rap filed vs Recto, Ledesma over

by Faith argosino Inquirer.net

mANiLA — executive secretary ralph recto and former Philippine health insurance corp. (Philhealth) president emmanuel Ledesma Jr. are facing new plunder, technical malversation, and graft complaints in connection with the transfer of P60 billion in excess funds to the national treasury. this is the second time recto and Ledesma are facing charges over the Philhealth fund transfer, which the supreme court had earlier declared as unconstitutional.

A coalition of doctors, health advocates, and lawyers led by rodel taton lodged the new complaint before the office of the ombudsman on thursday. taton is the dean of san sebastian college-recoletos Graduate school of Law. in a 31-page complaint, the group asked the antigraft body to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine recto and Ledesma’s possible criminal, civil, and administrative liability, including grave misconduct.

‘Immense injury’

the group said the transfer of the P60 billion clearly violated republic Act No. 7875, or the National health insurance Act of 1995, as amended, and republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal health care Act. they noted that the high court had already ruled that the action was unconstitutional. Despite what the group described as full awareness of explicit legal prohibitions, they alleged that the respondents deliberately, willfully, and maliciously,” and with “evident bad faith, dishonesty, and grave misconduct,” caused the transfer of Philhealth reserve funds. specifically, the group pointed out that recto issued Department circular No. 003-2024, directing the transfer of excess funds from government-owned or -controlled corporations, including Philhealth, to the national treasury to

Stronger resistance to VP Sara impeachment seen in Congress

by neil Jayson servallos Philstar.com

mANiLA — renewed impeachment proceedings against Vice President sara Duterte may face stiffer resistance in both chambers of congress, according to sen. sherwin Gatchalian, as pro-Duterte supporters among legislators have increased amid the raging controversy over anomalies in flood control projects.

speaking on The STAR’s “truth on the Line,” Gatchalian said political dynamics have shifted as the composition of both chambers of congress has changed significantly since the last impeachment attempt, altering how lawmakers may now approach any new complaint.

Here in the upper chamber, we’re seeing more allies of the Duterte bloc or the PDP bloc as compared to the 19th Congress. That alone shows a big change here in the Senate,” Gatchalian said in english and filipino. he said the minority bloc has grown to eight members, a change that could affect deliberations during an impeachment trial.

malacañang has again distanced itself from the supposed new impeachment moves against the vice president.

“Whatever is being worked on or done in the House of Representatives is not within the purview of our president,” Presidential communications Undersecretary claire castro said when asked to comment on remarks by some house members that there was “no massive support” for another impeachment move against Duterte.

the Palace official, however, maintained that for the president, any impeachment complaint must be treated like the flood control investigation, in which anyone found liable would be brought to justice.

With the development, Gatchalian said the senate’s handling of any impeachment case could become more detailed and complex.

During impeachment proceedings, the senate acts as the impeachment court while members of the house of representatives – responsible for impeaching public officials – act as prosecutors. in Duterte’s impeachment trial last year, senators were unable to arrive at a vote to convict or

fund unprogrammed appropriations under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA). recto, who served as finance secretary, issued and signed the circular in 2024. meanwhile, Philhealth, through Ledesma, allegedly “willingly complied with the directive despite Republic Act No. 11223 expressly prohibiting the transfer of PhilHealth reserve funds to the National Treasury,” the group stated. it argued that the transfer of Philhealth’s excess funds caused “immense injury to the filipino people,” as the amount could have been used to improve health services, expand the state insurer’s benefits, or reduce members’ contributions, as provided under rA 11223—grounds cited in support of their plunder complaint. ‘Political noise’ recto on thursday reiterated his innocence, adding that he would not be distracted by political noise. in a statement, recto also said he respects the right of any individual or group to seek legal remedy regarding the issue.

Let me also reiterate my innocence, as opined by Supreme Court Justices, that no criminal liability may attach to me, as former Secretary of Finance, for acting in good faith and in accordance with a direct mandate from Congress in ordering the remittance of PhilHealth’s unused funds,” he said. recto added that he remains confident that appropriate institu-

tions will evaluate any allegations fairly and objectively.

For our part, we will continue to uphold the rule of law, respect due process, and work to uplift the lives of our ‘kababayan.’ I will not get distracted by political noise. The work of improving government performance and services is my priority,” he said.

SC ruling in December last year, the save the Philippines coalition filed similar charges against the two respondents. in a December 2025 ruling, the supreme court unanimously ordered the return of the P60 billion in Philhealth funds previously remitted to the national treasury and permanently prohibited the transfer of the remaining P29.9 billion. the decision, penned by Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, did not address recto’s alleged criminal liability for technical malversation and/or plunder, as the consolidated petitions were limited to determining grave abuse of discretion. however, four justices of the court have asserted that there is no criminal liability that can attach to recto, noting in their separate opinions that the then finance secretary solely “acted in good faith in implementing Special Provision 1(d).” special Provision 1(d) permitted the return of fund balances or excess reserve funds. (With a report from Luisa Cabato)

acquit her as the senate decided to honor the supreme court (sc) decision striking down the Articles of impeachment as unconstitutional. however, the senate held two votes while in session as an impeachment court, the first one being to return the Articles of impeachment to the house of representatives, which was done before the 19th congress adjourned, and the second one, in the current congress, when it voted to archive the Articles of impeachment following the sc decision – effectively ending the trial. in the first vote, only senators risa hontiveros, Gatchalian, then minority leader Aquilino Pimentel iii and then senators Nancy Binay and Grace Poe voted not to remand the Articles of impeachment. then minority leader and now senate President Vicente sotto iii senators francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino and hontiveros voted not to archive. then minority senator and now senate President Pro tempore Panfilo Lacson abstained.

As both votes were only for mere procedural questions, they only required a simple majority vote or 13 out of 24 members to vote in the affirmative. for a vote to convict an impeached official, the constitution requires the votes of two-thirds or 16 out of 24 senators.

Shift Last year, the house secured

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY (SCRRA)

IFB No. C3166-26 FY24

Valley Track Project

scrrA is seeking bids for the fY24 Valley track Project. Documents may be downloaded at scrrA's website at https// metrolinktrains.com/contracts/ (select Vendor Portal). Bids are due at 2:00 P.m. (Pst) on february 25, 2026. register in advance for the virtual Zoom Pre-Bid conference held on 1/28/2026 at 10:00 a.m. see summary sheet in the instructions to Bidders. for further information, contact sharon Williams, sr. contract & compliance Administrator at williamss@scrra.net

1/17/26

cNs-4000477# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG

iBiNiBiGAY Dito ANG PAUNAWA na ang lupon ng mga superbisor ng county ng san diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa proyekto sa mga pagpapabuti ng proseso sa pag-update ng ordinansa ng zoning gaya ng sumusunod:

imPormAsYoN sA PAGDiNiG:

Petsa: Pebrero 11, 2026 oras: 9:00 a.m.

Lokasyon: county Administration center, 1600 Pacific highway, room 310, san Diego, california 92101

APLiKANte: county ng san Diego (mGA) NUmero NG ProYeKto/KAso: PDs2025-PoD-25-004; PDs2025-er-25-00-001

LoKAsYoN: hindi pinagsama-samang san Diego county

PAGLALArAN NG ProYeKto: Ang proyektong mga Pag-update ng ordinansa sa Zoning sa mga Pagpapahusay ng Proyekto ay nagmumungkahi ng isang ordinansa para amyendahan ang county Zoning ordinance upang tugunan ang direksyon ng Lupon ng mga superbisor sa dalawang bahagi ng proyekto. Ang mga pag-amyenda sa ordinansa ng Zoning ay iminungkahi para payagan ang pinalakas na live na musika sa Boutique Wineries sa ilalim ng ilang partikular na parameter, at palawigin ang maximum na panahon ng pagpapahintulot para sa mga trailer para sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan, mula sa isang taon hanggang limang taon, depende sa tagal ng pangangailangan na nakasaad sa sertipiko ng Pangangailangan ng kinakailangang physician.

KAtAYUAN NG KAPALiGirAN: Ang seksyon 15164 ng ceQA ay nagbibigay-daan sa isang addendum sa isang dati nang nasertipikahan o pinagtibay na dokumentong pangkapaligiran na ihanda kapag ang mga maliliit na teknikal na pagbabago o pagbabago lamang na hindi magreresulta sa mga bagong makabuluhang epekto ang iminungkahi sa isang proyekto. isang addendum sa mga Ulat sa epekto sa Kapaligiran para sa tiered na Pagbabago sa ordinansa ng Winery ng county ng san Diego (Numero ng Pagsusuri sa Pangkapaligiran na 08-00-004; sch. 2008101047) at ang Pangkalahatang Pag-update ng Plano ng county of san Diego (Numero ng Pagsusuri sa Pangkapaligiran na 02-ZA1001; sch. 20071 na Proseso ng Zone) Proyekto sa mga Update sa ordinansa (PDs-2025-PoD-25-004; PDs2025-er-25-00-001).

coNtAct NG KAWANi: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto, makipag-ugnayan sa manager ng proyekto: Kevin Johnston (619) 458-2473

kevin.johnston@sdcounty.ca.gov

PAKiKiLAhoK NG PUBLiKo: Ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay maaaring lumahok sa pulong nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa mga regulasyong ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita sa website ng Lupon ng mga superbisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa.html#watch. Kung mayroon kang anumang tanong, makipag-ugnayan sa clerk ng Lupon sa (619) 531-5434 o publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov.

tULoNG PArA sA mGA tAoNG mAY KAPANsANAN: Available ang mga agenda at talaan sa mga alternatibong format kapag hiniling. makipag-ugnayan sa sekretarya ng pagdinig sa (619) 517-4193 para sa mga tanong o para humiling ng tirahan na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan. Ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng mga tagasalin ng sign language ay dapat makipag-ugnayan sa coordinator ng countywide ADA title ii sa (619) 531-4908. sa abot ng makatwirang posible, ang mga kahilingan para sa akomodasyon o tulong ay dapat na isumite nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang pagpupulong para maisagawa ang mga pagsasaayos. Ang isang lugar sa harap ng mga silid ng pagdinig ay maaaring italaga para sa mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng paggamit ng wheelchair o iba pang naa-access na mga aparato.

tANDAAN: Para sa dagdag na impormasyon tungkol sa Availability ng Kawani para sa Ulat, mga Alituntunin ng tagapagsalita, at Pangkalahatang Pamamaraan sa Pagdinig, suriin ang impormasyon sa Pampublikong Pagdinig ng county ng san Diego na matatagpuan sa website ng Lupon ng mga superbisor: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa.html.

tANDAAN: Kung hahamunin mo ang aksyon na maaaring gawin sa panukalang ito sa korte, maaari kang limitado sa pagsusulong lamang ng mga isyung isinusulong mo o ng ibang tao sa pampublikong pagdinig sa itaas, o sa nakasulat na sulat na inihatid sa Katawan ng Pagdinig sa o bago ang pagdinig. maaaring limitahan o ipataw ng mga Panuntunan ng Lupong Pagdinig ang mga kinakailangan sa pagsusumite ng naturang nakasulat na sagutan.

APProVeD As to form AND LeGALitY

David J. smith, county counsel

By: Jerod markley, senior Deputy county counsel

1/17/26

cNs-3997618# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

FeAtures OPiniOn

A weak peso and the hidden cost borne by overseas Filipinos

The Philippine peso’s fall to its weakest level in history is not a technical footnote in global finance. It is a judgment on long-standing economic fragilities and a burden carried not only by those at home, but by millions of Filipinos working overseas who quietly sustain the country through their labor and remittances.

for years, peso weakness has been softened in public discourse with a convenient refrain: overseas filipinos benefit because every dollar sent home converts to more pesos. this framing is misleading.

A weak peso does not create value. it shifts pain.

What remittances gain on paper, inflation steadily takes away at the market, the pharmacy, and the fuel pump.

for a news organization serving filipinos abroad, this distinction matters. remittances are not surplus income. they are lifelines.

This is not simply global bad luck

Global conditions matter. high interest rates in the United states have strengthened the dollar and pressured currencies worldwide. Yet not all currencies have reached historic lows. the peso’s underperformance reflects vulnerabilities economists have flagged for years.

Analysts from institutions such as the international monetary fund and the World Bank consistently point to the Philippines’ structural gaps: a persistent current account deficit, heavy reliance on imported food and fuel, weak agricultural pro-

Commentary

LoNG lines, even longer waiting times, and convoluted processes make up the typical filipino experience when securing basic services from government agencies and offices. Because of red tape, applying for documents and iDs, and paying fines is a widely accepted hassle, pushing filipinos to turn to fixers as if they were doing them an added service.

While there is existing, tangible pushback against red tape, particularly through republic Act 9485 (Anti-red tape Act of 2007) and republic Act 11032 (ease of Doing Business and efficient Government service Delivery Act of 2018), recent testimonies prove that untangling it isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Caught in red tape

James Deakin, a host and automotive content creator, recently went viral after he shared his family’s experience with the Land transportation office (Lto).

According to Deakin, his son was pulled over for an improper lane change violation on skyway

iN a January 4, 2026 substack

essay that has been circulating quietly but intensely among defense analysts and policymakers here in Washington, geopolitical writer shanaka Anslem Perera distilled what many in this town sensed almost immediately after the early hours of Jan. 3. in his analysis titled “The Delta Doctrine: How 150 Minutes Over Caracas Redrew the Map of Global Power,” Perera wrote: The capture of Nicolás Maduro represents far more than the removal of a narco-dictator. It represents the crystallization of a new doctrine of American power that the world has not seen since the height of the Cold War.” that observation explains why the reverberations from caracas were felt almost instantly far beyond Latin America. in the days that followed, conversations in Washington shifted noticeably,

ductivity, and an economy driven more by consumption than by exports and industrial capacity. remittances and the BPo sector have functioned as shock absorbers, but they have also masked unresolved weaknesses. instead of building competitiveness, the country has learned to manage volatility by exporting its people.

the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas is correct to say the exchange rate is market-determined and that reserves remain adequate. But markets price confidence. When depreciation becomes historic, it reflects skepticism about long-term economic fundamentals.

The daily cost of peso weakness currency depreciation is often discussed in percentages. filipinos experience it in prices.

A weaker peso raises fuel costs, which ripple through transportation, electricity, and food distribution. imported staples, medicines, school supplies, and construction materials become more expensive. Wages follow, but always too late and never far enough. this burden is not evenly shared. inflation driv-

Fixing red tape shouldn’t come after the fact

Red tape has long been a persistent issue in the Philippines, and yet we aren’t anywhere near close to untangling it

stage 3. While he told him to Take the ticket. Go through the process and deal with the consequences properly,” over the phone, he was surprised after finding out that the officer classified it as “reckless driving” on top of the “improper lane change” and “disobeying traffic signs” violations. “Reckless driving isn’t just a heavier fine—it can also be a criminal offense under Philippine law that goes on permanent record. It requires ‘willful or wanton disregard for safety.’ A new driver making an improper lane change at a very low speed doesn’t meet that standard,” shared Deakin on a facebook post.

the bigger issue, however, came after the fact. With a deadline of 15 days to settle the violation, Deakin wasn’t asked only to pay the P2,000 fine, but also provide the car’s official receipt (or) and certificate of registration (cr), despite the office already having access to the car’s plate

number, make, model, and registered owner. Not to mention, the Lto was also closed for eight of the 15 days they were given. in the end, they went past the 15-day deadline because of the additional requirement, and his son’s license was automatically suspended for a month.

The government gives you 15 days. Then closes for more than half of them. Demands documents that have nothing to do with the violation. Won’t accept digital copies in 2026. Then penalizes you for being late,” added Deakin.

LTO responds in response to the viral post, Lto chief markus Lacanilao defended the traffic officer on the scene. in addition to crossing a double solid lane, Deakin’s son also failed to produce the vehicle or/cr

The document they presented is from the importer to the dealer. What does that mean? It has not yet been sold to a buyer and u PAGE 7

When power speaks without asking permission

from think tanks along massachusetts Avenue to discreet briefings inside allied embassies. the question was no longer what happened – but what it meant. for years after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, a lingering doubt shadowed American foreign policy. Does the United states still possess not only overwhelming capability, but the political will to act decisively?

Perera framed that question bluntly, writing that the operation represented “the final answer to the question that has haunted international relations since the disastrous withdrawals from Kabul: does America still have the will to act?” in Perera’s analysis, and in the assessment of many officials i have spoken with, the response was unmistakable. “The answer arrived on rotors in the darkness above Caracas. What followed was not merely

a successful raid, but a carefully calibrated strategic message. Perera argues that its consequences extend far beyond Venezuela itself. “The implications cascade across every domain of international relations,” he writes, “from the credibility of Russian arms exports to the viability of Chinese Belt and Road investments… to the calculus of every dictator who believed great-power patronage could shield them from American justice.” that sentence encapsulates why the episode has become a reference point in Washington almost overnight. credibility, once lost, is difficult to restore. But when reasserted, behavior changes quickly among allies and adversaries alike. Perera also anticipates the debates that will inevitably follow. “The chattering classes will debate the legality for years. The historians will argue about

en by currency weakness is regressive by nature.

Low- and middle-income families spend a larger share of their income on essentials. for them, peso depreciation is not a temporary inconvenience. it is cumulative loss. exporters and BPo firms may see short-term gains when dollar earnings convert into pesos. economists caution that these benefits fade when inflation

iN september and December, social Weather stations (sWs) asked filipino respondents some pointed, relevant questions. Which of these actions, it asked, in the private or public sector, do you consider corrupt? the top three won’t surprise you (but should); the answers that come next, will. roughly speaking, three out of four filipinos consider bribery to be corruption (but a quarter of the people don’t share the same view); two-thirds consider it corrupt to misuse public or corporate funds; about the same number consider kickbacks for contracts of services to be corrupt (but one-third thinks it’s oK). here is where it gets even more interesting. Less than half think evading taxes or regulatory requirements, insider trading, or financial fraud is corrupt (more than half seem to think it’s oK), and more than two-thirds do not think that nepotism or favoritism in hiring or promotions is corrupt, while close to eight out of 10 filipinos don’t see anything corrupt in not disclosing conflicts of interest. our society seems to

Corruption with Philippine characteristics

have a built-in moral elasticity, with more than enough approving of corruption to be willing accomplices. sWs lumps together classes ABc (5.8 percent) into one; class D is the biggest at 87.4 percent (as of 2024); and class e (6.8 percent) is the poorest of the poor. Just as interesting is the change in the percentages for the best-off class ABc: financial fraud went down 15 points; insider trading or financial fraud went down 14 points; bribery as criminality went down 7 points, as did unreported conflicts of interest: a loosening, shall we say, of standards. You only find a double-digit slide downwards in Balance Luzon (-11 on bribery as corrupt) and the Visayas (-12 on unreported conflicts of interest). the opinions of class D on what is corrupt have hardly changed. in an unrelated survey last November, Wr Numero reported that 63 percent of respondents were very satisfied/satisfied with the performance of their representative; only 13 percent said they were very unsatisfied/unsatisfied; 18 percent were unsure, while 6 percent didn’t know who their congressman was. two dif-

ferent surveys, true, but when you consider the house of representatives has been one of the institutions under siege, a large majority thinking their reps are doing well suggests culpability only extends to outsiders. one of my favorite stories of life as a columnist took place two decades ago. A filipino migrant to the United states lectured me throughout a transpacific flight about the pervasiveness of corruption at home, only to take out a thick wad of bills as we were landing, counting them out into neat piles. seeing my curiosity, he helpfully replied, “this is for customs, this is for the police …” this explains why a congressman tried to keep provisions for unprogrammed funds in the current budget. recently, i discovered rizal never wrote, “tal pueblo, tal gobierno” (as the people are, so is their government), however obviously truthful it sounds, to the extent it has become an apocryphal quote i’ve used in the past. instead (and typically), he wrote, “An immoral government begets a demoralized people; an administration without u PAGE 7

heightened complexity. Gradually, they learned to adjust to a polycentric world society that no single nation, however powerful, could plausibly manage. the institutions once expected to provide global governance, the United Nations and its security council, have proved largely incapable of producing decisions binding on the world as a whole. emerging from the World War ii as the only major power unscathed by war, the United states long assumed it could direct global developments across virtually all domains of human activity. this confidence was reinforced after the soviet Union collapsed in 1991. for roughly two decades thereafter, American preeminence appeared unassailable. since then, however, that dominance has been in steady, if uneven, decline. By contrast, china’s rise—as an economic powerhouse, a hub of scientific and technological u PAGE 7 u PAGE 7

BorN shortly after the end of the World War ii, my generation has long considered itself fortunate not to have known, let alone fought in, a world war. But no one can be sure anymore how long this fragile peace can endure. my sense is that the major powers are again sleepwalking toward war in a vain and thoughtless attempt to manage a world that has long slipped out of anyone’s control. that world has grown immensely complex. it is differentiated into functional spheres— economy, politics, science, law, technology, and media—each driven by its own logic and resistant to central coordination. What is economically rational is often ecologically destructive; what is efficient (like artificial intelligence) may corrode what makes us human. economic growth has proceeded along-

side widening inequality; material abundance has multiplied without a corresponding rise in human well-being.

the postwar order that modernization was expected to deliver was imagined as a coherent package: market economies, democratic politics, universal education, the rule of law, a free press, civilian control of the military, and independent science. together, these were meant to produce prosperity and stability. What was less appreciated was that modernity also entailed the uneven and autonomous development of these domains, with no central authority capable of harmonizing their effects. Globalization proved to be anything but seamless. it produced a few winners and many losers, both within countries and across them.

countries that sought to maximize their gains from these transformations soon encountered the limits of control under

Corruption with Philippine...

conscience, rapacious, and servile citizens in town, bandits and thieves in the mountains! Like master, like slave. Like government, like country” (“A gobierno inmoral corresponde un pueblo desmoralizado, á administracion sin conciencia, ciudadanos rapaces y serviles en poblado, bandidos y ladrones en las montañas! Tal amo, tal esclavo. Tal gobierno, tal país.”) A necessary question moving forward, then, is: What exactly is the public angry about, and who exactly are the ones who are in trouble? When leaders and followers alike conveniently make wide-sweeping accusations, it is actually a license to steal. this is why the popular phrase during the Arroyo era, “pare-pareho lang ‘yan!” remains so useful; it normalized official behavior while justifying the emerging

consensus on the part of the middle class not to add to risk by engaging in regime change. (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.

Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @mlq3

When power speaks without asking...

proportionality for decades,” he notes. But the dictators of the world understood the message instantly.

Whether one agrees with the operation or not, that assessment rings true. Deterrence is not built on speeches alone. it rests on the belief that lines, once crossed, carry consequences.

from a Philippine perspective, that moment deserves careful attention. As a treaty ally of the United states situated in a contested indo-Pacific, the Philippines depends heavily on credibility and clarity in alliance commitments. for smaller and middle powers, deterrence is not an abstract concept debated in seminar rooms. it is the invisible scaffolding that supports sovereignty, maritime rights and regional stability.

the renewed emphasis on American resolve has direct implications for the West Philippine sea, freedom of navigation and the confidence of partners who rely on a rules-based order. it reinforces the logic behind recent defense cooperation agreements, joint exercises and capacity-building efforts that manila has pursued steadily across administrations.

one aspect of Perera’s analysis that particularly resonates in Washington is the emphasis on preparation over improvisation. the operation was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but the culmination of months of pressure, intelligence work, cyber operations and electronic

warfare. the lightning strike was simply the final act of a campaign already shaped in quieter and less visible arenas. that distinction matters. modern power is no longer defined solely by firepower but by coordination, patience and clarity of purpose – qualities that allies watch closely and adversaries study carefully.

critics will argue, and with reason, that such actions risk escalation or weaken international norms. those concerns merit serious discussion. But so, too, does the cost of inaction. A world in which authoritarian leaders believe they are untouchable is not a safer world. history has shown repeatedly that ambiguity, when misread as weakness, invites miscalculation.

Perera ends his essay with a line that has already become a refrain in policy circles: “The United States is back. And it is not asking for permission.”

Whether that sentiment is welcomed or viewed cautiously, it undeniably signals a shift. Allies will recalibrate. Adversaries will reassess. middle powers, especially in the indo-Pacific, will watch closely and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Let me share an anecdote that happened a few evenings after the operation, at a small off-therecord gathering not far from Dupont circle. A senior intelligence officer, now retired and certainly no hawk, summed it up quietly over coffee. “It’s not about Venezuela,” he said. “It’s about whether deterrence still ex-

ists.”

that, in essence, is the point. Jan. 3, 2026 will not be remembered merely as the night a dictator fell. it will be remembered as a moment when the global conversation about power, credibility and resolve decisively changed. history will judge the long-term consequences. But the message, as Perera rightly observed, has already been received. for the Philippines, the lesson is not to seek confrontation, but to invest consistently in capability, partnerships and national confidence. Deterrence works best when it is quiet, credible and collective. Washington’s renewed emphasis on resolve underscores why modernization, interoperability and diplomacy must move together. in an era of sharpening competition, small states cannot afford illusions. they must read signals clearly, strengthen alliances prudently and ensure that peace is preserved – not by wishful thinking, but by preparedness grounded in shared interests and mutual respect. these are lessons Washington insiders quietly acknowledge while the rest of the world watches closely today. (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

The world we seek to...

development, and a formidable military actor—has been swift and unprecedented. Benefiting more than any other country from its U.s.-sponsored entry into the global economy, china moved from cheap labor manufacturing to technological leadership, offering developing countries access to capital, infrastructure, and advanced education. this is the world in which the U.s. is now attempting to reassert its hegemony. the perception of china as a formidable rival did not begin with U.s. President Donald trump. What distinguishes the present moment is that these efforts are no longer couched in terms of shared values or a common global future. they have become instead self-referential, transactional, and openly coercive. the clearest articulation of this posture appears in the U.s.’ most recent National security strategy, released in Novem-

ber 2025. there, the Western hemisphere—from Greenland to Argentina—is defined as an immediate security perimeter, with access to American capital, technology, markets, and security guarantees treated not as public goods but as leverage to enforce alignment. recent events in Venezuela starkly reveal the limits of this approach. early this month, the U.s. launched a large-scale military operation there, capturing President Nicolás maduro, who was then taken to the U.s. to face criminal charges. the intervention—the most direct American military action in Latin America in decades—has drawn sharp international criticism and raised serious legal questions. even as U.s. officials have spoken of overseeing aspects of Venezuela’s political and economic future, governance on the ground remains contested. this episode underscores the difficulty of imposing control even over a single country.

All this is undertaken in the name of making America great again. few countries are presently in a position to openly challenge such unilateral assertiveness. Yet the deeper problem lies elsewhere. this effort rests on a basic misreading of the world as it has become. it assumes that a complex and highly differentiated world can be steered as if it were hierarchically ordered and politically pliable. that assumption is the real hubris of our time. Attempts to impose coherence on a world that resists it may yield illusory gains. But, more likely, they will deepen existing conflicts and hasten the very instability they seek to manage. (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.

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Stronger resistance to VP Sara...

PAGE 5

many lawmakers to do some reassessment of their alliances, with the 2028 elections in mind.

By 2027, it’s already election year. Next year, in October, would be the filing of certificates of candidacy. So actually it’s very close,” he said.

“Without naming names and going into the details, we know many congressmen have been implicated in this flood control mess. And we’re talking about big names… 2028 is still far, admittedly, but politicians think very far,” he said. he said such long-term political calculations influence how politicians weigh impeachment, particularly as the country moves closer to an election cycle.

Gatchalian also said the sc ruling that has effectively removed the automatic transmittal of an impeachment case upon the endorsement of one-third of house members could also add to uncertainties over possible impeachment cases initiated in the house.

Strong evidence can sway Congress Asked about the chances of a fresh impeachment against the vice president, Gatchalian stressed that the fate of any impeachment case would largely depend on the strength and clarity of the evidence.

Gatchalian said politicians may be persuaded to support an impeachment if the evidence is “damning” and obvious, but would likely hesitate if the case

is perceived as purely political. “It depends on the evidence. If the evidence is damning and obvious, I think the politicians can also be swayed to pursue that evidence,” he said.

Gatchalian said public sentiment also plays a great part in shaping lawmakers’ judgment during impeachment proceedings. failure of lawmakers to decide accordingly in the face of strong evidence could further inflame public outrage, he said.

So if evidence is damning or very obvious, but unaddressed –it’s like pouring gasoline on an open flame,” he said in filipino.

Appeal to SC meanwhile, Bicol saro party-list rep. terry ridon said an sc reversal of its ruling on impeachment proceedings would allow the retrieval from the archives of the congress-approved Articles of impeachment against the vice president and set them into motion “forthwith.” ridon said the sc should make a decision on the motion for reconsideration filed by the house on Aug. 4 last year.

“Even talking about next impeachment complaint, by the 6th of Feb. I guess the call of Congress would be for the Supreme Court to finally resolve the motion for reconsideration submitted by the House on their original decision because many things will be resolved by either they approve the MR or they reject the MR. Of course, if they approve the MR, we don’t need a next impeachment complaint

A weak peso and the hidden...

the first payment is immediate and financial. As prices rise in the Philippines, families do not absorb the shock alone. they turn outward. tuition increases, hospital bills, utility costs, and daily necessities are covered by remittances. overseas filipinos send more simply to preserve the same standard of living back home.

the second payment is longer term and personal. to send more, overseas filipinos delay home purchases, postpone retirement, work longer hours, or abandon plans to return permanently. for many, the longer peso weakness persists, the more returning home becomes financially impractical rather than aspirational. this is not a normal remittance cycle. Peso depreciation turns remittances from voluntary support into a compensatory mechanism. instead of supplementing income, they replace what the economy fails to provide: stable prices, adequate wages, and affordable essentials.

The unspoken reliance this is the moral hazard em-

bedded in the Philippine economic model. remittances are celebrated as stability while quietly treated as a fallback for policy failure. When growth falters, the expectation is unspoken but clear: overseas filipinos will compensate. this reliance delays reform. it softens pressure to confront trade-offs between consumption and investment, imports and domestic production, short-term comfort and long-term resilience. inflation is absorbed by families, not institutions. stability is funded externally, not earned internally. overseas filipinos provide foreign currency that supports the balance of payments and domestic consumption, yet they have little influence over fiscal priorities, agricultural reform, or industrial strategy. they absorb risk without representation.

What history is warning us about

A flexible exchange rate can serve as a shock absorber. But when depreciation becomes chronic, it signals that the underlying economy is not adjusting; it is compensating for unresolved structural weaknesses. economists have long warned that growth built on consumption, imports, and remittances is inherently fragile. Without export diversification, food security, and productivity gains, currency weakness stops being a temporary adjustment and becomes a structural condition. No economy can outsource resilience indefinitely. A demand, not a plea this moment calls for reform, not reassurance. reducing dependence on food imports. investing seriously in agriculture and manufacturing. Building high-value exports. Aligning fiscal ambition with execution capacity. treating remittances as a bridge, not a permanent foundation. for overseas filipinos, the peso’s historic fall is not merely an economic milestone. it is a test of whether the Philippines will continue to lean on its people overseas, or finally build an economy strong enough that it no longer has to. (AJPress)

Fixing red tape shouldn’t come after...

should not be driven on the road,” Lacanilao explained. “Under our rules, driving an unregistered vehicle is considered reckless driving.”

Addressing the lack of sufficient time to settle the violation, Lacanilao added, “Since the apprehension occurred during the Christmas season, it is expected that some government offices would be closed. Because of this, motorists should take existing holidays and office schedules into account when fulfilling their obligations within the prescribed period.” clarification was appreciated, but the nature of the violation was never the central issue. the Lto’s dated processes are.

Untanglement in progress

While practically ingrained in our government systems, red tape isn’t necessarily something local agencies and offices can easily ignore.

in may of last year, the Anti-red tape Authority (ArtA) announced that it would charge a total of 131 local government units (LGUs) for failing to streamline and digitize their services. in october 2025, a Bureau of fire Protection (BfP) employ-

ee was sentenced to one year in prison and fined P500,000 for soliciting money in exchange for issuing a fire safety inspection certificate (fsic). mr. rolando cepe, the alleged perpetrator, was found guilty after ArtA, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police – criminal investigation and Detection Group (PNP-ciDG), caught mr. cepe in the act during an entrapment operation. meanwhile, just this past December, ArtA received a complaint citing that Pag-iBiG failed to render services within a prescribed processing period, marking a violation of republic Act 11032. While the investigation revealed that it was due to a system downtime at Pag-iBiG’s caloocan branch, ArtA required the branch head of Pag-iBiG caloocan to submit a formal explanation for the potential violation.

Not to mention, even the social security system (sss) was put under scrutiny after topping ArtA’s list of most-complained agencies. fortunately, after coordinating with ArtA, sss revealed that all of the validated 244 complaints were addressed and resolved within ArtA stan-

dards.

At what cost?

red tape is undoubtedly in worse shape than it was in previous years. But looking at instances where it is still perpetuated, and even in moments where anti-red tape initiatives are taking effect, these all seem to come after the fact. too little too late. securing government basic services connotes a need that is essential to daily life, from securing a pension loan to having documents for house construction approved. it isn’t the same as waiting for a credit card.

While it is good that violations are now being caught and steps are being taken to digitize and streamline government services—the fact remains that jobs, homes, and lives will be at risk when these are delayed. Unfortunately, until there are zero delays across all agencies, offices, and LGUs, many of those capable would much rather pay the premium through a fixer than wait. (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.

on the 6th of February,” ridon said at the Kapihan sa manila Bay forum.

“The ball will now be with the Senate on what to do once the MR of the House is approved by the Supreme Court. It means it will be the Senate’s prerogative at this point to unarchive the proceedings – that is the first,” ridon said.

“The second is for the Senate to proceed with the trial. So, that will be the consequence if it (MR ruling) is favorable to the House. If it is unfavorable to the House, the House will have to adopt the new standard being given by the Supreme Court on how to conduct impeachment proceedings,” he added. But for rep. Benny Abante, a renewed effort to have Duterte removed through impeachment may not have enough support from lawmakers.

VP Sara still has many supporters (in the House of Representatives) that will go against the impeachment. As my colleagues have told me, what will happen to us? It’s only an exercise in futility if we proceed with it, it will be just for naught in the end,” Abante said in a radio interview.

At this point in time, I have not seen any massive support from among my colleagues,” he said. he said, however, the testimony of convict ramil madriaga may be used in the new impeachment complaint. (With reports from Jose Rodel Clapano, Delon Porcalla, Helen Flores)

NEW studies revealed the potential health benefits of coffee, more specifically, on its positive effects on lowering the risk for chronic disease and on longevity. One study “suggests that consuming 3 to 4 cups of coffee daily could increase lifespan and may add 5 extra years of life.”

An independent review also shows that “3 to 5 cups of coffee a day could decrease mortality and lower the risk of some diseases,” and a third piece of research further suggests the health benefits of drinking coffee, especially in women as they get older.

Coffee is among the world’s most consumed beverages: more than 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide. About 75 percent of American adults drink coffee each day, with an average of 3 cups per day. About 80 percent of Filipinos, children included, drink coffee daily, averaging 2.5 cups a day.

Fruit skin

Most people peel the skin of edible fruits like apples, kiwi, pears, plums, peaches, mangoes (a bit chewy), etc., not realizing the skin of these fruits is loaded with added fiber, vitamins A, K, and C, and antioxidants, which are all beneficial to our microbiome. After washing these fruits well, eating them, with their skin, is healthy.

GLP-1 and sex drive

The very popular new wonder class drug, GLP-1 receptor agonists, “appear to have bidirectional effects on sexual desire and function that involve both central reward pathways and peripheral hormonal or vascular mechanisms,” studies show.

Taking GLP-1 can change dopamine and norepinephrine signaling, which are crucial neurotransmitters for sexual desire and arousal.

The study reveals that “in some patients, this modulation may enhance* reward processing related to erotic stimuli, potentially increasing libido and sexual satisfaction—especially in men with obesity or type 2 diabetes.”

The 2025 meta-analysis in men with overweight or obesity

Coffee and longevity

found that GLP-1 RAs increased total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, and improved erectile function versus other antidiabetic…Conversely, there are case reports—particularly in postmenopausal women—of *suppressed* sexual response characterized by anorgasmia no orgasm)…Individual responses vary widely—some patients report increased libido and confidence correlating with weight loss and improved self-image, while others experience reduced desire or orgasmic difficulty.”

Fermented foods

A hearty microbiome is vital to maintaining good health, a principle expressed in the “Yin and Yang” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the balance in our state of mind and gut health (balance of good and bad bacteria). The state of our microbiome dictates our general health and the state of our immune system. Studies in 2023 have shown that fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir, pickles, kombucha, sourdough bread, and cheese, contain probiotic prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria in our gut, which is beneficial to our gut microbiome and strengthens our immune defenses. Ultra-processed foods and deli meat products are unhealthy for our microbiome and general health, increasing the risk for metabolic illnesses, Alzheimer's, and even cancer.

Chocolate and aging

A new study evaluated a compound called theobromine, which is predominantly in chocolate, and found that “participants with the highest blood levels of this compound had signs that their biological age was advancing more slowly.”

Theobromine is also in cocoa, and to a lesser extent, coffee. It is similar to caffeine but have greatly reduced stimulant effect, and those with the highest level of theobromine had “epigenetic markers associated with slower biological aging.” This study was posted in the scientific journal Aging, which needs confirmation in more detail in larger, independent worldwide studies.

In the meantime, let’s enjoy the taste of Godiva, Teuscher, Ghirardelli, Lindt, Voges Haut Chocolat, and La Maison du Chocolat, or any of your preferred brands, especially the

dark variety.

Carb and depression

Multiple studies discovered that “the degree of carbohydrate restriction correlates with the magnitude of improvement in depressive symptoms, with the most pronounced effects seen in very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. This diet is not for everyone. The keto diet has many side effects. It is healthier to reduce carbohydrates (sweets, including soft drinks), eating card-size lean meats (2-3 times a week), and more plantbased protein daily. The Mediterranean Diet, minus items with gluten and lectins in it, is a healthy diet daily.

New pill for fats

An experimental drug, enlicitide, has been found to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, bad) cholesterol by up to 60 percent. This is an impressive clinical finding, which would be most useful for people resistant to statins and lifestyle changes in lowering their LDL. This initial finding was published in JAMA on November 9, 2025, a welcome news for millions struggling with high bad cholesterol.

Fibromyalgia

The once mysterious muscular pains all over the body, mostly misdiagnosed in the past as psychosomatic, frustrating people suffering “true pains,” is now a recognized entity. It is called Fibromyalgia (muscle pains). An off-label treatment using naltrexone, a medication originally formulated to treat substance abuse disorders, has been found to relieve the chronic pain, fatigue, and brain fog associated with the debilitating fibromyalgia that afflicts millions of Americans and Filipinos. It is effective in over 70 percent of these patients, and less than 10 percent need to stop due to the side effects. A Godsend for these suffering people around the world.

* * * 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 and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or

How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads

Barrister’s Corner

atty.

Kenneth URsUa Reyes

ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the child. Family Code §7610.

Establishing parentage rights, including custody and visitation rights, becomes more problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself as the biological father does not automatically make you the natural father of the child. Under the family code, there are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non biological father to be deemed the natural father of the child.

A typical situation is when boyfriend gets girlfriend pregnant. Girlfriend for some reason decides to exclude boyfriend from baby’s life so she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any information about her delivery, and does not state the boyfriend as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name someone else as the father. Girlfriend does this because her parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend.

One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity. A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the mother or presumed father must be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d 477, 485 If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption. Instead, it “shall establish the paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below.

What will you be looking forward to in 2026? (Part 1)

As the new year begins, I asked nine respondents from different walks of life to share their personal hopes, expectations, and anticipations for 2026. Their reflections span governance, journalism, culture, technology, family, and personal growth— offering a cross-section of aspirations that mirror both private and public concerns.

Elvie Borje-Lim, a retired DTI–CITEM manager, devoted 43 years to government service after graduating as a journalism major from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1974. She retired in 2017 at age 65 and is now a full-time homemaker and the wife of Pastor Jimmy Lim.

“A complete stop to political feuds, especially impeachment moves, so government leaders—elected and appointed—can focus on good governance marked by excellence for the betterment of Filipino lives; and that amassing wealth through corruption becomes a lifestyle to abhor, because living within one’s means is a source of joy in itself.”

Luz Tupas Suplico-Jeong former division manager of CITEM and full professor at De La Salle University, expressed both personal and national hopes.

“I hope that 2026 will usher in a new year of good health and prosperity for all of us. Personally, I look forward to more opportunities for growth, networking, and achieving personal and career goals. I also hope for more honest and transparent governance in the Philippines.”

Chino Hansel Philyang, a multiawarded journalist and editorin-chief of spluk.ph, underscored journalism’s public responsibility.

“In 2026, I look forward to journalism that moves beyond surface narratives and meaningfully interrogates the realities shaping Asian communities. I hope to see sustained coverage on education reform, migration and policy impacts, emerging Asian-led enterprises, cultural preservation, and ethical leadership. At its best, news should not only inform but also challenge, contextualize, and strengthen the public conscience.”

Jeremaiah Opiniano, full professor and chair of the Department of Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas, pointed to accountability in public service.

“That there will be more clarity on the people, including elected officials—not just district engineers and other civil servants—who will be indicted in connection with the flood control scandal.”

Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, former executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, highlighted culture’s role in global cooperation.

“The Philippines will host the UNESCO International Theatre Institute’s Global Dance Day celebration in the last weekend of April 2026, which also falls within Earth Day Month. This will provide a global cultural panorama aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, with a specialized ASEAN regional perspective promoting peace, health care, climate justice, and poverty reduction through partnerships.

“The result will be fully documented and presented as a technically resilient manifestation at the ASEAN Pavilion, as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. Through UNESCO patronage, countries are encouraged to provide cultural inputs—from ancestral roots to contemporary expressions— popularizing climate science and collective action, while embedding values of compassion, truth, and freedom to help stop violence against humanity and Mother

Earth.

“This will serve as a virtual SDGs cultural Olympics online during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 9–10, 2026.

“We look forward to mobilizing a creative rainbow army of artists, communicators, teachers, scientists, sports heroes, and peace advocates to protect people and the planet, and to promote peace and prosperity through collaboration. Partnership is key to ensuring a safe, clean, healthy, peaceful, and sustainable future for the children of the world.”

Sofi Fermazi, singer and actress, shared a personal vision grounded in creative fulfillment.

“Everything I’ve been dreaming about may just come true, and that alone fuels my purpose. I’m looking forward to releasing music, enjoying the work I love, and being with the people who have supported me throughout my journey. I believe this will be an eventful year, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

Eduardo Burgos Jr., former Malaya columnist and former information attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia, emphasized technology and diaspora engagement.

“Having navigated diplomacy, journalism, and migrant affairs, I see 2026 as a pivotal year of technological empowerment for the Global Filipino. With the Philippines assuming the ASEAN chairship, there is a timely opportunity to lead the

A post 1996 voluntary declaration of paternity “shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.” Family .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33.

Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611:

(a) He and the child’s natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court.

(b) Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true:

(1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce.

(2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation.

(c) After the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true:

(1) With his consent, he is named as the child’s father on the child’s birth certificate.

(2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order.

(d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child.

(e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child’s father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative.

(f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied.

An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v. Super.Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998)

region in meaningful digital transformation.

“Through Gap Drone, I am optimistic about how unmanned aerial technology can modernize Philippine agriculture and strengthen disaster resilience.

The year 2026 need not merely represent recovery—it can mark the Philippines’ coming of age as a confident, tech-driven leader in the Asia-Pacific, placing its people at home and abroad at the center of progress.”

Lauren Orlina, an American journalist based in New Zealand, voiced a hope shared by many.

“I really hope that our world will be in a better place in 2026, with less divisiveness in politics, especially in the United States.”

Emily Samson, entrepreneur and member of VIP, Solid Gold, and Kool Katz Dancers, focused on family and balance.

“I am looking forward to a healthy, peaceful, and stable 2026, especially for my children and my family. My priority is to spend more quality time with them, support my children’s education, and ensure that our family continues to grow with love, unity, and security—while pursuing personal growth and meaningful work. I also look forward to new opportunities and projects that bring purpose and progress.”

17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877. The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612. Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute’s underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support ... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parent-child relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675. Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines.

Please

Pastor’s Notes

HEY friends! As we step into Ordinary Time in our liturgical calendar, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this season truly means. It’s not “ordinary” in the sense of being plain or uneventful. Instead, it’s a time to recognize the holiness in our everyday lives—our joys, struggles, successes, and even our anxieties. Every single day is a gift from God, and every day is an opportunity to make it holy. Last weekend, we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, which marked the end of the Christmas season. It’s a perfect time to think about our own baptism and what it means for us. Baptism isn’t just about becoming a member of the Church or a child of God (though those are beautiful truths!). It’s also about being incorporated into the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Did you know that through baptism, we all share in Christ’s priesthood? This is called the “common priesthood,” and it’s a powerful reminder that we are all called to offer our lives— our work, our prayers, our joys, and even our struggles—as a

spiritual sacrifice to God.

When we truly understand the meaning of our baptism, it transforms how we live our faith. It calls us to proclaim the Good News, to be witnesses of hope, to pray for one another, and to care for God’s creation. It’s a reminder that we are in solidarity with one another, sharing in each other’s burdens and joys, and striving to make a difference in the world.

Let’s also take a moment to pray for our priests and for more vocations to the ordained priesthood. We need holy, dedicated priests to guide us and celebrate the sacraments with us. And as families, let’s foster an awareness of this beautiful calling in our homes. So, as we continue to celebrate the Eucharist each week, let’s remember our identity as God’s children and as part of the royal priesthood of Christ. Let’s live each day with purpose, offering everything we are to God. Wishing you all a blessed and grace-filled week! In Christ’s love, Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas * * * The opinions, beliefs and

How to avoid government imposter scams

IN 2024, Americans lost nearly $13 billion to fraud, according to reports to the FTC. Imposter scams are constantly the top reported fraud, and complex schemes involving government and business imposters are increasingly draining people’s hardearned savings. Join experts from the FTC, SEC, and SSA for a discussion about the most common government imposter scams and learn about free resources to help you avoid these scams. To join the webinar at 2pm ET/11am CT/9am PT: URL: https://ftc.zoomgov.com/j/1608587778?pwd

=RzhHKlbmzNeohHQOuS8Uk3x78mHnJR.1

Meeting ID: 160 858 7778

Passcode: 737804

By

(“FOIA”) or

organizations the information you provide when you pre-register for events that require registration. The Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments, whether filed in paper or electronic form, and as a matter of discretion, we make every effort to remove home contact information for individuals from the public comments before posting them on the FTC website. The FTC Act and other laws we administer permit the collection of your preregistration contact information and the comments you file to consider and use in this proceeding as appropriate. For additional information, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, see the Commission’s Privacy Act system for public records and comprehensive privacy policy. This event will be open to the public and may be photographed, videotaped, webcast, or otherwise recorded. By participating in this event, you are agreeing that your image — and anything you say or submit — may be posted indefinitely at ftc.gov or on one of the Commission’s publicly available social media sites.

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles Partner to Advance California Climate Goals and the State’s ‘Blue Economy’

THE California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles (AltaSea) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing climate action, sustainability, and workforce development opportunities within California’s growing ‘blue economy.’ The blue economy encompasses sustainable economic activities that rely on oceans, coasts, and waterways to drive innovation, climate solutions, and job creation while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations. Through this new agreement, California community colleges and AltaSea will work to expand awareness, education, and career pathways connected to clean renewable energy, port decarbonization, regenerative aquaculture, marine carbon removal, and other emerging sectors critical to California’s climate and economic future.

In January 2025, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges updated the Climate Action and Sustainability Framework, which is part of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030. The update included setting eight systemwide goals for all 73 districts to measure progress to-

ward 2025, 2030, and 2035 milestones – California’s target year for achieving a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below baseline levels.

“California community colleges play a transformative role in preparing students and upskilling working Californians for careers in cutting-edge industries. This work is central to Vision 2030. That’s why I’m so excited about our long-term partnership with the Port of Los Angeles and, more recently, with AltaSea. Together, our colleges are helping create curriculum and workforce pathways aligned with the emerging green technologies and new economies taking shape at AltaSea and across the Port of LA. What makes this work especially powerful is that our faculty are at the table where Research and Development is happening, working alongside innovators and entrepreneurs who are focused on climate-friendly solutions that drive economic growth,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. The partners intend to coordinate statewide, national, and international efforts related to the sustainable blue economy, including AltaSea’s Deep Blue Decade Initiative, which connects global networks focused on ocean-based

climate innovation. Planned areas of collaboration include joint communications and convenings, research and education-to-employment pipelines, workforce development opportunities such as internships, and learning exchanges for students, faculty, and administrators.

“Adapting to climate change and meeting the state’s climate goals demands collaboration across education, industry, and government,” said Terry Tamminen, chief executive officer of AltaSea and former secretary of the California EPA.

“By working with the California Community Colleges, we can scale practical climate solutions while creating inclusive education to employment pathways across California and globally.”

California’s workforce leadership underscored the importance of linking climate action with job creation.

“California’s blue economy is creating new opportunities for business growth by modernizing ports through electrification, advancing ocean technology, and driving innovation across our food systems,” said Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to Gov. Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

“These next-generation sectors are

STEM scholarships offer families up to $50,000 in college support as Edison Scholars deadline approaches

ROSEMEAD, Calif. –  Families with high school seniors planning to pursue science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degrees have until January 22, 2026, to apply for the Edison Scholars program, according to Edison International.

The Edison Scholars program awards $50,000 scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high school seniors each year. The financial support is intended to help students and their families offset the rising cost of college education while preparing for careers in high-demand STEM fields.

Eligible applicants must live within the service area of Southern California Edison, which covers large portions of Southern, Central and Coastal California. Students must plan to enroll full-time in a STEM major at an accredited four-year college or university beginning in fall 2026.

Edison International said families should ensure that applications and required materials are completed and submitted by the January 22 deadline. Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility requirements carefully and allow sufficient time to gather academic records and supporting documents.

In addition to scholarship funding, Edison Scholars may apply for a paid summer internship with Southern California Edison after completing their first year of college. The internship provides an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while continuing their academic studies.

The 2026 scholarships will be awarded during the

attracting private investment and public infrastructure funding, fueling California startups, supporting good-paying jobs, and strengthening the state’s global leadership in trade and logistics, which is why partnerships like this one are so critical to our success.”

“California’s climate goals and economic goals go hand in hand,” said Stewart Knox, secretary, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. “Partnerships like this one ensure that workers and students are equipped with the skills needed for the clean energy and blue economy jobs that are already transforming our ports and communities. This is exactly the kind of cross-sector collaboration required to build a just, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.”

Port leadership emphasized the role of ports as engines of innovation and decarbonization.

“Ports are where climate innovation meets real-world application,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This partnership links education and workforce development with the technologies and solutions being deployed at our port, helping California reduce emissions while preparing workers for the next generation of blue-economy jobs.”

Partnerships like this one are vital to the California Community Colleges’ Vision 2030 which prioritizes skill building for jobs in high quality, climate-resilient careers. The system serves the largest and most diverse student body in California higher education, mak

ing community colleges pivotal in developing the state’s workforce while strengthening its society and economy. You can read the full MOU on the Chancellor’s Office website.

De-mystifying the Hollywood lie

The so-called “greatest nation on earth” has not been that great for a very long time now

by Wanggo gallaga Inquirer.net

BECAUSE American media is ever so present in the entire world, they have made it so that they seem like the center of world politics. This is the grand myth that Hollywood has created about America, but the “greatest nation in the world” is beginning to crackle and fade. Under its current administration, we are seeing aspects of a tyrannical dictatorship and the horrors of fascism on the streets of America on our social media feeds. The land of the brave and the land of the free now all seems so hollow and untrue, as every day, we are bombarded with more occurrences of the deterioration of the American dream. Not what it seems

The American media has been ever-so powerful, with its global reach and the way it has made English the second language of the world. Maybe that began with the British during their imperialist years—and that’s a deep dive into history I’m not yet ready to commit to. But the mere fact that television shows like “The Walking Dead,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Stranger Things” are global cultural landmarks, while movies like that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Mission Impossible series, and Fast and Furious can reach the box office numbers… all this serves as a testament to the way the United States of America has been exerting a colonial force on the world—guiding geo-political discussions through the soft power of culture.

What was hidden—that social media has brought to light—was that the so-called “greatest nation on earth” has not been that great for a very long time now. Their issues with racism, police brutality,

the rise of the Karen culture, and even various reels and TikToks of how uneducated Americans can be have started to show us a different side to the global powerhouse.

And the fact that they are the country with the most mass shootings and an inability to curb gun violence is such a staggering display of the country’s inability to protect itself from itself.

Under the current administration, the least desirable of American values have found solid ground to stand on. The racism, the xenophobia, the anti-intellectualism have come out from the woodwork, and a lot of Americans seem to be embracing fascist ideologies, dressed up in conservative and Christian rhetoric.

No, America is no longer the great country that we’ve been told about in all its movies and television shows.

A global savior…?

A quick Google search shows that, since World War II, America has participated in over a hundred military conflicts around the world. While they have formally declared war only five times, their military has invaded other countries in the name of freedom, democracy, and—within this administration alone—openly stated their own self-interest.

In a country whose industry is mainly that of weapons of war, what did we expect?

But taking a look at Hollywood’s long list of films that depict America as some sort of global savior, and justifies their own incursions in other countries— painting themselves as heroes or victims—we start to see how movies can create a global narrative that seeks to serve the country it originates from. As much as I loved the filmmaking behind “Top Gun: Maverick,”

I reviewed it with stark criticism against the film’s inability to really name an enemy. This is a movie that made over a billion dollars at the box office and showed us how badass and cool it was to be a fighter pilot. But in efforts not be political, the film never names the terrorist organization that is stockpiling uranium and never names the country that the pilots in the film have to enter—and that attack creates the false belief that if America decides to send its ships, planes, and weapons to any country, it is for everyone’s greater good. Without naming an enemy, the film turns the American military command into some mythical hero out to save the world.

The great illusion of Hollywood has begun to crack

We don’t have to believe that anymore—not if you follow the news. Not if you take a deep dive into social media and see what people are saying. Not if you use the internet to see what other news agencies from other parts of the world have to say.

Films like “Black Hawk Down” or last year’s “Warfare” serve to show the dangers that American soldiers find themselves in when fighting these wars—it is meant to show them as heroic, putting their lives on the line as they fight

for these abstract ideals like democracy and freedom.

But the films never really ask the tough questions: Who gets to decide that for the countries they invaded? How come the countries they send their military to seem to have either resources they want or a political geography that is beneficial to them? What about the other countries that need intervention? How come they aren’t where they are needed?

This is ideology and propaganda at work: using culture and entertainment to create a narrative that the whole world ends up believing. But as America drops its bombs on Venezuela and then declare their plans to annex Greenland, while supporting the genocide of Palestine, the great illusion of Hollywood has begun to crack.

This is why films like Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia” or even Alex Garland’s “Civil War” are films I have found myself enjoying quite a lot because it shreds the myth of America being the greatest nation in the world. It’s not. It hasn’t been.

And I wish that Hollywood were willing to be more honest now, moving forward. Fiction is a lie that is supposed to tell the truth. I don’t want to watch fiction that reinforces a lie.

140th year of Southern California Edison’s service to its communities. Scholarship recipients will be announced in spring 2026.

Key facts for families

• Application deadline: January 22,

$50,000 per student, paid over four

of recipients: 30 high school seniors each year

Students living in SCE’s service area who plan to major in a STEM field Applications and additional information are available at edisonscholars.com.

de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. AVISO—LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de

personales y comerciales o para satisfacer las necesidades de la vida; y 4. crear o modificar una transferencia no testamentaria de manera que afecte la asignación de una propiedad sujeta a transferencia, sin el consentimiento por

Coffee and longevity...

Fil-Am Professor Becomes President of UCLA Lambda Alumni

Fil-Am Professor Bobby Rimas assumed the presidency of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Lambda Alumni Association on January 1, 2026. He was elected Co-Chair of the association in November 2024 and began his term in January 2025. In his role as Co-Chair, Rimas served as Vice President and, in accordance with the association’s bylaws, succeeded to the presidency following the completion of a one-year term. UCLA Lambda Alumni Association is one of the oldest and most well-established LGBTQ+ alumni organizations in the United States. Alongside a storied history of LGBTQ+ activism, UCLA is also home to the first-ever LGBTQ+ college publication. The UCLA Lambda Alumni Association sustains a network of LGBTQ+ alumni and friends to support one another, UCLA students, and the greater LGBTQ+ community. Lambda hosts various events each year ranging from social networking and professional development to student support and mentorships. Rimas stated “I am truly humbled and honored to help lead the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association, and I look forward to serving the university, its alumni, and its students in a way that reflects the pride I have in UCLA and my family.”

In addition to serving as an Associate Professor and Interim Director of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at California State University, Los Angeles, Rimas works as a Paralegal for an AmLaw 100 international law firm in Downtown Los Angeles. He also serves as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Stonewall Democratic Club and is a Commissioner for the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. He is past Chair of the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association and a former President of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association. Rimas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA, a master’s degree in legal studies, cum laude, with a concentration in compliance and legal risk management from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and a master's degree in education with a concen-

CDPH urges vaccination and timely treatment as influenza cases rise

Young children and older adults remain at highest risk for severe flu complications

WHAT You Need to Know: Flu cases and hospitalizations are rising in California. A new strain of influenza A, H3N2 subclade K, is circulating in California. CDPH urges vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, rapid testing of patients with flu symptoms, and immediate antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals.

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is alerting health care providers and the public that influenza (flu) activity and hospital admissions are increasing across the state. A newly emerged influenza A strain, H3N2 subclade K, is circulating globally and has been detected in California.

“Current seasonal flu vaccines remain effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalization, including the currently circulating viruses,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Pub-

lic Health Officer. “It is important for families to know that flu vaccines, tests, and treatments remain widely available for all Californians and that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine. As a pediatrician, parent, and daughter, I have made sure that my own family is protected with this season’s flu vaccine.

CDPH has also confirmed the second pediatric flu-associated fatality in California this season. Young children and older adults remain at highest risk for severe flu complications, and there are several ways for families to take action to protect their health.

Take action

Vaccinate Now: Everyone 6 months and older who has not yet received the 2025–26 influenza vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best defense against severe influenza and hospitalization. To schedule

your vaccine appointment, contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or visit myturn. ca.gov.

Test Promptly: Individuals with flu symptoms at risk for serious disease should check with their doctor to see if they should be tested in case they may benefit from treatment. At-home combined influenza/COVID-19 tests can be used when available.

Start Antivirals Immediately: High-risk and hospitalized patients with suspected flu should receive antiviral treatment without delay, even before test results are confirmed. Recommended treatments include oseltamivir or single-dose baloxavir, which reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.

Coverage and availability

Despite changes in federal recommendations, CDPH’s recommended vaccines will continue to be covered by health

care insurers regulated by the State of California and can be received at your local pharmacy, from your health care provider, or through other authorized vaccine providers at no cost. To schedule your vaccine appointment, contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or visit myturn.ca.gov.

Resources

Visit the CDPH Respiratory Virus Dashboard for updates on influenza and other respiratory viruses. For healthcare providers, clinical guidance and resources is available at the CDPH Influenza Update webpage. The CDPH Flu Vaccine Toolkit is also available online and provides educational resources and downloadable materials about the benefits of the flu vaccine. For more information about flu prevention and vaccine eligibility, visit the CDPH Influenza webpage at www.cdph.ca.gov.

JANUARY

The Pitt wins major honors; its realism proves the more consequential achievement

by AJPress

WHEN The Pitt claimed the Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama, the award affirmed what critics had consistently observed: a medical drama anchored in craft and credibility. The series is propelled by procedure, pace, and institutional pressure rather than theatrics, resisting the excess that has long defined the genre.

That same evening, Noah Wyle received Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for his portrayal of Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, an emergency physician navigating clinical crises alongside systemic strain. For Wyle, whose earlier tenure on ER earned multiple nominations but no Globe, the win marked a notable career milestone. For the series, it reinforced authority.

Awards, however, explain only part of the show’s impact.

A hospital that sounds like the country it serves

From its opening episodes, The Pitt establishes the emergency room as a multilingual workplace.

Characters move fluidly between English and other languages in the course of routine work, without emphasis or explanation.

Among them are Filipino healthcare workers who speak Tagalog to one another during shifts, subtitled plainly and treated as ordinary professional exchange.

The choice aligns with the series’ realism-first approach and reflects the linguistic texture of many U.S. hospitals, particularly in urban centers where multilingual staff are commonplace rath-

er than exceptional. Filipino presence, integrated rather than showcased

The series features Isa Briones as Dr. Trinity Santos, a Filipina physician whose identity is explicit but never deployed as a narrative device. She works alongside Filipina nurses portrayed by Amielynn Abellera and Kristin Villanueva. Their interactions, including brief exchanges in Tagalog, unfold naturally amid the demands of emergency care.

For decades, American medical dramas relied on hospitals for realism while presenting improbably homogeneous staffs. The Pitt corrects that imbalance quietly, without calling attention to the correction.

Representation treated as workplace fact

What distinguishes The Pitt is restraint.

Filipino characters are not introduced through explanatory arcs or cultural lessons. One nurse is portrayed as Muslim, reflecting a dimension of Filipino life rarely depicted on U.S. television. The series does not pause to contextualize these details. It assumes the audience can observe and understand.

In published interviews, Briones has said she advocated for her character’s Filipino identity, including her surname, as a matter of accuracy rather than symbolism. Filipino healthcare workers, she has noted, are not peripheral figures in American hospitals. They are at its core. Why this realism resonates now Medical dramas have long framed hospitals as microcosms

of society. Too often, those microcosms were narrowly rendered, even in cities where diversity is structural rather than incidental. The Pitt widens the frame without announcing the shift. Its emergency room feels lived-in, not curated. Languages overlap. Cultural shorthand circulates. The realism extends beyond medical procedure to the social reality of the workplace itself. For viewers from families with deep ties to healthcare, the recognition lands quietly but precisely. This is not aspirational representation. It is acknowledgment of labor long visible in real life and largely absent on screen.

Beyond trophies

The Golden Globe wins position The Pitt prominently in a crowded television landscape, with a second season set to follow. Awards, however, are a transient measure. By allowing Filipino characters to exist as professionals rather than symbols, and by letting Tagalog be heard without explanation or apology, The Pitt narrows the gap between television and reality. It does so without speeches, without lessons, and without claiming credit. In contemporary television, that restraint is not incidental. It is the achievement.

During one of her life’s hardest trials, the Black Nazarene answered her prayers for music and life

by allan PolicarPio Inquirer.net

ANGELINE Quinto’s earliest memory of the Black Nazarene was joining the Traslación and walking barefoot with neighbors in Sampaloc toward Quiapo Church. She was only around seven or eight back then and far too young to understand the ritual. All she knew—and needed— was that her late adoptive mother, whom she lovingly called Mama Bob, was with her, together with her childhood friends. “I

just went with them,” she says. But as she grew older, Quinto began to understand the ritual’s significance and the devotion it required. And so even after Mama Bob grew frail and could no longer join the procession, Quinto continued her panata to honor the tradition passed to her.

After attending mass at Quiapo Church, the singer would usually join the crowd near Quinta

ket in the

She would

friends,

Here Lies Love comes to Los Angeles: a musical that asks how power feels before it is judged

by AJPress

is scheduled to run at Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum from February 11 through March 22, 2026, with opening night listed as February 18.

The production arrives with a reputation that precedes it. Center Theatre Group describes the show as a “groundbreaking” musical experience, and it is widely associated with an immersive approach that has defined its modern identity.

Yet the central point of interest is not only what the musical depicts, Imelda Marcos’ rise to prominence and the political era of the Marcos presidency, but how it chooses to depict it: not as a lecture, not as a courtroom, and not as a tidy moral arc.

A premise built on mechanism, not verdict

The creators’ premise is that large political stories are often understood too late because they are first experienced as emotion: aspiration, belonging, momentum, pride. Here Lies Love stages that early atmosphere. The show’s musical language – repetition, hooks, collective movement –does not function as background.

It functions as a proposition: that authority can become persuasive long before it becomes overtly coercive. The musical’s structure reflects that idea. Themes return. Words recur. What begins as romance and promise can, over time, read as insistence. The production does not announce a single, clean moment when “everything changed.” Instead, it lingers in the long middle where many historical outcomes are shaped, when choices still feel reasonable, even celebratory.

Why it has stirred debate For Filipino audiences and Filipino Americans, responses can be intensely personal, often shaped by proximity to memory. Some viewers interpret the show’s seduction as intentional, an artistic warning about how spectacle manufactures consent. Others question whether the same seduction risks blurring the edge of historical pain for audiences encountering the era at a distance. The work does not resolve that disagreement. It is designed to hold it.

The Los Angeles staging and the format reality

On Broadway, the show became known for offering a dancefloor, standing-room experience for some audience members

Angeline Quinto’s enduring...

waiting for the Black Nazarene’s carriage to complete its journey back to the church. Hearing the devotees chant “Viva Señor!” and wave their white towels never fails to give her goosebumps. First brush with mortality

In her early years of devotion, Quinto—who at one point had to give up singing due to school and personal challenges—always prayed for a steady job, even if it had nothing to do with singing. Before long, her prayers to the Black Nazarene were answered. After years of trying her luck in singing contests, she finally earned a breakthrough—one that would unwittingly grant her mother a second lease on life.

Quinto’s first real brush with mortality came in November 2010, when her adoptive mother, Mama Bob, nearly lost her life to heart disease. After her mother flatlined and was admitted to the intensive care unit, doctors said she needed a pacemaker. Desperate, Quinto was forced to mortgage their Sampaloc home to pay for the procedure. Back then, Quinto was competing in the singing tilt “Star Power.” But despite her strong showing, she still considered withdrawing—shuttling between ABS-CBN for her performances and the Philippine Heart Center to care for her mother proved to be too exhausting. “I felt so alone,” she recalls. With no one else to lean on, she held fast to her faith in the Black Nazarene, praying not just for her mother’s recovery but for a way to provide for her family. It didn’t have to be her dream job; she just needed to earn enough to make ends meet.

A miracle

Two months later—in what she believes was a miracle—Quinto won “Star Power,” allowing her to cover the medical expenses and eventually reclaim their house. Since then, Quinto has built a successful singing career. Her Mama Bob, meanwhile, enjoyed 10 more years of comfort before she passed away in 2020. “I was given the opportunity to do what I love in different places while helping my family,” Quinto says. It was that great blessing that

alongside traditional seating, reinforcing its goal of thinning the line between observer and participant. For Los Angeles, Center Theatre Group has confirmed the venue and run at the Mark Taper Forum and continues to describe the production as immersive. Beyond that, it is prudent to avoid declaring that the theater will be physically transformed in any specific way unless a seating or configuration advisory is published. Immersion can be achieved through multiple tools – blocking, lighting, proximity, entrances, aisle choreography – without requiring a wholesale architectural conversion. What remains when the music fades Here Lies Love does not ask the audience to sign onto a conclusion. It asks something more demanding: to notice how easily admiration becomes habit, how repetition can replace reflection, how long momentum can masquerade as legitimacy. If the ending were not already known, when would recognition have arrived and what would it have been called while it was still happening?

That question is the show’s quiet engine. The answer is left, deliberately, to the audience.

where she’s often asked to sing “May Bukas Pa,” which is, coincidentally, one of the contest pieces she sang on “Star Power.” Photo from Instagram/@loveangelinequinto

compelled the singer to finally scale the Black Nazarene’s carriage to fortify her expression of gratitude. “I used to be scared, but I realized it was my only way to thank Him for all the blessings He willingly gave me,” she says. And with the help of trusted fellow devotees from a Makati-based group, she has performed the act of faith—the sampa, as it’s called—several times, pausing only during the pandemic years due to restrictions. “It feels heartening once you come down and see people clapping, because you have made it safely,” she says, adding that joining the celebration is also a way to reconnect with her old friends and feel grounded in a place where one’s status in life doesn’t matter.

A full-circle moment Today, Quinto stays true to her  panata. If she can’t join the procession, she makes it a point to at least attend mass. Every so

LIZA Soberano is feeling “vindicated” after netizens apologized to her for previously canceling her over her past comments on the Philippine loveteam system.

Soberano took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Jan. 15, to express how confused she was by the messages of apology she had been receiving online.

A netizen then explained that people have been apologizing to her for the bashing she faced over her past remarks about love teams, only for people to later realize “she was right.”

“Well, thank you, I guess, hehe,” Soberano responded. “I never really got to expound on why I personally think it’s ‘dangerous’ to be in a love team, so it makes sense people get offended. They didn’t fully understand where I was coming from.”

The issue stemmed from controversial talks about one of the popular love teams today, Bianca de Vera and Will Ashley, who are on-screen partners but are rumored to be dating other people.

Soberano previously sparked debate in 2023 after speaking about her experiences in the local entertainment industry, including her views on the country’s longstanding love-team culture.

At the time, she reasoned that being paired exclusively with one on-screen partner can limit creative growth and place pressure on actors to maintain a public romantic image.

“In the Philippines, the only way to become a big star really, if you’re not a singer, if you’re an actor, is to be in a love team,” she said at the time.

“In love teams, you’re expected to be with just that one person throughout your career and in your personal life. People don’t want to see you aside from any other male actor or any other male in general,” the actress added.

Soberano was in a previous long-term on-screen partnership with Enrique Gil,

also became her boyfriend in real life. The actress confirmed their separation last year.

often, she gets invited to perform at gatherings at Quirino Grandstand, where she’s often asked to sing “May Bukas Pa,” which is, coincidentally, one of the contest pieces she sang on “Star Power.” It’s a full-circle moment of sorts: Before her breakthrough, she stayed among the crowd; now she takes the stage to perform for her fellow devotees.

Quinto no longer asks for favors, but instead gives thanks for the comfortable life, enduring career, and loving family she once only prayed for. Last year, she brought her three-year-old son Sylvio to Quiapo for the first time. At home, they keep a small figure of the Black Nazarene, which is why her son already recognizes Him. Surely, her Mama Bob would have been happy to see the devotion she instilled in Quinto being passed on to her son. “Whatever I have now is because of Him. My heart is just filled with gratitude,” she says.

ACTRESS Karla Estrada re-

called advising her son Daniel Padilla on how to handle his publicized breakup with fellow actor Kathryn Bernardo.

Kathryn announced her split with Daniel at the end of November 2023, closing the chapter on the popular KathNiel tandem after over a decade.

During a guest appearance on Melai Cantiveros-Francisco's digital talk show "Kuan On One," the former "Magandang Buhay" cohosts discussed how Daniel and Kathryn smoothly handled the split.

Karla credited it to the former couple's maturity, humility, and acceptance. She revealed that she was the first person informed by Daniel that he and Kathryn were calling it quits.

"'Sige, anak,' I said, 'Nangyayari talaga 'to... lalabas tayo with all humility, acceptance and, of course, kailangan natin ng silence,'" Karla said in a mix of Filipino and English. She pointed out that the news

would be treated as a "circus" by the public where everyone would be talking and speculating about it.

"Hindi tayo puwedeng sumakay. Tayong pamilya, hindi tayo magsa-salita. Wala tayong sasabihin," Karla said in Waray, adding they would respect Kathryn and her

Soberano is now pursuing a career abroad. She previously made her Hollywood debut in the film “Lisa Frankenstein.” She is set to appear next in the upcoming animated film “Forgotten Island.” family's decision. Karla reminded Daniel that at the end of the day it was his and Kathryn's decision to end their 11-year relationship.

"If I got involved, it would make me look bad. I'd look like a nosy mother," Karla added in Waray, which was praised by Melai.

This 2026, the luxury market is shifting to brands that bank on emotion

by lala singian-serzo Inquirer.net

LUXURY is changing, and fast.

While global luxury spending remains resilient at €1.44 trillion in 2025 according to Bain & Altagamma, the market of the rich is no longer defined by conspicuous logos or mass appeal. This is despite all the economic and geopo

litical uncertainties, as the growth of the market is projected to grow four to six percent annually over the next decade.

Today, authenticity is the new prestige. Consumers are prioritizing experiences, identity, and personalization over generalized fashion statements. And brands that recognize this shift are rewriting the rules of how the luxury market plays.

Experiences over possessions

The post-pandemic era revealed a clear trend, where people want luxury that they can live through, and not just wear on their backs. Bain reported that consumers are increasingly choosing “experiential indulgence” like fine dining, wellness retreats, and luxury travel, from cruises to overnight train rides—all over traditional goods like cars or handbags.

People are choosing objects that make a statement about themselves. Within the personal luxury market, jewelry leads the charge with four to six percent growth annually, driven by emotional resonance and customizable designs. Eyewear, also a statement of individuality, is set to grow from two to four percent.

“After the shopping spree era, experiences and emotions have become the true engine of luxury growth”

As Claudia D’Arpizio, Bain senior partner, explains, “After the shopping spree era, experiences and emotions have become the true engine of luxury growth.” Luxury is no longer about owning, but about feeling, connecting, and creating memories, all in a more discerning way.

Personalization and micro-communities

Broad targeting is dead. The modern luxury consumer expects intentional, personalized messaging at every touchpoint. McKinsey highlights the rise of micro-communities, aka small, highly engaged groups centered on shared values, tastes, and lifestyles. McK-

insey finds that these communities see 4.2x higher engagement, 2.7x higher purchase intent, and longer retention cycles than broad audiences. So you can expect this client to stay loyal to you, too.

We’re seeing niche brands that operate on ethics, quality, and a unique sense of style flourish in the coming years, starting now. And this means luxury consumers need to feel emotionally connected to the story, grounded by a community they can trust. This means that luxury is bought with meaning and not just money.

Another Deloitte report showed “emotionally aligned brands” grow 2.2x faster, and increase pricing power by 23 percent. These just confirm how luxury consumers are choosing identity, transformation, and belonging over simply attractive products.

Authentic retail

Physical retail is also slimming down. According to Bain, monobrand stores have reduced 25,000 square meters globally, and US department stores cut 10 percent of space since 2024.

Meanwhile, outlets are thriving with their bang-for-buck deals of once unattainable luxury brands.

Immersive flagship stores are thriving too, credited to their sense of emotion and personalization. Think tables where you can customize your shoes like Golden Goose, or Gentle Monster’s stores that often use huge sculptures in their store design.

According to Bain, monobrand stores have reduced 25,000 square meters globally, and US department stores cut 10 percent of space since 2024

Online channels remain steady post-pandemic, too, but especially those with high-fidelity digital experiences, from a website’s UX to social media proof from the right people.

What we’re seeing now is retail with a little more intention and a lot more creativity. And it’s clear that plain Jane store displays just won’t do it anymore.

Regional shifts Regionally, luxury growth is uneven, but showing promise, as well as the importance of contextualization of the country.

According to the Bain report, the Middle East shows the strongest growth at four to six percent, fueled by tourism and local de-

mand. While in the US, domestic demand is supporting the market, and is steady at zero to two percent. China is also set to contract between three to five percent, as consumers pivot to local, accessible brands in experiential categories.

According to the Bain report, the Middle East shows the strongest growth at four to six percent, fueled by tourism and local demand

Europe, meanwhile, is dipping from one to three percent due to geopolitical uncertainties and cooling tourism. Together, these shifts suggest luxury growth is no longer so universal, but highly contextual, dependent on trends of individual consumers within the country as well.

Brands leading the way

Certain modern luxury brands are proving that authenticity sells, with case studies including Loro Piana, which has ridden on the “quiet luxury” narrative and succeeded, without any loud campaigns. Then you have brands like Aesop, which has built a loyal community around slow, intentional experiences and fantastic store design.

While certain luxury car sales have dropped, Aston Martin experienced a 21 percent sales increase. Their approach steered away from focusing on new car models, instead repositioning their marketing in a manner that focused on beauty, history, and emotions.

For all of these brands, many experienced success through word of mouth or on an if-you-knowyou-know basis as well as social media campaigns on video, with creativity that’s striking enough to catch the attention of the luxury consumer.

The luxury playbook for 2026 So are we expecting really big changes in the world of luxury for 2026?

Luxury in 2026 is leaning toward the personal, still purposeful but always emotionally resonant. Consumers are demanding brands that understand them. As Bain notes, “Entertainment, emotion, and ethics are the real sources of value.”

That said, the brands that deliver on all three will be a part of the next era of luxury. n

Garth Garcia to headline concert with Lani Misalucha, Cecile Azarcon

“STAR In A Million" finalist

Garth Garcia, who is currently based in America, has announced his birthday concert Garth Garcia Sings The Classics with Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha and Philippines' renowned composer Cecile Azarcon.

The event, which will take place on January 24 at The Nocturne Theatre in Glendale, California, will feature songs inspired by Frank Sinatra and others in a night of celebration influenced by old Hollywood, directed by Christian Reasonda, with Ryan Whyman as musical director.

“Compared to my past concerts, this one is entirely different. We'll be celebrating and singing Frank Sinatra-inspired songs in our own interpretations. We're excited to show people what true talent and creativity are, and they can expect us to take these tracks to the next level,” Garcia told the press.

Behind the hit 2023 hit song "Always In My Head," Garcia then expressed his excitement for the upcoming concert by saying, “It has always been my dream to collaborate with Lani Misalucha, whose music is part of the Pinoy songbook, and Cecile Azarcon, whose written songs have become part of Pinoy cinema history. They have always been the women I look up to in the industry, not just for their musical accomplishments, but also for their generosity and kindness.”

Further admiring Misalucha and Azarcon, the Fil-Am Prince of Pop emphasized the two music icons' generosity in sharing their talents.

“When I told them about my birthday concert, they were eager to join me on stage. Real icons, in my opinion, support other artists while offering advice on how they reached greatness,” he stated.

He added, “What's also great about them is that they're always nice to everyone, especially the people who work behind the camera. As an artist, I appreciate how they make music that lasts a lifetime.”

Aside from Misalucha and Azarcon, the Fil-Am singer and producer will bring Starlink artists to the stage, demonstrating how music spans generations.

In addition to honoring music, Garcia stated that a portion of the revenues will go to children with special needs in San Juan, Batangas.

“Helping children in need has become a tradition. I love the thought that as artists, we can do so much more for the community than just make music. This concert will also be my birthday gift to the children. I may not be physically present to offer my support, but know that they will always have a particular place in my heart,” he expressed.

Produced by LikHaus Creatives and Paradise Media, Garth Garcia Sings The Classics will be held on

What food tells us about Filipino psychology

What can our favorite dishes and our eating habits tell us about ourselves?

by carl lorenz cervantes Inquirer.net

I LOVE Filipino spaghetti.

It has a strange, sweet sauce made from banana ketchup and whatever meat was left over— hotdogs, maybe canned corned beef. Filipino spaghetti is present in every handaan, for whatever occasion. You can tell that it is such a staple Filipino food with the fact that international fast food chains in the Philippines have to offer spaghetti on their menus. In fact, go anywhere else around the world, and you will see how the same restaurants will have at least one dish that is popular locally. For us, apparently, it is Filipino spaghetti.

It is a misconception that the spaghetti we enjoy is a corruption of the original Italian. Our spaghetti is a Filipinized version of the American-style spaghetti, which they got from the Italians who immigrated there. In fact, the Italians may have gotten the idea for noodles from the ancient Chinese! So, aside from the Filipino spaghetti we so enjoy, we also have all types of pancit—also from the Chinese.

Pancit is so popular that each town will have their own spin on it, depending on whatever they have for sahog. Coastal towns will likely have seafood in their pancit, whereas other places may have pork or chicken. There is also pancit that you put in soup, such as mami. But, actually, the word pancit” does not mean noodles; Gloria Chan-Yap points out that it comes from the Hokkien for “something that is easy to cook.”

Most, if not all, of what we currently enjoy and celebrate as traditional Filipino dishes are stuff we have developed across time, as a form of adaptation (like sisig, which originated from discarded

pig heads near military bases) or as a way of assimilating foreign practices (like adobo, which is actually a Latin American way of preparing meat; the soy sauce was a Chinese addition). So what makes it “Filipino”? Actually, it is the fact that we adapt it to our particular tastes, and that we enjoy it together.

The culinary arts have so much influence on our language and customs. This has been explored by food writers such as Doreen Fernandez. When we are deeply immersed in something, such as in a hobby or activity, we say we are “babad”—that is, marinated.

We used to say that being on the telephone a lot, or watching too much television, was “telebabad.”

When we feel that a sports game, pageant, or raffle was manipulated in any way, we say that there was some “luto” involved— literally, that it was cooked by someone. If we feel like someone is not yet ready to be given some responsibility, we say that they are

still raw, “hilaw.” What I am doing in this essay, by taking apart and investigating different aspects of our culture, is like carefully slicing meat or peeling off skin—that is, paghimay.”

The stomach is valued in our folklore because we believe that it is where the soul resides. When someone gets bruised or wounded, we say, “Huwag ka mag-alala. Malayo sa bituka!” When we meet someone, and we want to get to know them, we invite them to eat with us: “Tara, kain tayo!” Baylan across the country offer food and wine to spirits whenever they need to talk to them, either to ask for blessings or cures. It is almost like a lunch meeting! We know that a person is sick or feeling down when they do not have a healthy appetite. We notice this in children, friends, and even our pets. We say, “Wala yata siyang gana,” and we might start to worry. According to psychologist Violeta Bautista, gana is an important aspect of our holistic well-being, or ginhawa.” When we cannot take something anymore, we say that we cannot stomach it: “Hindi ko na masikmura!”

So, let us be mindful of what we put into our bodies—this is true for nourishing food, but it is also true about the kind or hurtful words people might say about us as well as the stress we willingly accept at work. Remember: Good food is food that is shared, and there should always be an extra seat on the table for our kapwa