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DATELINE USA

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 itself did not expire and remains u PAGE 4

Impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Several impeachment complaints have been filed or attempted against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as the Philippine House of Representatives stresses constitutional procedure and due process in reviewing the filings.

by AJPress

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., prompting the House of Representatives to emphasize rule-bound procedures and due process as it reviews the filings.

Manhunt continues for Atong Ang as authorities assess reports he may have fled the Philippines

Businessman remains at large as courts issue non-bailable arrest warrants

by AJPress

Interior and law-enforcement officials said information being assessed suggests Ang could have fled to Cambodia, though they stressed the lead is unverified. Authorities said the possibility has prompted intensified coordination with border-control agencies and international law-enforcement partners, while domestic search operations continue.

MANILA — Philippine authorities said Friday, January 16, that the nationwide manhunt for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang remains unresolved, as investigators evaluate intelligence indicating he may already be outside the country, even as multiple arrest warrants against him remain outstanding. u PAGE 2

Marcos downplays health rumors following brief

hospitalization

President says diverticulitis diagnosis is manageable and not life-threatening, assures public he is recovering after doctors advised rest

by AJPress

Presidential Communications Office, Marcos said he was recovering well and addressed online rumors that circulated following his hospital stay.

“Don’t get too excited yet,” he said, adding that physicians advised him to rest.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the president was placed under overnight

The developments mark the first impeachment efforts directed at Marcos since he assumed office in 2022. House officials and

Hontiveros flags withheld Discaya ledger in widening Senate investigation

by AJPress

MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, January 21, questioned the continued absence of key financial records from contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, saying the missing documents could hinder efforts to determine accountability as a Senate inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects expands.

Hontiveros told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that Discaya has so far submitted records covering only the period from 2022 onward, leaving out documents from 2016 to 2022 that she said coincide with the early ex-

u PAGE 7

by AJPress

MANILA — Former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. was ordered detained at the Quezon City Jail on Tuesday, January 20, after surrendering to authorities following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged irregularities in a government flood control project in Bulacan. The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division directed that Revilla be held at the facility operated by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology along Payatas Road in Barangay Bagong Silang, Quezon City. In its commitment order, the court u PAGE 5

F rom the F ront P age

Impeachment complaints filed...

administration allies have underscored that impeachment is governed by strict constitutional timelines and thresholds, and that not all attempted filings have been formally received.

The initial complaint and its status

The first impeachment complaint was filed on Monday, January 19, 2026, by lawyer Andre de Jesus, a private legal practitioner. The complaint alleges graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust.

House Secretary-General Cheloy Garafil confirmed receipt of the complaint and said it was endorsed by Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay of the Pusong Pinoy party-list, a deputy minority leader.

House officials said the complaint has since been transmitted to the Speaker’s office, a procedural step that triggers a defined timeline under House rules. Once included in the Order of Business, the complaint must be referred to the House committee on justice, which will determine whether it is sufficient in form and substance.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the House of Representatives has the exclusive authority to initiate impeachment proceedings.

January 22 filings and procedural disputes

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, additional groups sought to file impeachment complaints against the President.

Civil society and sectoral organizations, some aligned with the Makabayan bloc, attempted to submit a second impeachment complaint citing alleged misuse of public funds, including flood control projects, and renewed claims of betrayal of public trust.

House reporting indicates that the Office of the Secretary-General did not formally accept these additional complaints at the time, citing the absence of Secretary-General Garafil and the lack of authorization for other staff to receive impeachment filings. Media reports noted that Garafil was overseas at the time.

Complainants disputed that position, saying they left copies of their documents with House personnel and arguing that this constituted filing under the Constitution and

House rules. House officials have not publicly affirmed that interpretation.

A third group, described in media reports as allied with former president Rodrigo Duterte, also attempted to file an impeachment complaint on January 22. That attempt was likewise not formally received. In separate reporting, at least one group later withdrew its complaint after it was not accepted.

As of January 22, House officials have publicly confirmed receipt and transmission only of the January 19 complaint. The status of subsequent submissions remains subject to procedural determination.

Early signals from lawmakers

Several lawmakers said the impeachment complaints would be processed strictly in accordance with House rules but expressed skepticism about their prospects.

Lanao del Sur First District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong described the initial complaint as weak and unsupported by credible evidence, adding that it is unlikely to advance in the House.

House justice committee chair Gerville Luistro said the committee is prepared to act once a complaint is formally referred. He noted that attendance by the President or his legal counsel during committee proceedings would be discretionary and governed by due process requirements.

Rep. Miro Quimbo, chair of the House committee on ways and means, urged restraint, saying impeachment is a constitutional remedy and not a political weapon, and that continuity of governance should remain a priority.

Allegations cited by complainants

In public statements, complainants have cited several grounds for impeachment, including the Marcos administration’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court in connection with the arrest and transfer of Duterte to The Hague.

The complaints also raise objections to unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget and repeat allegations regarding the President’s fitness to govern, including claims about drug use. Presidential officials have said they respect the legal process and that government services will continue while the complaints

are addressed. The allegations have not been supported by publicly available court findings or official investigative reports.

Palace response

Malacañang dismissed the allegations and said the impeachment efforts would not disrupt government operations.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary

Claire Castro said the Palace respects constitutional processes and due process and expressed confidence that lawmakers would act in accordance with the law. She added that the President remains focused on governance and that public services would continue uninterrupted.

The Majority Leader’s procedural role

The impeachment efforts have also drawn attention to the role of House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, the President’s son, because the Majority Leader chairs the House committee on rules.

Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said House rules leave the Majority Leader with no discretion to block the processing of a verified impeachment complaint, even when the respondent is a relative.

Under House rules, the committee on rules handles plenary-level referrals before complaints are transmitted to the House justice committee. Flores said the Majority Leader would not be involved in questioning on the merits of any impeachment case.

Subsequent House action

Under House procedure, a verified impeachment complaint must be included in the Order of Business and referred to the House justice committee, which will determine whether it is sufficient in form and substance before any further action may be taken.

Without majority support in the House, impeachment proceedings cannot advance to the Senate for trial.

For now, House leaders and administration officials have stressed that while multiple impeachment complaints have been filed or attempted, the process remains governed by constitutional rules and institutional timelines, and the filings are unlikely to alter the administration’s day-to-day governance in the immediate term. n

Manhunt continues for Atong Ang...

Police say Ang is the only accused still unaccounted for

The Philippine National Police said Ang is now the sole accused still at large among those charged in connection with the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, commonly known as sabungeros.

All other individuals named in the arrest warrants are either in custody or under restrictive control, police said. Officials described the immediate objective as securing Ang’s arrest so the cases can proceed to arraignment and pretrial hearings.

Arrest warrants span Batangas and Laguna courts

The continuing manhunt follows non-bailable arrest warrants issued by regional trial courts in Batangas and Laguna, widening the case across multiple jurisdictions.

A court in Lipa City, Batangas ordered Ang’s arrest for kidnapping with homicide, an offense classified as not bailable. Earlier, courts in Sta. Cruz, Laguna and San Pablo City, Laguna issued warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, also described as non-bailable, as well as a separate warrant for kidnapping with homicide carrying no possible bail.

Authorities said the war-

rants reflect judicial findings that sufficient legal grounds exist to compel arrest and proceed to trial.

Reward remains in effect as authorities tighten the net

Officials reiterated that a ₱10 million reward remains in effect for information that directly leads to Ang’s arrest.

Law-enforcement agencies have expanded tip lines and urged the public to provide credible information, emphasizing that the reward applies only to tips resulting in a lawful apprehension.

Monitoring at airports, seaports, and other exit points has been tightened, and coordination with immigration authorities and international partners continues. Officials declined to disclose operational details, citing security concerns.

Disappearances that triggered the prosecutions

The investigation stems from the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts reported missing between 2021 and 2022, cases that prosecutors have linked to disputes associated with cockfighting matches.

The Department of Justice earlier found prima facie evidence to indict Ang and other respondents, leading to the filing of criminal cases in Sta. Cruz, Laguna; San Pablo City,

Laguna; and Lipa City, Batangas.

As part of the investigation, authorities conducted search operations in Taal Lake, where human remains were recovered. The searches followed allegations by a whistleblower and co-accused that victims were killed and disposed of in the area. Those claims remain allegations and have not been adjudicated by the courts.

Police have also confirmed that firearms licenses associated with Ang were revoked as a precautionary measure while arrest warrants remain outstanding.

Defense disputes allegations, signals legal challenge Ang, through legal counsel, has denied any 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.

Search enters decisive stage

With Ang still unaccounted for, authorities described the manhunt as entering a decisive stage, with investigators pursuing both domestic and cross-border leads. Officials said further updates will be released as developments are verified. n

Marcos downplays health rumors...

PAGE 1

medical observation at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City and was later discharged. She said doctors recommended rest but did not impose long-term restrictions.

According to the Palace, Marcos has returned to Malacañang Palace and remains capable of performing his official duties. Officials did not disclose specific symptoms that

prompted the observation or details of treatment beyond confirming the diagnosis and medical advice.

Diverticulitis involves inflammation of small pouches in the digestive tract and can cause abdominal discomfort. In his remarks, Marcos linked the episode to stress and aging while assuring the public that his condition was under control. n

2nd plunder rap vs VP Sara Duterte also cites ‘drug money’

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte is facing another set of complaints for plunder and other crimes over her alleged misuse of confidential funds (CFs) when she was secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and mayor of Davao City.

It marked the second time that she was being sued for plunder, malversation, bribery, and graft at the Office of the Ombudsman.

The latest complaints were filed by one of her family’s fiercest critics, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who was joined by civil society group The Silent Majority (TSM) led by Jocelyn Acosta.

On top of previous allegations, the new complaints accused Duterte of receiving money from a person linked to the illegal drug trade while serving as Davao City mayor.

The complainants also pointed to two public incidents in which she threatened President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Trillanes explained that their case, filed at the Ombudsman on Wednesday, would serve as a “supplemental” complaint to the one lodged in December by Catholic Church leaders and former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, which cited Duterte’s alleged misuse of P612.5 million in CFs.

The new complaints also included statements from Ramil Madriaga, allegedly Duterte’s former “bagman,” that the Vice President misused the P650 million she was granted as DepEd chief in 2023. 23 counts

Trillanes and TSM also accused Duterte of failing or refusing to account for P125 million in confidential funds that were given to the Office of the Vice President in December 2022.

They cited 23 counts or instances of alleged anomalies committed by the Vice President, including the P8-billion overpriced procurement of laptops, the disallowances flagged by state auditors, and the alleged monthly payouts to former DepEd Undersecretary Gloria Mercado.

They also brought up her family’s alleged involvement in drug smuggling, saying it “directly affects her moral fitness” to continue serving as

Trump rolls out ‘The Great Healthcare Plan...

PAGE 1

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

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.

vice president.

The new complaints also noted that only 192 classrooms were built during her DepEd stint—out of a target of more than 6,000—as well as her alleged failure to declare more than P2 billion in assets in her statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.

It also cited Duterte’s public “meltdown” in November 2024 during an online press conference where she cursed at Mr. Marcos and disclosed that she had talked to an assassin to have him killed should an alleged plot to kill her succeed.

“In this complaint, we included everything that we saw and revealed during the [House] hearings that we believed weren’t given enough emphasis because of the many anomalies,’’ Trillanes said in an interview with reporters.

“In this complaint, we dissected each allegation that the public and the media did not emphasize enough,” he added.

‘Real Sara’

Acknowledging Duterte’s continued popularity among the general public, Trillanes said the complaint may “help” Filipinos “get to know” more about the Vice President—by having the alleged anomalies “exposed” to the public.

“The primary reason why she remains popular is because Filipinos do not truly know the real Sara Duterte because of how their trolls have flooded social media, which became our fellow Filipinos’ main source of information,” he said.

“With this case, this is one way for us to expose the various incidents of corruption and other anomalies of Sara Duterte and hopefully, our fellow Filipinos will know who she really is,” he added. “We filed this

complaint because we believe that we have solid evidence, unlike making memes on social media and making up accusations, which they are doing to us.”

The complainants recalled how Duterte “resorted to personal attacks against critics, Red-tagging and blanket denial of allegations that the funds had been spent inappropriately” during budget deliberations 2023, when she was asked by members of the House of Representatives committee on appropriations to explain how her office’s public funds were spent.

With the nearly two dozen specific allegations against Duterte, Trillanes expressed confidence that the plunder charge will stand.

“We are very confident,” the former senator said. “This is supplemental to what was filed in December. We believe this will be a very solid case against Sara Duterte as we have all certified true copies, official documents; that is why we are confident in this case.”

“We appeal to the Ombudsman to act decisively on these complaints. Vice President Duterte must immediately answer for these crimes against the Filipino people,” he added. Impeachment

The complainants also called on the Ombudsman to recommend Duterte’s impeachment to Congress and initiate criminal proceedings, saying the vice president’s reported actions fall within the grounds cited by Article XI (on the accountability of public officers) of the 1987 Constitution.

The first plunder complaint, filed on Dec. 12, 2025, alleged that the CFs were “divert-

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

The proposal also seeks to expand the number of medications approved for overthe-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 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)

ed, misused and concealed through coordinated schemes” carried out across the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd, which Duterte headed from 2022 to June 2024.

It said Duterte and her “co-conspirators… “maliciously and feloniously conspired to amass, accumulate and acquire ill-gotten wealth” amounting to more than P50 million, the threshold for the crime of plunder.

In addition to plunder, the complainants also accused Duterte and her staff of bribery, malversation, graft, culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public

trust. The last two charges were included as grounds for her impeachment last February 2025 but are not listed as criminal offenses in the Revised Penal Code.

In December 2024, the first three impeachment complaints were filed against the vice president by various groups. On Feb. 5, 2025, the fourth complaint was transmitted to the Senate via a resolution approved by 215 House members.

On July 25, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the articles of impeachment were unconstitutional for being in violation of the Charter’s oneyear prohibition. But the court

clarified that it was not absolving Duterte of the charges, but that any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed Feb. 6 onwards.  (With reports from Inquirer Research)

Revilla detained at city jail after surrender...

PAGE 1

stated that the accused “shall not be moved, removed, transferred, or otherwise released unless ordered by the Court.”

Revilla appeared before the court at about 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, for the processing of commitment papers and standard booking procedures, hours after he surrendered to law enforcement authorities on Monday, January 19, night.

Charges tied to flood control project

According to court records, the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants on Monday against Revilla and six other individuals facing graft and malversation charges linked to the implementation of a flood control project in Bulacan. Prosecutors allege that public funds were improperly handled during the execution of the project.

The court has not ruled on the merits of the cases. The charges are distinct from the pork barrel cases in which Revilla was acquitted in 2018.

Surrender after warrants issued

Revilla surrendered after learning that the arrest warrants had been issued. In a video posted on his verified social media account on Monday night, he confirmed that he had been informed of the warrant and said he would submit himself to the authorities.

“We received information that my warrant of arrest is out. This is saddening,” Revilla said in the video. He added that he believed there was a lack of due process, while stating that he would face the charges in court.

Authorities later confirmed that Revilla was taken into custody and brought before the Sandiganbayan in compliance with the court’s or-

ders.

Law enforcement coordination

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla was present during the turnover of Revilla to court authorities, according to photographs released by law enforcement agencies. Officials said the surrender and detention were conducted pursuant to the arrest warrants and commitment orders issued by the Sandiganbayan.

Proceedings to follow

The anti-graft court is expected to set the next hearings, including arraignment, in accordance with its rules of procedure. Any determination on bail will be made by the court based on the applicable law and the nature of the charges.

Revilla remains in custody as the cases proceed. Under Philippine law, the filing of criminal charges and the issuance of arrest warrants do not constitute a finding of guilt. The accused is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise by final judgment. n

FeAtures OPiniOn Impeachment as a constitutional stress test

IMPEACHMENT has returned to the Philippine political landscape not as a single confrontation but as a constitutional stress test unfolding along two separate tracks. One involves an active impeachment filing against the sitting president. The other concerns an impeachment effort against the vice president that has already been halted by constitutional limits.

Taken together, these developments illuminate how impeachment functions not as a verdict but as a mechanism shaped by procedure, timing, and institutional restraint as much as by allegations themselves. A filing that reopens the constitutional process

The impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives against Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has formally reintroduced impeachment into the work of Congress. It marks the opening of a constitutional process, not its culmination.

Moving Into High Gear

Michael liM Ubac

CAN the Filipino public accept blanket denials after months of waiting for those implicated in the corruption scandal to come clean about their involvement?

Expecting them to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” may be wishful thinking after former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Department of Educa-

At this stage, the complaint operates as a proposal rather than a prosecution. No articles of impeachment have been adopted. No Senate trial has been triggered. The House has yet to determine whether the complaint will be referred to committee, consolidated with other filings should they arise, or allowed to lapse under procedural rules. The Constitution deliberately imposes high thresholds at this point. Committee review, deliberation, and the requirement that at least one third of House members endorse impeachment articles are intended to ensure that impeach-

When denials amount to nothing

tion Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, and businessman Maynard Ngu denied any links to budget insertions for corruption-plagued flood control projects. An exasperated Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian cut through Bonoan’s blanket denial in the latter’s vain attempt to defend himself from accusations that, during his tenure, flood control and other infrastructure projects could have yielded him as much as P2.25 billion in kickbacks.

At the resumption of the Senate blue ribbon committee (BRC) hearing into the raging flood control scandal on Monday, Gatchalian confronted Bonoan, who served as DPWH secretary from 2022 to 2025, by asking him if he had read the scathing affidavit of his former subordinate, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

“No, I have not,” quipped Bonoan, whose soft-spoken

ment reflects institutional gravity rather than transient political pressure.

In that sense, the filing places responsibili-

Eyes Wide Open

ONLY in the Philippines can someone who has been implicated in a massive corruption scandal feel like he’s been robbed when asked to return the money.

This was what contractor Curlee Discaya, whose wife Sarah is detained for graft and malversation charges over an alleged ghost project, told the Senate Blue Ribbon committee. This was how he felt, he

ty squarely on Congress, not to decide guilt or innocence, but to determine whether the

Of state witnesses and big, bold reforms

said, when asked to restitute the money to the government in order to qualify for the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program.

“I can’t say how much it is. Because for me, it feels like we were the ones who were being robbed,” he told the hearing.

There is a sort of moral inversion here where those who took public funds feel aggrieved when asked to return them.

Why, in the first place, should the couple be consid-

ered state witnesses, along with those on the list – former public works officials Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, Gerard Opulencia and contractor Sally Santos?

Are they really qualified to be state witnesses?

I am well aware that a state witness is necessary for the perpetrators, especially the masterminds, to be brought to justice, but are these four individuals really among the least guilty? Some of these state

to any litigation.

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Impeachment as a constitutional...

PAGE 6

complaint warrants escalation within a framework designed to discourage routine use.

A prior impeachment halted by constitutional design

The impeachment effort involving Sara Duterte followed a markedly different path, one shaped decisively by constitutional timing rather than legislative will.

In 2025, the House approved impeachment articles against the vice president, setting the stage for what would have been a rare Senate trial. Before proceedings could move forward, however,

PAGE 6

the Supreme Court ruled that the impeachment violated the Constitution’s one year bar rule. The decision prevented the Senate from acquiring jurisdiction and brought the process to a close.

Importantly, the ruling did not resolve the substantive allegations. The impeachment ended not through acquittal or conviction but through constitutional constraint. The case was halted because the rules governing impeachment were deemed to have been breached.

As of now, there is no active impeachment proceeding

against the vice president, and constitutional restrictions limit the filing of any new complaint until the prescribed period lapses.

Two outcomes shaped by the same constitutional logic

Viewed together, these cases underscore a central reality. Impeachment is not designed to move quickly, nor is it intended to function as a parallel criminal process. It is an extraordinary remedy bounded by safeguards that can stop a case as effectively as they can advance one.

One impeachment exists as

PAGE 8

Of state witnesses...

witnesses have amassed so much wealth that the amount they vowed to turn over to the government could be just a drop in the bucket.

Bernardo has promised P1 billion in restitution to the state while Alcantara has already returned some P180 million.

The amounts should be significantly higher. Remember, Alcantara spent P150 million in a casino in one night alone while Bernardo, say my sources, has amassed quite a number of properties, including luxury items. The government must come after these, too.

State witnesses have been critical in convicting criminals. American mobster Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, for instance, became the US government’s key witness against his mob boss John Gotti, leading to Gotti’s eventual conviction.

But there are several qualifications to be a state witness in the Philippines – participation in a crime, absolute necessity of testimony, substantial corroboration, clean record, sworn statement and not the most guilty.

Thus, the government must be careful in selecting its state witnesses. They must meet the qualifications and not because they’re powerful and influential. Because if this is the case, then it’s just corruption all over again.

Big, bold reforms

We welcome the “big, bold reforms” announced by the Marcos administration last week after presenting it to businessmen in a closed-door meeting.

President Marcos, it seems, has realized that it can no longer be business as usual. Investors have been on a waitand-see stance for far too long, especially because of the flood control scandal.

Thus, the big, bold reforms

announcement is the good news we need these days and Finance Secretary Frederick Go is on the right track in spearheading these reforms.

The objective, I hope, is not merely incremental improvement but a structural break from the past. The government is targeting a GDP expansion of five-to-six percent by 2026 – a figure that would place it among the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia and the world.

If this happens, it would certainly be a big accomplishment for President Marcos.

Taming inflation

One area of focus is inflation and addressing supply-side measures.

The administration has slashed rice tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent, a move designed to provide immediate relief to 110 million consumers.

Another important intervention is the Department of Agriculture’s move to oversee the construction of 2,200 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and new deep-water ports specifically for agri-products, meant to improve our food supply.

The government must really bridge the gap between farm and table.

Quality jobs

The administration’s “Philippines 2026” vision demands a shift from subsistence employment to high-value labor.

Tourism, for instance, is the economy’s “low-hanging fruit,” especially with its multiplier effect. Estimates show that with every peso invested in the tourism sector, the economy reaps a return of P5.50.

To unlock this, the government is liberalizing access, granting visa-free entry to key markets like China and India to fill hotels and employ service workers.

Hospitality players note that the reduction in Chinese tourist arrivals really affected the industry. Thus, they welcome this visa-free entry measure.

In the area of manufacturing, we also laud the move of the Board of Investments to establish new ecozones specifically for high-tech manufacturing.

This is a play for future-proof jobs, ensuring that the six percent growth target translates into wages that can support a family.

Of course, the funding fix for the automotive incentives program CARS is likewise a welcome development. How can we encourage investors if we renege on past commitments?

War on bureaucracy

An aggressive war on bureaucracy is also very much needed and welcome. The Marcos administration is attempting to improve the business environment through a policy of radical digitalization and “zero lag time.”

I am keeping my fingers crossed this will really happen because I’ve been hearing too many local and foreign businessmen complain about the permitting process – and the corruption that goes with it.

With these reforms, the Philippines is sending the signal that it is open for business, this time with a restructured operating system.

The ultimate test of course is in the implementation, which I hope, for the sake of this country’s future, will indeed be big and bold. (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: eyesgonzales@gmail.com. Follow her on X @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.

Hontiveros flags withheld Discaya...

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pansion of the firms’ government contracts. The senator described the missing years as central to any attempt to trace where public funds ultimately went.

“If the ledger remains incomplete, it raises serious questions about transparency,” Hontiveros said, adding that the continued withholding of records could be “to hide someone.” Her remarks were framed as a call for full disclosure rather than a declaration of wrongdoing. As of this writing, no audited or complete ledger covering the 2016–2022 period has been publicly released.

‘Robbed’ claim over restitution talks

The dispute over documentation has unfolded alongside Discaya’s public claim that he felt “robbed” during discussions with prosecutors about returning money to the government in connection with possible cooperation in ongoing investigations.

Discaya made the remark during Senate hearings that examined whether he and his wife, contractor Sarah Discaya, had sought or qualified for protection under the Department of Justice’s witness protection program. He said talks stalled when the issue of returning funds arose, which he portrayed as an unfair demand.

The Department of Justice has rejected that characterization, disputing claims that it pressured Discaya or demanded repayment as a condition for protection. Prose-

cutors have said discussions about restitution are part of accountability processes tied to specific cases, not an act of coercion.

Ombudsman: restitution is accountability, not extortion

The Office of the Ombudsman also addressed Discaya’s remarks, with Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano publicly disputing the “robbery” framing.

Clavano said the return of public funds, when warranted, is restitution to the state and a form of accountability, not extortion. He emphasized that the public is the party allegedly harmed when government money is misused and that recovery of funds should not be portrayed as victimization of those under investigation.

Officials have stressed that discussions about restitution do not, by themselves, establish criminal liability, which can only be determined through proper legal proceedings.

Debate over witness protection requirements

A central issue in the hearings has been the legal question of what is required for admission to the government’s witness protection program.

The DOJ administers the program under Republic Act No. 6981, which outlines protections and obligations for witnesses whose testimony is deemed vital to a case.

Prosecutors have said restitution is not a blanket statutory requirement for entry into the program, while acknowledging that agreements

with witnesses may address obligations arising from particular cases. Senators have noted the distinction between what the law mandates and what prosecutors may seek in practice as part of negotiated cooperation.

Witnesses allege Discaya–Romualdez link

The inquiry has also heard testimony from two masked witnesses, identified by the aliases “Maria” and “Joy,” who alleged an encounter involving Discaya and a property they associated with House Speaker Martin Romualdez. According to accounts of the hearing, the witnesses said Discaya introduced himself as a contractor connected to the property and claimed they were told to vacate. Romualdez, through representatives and counsel cited in reporting, has denied the allegations, describing them as unsupported and disputing the circumstances described by the witnesses.

Senators have cautioned that the testimony has not been corroborated by publicly produced documents such as deeds, contracts, or payment records directly tying Romualdez to the claims made.

What remains unresolved on the public record are the contents of the missing 2016–2022 ledger and any definitive documentary link between Romualdez and the property described by the witnesses. No court or Ombudsman finding has been issued establishing liability in connection with the allegations raised in the hearings. n

New Malampaya gas field discovered—Marcos

by giDeon tinsay Philstar.com

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced that a natural gas field was found near the Malampaya field that is set to make a major boost to the country's gas and electricity supply.

In a video posted on his social media page, Marcos referred to the new energy reservoir as Malampaya East 1 or MAE-1, which is located approximately five kilometers east of the original Malampaya field and is estimated to contain around 98 billion cubic feet of gas.

"I am pleased to inform everyone that for the first time

in over a decade, a significant natural gas discovery has been made," Marcos said.

Marcos added that the gas field's potential can power up to 14 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, and can supply power to around 5.7 million households, 9,500 buildings, or almost 200,000 schools in a year.

Resources flowed at 60 million cubic feet per day in the reservoir as per tests. The well also yielded condensate, a high-value liquid fuel.

"This indicates the well has the potential to produce even more, confirming it is a high-productivity resource comparable to the original Malampaya wells,” Marcos

added.

Marcos also took pride at the Filipinos' role in the project. “Ipinagmamalaki rin natin na Pilipino ang nanguna sa drilling na ito. Natapos nila ito nang walang aksidente o environmental incident."

"MAE-1 is the first milestone under the Malampaya Phase 4 drilling campaign, which also includes the Camago-2, Camago-3, and Bagong Pag-asa wells, aimed at securing additional gas resources," he added.

The project was pursued by the SC3A consortium led by Prime Energy, in partnership with UC38 PNOC Exploration Corporation and Prime Oil & Gas Inc. n

Impeachment as a constitutional...

a filing awaiting institutional judgment. The other ended because the Constitution imposed a hard procedural stop. Neither has produced a definitive legal finding on conduct. Both demonstrate how impeachment can be initiated, constrained, or neutralized by design.

This asymmetry often fuels public confusion. In political discourse, impeachment is frequently treated as synonymous with accountability itself. Constitutionally, it is only one pathway, and a deliberately narrow one.

The question of restraint

The present moment raises questions that extend beyond the individuals involved. At issue is how often impeachment

should be invoked and under what conditions it retains its seriousness.

Frequent filings that fail to advance risk diluting impeachment’s force. Excessive procedural barriers risk reinforcing perceptions that accountability is unreachable. The balance between those outcomes is not fixed. It is recalibrated through institutional practice over time.

In this context, restraint does not necessarily mean inaction. It can also reflect fidelity to constitutional design, allowing thresholds to matter and procedures to function as intended.

A test without a conclusion

The Philippines is not facing simultaneous impeachment

trials. It is facing a moment in which impeachment has been invoked, examined, and constrained in different ways.

What this moment ultimately signifies will depend less on immediate outcomes than on how institutions manage the space between allegation and adjudication. Impeachment was never meant to deliver certainty quickly. It was meant to force deliberation.

For now, the process remains open in one case and closed in another. What remains unresolved, and intentionally so, is how impeachment will be understood going forward: as a political instrument, a constitutional safeguard, or a mechanism whose authority lies precisely in how difficult it is to use. (AJPress)

When denials amount to nothing...

voice—and unassuming demeanor—eerily contrasted with the magnitude of his alleged involvement in anomalous infrastructure projects undertaken by the DPWH under his watch. Bonoan is the corespondent of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and former Ako Bicol party list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co in the plunder complaint related to the flood control corruption scandal pending at the Department of Justice.

Bonoan’s denial did not sit well with Gatchalian, who had been sitting in all BRC hearings since last year. The senator from Valenzuela often asked the most sensible questions, backed up by complete staff work, and even managed to voice public sentiment—and seething anger—over how officials in the highest echelons of power made off with hardearned taxpayer money with impunity.

The senator then read aloud the contents of the affidavit that Bernardo read before the BRC members on Nov. 14, 2025, which the public is now very familiar with. “You haven’t read this, but this was furnished to us during one of the hearings of the blue ribbon, and you were implicated here many, many times,” Gatchalian told Bonoan, incredulous about Bonoan’s apparent recourse to feigning ignorance.

“Commitments.” Refreshing Bonoan’s selective memory, Gatchalian read salient portions of Bernardo’s affidavit: “On page 20,

the value of the projects that [were] handled for Secretary Manny Bonoan was at least P5 billion per annum for the years 2023, 2024, 2025, with a 15 percent average commitment. Of this 15 percent average commitment, Secretary Manny Bonoan, 75 percent, usually [he] would give me 25 percent of the commitment, with the rest of the commitment shared between him and [former DPWH Undersecretary] Cathy Cabral.”

Even with these serious allegations, what Bonoan could only muster was—as expected—general denial: “I think I issued a denial on this at one point in time when I learned about [this]. I have not read the entire affidavit, but I issued a denial to it. I don’t even recall actually talking about any projects at all. There will be proposals from them…”

Gatchalian then cut him short, noting that what was clear was that the DPWH secretary had allocated an amount in the DPWH budget that he could funnel to the list of projects prepared by Bernardo upon his instruction.

By using blanket denials, Bonoan was attempting to avoid a detailed discussion of the damning affidavit detailing the exact amounts of projects and kickbacks for alleged delivery to Bonoan through Bernardo. “And they [Bernardo and Alcantara] have been submitting [a list of] projects to you, and you were given kickbacks—10 percent, 15 percent, and if we sum them all up, it will

reach P2.2 billion,” the senator noted, to which Bonoan retorted: “I completely deny. I don’t have any allocable amount.”

Gatchalian then said, point-blank: “Whether allocable [or] nonallocable, you got kickback[s]. And the fact is … We’re here in this hearing because, for the last [three] years, you’ve let this happen under your watch. You’re the secretary of the DPWH.”

The senator was clearly zeroing in on Bonoan’s principal role in the flood control scandal, as the head of the agency cannot be ignorant of widespread anomalies in his department. It doesn’t help that persistent rumors of kickbacks from substandard and/or ghost projects related to most DPWH projects have been going around for as long as we can remember. When Bonoan asserted that he had only “general oversight” of the department, a frustrated Gatchalian shot back, “Pero kung kasali ho kayo, ‘yang oversight na ‘yan, walang kwenta ho ‘yan (But if you’re part of the scheme, that oversight is useless).” The senator blamed the flood control scandal on Bonoan’s “bad leadership” (masamang liderato). “Why did you let this happen (Bakit niyo po pinabayaan)?” (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.

* * * lim.mike04@gmail.com

Leviste’s solar energy firm slapped with P24-B fine

by lisbet K. esMael Inquirer.net

MANILA — The solar energy company that made Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste the country’s youngest billionaire is being slapped with a P24-billion penalty for failing to produce power it committed to deliver under more than 30 service contracts with the government.

Leviste’s Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. (SPPHI) drew hefty sanctions from the Department of Energy (DOE) at a time when the neophyte congressman had been making headlines over statements that tend to put fellow lawmakers on the spot regarding the public works funds allotted to their districts.

In a briefing on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the DOE had terminated 163 projects awarded to various companies for their failure to follow the timeline agreed upon for power production.

Garin said more than half of those projects, or 64 percent, were handled by SPPHI, the

Sen. JV Ejercito faces ethics complaint over alleged inaction

by AJPress

MANILA — An ethics complaint has been filed against Joseph Victor Ejercito, accusing him of gross neglect of duty for alleged inaction on a separate ethics case pending before the Senate.

company founded by Leviste in 2013 when he was 20 years old.

Garin said the canceled contracts under Leviste’s firm include 33 that were secured under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), as well as some agreements outside GEAP reached between 2014 and 2019.

GEAP is a government initiative intended to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources, in line with the Marcos administration’s

target to increase the share of renewables in the country’s power generation pie from the current 22 percent to 35 percent by 2030.

According to the DOE, the SPPHI’s idled projects were mostly located in Luzon. There were no details immediately made available regarding their locations.

In all, those idled projects were expected to generate a total of more than 11,000 megawatts (MW).

PAGE 10

The complaint, filed by lawyer Marvin Aceron, claims that more than 100 days elapsed without formal action on an ethics complaint he earlier lodged against Francis Escudero, despite Ejercito serving as chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

Ejercito confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the committee has been unable to act because it is not yet fully constituted, noting that proceedings can only move forward once membership and quorum requirements are completed under Senate rules.

The earlier complaint against Escudero stemmed from questions over a P30 million campaign donation during the 2022 elections.

In November 2025, the Commission on Elections’ Political Finance and Affairs Department said it found no evidence of an election-law violation and recommended the termination of its investigation. No formal Senate action has yet been announced on the complaint against Ejercito. n

Palace backs possible dialogue with Zaldy Co, defers matter to Ombudsman

by AJPress

MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday said it is open to any step that could help clarify the case involving fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, including the possibility of dialogue, but stressed that any engagement should proceed through proper legal channels and under the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration’s position is focused on fact-finding and accountability, particularly in relation to the broader flood-control controversy in which Co is implicated.

“If this helps us know the truth, the government is open to hearing what he has to say,” Castro said during a Palace briefing. She emphasized, however, that Co has not sought to speak directly with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and that any reported overtures have been directed toward the Ombudsman.

Castro added that the Palace would not interfere in the handling of the case and would defer to the Ombudsman, which has jurisdiction over the charges.

“Feelers” relayed through intermediaries Interior and Local Govern-

ment Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier told reporters that Co had sent informal “feelers” indicating openness to dialogue through Catholic priests described as acquaintances of the former congressman.

According to Remulla, the intermediaries sought to establish communication with the Ombudsman, not with him or with Malacañang. He cautioned that the outreach remains informal and unverified.

“He sent feelers through some of the priests he knew. They asked to connect with us to have a dialogue — not through me, through the Ombudsman,” Remulla said. He added that the information came indirectly and has not been independently confirmed.

Authorities cite Portugal as last known location Remulla also said Co’s last known location was Portugal, based on information available to authorities. He said Co was believed to have obtained travel or residency documents through Portugal’s so-called “golden visa” program, without providing details on the status or validity of such documents.

Philippine officials have previously said coordination with foreign counterparts is ongoing as authorities seek to lo-

Bill seeking to institutionalize ‘Right to Care’ card passed in House

by Gideon Tinsay Philstar.com

tennis star Alex Eala

will be participating in the Philippine Women's Open.

In a post by the tourney’s Facebook page, Eala herself confirmed to play in the event.

"Yes, I will be playing next week. I'm looking forward to it, and I hope people can show up and support the Pinays," Eala said as she arrived at NAIA Terminal 3.

"It's a huge milestone in Philippine tennis, and I think it's a big deal for all of us Filipina tennis players," she added.

Eala just came home from a landmark campaign in the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne, which is also her official debut in the singles and doubles events.

She bowed out of the women's singles after the United States' Alycia Parks edged her out with a 6-0, 3-6, 2-6 win.

The Philippine Women's

cate Co and address the legal processes related to his case.

Charges tied to alleged flood-control anomaly

Co and several others are facing charges of malversation and alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with an alleged ghost flood-control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Investigators have linked the case to the reported construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, with a stated project cost of P289.5 million. Authorities allege the project either did not exist or was inconsistent with approved plans and disbursements.

Co has previously denied wrongdoing in public statements. The cases remain pending before the appropriate judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.

Co-accused arrested; cases proceed

Remulla said nine of Co’s co-accused have already been arrested and are currently detained in various penal facilities in Metro Manila. Proceedings against those in custody are ongoing.

Government officials underscored that any dialogue, should it take place, would not suspend or override existing legal processes. n

by ayie licsi Philstar.com

A BILL aiming to institutionalize a "Right to Care" system in the country has been filed in the House of Representatives.

House Bill No. 7068, or the "Right to Care Act," introduced by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, seeks to allow patients to choose who will make medical decisions on their behalf when they are unable to do so.

Under the measure, a person can choose a "health care agent" by submitting a health care proxy. This information will be reflected on their PhilHealth ID and into a Right to Care registry under the Department of Health.

In her explanatory note, de Lima noted that current laws "effectively alienate" solo parents, people in non-traditional marriages, and individuals in same-sex relationships in the health care settings. She emphasized that they are denied access to information and decision-making involving their loved ones' health care.

"This measure seeks to address health disparities rooted in social stigma and discrimination, and foster inclusivity for individuals of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), as well as solo parents, people in non-marital relationships, and other sectors," the congresswoman wrote in a statement.

"Huwag nating dagdagan pa ang mga alalahanin at pasanin ng mga pasyente sa pagkakait

ng karapatang ito na piliin ang makakatuwang nila sa pagpapasya para sa kanilang kalusugan o kalagayang medikal."

De Lima added that the measure adopts provisions from Quezon City's Right to Care Ordinance, and proposals filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Reps. Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno, Dadah Kiram Ismula, Kaka Bag-ao, and Javier Miguel Benitez.

In June 2023, the Right to Care card was first launched in Quezon City to empower resident queer couples to make medical decisions for their partners through special power of attorney. According to the QC government, 468 queer couples have applied for the card as of 2025.

This authorizes LGBTQ+ couples to be recognized as next-of-kin during health-related emergencies and become beneficiaries in their life insurance policy.

San Juan City passed its own Right to Care ordinance in June 2025.

Leviste’s solar energy firm slapped with...

PAGE 9

No response

Despite the DOE’s consistent attempt to communicate with the company, Garin said, the agency has “not received any response” or any petition to extend the compliance period or reconsider the sanction.

“To be able to terminate a contract, we have to go through the whole due process,” the secretary told reporters.

“What we want are legitimate investors, that’s why we’re cleaning it out,” Garin added.

In the past two years, the agency has been cracking down on noncompliant power producers, or investors who committed to launching power plants but failed to follow their timeline.

A total of 163 contracts had been terminated in the 20242025 period, covering solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro, and wind.

The scrapped deals involved the supposed production of nearly 18,000 MW. The bulk of them was solar, which accounted for 12,271 MW.

Leviste had yet to respond to the Inquirer’s request for comment as of press time.

Multibillion-peso fine Given the coverage of

failed projects, Leviste’s SPPHI needs to settle about P24 billion, composed of performance bonds and other financial obligations.

Around P14 billion of the total is for the performance bonds, required under the GEAP.

Garin said the DOE was already preparing “everything within the first quarter” to compel the company to pay.

Leviste, a first-term congressman representing the first district of Batangas, recently made headlines for exposing a bribery attempt by a district engineer and for obtaining files on the infrastructure budget from the late Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

Last week, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed that Leviste allegedly sold his solar energy franchise to tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The alleged transaction, which Remulla said failed to go through congressional approval, is already under probe.

Pangilinan’s Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) distanced itself from the controversy, saying SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) is “a separate and distinct corporate entity from Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp.

(SPBC).”

SPBC was awarded a congressional franchise through Republic Act No. 11357 to construct, install and operate solar-powered microgrids in remote areas.

Only big player

The DOE maintained that Leviste was not being singled out in its crackdown on nonperforming power producers.

“It so happened that the projects were supposed to be delivered by December 2025,” the agency said.

Asked if there were other notable companies, the DOE said the rest of the canceled contracts were held by “smaller players.”

The document showing the list of terminated contracts has yet to be posted on the agency’s website as of Tuesday afternoon.

DOE officials also noted SPNEC, now under the Pangilinan group, has no project on the list.

SPBC has no existing developments.

To prevent a repeat of renewable energy projects failing to meet contract obligations, the DOE is set to impose tougher rules, including the possibility of banning noncompliant developers. n

Lea Salonga shares update on son’s transition and confirms separation from husband

by AJPress

TONY Award-winning performer Lea Salonga has spoken publicly about two significant developments in her personal life: her son Nic Chien’s transition and her separation from husband Robert Chien.

Salonga addressed both matters during recent interviews conducted alongside her stage work and public appearances. She framed the discussion around parenting, support, and stability, not conflict or private detail.

Salonga confirms separation, emphasizes family cooperation

Salonga confirmed that she and Chien have been separated for some time. She said both have moved forward peacefully and continue to prioritize their child’s well-being. She did not disclose when the separation began or what led to it, and she did not characterize the situation as contentious.

Willie Revillame hopes Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte to reconcile for country

by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com

TV host Willie Revillame has a message to President Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte.

During the press conference of his new game show "Wilyonaryo," Willie said it is hard for the country if the two leaders are fighting.

"Sana maayos na. Alam mo 'pag ang dalawang leaders mo 'pag hindi magkasundo, wasak na e. Watak na watak na 'yung bansa," he said.

"Pero pag magkasundo sila, maraming magagawa lalong lalo na sa mga kababayan

natin," he added.  He hoped that Bongbong and Sara would fix things up for the benefit of the country.

"Sana dumating 'yung time na lumambot ang kanilang kalooban, mawala 'yung pride, mawala 'yung ego, at mawala 'yung galit," he said.

"'Pag galit ka sa kapwa mo, ang hirap matulog 'di ba? Kung wala kang kaaway masarap matulog. Mahirap kasi masyadong personal na rin kasi yung nangyari sa kanila. Kaya for me, sana hindi dinadamay ang mga kababayan natin sa away politika," he added.  Willie ran in the last Senate elections but lost.

Speaking openly about Nic’s transition

Salonga has consistently ex-

In speaking about family life, Salonga underscored continued cooperation between parents and caregivers. She described a shared commitment to ensuring that Nic feels supported, safe, and grounded despite demanding professional schedules.

pressed support for Nic, who identifies as transmasculine.

In multiple interviews over the past year, she has described her role as a parent in direct terms: listening to her child, affirming his identity, and preparing him to navigate the world with confidence.

She has said that parenting requires responding to who a child is, not who others expect that child to be. Her public remarks have focused on protection, emotional health, and long-term resilience rather than ideology or controversy.

Nic has also spoken publicly in separate interviews about his experience, emphasizing the importance of family acceptance and mental health support during his transition.

Public discussion remains measured and non-adversarial

Salonga has avoided speculation, blame, or commentary on private marital matters. Her statements about the separation have remained brief and factual. She has consistently redirected attention to

co-parenting, her son’s welfare, and the values guiding her decisions as a mother.

No court filings, disputes, or conflicting claims have emerged publicly in connection with the separation. Salonga has not alleged misconduct, nor has she attributed fault.

Balancing family life and the stage

Salonga continues an active performance schedule, including international concert engagements and theater appearances connected to productions such as Les Misérables and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends. She has said that her experiences as a parent inform her work as an artist, particularly when performing material centered on love, memory, and devotion.

Across interviews, Salonga’s message has remained consistent: family support comes first, identity deserves respect, and personal transitions can unfold with dignity and care.

We weren’t hiding’: Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial finally confirm relationship

by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com

RICHARD Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial finally confirmed that they are in a relationship.

The couple, who are long-rumored to be dating, confirmed their relationship to ABSCBN reporter MJ Felipe. They are set to costar in ABS-CBN's action drama "Blood vs. Duty," with Gerald Anderson and Bela Padilla.

“Matagal na naming iniisip na what if magka-trabaho [kami], eto na 'yun finally. Thanks to ABS-CBN, we were given the opportunity to work together,” Richard said.

“It’s refreshing makikita rin kami ng audience together, on-screen. We really try to live privately, away from social media. But now we’re gonna be working together,” he added.

Barbie said that working with Richard means more time together.

“Hindi na ko bibisita sa set ng ‘Incognito,’” she jokingly said.

The couple then opened up about their relationship.

“Can I just say that we weren’t hiding. We just chose to have a private relationship talaga, ‘coz we know na ayaw namin ng, even I... What people don’t know they can’t ruin,” Barbie said.

“I agree from the beginning, ganun talaga. We wan’t to keep things private. Mas relaxed 'yung ganun, mas gusto namin 'yung ganun,” Richard added.

"Blood vs. Duty" will premiere this 2026.

'Sinners' DP makes Oscar history as the first Fil-Am nominee for Best Cinematography

by Melanie Uson Philstar.com

FILIPINO-AMERICAN Au-

tumn Durald Arkapaw has become the first woman of color to be nominated at the Oscars for Best Cinematography for her work in the film, Sinners. Arkapaw was nominated alongside Adolpho Veloso (Train Dreams), Michael Bauman (One Battle After Another), Dan Laustsen (Frankenstein), and Darius Khondji (Marty Supreme).

Born to a Filipino mother and Creole father, Arpakaw became the fourth woman to be nominated in the same category, following Rachel Morrison for Mudbound in 2018, Ari Wegner for The Power of the Dog in 2021, and Mandy Walker for Elvis in 2022.

“I thought how special it would be for in the future someone to look up this nomination, because I’m the fourth woman. And I know the ones that came before me," she told Variety after her historic nomination.

“It means the world when young girls, or film students of similar heritage, come up to me and express their gratitude, not just for the work, but for the fact that they can see someone like themselves behind the camera," she added. If she wins, she would be the first woman of color to receive the award.

Arkapaw majored in art history at Loyola Marymount University and later entered the AFI Conservatory’s cinematography program. Her

work on Sinners marked a significant milestone, as it was the first film shot by a female cinematographer using IMAX 65mm and large-format 65mm film cameras.

She has been making her mark in the industry, having worked in films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Palo Alto, and The Last Showgirl.

Helmed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a horror-drama that follows twin brothers (both played by Michael B. Jordan) whose plans unravel into chaos when a rogue vampire appears. It has set a new record in the award-giving body, bagging 16 nominations, including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Original Screenplay.

How Beauty Gonzalez keeps anxiety at bay

by allan PolicarPio Inquirer.net

IN her younger years, Beauty Gonzalez coped with stress and anxiety by doing “a lot of crazy things.” “Basta alam mo na ’yun!” she quips, cutting herself off before she spills too much. “It was really chaotic.”

Still, through the whirlwind of it all, nothing changed—until her friend Bianca King introduced her to yoga 10 years ago. At first, the idea of herself bending into poses made her laugh. But before long, her competitive streak kicked in. Focusing on herself and shutting out all outside noise was a challenge, and she treated it as such.

The rewards surprised her. “Nakakapagod pala, but in a good way. Mas masarap ang tulog ko, mas relaxed at kalmado ang utak ko,” Gonzalez tells Lifestyle Inquirer. “That’s why I chose to stay on this path.”

Life’s uncertainties

The more she kept at it, the more she realized just how much yoga has improved the quality of her life and her family’s, too.

Gonzalez has anxieties, mostly about the uncertainty of the future and what more she can give to her audience as an actress. She also reflects on aging and on making the most of life with her husband, art curator Norman Crisologo, who is 25 years older. And she might not look like it, she says, but “I do deal with depression.”

Meditation and asana (yoga poses) help her stay grounded. Stretching, she says, has done wonders for her husband, while their nine-yearold daughter Olivia—who also practices yoga with her friends—is calmer at school. “It has really strengthened us physically, mentally, and spiritually,” Gonzalez, 34, says.

Certified yoga teacher

So strong is her passion for yoga that she now dreams of teaching it to others. Last year, Gonzalez embarked on a solo trip to Rishikesh, India—dubbed the Yoga Capital of the World—to undergo a 200-hour yoga teacher training. She stayed for a month at Rishikesh Yogpeeth, a school located at the foothills of the Himalayas, to escape the distractions of city life.

“Kung sa Bali ako pumunta para mag-aral baka tumakas lang ako at mag-party,” she jokes, adding that the experience—especially the hourlong meditation sessions— was as challenging as it was enriching. “Pero iba talaga ’yung clarity after.”

Now that she’s a certified

yoga teacher, Gonzalez’s next goal is to open her own studio someday. “Hindi naman ako artista forever,” she points out. “I want to have something to do that I love when I’m older.

I have also met new people because of yoga. I made friends from Mexico and Germany. So parang lumalaki rin ang mundo ko.”

A lot of crying

That’s not to say she’s slowing down on acting anytime soon. In fact, Gonzalez is headlining a new soap opera, “House of Lies,” which airs weekdays at 3:20 p.m., on GMA 7. Like most afternoon dramas, this show airs during the sleepy hours of the day, which calls for bigger, more dramatic scenes.

Needless to say, there will be a lot of crying. “Ang daming pagdadaanan ng character ko, so iba ’yung hugot ko dito,” says Gonzalez, who plays Marjorie, a devoted wife and mother caught in a web of secrets and betrayal.

Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, “House of Lies” sees Marjorie’s seemingly perfect life get threatened by Althea (Kris Bernal), her sister-in-law, whose insecurities and ambitions put the household on edge. The two women test each other and do everything—navigating loyalty, love, and deception—to protect their dreams and their loved ones.

“My character is kind, has some fight in her. But still, I cry almost every day,” she says, laughing. “But I’m not complaining.” Besides, she can always turn to yoga whenever work on set becomes overwhelmingly emotional or physically demanding. Breathing exercises prepare and center her

for intense scenes. And when she gets home all spent, a few rounds of downward-facing dogs and cow poses help her get a good night’s sleep.

“Yoga has also made me more focused at work and more resilient afterward,” she says.

Creating memories

Beyond the immediate benefits, a life of mindfulness, Gonzalez says, has gradually eased her fears of what lies ahead and has allowed her to live in the moment. “Worry about tomorrow, but enjoy life now. Baka bukas tamaan ka ng kidlat ‘di mo alam,” she says, laughing.

Indeed, there’s still so much in life she hopes to experience and accomplish. She’s practicing her writing and hopes to grow enough confidence to write a book. She also wants to learn to play the piano—three songs will do—but ideally “while wearing a sexy, backless dress.”

She hopes to pick up horseback riding so she can go on a seven-day horse trek in Patagonia or Namibia. She has been raring to visit Egypt, explore Socotra Island in Yemen, and discover more hidden gems around the world.

And fingers crossed, she can finally finish building her new home in Cavite—the most beautiful house you have ever seen, she quips, only half in jest. The space will be her pride and joy, she adds, filled with art and intricate doors from India.

“I always try to find new things to learn every year. I want to grow. ‘Di pwedeng iisang bagay lang ang binibigay mo sa mga tao,” Gonzalez says. “But more than that, I want to create memories with myself and with my family.”

Catriona Gray joins Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales in ‘The Loved One’

by PaTricia dela roca Philstar.com

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is officially making her acting debut in the upcoming romance film “The Loved One.”

Fans and netizens were pleasantly surprised after spotting the beauty queen in the newly released trailer of the film, which also marks the much-anticipated bigscreen reunion of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales.

The two last worked together more than a decade ago in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Baler,” and later in the TV series “Green Rose” in 2011.'

Adding to the buzz, Catriona’s talent management agency, Cornerstone Entertainment, shared official stills of her from the film.

“Catriona Gray enters the big screen with her acting debut in ‘The Loved One,’ bringing a queenly crossover to the film’s highly anticipated release, first teased through her surprise appearance in the official trailer,” Cornerstone wrote in the caption.

“Fans and moviegoers are left to imagine how she’ll bring her character to life and how her character will be involved in the complex and intriguing story between the film’s two main leads.

“Given how the film’s writer and director, Irene Emma Villamor is known for her thought-provoking, deep and insightful way of crafting characters and weaving stories, fans can expect that Catriona is going to add a special flavor to the movie,” Cornerstone said in a media primer.

“The Loved One” tells the story of two former lovers whose paths cross again, rekindling unresolved emotions. Directed by Irene Villamor (“Only We Know,” “Sid and Aya,” “Meet Me in

St. Gallen”) and produced by Cornerstone Studios in partnership with Viva Films, the film is set to hit cinemas on Feb. 11. n

Robi Domingo, wife Maiqui go on ‘babymoon’ in Boracay ‘before we become 3’

by anne PasaJol Inquirer.net

ROBI Domingo and his wife Maiqui Pineda went on a beach trip to Boracay to celebrate their second wedding anniversary as well as their last few months with just the two of them in the family.

The TV host documented their vacation through his Instagram page on Thursday, Jan. 22, showing themselves soaking up the sun in their swimwears and enjoying each other’s company on the island.

“Boracay Babymoon,” Domingo said in the caption. “Celebrating our wedding anniversary… before we become 3.”

Fellow celebrities showered the couple with compliments via the comments section, with Janine Gutierrez and Melai Cantiveros pointing out Pineda’s pregnancy glow.

Domingo and Pineda announced earlier this month that they are expecting their first child, although they revealed they had known

about the latter’s pregnancy since September last year.

Days after the announcement, Pineda — who has been diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness, inflammation and a skin rash — declared her readiness to face

her “biggest challenge yet.”

“The last three years challenged my mind, heart, and body in ways I never imagined. But the journey only made me realize how strong and capable I truly am,” she said. “This 2026, I’m ready for my biggest challenge yet. Let’s go!” n

Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Royce Cabrera take ‘Endo’ to the stage

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

JASMINE Curtis-Smith and Royce Cabrera are confirmed as the lead stars of “Endo,” a theater adaptation of the 2007 Cinemalaya entry of the same name.

Almost two decades since its release, “Endo” will be brought to the stage with Curtis-Smith and Cabrera taking on the roles of Tanya and Leo, respectively. The film originally starred Ina Feleo and Jason Abalos.

The play tells the story of Leo (Cabrera), lost in a cycle as the family’s breadwinner, with several temporary jobs, and struggles to maintain relationships. He soon meets a spirited dreamer named Tanya (Curtis-Smith) who wants to reach greater heights. As they begin a romance, Candy (Kate Alejandrino) returns to Leo’s life.

Cast as the alternate for Leo is Esteban Mara; Tanya and Candy are played by Rissey Reyes-Robinson and

Iana Bernardez, respectively.

“This stage adaptation of ‘Endo’ is set to bring heightened tension and raw romantic emotion to the story of Tanya and Leo. Every personal moment, choice, and hesitation draws the audience in, leaving them hooked to a story that is impossible to forget,” presenters PETA Plus and Ticket2Me said in a statement.

Melvin Lee directed the theater adaptation, while Liza Magtoto wrote the script.

Since its premiere at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, the film won Best Picture at the Gawad Urian awards, Special Jury Prize, and the Tanglaw Award for Best Picture. The play will run from April 10 to May 10 at the PETA Theater Center.

Health@Heart New diet guidelines

PhiliP s chUa, MD, Facs ,

FPcs

THE new United States Dietary Guidelines, anticipated worldwide, were announced by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., on January 7, 2026. Basically, it emphasized consumption of “real food,” more protein, healthy fats, whole grains, less sugar, dairy products, fewer ultra-processed foods, and some alcohol allowed.”

In my 800-page book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children,” about healthy lifestyle and disease prevention (on Amazon.com), published in 2011, fourteen years ago, I categorized “diet as the prime and major factor that impacts and determines our health and longevity.”

I suggested a wholesome high-protein, minimal carbohydrate diet of fish, chicken, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fresh (unprocessed) red meat in moderation, and daily use of olive oil (monounsaturated fats) for cooking…drinking from 1 to 4 tablespoonfuls of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) a day, is healthy, besides using it as a dip.

In my newspaper writings since 1997, I have advocated for a glass or two of red wine, especially my favorite Pinot Noir from Oregon, or a Martini, with dinner, which was deemed healthy at the time. However, data from 2018 now shows that no amount of alcohol is safe.

Ultra-processed foods (with industrial formulations, high sugars, high sodium, refined carbohydrates, and additives) and processed foods in the deli section (such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and other red meats, especially those grilled at high heat) are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular ailments and cancer. I would recommend avoiding them.

Ready-made microwaveable lunches and dinner packs that are processed and have added sodium, unhealthy fats, sugars, additives, and coloring in them are not healthy. Always check the labels. Also, food must be transferred from plastic containers to a glass, porcelain, or ceramic plate or bowl when heating. Plastic containers leech microplastics into the food when heated.

Fermented food items are good for our bodies. While

some dairy products, like pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sourdough, are fermented and are anti-inflammatory, full-fat cheese, butter, and regular milk are inflammatory food items and should be avoided. Eggs and fermented cheeses (Parmesan, Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, or Goat cheese) are not inflammatory dairy products. (In the Philippines, fermented food items include buro and bagoong, among others.)

In the book, I also labelled soft drinks of any variety as “liquid candy poison, which increases the risk for metabolic syndrome, especially for our children, not only because of the sugar in them (natural or artificial), but also for the phosphoric acid they contain. (This acid could be used to clean car carburetors to remove rust and heavy deposits, but used cautiously because it could pose harm to internal brass and plated parts. That’s how corrosive it is. I use Coca-Cola only for unclogging sink drains.

More than exercise, which is a great part of a healthy lifestyle, diet has a greater effect on our microbiome, a state (of balance or imbalance of bacteria) in our gut system, directly affecting our immune system and general health as a whole. As I have said in this column in the past, “We are what we eat,” and that our oral, heart health, and our microbiome (gut health) determine our health and longevity.

These new governmental guidelines are an improvement over the old ones. It will take at least a decade to feel and see the effects of this diet pyramid on people’s health.

Simplified in my book: Plant-based protein, fish, chicken, a card-sized red meat, fermented foods, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, whole grain, and nuts, and severely reduced sugars (carbohydrates, like rice, bread, sweets). Besides quality, quantity is essential for the maintenance of weight and the prevention or management of diabetes.

What and how much food we put on our plate, as always, is in our hands.

Hope for Alzheimer’s

Researchers are studying “a compound with neuroprotective properties that may repair damage and recover cognitive function, which could restore levels of a vital cellular energy molecule and

reverse disease-related brain damage” in animal models. This prospect is welcome news and provides hope to the more than 55 million (projected to 100 million in 2050) around the world (7 million Americans and about 1 million Filipinos) with Alzheimer’s disease.

AI chatbot and suicide

There is no question that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here, and nothing can stop it. AI is one of the greatest achievements of man, but in the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for the world, just like many good devices on earth. AI is supposed to make us humans more comfortable, healthier, more efficient, more productive, more progressive, more secure, and live longer.

The UK nonprofit "Internet Matters" reveals that 64% of kids ages 9 to 17 have used an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot; among those users, 6 in 10 chat with one at least weekly… More than a third say it feels like talking to a friend, and 12% report they talk to chatbots because they have no one else to talk to.”

A devastating news, a warning: One of AI’s applications, the AI Chatbot, has alarmed the world about the tragedy of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old boy in California, who committed suicide, “misguided” by his chats with the imperfect AI Chatbot (algorithm), which did not possess the natural wisdom or compassion of a human. Chatbots are dangerous babysitters, companions, or mentors for young children or teenagers.

From the New York Times: This 16-year-old from California “began using ChatGPT for schoolwork but soon found himself discussing his plans to end his life with his ‘Chatbot friend.’ This went on for months. When Adam asked about suicide methods, ChatGPT supplied the information. When he uploaded a photo of his neck, raw from a noose, the bot advised him on how to hide the marks.” Adam was found dead on April 11, 2025, with no suicide note, just months of conversations with his 'best friend, the chatbot'.

The use of social media has aggravated this situation, tempting these children to develop internet “friendships” with Chatbots. We need legislation prohibiting children younger than 18 from using social media and

COMMUNITY

Did Win Gatchalian confirm his breakup with Bianca Manalo?

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

SENATOR Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian revealed that his love life is “non-existent,” seemingly confirming that his relationship with Bianca Manalo has ended.

Gatchalian briefly addressed his relationship status in an interview with Korina Sanchez on Wednesday, January 21, when the latter asked him about the topic.

“It’s non-existent,” he said matter-of-factly without mentioning Manalo’s name.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2009 titleholder has yet to comment on their relationship, as of this writing. However, the senator has yet to appear in her recent Instagram posts since late 2025.

Rumors of Gatchalian and Manalo’s relationship being on the rocks swirled since December 2023, after the beauty queen was accused of cheating on the senator with her “Magandang Dilag” co-star Rob Gomez after their intimate conversations were leaked on social media.

Screenshots of Gomez with

Manalo and Herlene Budol made rounds on the internet, both of which imply intimacy, with both women allegedly planning to meet up with the actor on separate occasions.

This led to Manalo claiming that sections of her conversations with Gomez were “deleted” for malicious reasons.

At the time, Gatchalian maintained his silence, although he vowed that he would always stand by her side.

“It is upsetting that our conversations were exposed without my consent, which is

a breach of privacy and the cause of so much online bashing. It is obvious that parts of our conversation were deleted to create malicious insinuations,” she said.

The couple was again hounded by breakup rumors in January 2025, although Gatchalian dodged questions about their relationship at the time.

“Alam niyo naman hindi ako nagko-comment sa personal life ko,” he said.

The couple started dating in 2018.

Claudine Barretto grateful to Kiko Estrada for saving her after on-set accident

by Jessica ann evanGelisTa Inquirer.net

CLAUDINE Barretto expressed gratitude to Kiko Estrada after he saved her during an undisclosed accident that happened during the taping of their TV5 series “Totoy Bato.”

Barretto took to her social media accounts on Thursday, Jan. 22, to thank Estrada for saving her, as she referred to him as her “hero.”

“My hero. My son, who took care of me. I’m alive because of this little boy. He hurt himself. Really bad,” said the

actress. “Everybody, please thank my baby boy. He saved my life.”

Estrada, who tried to downplay the accident, assured Barretto that she would always be safe on set.

Barretto also extended her thanks to the entire production team of “Totoy Bato,” including the cast, crew, stuntmen, directors, TV5 and Viva, as she used hashtags such as “saved,” “blessed” and “protected by God.”

The video also included a clip of Barretto being carried by Estrada. Her clothes ap-

peared bloodied, and she was having difficulty walking. It was not immediately known if it was related to the accident or just a scene from the series. Barretto recently made headlines after she expressed her appreciation for her ex-boyfriend and former onscreen partner Mark Anthony Fernandez on his 47th birthday.

The actress underscored she had no regrets about their relationship, as Fernandez was her “first love and first everything.” The duo recently reunited in “Totoy Bato.”

COMMUNITY

My encounter with U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson

Events,Places)

I HAVE previously written, on occasion, about MaryKay Loss Carlson in this column.

My most recent encounter with the outgoing United States ambassador to the Philippines came earlier this month, during an event that underscored both cultural exchange and the enduring ties between Washington and Manila.

I first saw Ambassador Carlson during the celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day at a hotel in Makati City. She stood out not through formality, but through an ease of presence marked by simplicity and warmth. At the gathering, she was in conversation with my relative Connie Guanzon-Garcia, the wife of diplomat Victor Garcia, with whom I once stayed briefly in Kobe, Japan.

The evening also brought together figures from diplomacy, society, and the arts, including glass sculptor Ramon Orlina and his wife, Atty. Lay Ann Lee Orlina, society columnist Becky Garcia, and Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino.

At a later point, I attempted to arrange an interview with Ambassador Carlson through the U.S. Embassy Manila’s Public Affairs Office. Despite earlier professional encounters with embassy officials at academic events, the request did not materialize into a response.

That changed on January 15, 2026, during the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls at the ITC Complex in Pasay City. The exhibition, managed by DTICITEM under Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo and supported by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, became the setting for a brief but timely exchange with Ambassador Carlson, who is set to conclude her posting.

In a short interview, she described 2026 as “a big year” for U.S.–Philippine relations. The year marks the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations, established on July 4, 1946, following Philippine independence. Joint commemorations are planned to highlight cooperation across trade, defense, and cultural exchange. She noted that while

official relations date to 1946, the diplomatic engagement between the two countries reaches further back, including early efforts by Filipino envoys at the turn of the 20th century.

Ambassador Carlson added that 2026 also coincides with several significant milestones: the 250th anniversary of American independence, the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, the 10th anniversary of the UNCLOS arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea, and the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN.

Though she will retire from her post at the end of the month, Carlson emphasized that her commitment to the bilateral relationship will not end with her departure.

“Even though I will leave the Philippines, I will continue to be a proponent of this relationship,” she said.

As she prepares to leave Manila, she reflected on her years in the country with evident affection.

“I will surely treasure my wonderful memories of the Philippines,” she added. Her tenure has left a visible imprint across diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people initiatives, and her departure will be felt across the communities she engaged.

*

More on Ambassador Carlson

Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson was nominated on February 4, 2022, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of the Philippines and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 5, 2022. She is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor.

Prior to her posting in Manila, she served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and earlier held similar roles in New Delhi, India. Her Washington assignments included serving as Principal Deputy Executive Secretary to the U.S. Secretary of State. A Foreign Service officer since 1985, she has held posts in China, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Mozambique, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic, among others. Her domestic roles include Director of the Secretary’s Executive Secretariat Staff and Deputy Director of Korean Affairs.

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, she earned a Bache-

lor of Arts degree in Spanish and International Studies from Rhodes College, and holds master’s degrees from Georgetown University in International Relations and from the National War College in National Security Studies. She is married to retired Foreign Service officer Aubrey Alexander Carlson, and they have two daughters.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com

chatbots, and parents should monitor their children more closely and be more available to converse with them at any time. Parental guidance is vital to these vulnerable children.

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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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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to

prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino

United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.