012426 - Los Angeles Edition

WAshiNGtoN, D.c. — the U.s house of representatives on January 22 approved the Department of homeland security’s annual funding measure as part of a broader $1.2 trillion federal spending package, sending the legislation to the senate days before a deadline to avert a partial government shutdown.

the homeland security bill passed on a 220–207 vote, overcoming firm Democratic leadership opposition tied largely to continued funding for immigration and customs enforcement. the measure now awaits senate consideration ahead of a January 30 funding deadline.

A narrow vote under deadline pressure house leaders moved the bill forward as part of a multi-bill appropriations package intended to keep federal agencies operating through the remainder of the fiscal year. supporters said the compressed

WAshiNGtoN, D.c — Beginning febru-

ary 1, 2026, the transportation security Administration (tsA) will begin charging a $45 fee to domestic airline travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a reAL iD-compliant credential or another tsA-accepted form of identification, according to official agency guidance.

the fee is part of a new tsA identity-verification option known as confirmiD, which allows travelers lacking compliant identification to attempt to proceed through security after completing additional verification steps. tsA has said the change is intended to recover administrative costs associated with enhanced screening and to place that burden on individual travelers rather than taxpayers.

Who must pay the fee

Under federal rules, travelers 18 years old and above are required to present acceptable identification for domestic air travel. to avoid the fee, passengers must show a reAL iD-compliant driver’s license or state iD, or another tsA-approved credential, in-

Impeachment complaints against Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. run into House procedural dispute

by AJPress

Constitution…to act on any impeachment complaint” and that it was the “plenary’s responsibility to refer any impeachment complaint to the House Committee on Justice after it has been included in the Calendar of Busi

ness. it’s the first time the

Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. remains in detention as the anti-graft court postpones arraignment to resolve pending motions in cases tied to an alleged anomalous flood control project in Bulacan

mANiLA — the sandiganbayan has deferred the arraignment of former senator ramon Bong revilla Jr.and six co-accused in graft and malversation cases linked to a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, citing unresolved defense motions that must

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 cov-

first be addressed before pleas can be entered. in orders issued this week, the anti-graft court reset the arraignment and pre-trial proceedings to february 9, 2026, and directed both the defense and prosecution to complete the submission of pleadings u PAGE 2

may have fled the Philippines

Manhunt continues for Atong Ang as authorities assess reports he

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

mANiLA — Philippine authorities said friday 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. 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.

Police say Ang is the only accused still unaccounted for the Philippine National Po-

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

Impeachment complaints against...

PAGE 1

violation of the constitution, and betrayal of public trust.

house secretary-General

cheloy Garafil confirmed that the complaint, endorsed by rep. Jernie Jett Nisay of the Pusong Pinoy party-list, was transmitted to the office of speaker faustino Dy iii the transmission marks the start of the internal house process. Under house rules, once an impeachment complaint is included in the order of Business, it must be referred to the house committee on justice for determination of sufficiency in form and substance. referral initiates formal review and does not pre-judge any outcome.

January 22 and 23 attempts not accepted on January 22 and January 23, at least two additional impeachment complaints were attempted to be filed at the office of the secretary-General but were not accepted.

former Bayan muna lawmakers teddy casiño and Neri colmenares sought to lodge a 37page impeachment complaint. separately, a group of supporters of Vice President sara Duterte, led by former ilocos sur governor Luis chavit singson and former congressman mike Defensor, also attempted to submit a complaint.

house staff declined to receive the documents, citing the absence of Garafil, who was reportedly in taiwan for an official engagement. one of the secretary-general’s tasks under house procedure is to receive verified and duly endorsed impeachment complaints and transmit them to the speaker.

Complainants dispute refusal the complainants challenged the refusal, arguing that delivery to the office of the secretary-General should constitute filing under the constitution and house rules. casiño said it was not the complainants’ fault that the secretary-general was absent. colmenares said the act of receiving an impeachment complaint is ministerial and questioned the refusal to accept the documents.

A video shared by makabayan lawmakers showed house executive director Jose marmoi salonga declining to accept the impeachment complaint, saying he lacked authority to receive it.

After attempts to have the document marked “received” were unsuccessful, the complainants left a copy inside the office.

Defensor later said their group was considering other legal options, including a possible petition before the supreme court, without elaborating.

Endorsements and allegations cited makabayan bloc lawmakers, including reps. sarah elago, renee co, and Antonio tinio, said they endorsed the complaint filed by colmenares and allied complainants. the makabayan-backed complaint cited three articles of impeachment: alleged institutionalization of systemic corruption and patronage, alleged abuse of discretionary power over unprogrammed appropriations, and alleged direct involvement in kickback schemes. these remain allegations and have not been supported by publicly available court findings or official investigative reports.

Lawmakers stress constitutional process Lanao del sur rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the absence of the secretary-general should not derail constitutional handling of impeachment matters.

“impeachment is a serious constitutional mechanism,” Adiong said. he emphasized that once a verified complaint is received and processed, the house is required to act through established procedures, including referral to the committee on justice, which does not pre-judge the outcome.

Palace response At malacañang, Presidential communications office Undersecretary claire castro said the President did not commit any impeachable offense and rejected allegations raised in the complaints.

castro said complainants must substantiate claims involving budget mechanisms, including what critics described as a “baselined balanced managed” or BBm parametric formula, which the administration has denied. she added that the president remains focused on governance and that public services will continue uninterrupted.

House procedure and thresholds

As of January 24, 2026, house officials have publicly confirmed receipt and transmission only of the January 19 complaint filed by de Jesus. complaints attempted on January 22 and 23 were not formally accepted, according to house staff and contemporaneous media reporting. Under house rules, only impeachment complaints formally received and included in the order of Business may be referred to the committee on justice. Without majority support in the house, impeachment proceedings cannot advance to the senate for trial. for now, house leaders and Palace officials continue to stress that impeachment remains a constitutional process governed by rules and timelines, even as disputes over filing and receipt play out within the legislature. n

Sandro Marcos: No House roadblock to...

ther since last week, as he faces allegations of betrayal of public trust in relation to the multibillion-dollar flood control scandal and how he handled the national budget since he took office. the first complaint, filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus, primarily accuses him of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the constitution, among others, for allegedly ordering and enabling the kidnapping and surrender of ex-President rodrigo Duterte to the international criminal court (icc), and being a drug addict whose condition impairs his judgment and leadership. critics however have slammed his complaint as weak in form and substance, prompting militant group Bagong Alyansang

Sandiganbayan defers

within prescribed deadlines. the court said it would first resolve procedural challenges raised by the accused before moving the cases forward.

No plea was taken during the most recent court appearance, as the divisions handling the cases indicated that outstanding motions remain under consideration.

Detention following surrender revilla surrendered to authorities on the evening of January 19 after the sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants in connection with the cases. he was subsequently ordered detained at the New Quezon city Jail in Barangay Bagong silang, Payatas, a facility operated by the Bureau of

Revilla arraignment...

Jail management and Penology. in its commitment order, the court directed that the accused shall not be moved, removed, transferred, or otherwise released unless ordered by the Court.” Allegations in the case the charges stem from alleged irregularities in the implementation of a government-funded flood control project in Bulacan. Prosecutors allege that public funds were misused or improperly disbursed in connection with the project, giving rise to charges under the Anti-Graft and corrupt Practices Act and provisions of the revised Penal code on malversation. the court has not ruled on the merits of the accusations. the cases are separate from the pork barrel proceedings in which re-

Manhunt continues for Atong

1

lice 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 warrants 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 P10

villa was acquitted in 2018. Defense motions pending revilla’s legal team has filed motions seeking, among others, the dismissal or quashal of the criminal informations, citing alleged procedural and legal deficiencies. similar motions have been filed by counsel for the other accused. in earlier public remarks, revilla said he would face the charges while expressing concern over what he described as lapses in due process prior to the issuance of the arrest warrants. Court review to determine next phase of proceedings At the february 9 hearing, the sandiganbayan is expected to rule on the pending motions and determine whether the cases will proceed to formal arraignment. only after these issues are resolved can the accused be required to enter pleas and the cases move to pre-trial. Any consideration of bail, where allowed by law, remains subject to the discretion of the court and applicable statutes. Until further orders are issued, revilla will remain in detention. Under Philippine law, the filing of criminal charges and the issuance of arrest warrants do not constitute a finding of guilt. An accused is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise by final judgment. n

Ang as...

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

Hontiveros flags withheld Discaya ledger...

ering only the period from 2022 onward, leaving out documents from 2016 to 2022 that she said coincide with the early expansion 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. Prosecutors 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

House advances DHS funding as ICE...

timeline left little room for renegotiation, while critics argued that urgency was used to sidestep deeper policy disputes over immigration enforcement. Funding levels and departmental scope Under the legislation, the Department of h omeland s ecurity would receive approximately $64.4 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal year 2026. About $10 billion of that amount would be directed to ice , keeping the agency’s budget near current levels. the Dhs allocation also covers a wide range of non-immigration functions, including disaster response and recovery, aviation and transportation security, maritime operations, protective services, and cybersecurity initiatives. republican lawmakers emphasized those missions in arguing for passage despite controversy surrounding ice

Democratic objections center on enforcement oversight house Democrats said their

opposition was rooted in what they described as insufficient limits and accountability measures governing ice operations. Lawmakers pointed to concerns over enforcement tactics, detention practices, and use-of-force standards, arguing that congress should impose clearer statutory guardrails as immigration enforcement activity increases in multiple cities. the debate intensified after a recent ice-related shooting in minneapolis drew protests and renewed scrutiny of the agency. Democratic lawmakers stressed that investigations into the incident are ongoing, but said the episode highlighted longstanding concerns about oversight and transparency.

Negotiated changes fall short for critics

Democrats involved in appropriations talks said the final bill included some concessions, including adjustments to specific enforcement and detention line items and additional funding for internal

oversight functions. Party leaders, however, maintained that those changes did not meaningfully alter ice’s operational authority or justify supporting the measure.

A small number of Democrats voted with republicans, citing the need to keep the government open and fund essential Dhs functions, but the majority of the caucus opposed the bill. Senate action looms the senate is expected to take up the house-passed funding package in the coming days. Any amendments would require further house approval before the measure could be sent to the president. failure to enact funding by the end of the month would result in a partial shutdown affecting Dhs and other agencies covered by the package. the house vote underscores the persistent divide over immigration enforcement, even as congress moves under deadline pressure to complete its annual spending work. (AJPress)

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Handa ang experts naming tumulong sa Tagalog, para di ka masyadong nag-aalala tungkol sa health plans, para mas maalala mong tuloy-tuloy lang ang buhay. Bukod dito, apat sa limang enrollees ang nakakakuha ng tulong pangpinansyal para makabayad ng health insurance.

Magtatapos ang enrollment sa January 31. Siguraduhing maging covered ngayon.

Pusong kapwaCalifornian

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

Pres. 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

mANiLA — Philippine President ferdinand marcos Jr. on thursday sought to dispel speculation about his health after a brief hospital observation, saying doctors diagnosed him with diverticulitis, a condition he described as manageable and not life-threatening. in a video released by the Presidential communications office, marcos said he was recov-

ering 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 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

Alex Eala confirmed to play in first Philippine Women’s Open

by Gideon Tinsay Philstar.com

PiNAy 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 open

is the country's first-ever WtA 125 event. it will take place at the newly-refurbished rizal memorial tennis center from

Jan. 26 to 31. PWo has already awarded eala a wildcard entry in the inaugural tourney. n

TSA to charge $45 for travelers flying without...

plunder rap vs VP Sara Duterte...

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 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 crimi-

nal 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 “diverted, 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 one-year 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)

though placement varies by state. travelers with passports or other accepted federal iDs do not need a reAL iD to fly domestically. for others, obtaining compliant identification remains the most reliable way to avoid fees and delays. (AJPress)

DAteline PhiliPPines

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. 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

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 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).

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 con-

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 Government 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

tract, 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 Le-

viste 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

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 locate 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 magAsawang 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 under-

cesses. n

Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific time on monday, february 16, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. Dr138367. for a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email carolina Gyodakyan at gyodakyanc@metro.net. 1/24/26 cNs-4004014# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

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.

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 impeachment reflects institutional gravity rather than transient political

the big difference between the Philippines and the Asian nations (south Korea, thailand, Vietnam) that have overtaken our economy over the last 40 years is having a robust manufacturing sector. even china was not a manufacturing giant when i first visited in 1982. A multitude of people all wearing the blue mao jacket crowded the main avenue leading to tiananmen square in Beijing on their bicycles. Not too many cars. some of our leaders, like mar roxas when he was trade and industry secretary, thought we could leapfrog development from agriculture to services without going through manufacturing. And our PhD-in-economics president at the time agreed with him. that seemed good for a while as we experienced success in the service sector (BPo). But many economists believe roxas’s strategy overlooked the fundamental role of manufacturing in creating resilient, diversified economies,

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 education 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.

pressure. in that sense, the filing places responsibility squarely on congress, not to decide guilt or innocence, but to determine whether the 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, 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

Made in the Philippines

leading to ongoing debate about whether the country missed a vital stage of industrialization. Besides, excess farm labor cannot be absorbed by BPos. We were never that good in our past feeble attempts at manufacturing. filipino baby boomers like me remember our growing up years and how “made in the Philippines” was dismissed as inferior, bad quality. Despite politicians mouthing filipino first, filipino consumers who can afford, chose to buy imported products because of quality concerns. most of our rent-seeking so-called industrialists were not worried about the low quality of their products because high tariffs protected them from foreign competition. it was something like “made in Japan” in those years being similarly considered inferior. But the Japanese worked on improving their reputation and soon after, “made in Japan” was considered equal if not better than “made in the UsA” like cars and electronics, for example. in our case, the few pioneers who ventured into import substituting manufacturing also ended up losing their businesses to marcos’ cronies after martial

Law was declared. such was the experience of the late industrialist Domingo Guevara of the DmG Group. his radiowealth which produced affordable radio, television sets and other appliances eventually lost out to roberto Benedicto, a marcos crony. Benedicto was allowed to import 12-inch blackand-white television sets tax free under a Letter of instruction issued by then president marcos sr. DmG also lost his Volkswagen assembly business after marcos allowed other companies to import finished cars. this undercut DmG’s operations because the imported finished vehicles competed directly with locally assembled ones, often at lower cost. the DmG experience comes to mind as my Viber Group of economists started a hot discussion of why we never had an industrial policy. that, in turn, was sparked by the news that francisco motors corp. (fmc) pulled the plug on its P52.1-billion project to build an integrated electric and hydrogen vehicle manufacturing facility in a special economic zone in Bicol. francisco motors chairman u PAGE 7

When denials amount to nothing

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 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

the rules governing impeachment were deemed to have been breached. As of now, there is no active impeachment

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 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 considered 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 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 sal-

vatore “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 waitu PAGE 7

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 hard-earned 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

At the top of President marcos’ mind at the moment must be three things: his plunging trust rating, the public works corruption investigation, and the impeachment of Vice President sara Duterte, but not necessarily in that order of importance. his handling of the corruption investigation is like a fulcrum that will affect his trust rating on one hand, and impact any move to impeach VP sara on the other hand.

the president’s trust rating is affected by the results of the corruption investigation, because the whole country is enraged and scandalized by the magnitude of the amounts pocketed by senators, congresspersons, public work officials, and contractors, according to testimonies. All eyes and ears are waiting for the results of the investigations, particularly on the question of who will be sued and imprisoned. if

the public sees that only individuals deemed “small fish” are made answerable, it will cause the President’s trust rating to plummet further. if the investigation results in the prosecution and imprisonment of current and former high-ranking officials, it will elevate the trust rating of the president.

At least three former cabinet members are mentioned as being involved in the corruption scandal: former Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) secretary manuel Bonoan, former Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin.

At least five current senators are also linked to the scandal: sen. Joel Villanueva, sen. chiz escudero, sen. Jinggoy estrada, sen. Bong Go, and sen. mark Villar.

At least four current members of the house of representatives are identified with the scandal: former speaker martin romualdez, Davao city rep. Paolo Duterte, cWs party list rep. edwin Gardiola, and Act-cis party list rep. edvic yap. At least three former senators and a congressperson

are mentioned as being tainted with the scandal: former sen. Bong revilla, former sen. Nancy Binay, former sen. Grace Poe, and former Ako Bicol party list rep. Zaldy co. only revilla and co have been charged before the sandiganbayan, with revilla surrendering to the police just a few days ago, while co has escaped abroad. Also charged, in addition to the two, are former mid-ranking officials of the DPWh and private contractors, the largest of whom is sarah Discaya. the corruption investigation will affect the impeachment of VP sara because the senators and congresspersons who are under investigation, and who anticipate being charged under the marcos administration, will be expected to help defeat the impeachment complaint. these lawmakers will calculate that the lifeline they extend to the VP’s political survival will be reciprocated with the dismissal of the charges against them if she wins the presidency in 2028. these legislators will be looking at how, under the

u PAGE 7

Impeachment as a constitutional...

PAGE 6

plaint 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 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)

Made in the Philippines

elmer francisco told Bilyonaryo. com they faced hurdles from the fiscal incentives review Board that made it difficult to proceed. he said their request to see BBm was also ignored. fmc will instead put up its facility in china. it is also setting up a research and development hub and a manufacturing facility in california where it is claimed, they are being offered “top- tier incentives.” they plan to export vehicles to African markets from china while california’s facility will serve Latin America. they claim they are now present in 25 African countries and will deploy about 100,000 electric jeepneys annually over the next 15 years.

A Viber colleague checked with the PeZA on what really happened and was told francisco was just trying to conjure excuses because they didn’t have enough money to launch their project. francisco, however, told Bilyonaryo.com that they plan to increase their investment to $5 billion to cover their expanded market.

francisco also said that they “would very much want to invest in the Philippines if only our government would not give us a hard time and instead give us much needed support.” maybe it is red tape. maybe it is simply the inability of Dof technocrats to properly appre-

ciate the value of the entrepreneurial venture. or maybe fmc doesn’t have all the money it needs to launch.

But the absence of an industrial policy since independence could also explain the inability of our technocrats to appreciate the entrepreneurial mindset of this pioneering filipino family in manufacturing.

having a good industrial policy is getting a second look as dissatisfaction increases with liberalization outcomes.

Dr. toots Albert of PiDs pointed out in a response to a facebook post, that the Philippines’ long-standing reliance on open markets alone has not delivered sustained industrial upgrading, export diversification or productivity growth.

scholars and policymakers often argue that our country lacked a sustained, coherent and strongly state-led industrial policy like those seen in many east Asian newly industrialized economies. in addition, geographic logistics challenges (island geography, congested ports) and high utilities costs have made it harder to integrate into international manufacturing supply chains compared with our neighbors. Persistent red tape and regulatory unpredictability have also frustrated investors.

Dr. Albert explains that industrial policy is not a free lunch, but

neither is laissez-faire. “Competition, quality education, openness, innovation, policy consistency, good governance and strong institutions, and real reforms are needed.

“The blame cannot be purely on the public sector (though it has its weaknesses). We should also be critical of conglomerates that have focused on non-tradable services rather than expanding their markets globally. These are the same conglomerates that have put up barriers to entry in collusion with regulators.” today, we rank second to the last among 11 countries covered by Asia manufacturing index 2026, slipping one notch from our ninth-place finish last year, amid persistent infrastructure and governance challenges. We are only ahead of cellar-dweller Bangladesh. Without an export-oriented manufacturing sector like our neighbors, we have become big importers of almost everything. then we export our people to earn the forex needed. so much to catch up on. (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.

* * * Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on X @boochanco PAGE 6

When denials amount to...

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, pointblank: “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

The President’s dilemma

6

rodrigo Duterte administration, charges filed by the previous Noynoy Aquino administration against high-ranking politicians were either dismissed or granted bail, and then the cases were eventually dismissed. the reality for the marcos administration is that no amount of rosy economic results will be able to conceal or obscure any insincere or unsatisfactory action it takes on the corruption scandal. the citizenry is so enraged at the shamelessness and enormity, especially of the ghost flood control projects, that it wants nothing short of the arrest and prosecution of incumbent senators and congresspersons implicated in the scandal. But how many and who among those involved will be considered satisfactory by a furious citizenry? Will the marcos administration use the threat of prosecution as a sword of Damocles that will hang over the heads of incumbent senators to make them vote for VP sara’s impeachment? Will the marcos administration consider the impeachment of VP sara as its most critical objective—trumping any concern on its trust rating and the corruption scandal—because it will ensure

the marcoses’ safety and survival beyond 2028? Will the former cabinet members under investigation use the threat of either truthfully or falsely exposing malacañang’s involvement in the corruption scandal to prevent their prosecution? Will the ruling government drag its feet in the corruption investigation, hoping that the citizenry’s attention and fury will eventually wane and dissipate? it’s a tale as old as time. A citizenry demands the exercise of

principled, moral, and ethical idealpolitik. A sitting sovereign decides to wield pragmatic, power-based, and vested interest-driven realpolitik. (Inquirer. net)

Of state witnesses and big, bold...

and-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

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION

AUTHORITY

(LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID

LAcmtA will receive electronic Bids for oP138874 - metro eXPressLANes chANNeLiZers by email to bids@metro.net. A Virtual Pre-Bid conference will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 2:00 p.m. for details, please see the copy of the Bid specification as referenced below. All Bids must be submitted to LAcmtA on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday, february 18, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. oP138874. for a copy of the Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email ricardo Narvaez at narvaezr@ metro.net.

1/24/26

cNs-4005454# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

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)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN

TRANSPORTATION

AUTHORITY (LACMTA)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LAcmtA will receive Proposals for Ae136840eN090 - environmental Waste handling and construction services rfPat the 9th floor receptionist Desk, Vendor/contract management Department, one Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, cA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on tuesday, January 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m., virtually by visiting: https://teams.microsoft.com/ meet/29386520537194?p=mkyhfKup0Jufrr69XU. microsoft teams is required. All Proposals must be submitted to LAcmtA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/cm Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific time on monday, march 16, 2026. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. Ae136840eN090. for a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email John tor at torj@metro.net. 1/24/26 cNs-4003997# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

and staff.

* * * Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail. com

Navigating the child custody move away process in California

Barrister’s Corner

atty. Kenneth uRsua Reyes

THE high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move to are Texas, Arizona, Nevada, or Florida where the cost of living is lower and taxes are less or non-existent. However, if a parent with shared custody wants to move away with the children, they must follow a specific legal process to ensure the move is in the child’s best interests. The move has to be allowed by the court through a court order because it will affect the non-moving parent’s custody/ visitation rights. A parent cannot simply decide to move with the children without a court order.

With the distance between the parents, the existing custody and visitation orders will no longer work out.

If a child custody order is in effect, the moving parent must notify the other parent that they intend to move, and oftentimes, they must often bring a request to modify the child custody and visitation order to court.

The parent planning to move must provide written notice to the other parent at least 45 days before the intended move date. The notice should include the new address and contact information, the reason for the move, the proposed new custody and visitation arrangements.

The parents can try to reach an agreement on the move and the new custody/visitation schedule can be tuned into a court order by signing a stipulation and order for the move away containing the new custody/visitation orders.

This would be the best case scenario where the parents are working together on deciding whether the child gets to move with the other parent and what the new custody schedule is going to be.

If the parents cannot agree, the moving parent must file a Request for Order (RFO) to relocate with the court. The RFO should explain

the reasons for the move and how it is in the child’s best interests.

The Court will set a hearing on the move away request. Often, the Family Court in Los Angeles would order a Parenting Plan Assessment (PPA2) in which a custody evaluator will evaluate the facts of your case and make a recommendation to the Court whether to allow the move away and what the new custody/ visitation order is going to be.

The parties will have a chance to examine the evaluator in court and present their own witnesses. The legal analysis in a moveaway situation depend on the current custody arrangement.

A parent with sole physical custody of a child has the presumptive right to change the child’s residence, subject to the court’s ability to prevent a relocation that would “prejudice the rights or welfare” of the child, pursuant to Family Code 7501, which states: (a) A parent entitled to the custody of a child has a right to change the residence of the child, subject to the power of the court to restrain a removal that would prejudice the rights or welfare of the child. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to affirm the decision in In re Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25, and to declare that ruling to be the public policy and law of this state. Moreover, under California child custody law the custodial parent does not have to show that the move is “necessary,” assuming the parent is moving in good faith. (See Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25).

The non-custodial parent can then challenge the relocation by requesting a custody modification based on a showing of changed circumstances and detriment to the child. As discussed in Burgess, the non-custodial parent must show a substantial change in circumstances rendering it “essential or expedient for the welfare of the children” that there be a custody change. Family courts are given the widest discretion to fashion orders and make determinations under these circumstances because each case is unique and these orders determine where, and with whom, minor children will live based on the La Musga factors.

The LaMusga Court provided

California family judges with a roadmap for deciding whether to modify a custody order in light of a parent’s proposal to change the residence of the child. The following is a checklist of the LaMusga factors family courts will consider:

• The child’s interest in stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement.

• A significant change in circumstances.

• The distance of the move.

• The age of the child.

• The social impact of the move on the child.

• The impact on the child’s education.

• The child’s relationship with both parents.

• The relationship between parents.

• The wishes of the child.

• The reason for the move.

• The extent to which the parents are currently sharing custody.

Move-aways are generally “all or nothing” matters, since there is very little middle ground when one parent proposes to move the child to another state and the other parent is requesting the opposite. The distance becomes a real limitation in crafting a custody arrangement that would be in the best interest of the child. This process can be complicated thus parties are best served having experienced and highly skilled legal representation.

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.

* * * Attorney Kenneth Reyes is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Immigration and Family Law Sections. You may contact Atty. Reyes at (213) 388-1611 or via e-mail at kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA. (Advertising Supplement)

Health @Heart

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

My encounter with U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson

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 GuanzonGarcia, 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 DTI-CITEM 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

New diet guidelines

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: Plantbased 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.

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 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.

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

* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or 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

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 Bachelor 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

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 Trust and faith that attract

FRIENDS,

As we enter this new year, I have been reflecting deeply on the virtue of trust. I believe it is something we all need these days—to trust in God’s providence, guidance, and healing grace. To trust means to surrender our lives to Him, along with all our cares and concerns. However, to truly entrust everything to God, we must remember one essential matter: reflecting on our past to see how He has taken care of us and listened to our prayers. By doing this, we reach a moment of deep gratitude toward Him and cultivate within our hearts and minds the courage to trust in our Lord. Even the experience of a loved one’s death can lead us to feel gratitude for the strength to overcome grief.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, the disciples demonstrated this courageous trust in our Lord by following Him. They left their nets behind to become “fishers of men.”

The Holy Spirit must have moved in their hearts to follow Jesus, as they had been hearing about His teachings and miracles. There was something about Jesus that strongly attracted them.

In our Christian lives, the ways we manifest love and concern for others can also draw people to follow Jesus. For example, this past week, I was moved by the story of two priests from the Diocese of

San Francisco—Fr. Rey Reyes and Fr. Francis Garbo. Fr. Rey, along with his family, parishioners, fellow clergy, friends, and others, has been praying for a kidney donor who would be a match for his body. Dozens of potential donors have come forward, but none have been suitable until Fr. Francis Garbo, a long-time friend of Fr. Rey, offered to help. They are now preparing for the transplant and hope for a successful recovery. They are asking for prayers from everyone. Their story is deeply moving and deserves to be shared widely. It exemplifies trust, answered prayer, friendship, and solidarity. It touches hearts and inspires people to have faith in God and to believe in the genuine faith of a community. Let us join their families, communities, and friends in praying for the success of Fr. Rey’s kidney transplant. Let’s continue to sow seeds of faith, kindness, mercy, and love. Let’s be a community that responds to the needs of others. Our successful Advent Tree Giving campaign, which raised over $6,000 to support the nutrition program of the Sisters of Social Service for the impoverished children of Paliparan, Cavite, in the Philippines, demonstrates our parish’s generosity and inspires us on our faith journey. There are many more ways we can show ourselves as true disciples of

PHILCONGEN LA attends consumer electronics show 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV – The Phil-

ippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, represented by Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, Political and Economic Officer

Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon, and Protocol Officer Elvis Tamayo, attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada from 0608 January 2026. CES is a world-renowned tech show where leading tech companies unveil their latest innovations, from groundbreaking concepts in AI, smart homes, mobility, digital health,bringing together industry leaders, media, and influencers to shape the future of consumer technology. This year’s iteration of CES drew 148,000 participants, an increase of 4% from last year.

An estimated 55,000 travelled to Las Vegas from 150 countries, 200 government officials and over 300 Fortune 500 companies were in attendance. The Philippines was represented by the semiconductor industry through the Semicon-

These 3 Policy moves are likely to change health care for older people

by Paula SPan KKF Health News

MONTH after month, Patricia Hunter and other members of the Nursing Home Reform Coalition logged onto video calls with congressional representatives, seeking support for a proposed federal rule setting minimum staff levels for nursing homes.

Finally, after decades of advocacy, the Biden administration in 2023 tackled the problem of perennial understaffing of longterm care facilities. Officials backed a Medicare regulation that would mandate at least 3.48 hours of care from nurses and aides per resident, per day, and would require a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The mandated hours were lower than supporters hoped for, said Hunter, who directs Washington state’s long-term care ombudsman program. But “I’m a pragmatic person, so I thought, this is a good start,” she said. “It would be helpful, for enforcement, to have a federal law.”

In 2024, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services adopted the standards, advocates celebrated. But industry lawsuits soon blocked most of the rule, with two federal district courts finding that Medicare had exceeded its regulatory authority.

And after the 2024 elections, Hunter said, “I was concerned about the changing of the guard.” Her concerns proved well founded.

In July, as part of Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congress prohibited Medicare from implementing the staffing standards before 2034. Last month, CMS repealed the standards altogether. They never took effect.

“It was devastating,” Hunter said.

As with environmental law and consumer protections, the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for deregulation has undone longsought rules to improve care for the aged. And it has introduced a Medicare experiment for prior authorizations, now getting underway in six states, that has alarmed advocates, congressional Democrats, and a good number of older Americans.

Taken together, the moves will affect many of the facilities and workers providing care and introduce complications in health coverage in several states.

On the nursing home front, “it’s clear CMS has no interest in ensuring adequate staffing,” said Sam Brooks, the director of public policy for the National Consumer Voice for Quality LongTerm Care.

“They’re repealing a regulation that could have saved 13,000 lives a year,” he added, citing an analysis by University of Pennsylvania researchers.

Industry groups argued that nursing homes, with high rates of staff turnover, were already struggling to fill vacancies.

The staffing mandate “was requiring nursing homes to hire an additional 100,000 caregivers that simply don’t exist,” said Holly Harmon, a senior vice president at the American Health Care Association.

The organization had brought one of the suits that largely vacated the rule. “Facilities would have been forced to limit admissions or downsize to comply with the requirements, or close altogether,” Harmon said.

For supporters, the action is now likely to shift to updating requirements in 35 states, along with the District of Columbia, that have already established some nursing home staff standards, and to developing them in those that haven’t.

Rules for Home Help

A second rescinded regulation, this one more unexpected, brought about upheaval in July, when the Labor Department announced a return to a policy excluding home care workers from

the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Some history: Dating back to the New Deal, the FLSA mandated that workers receive the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25 an hour) and overtime pay. It exempted most “domestic service workers” until 1975, when a new Labor Department regulation included them — with the exception of home care workers.

“There was a misinterpretation of home care work as being casual, nonprofessional, non-skilled,” the equivalent of teenage babysitting, said Kezia Scales, a vice president at PHI, a national research and advocacy organization. “Just someone popping into your mother’s house now and then and keeping her company.”

For almost 40 years, workers and their supporters lobbied to change the rule, seeing it as a contributor to the low wages and meager benefits of a swiftly growing workforce, one made up primarily of women and minority groups, with many immigrants.

In 2013, the Labor Department responded with a rule that brought home care workers under the labor act, entitled to minimum wage, time and a half for overtime work, and payment for travel time between clients.

After industry lawsuits failed to overturn it, “everything settled down,” Scales said. “It was in place successfully for a decade.”

Home care workers brought hundreds of compliance complaints annually. In 87% of them, the Labor Department found violations of the labor act, according to a 2020 Government Accountability Office report.

Since 2013, home care agencies have paid about $158 million in back wages, PHI has calculated.

Then in July, the Labor Department abruptly announced that it would return to the 1975 regulations and stop enforcing the 2013 rule, which it said “had negative effects on the ground” and hindered consumer access to care.

The agencies employing most home care workers, primarily funded through Medicaid, would agree. “Many workers never got any benefit from this,” said Da-

mon Terzaghi, a vice president at the National Alliance for Care at Home.

“States made a lot of moves to essentially absolve themselves of any responsibility,” he said. A 2020 federal report, for example, found that 16 states had capped Medicaid-covered home care hours at 40, thus averting overtime payment.

The alliance, which estimates that the number of impacted agencies and businesses has declined by 30% since 2013, supported the rescission. Scales, who hopes for congressional action, called it “a shocking step backward.”

Where they concur is that the United States has never really committed to sufficiently funding long-term care at home. With the July legislation setting the stage for a $914 billion cut to Medicaid over the coming decade, that seems unlikely to change anytime soon.

Medicare’s AI Referee

Beyond rolling back policies for care of the aged, the Trump administration has established a pilot program to introduce one to traditional Medicare: prior authorization, using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

Touting it as a boon to taxpayers, Medicare calls it WISeR — Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction.

Prior authorization, in which private insurers review proposed treatments before agreeing to pay for them, is widely used in Medicare Advantage plans despite its unpopularity with patients, doctors, and health care organizations. It has rarely been used in traditional Medicare.

This month, however, WISeR debuts in six states (Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington) in a six-year trial to determine whether review by tech companies can reduce costs and improve efficiency, while maintaining or improving quality of care.

Initially, WISeR targets 17 items and services that CMS said “historically have had a higher risk of waste, fraud and abuse.” The list includes knee arthrosco-

py for arthritis, electrical nerve stimulation devices for several conditions, and treatment for impotence.

The pilot program excludes emergency services and inpatient hospital care, or care where delay poses “a substantial risk.” Algorithmic denials will trigger review by “an appropriately licensed human clinician.” The tech companies get “a share of averted expenditures.”

“It injects some of the worst of Medicare Advantage into traditional Medicare,” said David Lipschutz, co-director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. The six vendors that approve or reject treatments “have a financial stake in the outcomes,” he said, and therefore “an incentive to deny care.”

Moreover, the CMS Innovation Center overseeing the pilot could theoretically bypass Congress and expand prior authorization to include more medical services in more states.

The agency did not respond to questions about what kind of human clinicians would review denials, except to say that they would have “relevant experience” and that tech companies would be “financially penalized for inappropriate denials, high appeal rates or poor performance.”

It plans an “independent, federally funded evaluation” and will release public reports annually.

Democrats in Congress have introduced bills in both houses to repeal WISeR. “We should be reducing red tape in Medicare, not creating new hurdles that second-guess health care providers,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington, one of the bill’s sponsors.

For now, though, WISeR has opened for business, receiving prior authorization requests through its electronic portals.

“The New Old Age” is produced through a partnership with The New York Times.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

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

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

que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier

pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos

manera de cualquier propiedad, inmueble o personal, ya sea comunitaria, cuasicomunitaria o separada, sin el consentimiento escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte, excepto en el curso habitual de actividades personales y comerciales o para satisfacer las necesidades de la vida; y

4. crear o modificar una transferencia no testamentaria de manera que afecte la asignación de una propiedad sujeta a transferencia, sin el consentimiento por escrito de la otra parte o una orden de la corte. Antes de que se pueda eliminar la revocación de una transferencia no

PAL’s 85th year signals global turn with new flagship

PASAY CITY — As it marks 85 years of flight, Philippine Airlines (PAL) signaled a global turn with the unveiling of its first Airbus A3501000, becoming the first airline in Southeast Asia to operate the longrange widebody. In a landmark ceremony held at Lufthansa Technik Philippines, Macroasia Economic Zone, Villamor Airbase, PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III welcomed President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, together with top government officials and dignitaries, to witness this momentous event.

PAL Holdings President Lucio C. Tan III reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting the country’s tourism growth and strengthening its competitiveness on the global stage: “The A350-1000 aircraft stands as a powerful symbol of our resurgence. It represents our confidence to compete globally, while remaining deeply rooted in who we are as Filipinos. In many ways, the arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 mirrors the Philippines today: resilient, forward-looking, and prepared to engage the world with confidence.”

“As Philippine Airlines continues its transformation, we remain mindful that our journey is inseparable from that of our country,” he said. “Our role as the flag carrier is not simply commercial. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously. We exist to connect people, support livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development, consistent with the ideals of Bagong Pilipinas.”

The new flagship features the airline’s iconic “Sunrise” livery accented with a commemorative “85 Years” decal, reflecting both its legacy and its forward-looking ambitions. Five A350-1000 aircraft are scheduled to join the fleet in 2026, with the remaining three arriving in 2027.

President Marcos led guests in touring the state-of-the-art aircraft, which is set to elevate PAL’s long-haul transpacific services to the U.S. Mainland and Canada. Configured in a spacious tri-class layout, the A350-1000 accommodates 382 passengers, with 42 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 316 in Economy.

The cabin experience, developed in partnership with aircraft cabin design studio Lift Aero Design, places a strong emphasis on comfort, privacy, and functionality. The “Mabuhay Studios” Business Class features 42 full-flat suites with sliding doors for enhanced privacy, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout to ensure every passenger has direct aisle access. Each suite is equipped with a 20-inch 4K personal entertainment screen. Complimentary full flight messaging, browsing, and streaming are available via inflight Wi-Fi. Additional amenities include in-seat power outlets, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and wireless charging docks.

Premium Economy features spacious recliner seats designed for enhanced comfort, each equipped with its own legrest and footrest. Passengers enjoy the convenience of private mini-cocktail tables, multiple stowage options, in-seat power outlets, as well as both USB-A and USB-C charging ports to keep devices powered. The 13.3-inch 4K personal entertainment screens offer a superior in-flight viewing experience. Additionally, complimentary full-flight messaging and browsing via inflight Wi-Fi ensure passengers stay connected from takeoff to landing.

Economy Class raises comfort standards with a 32-inch seat pitch, generous recline, adjustable four-way headrests, built-in personal mo

bile device holders, and both USB-A and USB-C charging ports. These thoughtful ergonomic features help make long-haul travel more restful and enjoyable.

Beyond the cabin, the A350-1000 sets a new benchmark in sustainable aviation, delivering up to a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft and offering compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Enhanced cargo capacity further strengthens PAL’s logistics and freight operations.

Recognized as Asia Pacific’s Most On-Time Airline for 2025, PAL continues to demonstrate operational excellence. The milestone event was also marked by the launch of a new jingle—performed by Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, and Martin Nievera—capturing the spirit of 85 years of shaping Philippine aviation.

With the addition of the A350-1000, PAL’s fleet now stands at 82 aircraft. The acquisition underscores the airline’s ongoing focus on fleet modernization and network expansion, as it positions itself for greater efficiency, connectivity, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.

About Philippine Airlines Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the Philippines’ flag carrier and only full-service network airline, as well as the first commercial airline in Asia. PAL's fleet of Boeing, Airbus, and De Havilland aircraft operate scheduled nonstop flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to 31 destinations in the Philippines and 39 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. PAL also offers air cargo and charter services, while providing seamless connections throughout the nation and across the world. PAL is an APEX Four™ Star recipient and has achieved the highest on-time performance among Asia-Pacific carriers for 2025, according to Cirium.

LOS ANGELES

Lea Salonga shares update on son’s transition and confirms separation from husband Willie Revillame hopes Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte to reconcile for country

by AJPress

TONY Award-winning perform-

er 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 con-

tentious.

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.

Speaking openly about Nic’s transition

Salonga has consistently expressed 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.

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-year-old 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 hour-long meditation

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 al-

leged 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.

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. Breath-

ing 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.”

by

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 ountry.  "Sana dumating 'yung time na lumambot

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 ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe. They are set to co-star 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

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

FDCP’s Joey Reyes on how Philippine cinema can win back audiences

FILM Development Council of the Philippines

(FDCP) chair Joey Reyes offered a blunt assessment of the local film industry when asked to look back on the year that was.

“It was a bad year in terms of number. It was also a bad year in terms of creative output,” direk Joey said when The STAR spoke to him on the sidelines of the FDCP-sponsored screening for the Oscars 2026 Best Picture nominee “The Secret Agent.”

The Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines earlier told this paper that there was no local blockbuster for 2025.

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), long considered the industry’s biggest commercial stage, reflected the slump.

No official figures have been released, but reports suggest that the overall box-office performance of the latest MMFF edition fell short of its targets.

According to direk Joey, the 2025 MMFF entries “Call Me Mother” and “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins” were among the stronger performers last year, alongside Kim Chiu-Paulo Avelino’s bigscreen debut as a pairing, “My Love Will Make You Disappear,” and Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s tearjerker “Meet, Greet & Bye.”

For him, however, the underperformance cannot be pinned on a single cause.

“In our discussions with producers, we realize… last December, hindi celebratory ang tao,” he said, pointing to a confluence of factors that tempered consumer spending.

“Dahil katatapos lang na disaster sa Cebu, dahil din sa bagyo, dahil sa politics, ang gulo-gulo, and dahil magulo ang politics, yung hawak ng pera nag-iingat… Tsaka ang tao hindi gumasta nung Pasko.”

He observed that people opted for other ways of entertaining themselves, like dining out.

“Dec. 30, I went to Alabang Town Center,” he recalled. “Walang tao sa sinehan pero punong puno lahat ng restaurant. Ikinain ng tao yung pera nilang pang-entertainment.”

Direk Joey likewise noticed that the MMFF drew higher attendance numbers after the New Year. “Because prior to that, wala sa Manila yung tao, nagsi-alisan, nagbakasyon. Yung mga nanood, after New Year.”

The “more reliable playdate” of November, which saw the nationwide theatrical run of “Meet, Greet & Bye,” also coincided with the natural disasters in Cebu. “So that’s beyond anybody’s control,” he said.

Meanwhile, among the box-office leaders for the 2025 MMFF, he noticed a pattern.

“If you assess the two films that (won) in the (MMFF box-office)... yung pampamilya (‘Call Me Mother’) ni Vice Ganda and yung pang barkada ng ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins,’” he pointed out. The absence of a “child-friendly” film could be another factor.

“At saka tama naman sinabi nila, wala talagang pambata. But super kumita yung Vice diba and I wouldn’t say super kumita but (‘Shake’) was OK, so sabi ko ah yung pampamilya at pang barkada.”

Nevertheless, he stressed that the downturn is not unique to the Philippines. “It’s a worldwide problem,” he added, citing the situation in entertainment powerhouses Hollywood and South Korea.

“So (you say) ang sagot, ano ang gagawin natin para mapabalik ang tao sa sinehan… until you realize it’s a worldwide problem. Maski sa America ganyan. South Korea, bagsak din. Indonesia lang ang bongga.”

For direk Joey, the more fundamental challenge now lies in adjusting to current audience behavior. Streaming platforms and mobile viewing have altered how stories are consumed. Going to the cinema is no longer automatic.

“Nag-iiba na yung habits ng tao,” he said. “Yung tao nanonood ng telepono — portable entertainment — so we have to adjust.”

“Nowadays, ‘pag nanood ka ng sine, dapat may dahilan kang manood, hindi dahil nagpapalipas-oras ka lang. Ang resulta din, pinapaganda ang mga sinehan, yung cinema experience. But if you think about it, magkano ba yung mamahaling sinehan?”

Premium cinemas now range from P700 to over P1,000 per ticket, which he said is a steep price in a market anchored on mass audiences.

“Who can afford that? Those who will watch cinema can afford that. But the base of Philippine cinema is the masa. So kelangan hanapan ng paraan para makabalik sila,” he said.

“We are really making extra effort to convince cinema theater owners to bring down ticket prices.

“Nakausap namin ang SM, ang sabi nila maximum nila is P300… P270 is base price,” he said. “But kanya-kanyang diskarte sila eh.”

Despite the numbers, direk Joey believes that the industry’s response should be recalibration, not retreat.

“We need hope… in order to have hope, you need producers to invest more money.”

At the policy level, he said that the FDCP is pursuing initiatives aimed at increasing audience access and engagement.

“We’re hoping for another Golden Age and at this level, it’s all hoping right now.”

But, he added, “we’re working on that piece by piece.”

Among these efforts is the just-launched One Flix app.

Priced at only P49 a month, the platform features newly acquired titles as well as the so-called film heritage or works by National Artists and restored classics such as “Noli Me Tangere” and “Portrait of a Filipino Artist.”

“If you want to have a sense of the history of Philippine cinema, even recent history, andudun ‘yon,” direk Joey said. On the ground, FDCP is now looking into expanding its Cinematheques in areas outside Metro Manila, including Cebu, Baguio and Naga.

“It’s an educational hub,” he said of the importance of Cinematheques, which serve not only as screening venues but also as spaces for workshops and discussions.

“We want to emphasize regional filmmaking,” he added.

By bringing film programs outside Metro Manila and supporting local viewers and filmmakers — instead of bringing them to Manila — the FDCP hopes to grow and strengthen audiences in the regions.

Meanwhile, the downturn has also revived discussions about whether the MMFF should remain under the auspices of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) or be handled by a film-oriented national government agency like FDCP.

“First of all, we don’t want trouble. That’s the territory of MMDA. Tsaka wala sa kapasidad namin ang maggawa ng parada at kailangan yan ng logistics,” direk Joey stressed.

“It needs the cooperation of the local government units.”

He also noted that the FDCP has already been collaborating with the MMDA as a member of the MMFF executive committee, provides financial assistance to the entries and oversees the student film component.

Plans are underway to revive the Summer MMFF for short films by students and professionals, although still in the early stages.

“In other words we do collaborate, but for us to run it, we don’t have the money, we don’t have the resources,” he stressed. n

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.

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.

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.”

clared 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

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 appeared

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 on-screen 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.”

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 — de-

Showcasing the Philippines’ best under one roof

Likhang Filipino gathers more than 200 local enterprises into one experiential hub

by Pauline Miranda Inquirer.net

FOR years, visiting local fairs, trade events, and exhibitions has given us exciting glimpses into the rich and diverse applications of Filipino creativity and culture. They have become muchanticipated annual events, flocked to by shoppers and traders alike. But when the exhibitions and the fairs end, where do you go to find the best products of the country? Searching for and visiting each enterprise one by one is no easy feat, after all. Thankfully, now, there is the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, an experiential hub and showroom that houses around 2,000 products by 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Open all year-round, the multi-function exhibition, retail, and incubation facility showcases the Philippines’ diverse export capabilities, featuring food, health and wellness, fashion, textiles, accessories, traditional arts and crafts, furniture, and decor.

The creation of Likhang Filipino Likhang Filipino, headed by the Office of the President and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), was opened to the public last Jan. 20, providing a “premium exhibition and retail space to local manufacturers and exporters, all of which are vetted exhibitors of CITEM’s signature trade shows, Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines.”

The space is set to become a hub “where local and international buyers, tourists, and delegations to Philippine-hosted global events can more easily discover the breadth and depth of what Filipino talent and ingenuity can produce,” CITEM says in a release. Aside from being an

exhibition space, Likhang Filipino also has dedicated facilities where product development, collaborations, demonstrations, and even mentorships can be held.

What to expect

Likhang Filipino stands where the PhilTrade Center once stood, continuing a legacy of showcasing the best of Philippine artistry and craftsmanship. The exhibition halls are divided into six galleries, designed by some of the country’s top designers and the Design Center of the Philippines.

Creations by our Indigenous communities and master artisans can be found in Gallery 2, which spotlights traditional arts and crafts. Here, visitors can take a closer look at the artistry of our cultural groups, with a curated selection of arts and antiques, handwoven looms, chests, trunks, baskets, wood carvings, and even musical and ethnic instruments.

For cultural expressions most suited for everyday, Gallery 3 houses enterprises in fashion, textiles, and accessories. Here, designers and ateliers showcase their creations, from clothing to shoes, bags, and jewelry. The Design Center of the Philippines oversees this gallery, with the

saranggola-inspired elements as a highlight.

Multi-awarded designer Tony Gonzales designed Gallery 1, which houses the special exhibits and design library. Gallery 1 highlights half a century of Philippine design history, delving into the contexts in which decades of Filipino designers across fields have worked.

Already an established name in interior design, Ito Kish lends his expertise in designing Galleries 4 and 5, covering furniture and lighting, and home decor, respectively.

Lastly, Al Caronan of the Movement 8 design collective puts together his experience as a designer, materials specialist, and exporter in transforming Gallery 6 into a space for food and wellness—categories best experienced through the senses. Here, visitors to the hub can check out jarred and packaged food and beverage items, as well as fresh local produce.

The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls are located at the International Trade Center Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance is free.

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

From spiritual awakening to opening windows to the world: Asia’s first Portal now live in

by KatHleen a lleMit Philstar.com

A DECADE ago, Benediktas Gylys went through a spiritual awakening that led him to create a network of portals that allows people from Lithuania, where it all started, to the United States and the rest of the world, which now includes the Philippines.

It will take five more years before the Lithuanian artist launches his first portal in Vinius, Lithuania and Lublin, Poland in 2021.

“In 2016, I went through a spiritual awakening and I felt very sensitive about all the hatred and all the separation of humanity, and there was some force inside of me that wanted to create something new, something that would not speak to the human mind, but something that would speak to the human spirit, to the human heart. And after that experience, the Portal idea came to me and I decided to follow my heart,” Gylys told Philstar.com at last night’s launch.

The Lithuanian artist led the unveiling of the Philippines’ Portal, a 24/7 sculpture that gives a real-time glimpse of five other “Portals” in the world. The Manila portal is located at 5th Avenue, just in front of the popular 3D LED screen, in Bonifacio Global City.

Streaming 24/7, those present at Wednesday’s launch saw how the Portal works — they can wave or flash cards with their messages to the other part of the world where a Portal is installed. Every three minutes, the Portals feature the other locations: Vilnius (Lithuania), Lublin (Poland), Dublin (Ireland), Philadelphia (United States) and Ipswich (United Kingdom).

“Portals is a network of sculptures, and it connects people above borders, above social media feeds. It connects people whom otherwise we would never meet in our lifetime. So it's a shared experience. It's a shared moment in time where we meet each other as humans,” Gylys explained about his sculptural innovation.

The artist said that the Portals — a sci-fi-looking circular sculpture with a screen on the center — looks simple but it is

complicated. Admitting that he is not a technical person, Gylys said that whenever he is asked about its technology, he shares that Portals are made by a team of engineers with more than “100 ingredients.”

Without disclosing how much each Portal costs since it is an artwork, he said it takes a lot of money, work and manpower to make each installation.

The BGC Portal was made possible with the support of its partners: CMC Contract Manufacturing Pte Ltd, Eurasia Marble and Granite Inc., Excell Contractors and Developers Inc., Habitus Design Group, United Neon, UnionBank and Globe Telecom, which powers the BGC Portal with its Globe at Home connectivity. Does it ever go off? Gylys ad-

mitted that there will be instances because it is difficult to run the software 24/7.

“Sometimes it's off, sometimes it's on, and it's imperfect. It's very human, it's very authentic, so our team is doing the best, and I think that also helps people to connect with the project because we are not some trillion dollar tech corporation. We are just a small team making it happen for the planet, for all the human family,” he said.

Sculptures and installations are sometimes put up for a limited time, but Gylys hopes the Manila Portal will stay for a very long time.

“I hope it will stay here forever. My dream for Portals is to stay forever, and I think they will stay forever here,” Gylys said. n

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 big-screen 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 by Patricia dela roca Philstar.com