013126 - Los Angeles Edition

Filipino in California pleads guilty to ISIS funding, bomb possession

mANiLA — A filipino national who is a permanent resident in the United states pleaded guilty on tuesday, January 27, to federal charges for sending money to suspected isis members and illegally possessing a homemade bomb.

mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a 29 year-old green card holder based in Long Beach, california, admitted to one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a news release by the Us Attorney’s office in the central district of california. he has been in federal custody since August 2025. According to his plea agreement, Villanueva began communicating in february 2025 with someone claiming to be an isis fighter in syria through a social media messaging platform. the individual instructed Villan-

Passport demand rises, extending processing times in 2026

The U.S. State Department is reminding travelers with upcoming trips to factor longer passport timelines into their planning, particularly during peak months

WAshiNGtoN, D.c. — Passport applications are taking longer to process in 2026 as rising international travel demand collides with predictable seasonal backlogs, according to the U.s. Department of state. state Department guidance indicates that passport processing is typically fastest from october through December, when international travel volumes are lower. Processing times lengthen beginning in late winter and extending through summer, as applications surge ahead of spring break, summer vacations, study-abroad programs, and overseas family travel. officials familiar with passport operations

Impeachment proceedings against President Marcos formally

by AJPress

Senate completes reshuffle of ethics committee membership

Ethics panel removes Bato dela Rosa and Joel Villanueva as committee members

by AJPress

mANiLA — the senate of the Philippines has completed changes to the membership of its committee on ethics and Privileges, formally reconstituting the panel after weeks in which it operated without a full roster. the revised committee lineup was approved during a plenary session following

by AJPress

QUeZoN citY — former senator Bong revilla has been transferred to the general population of the New Quezon city Jail male Dormitory after completing the mandatory seven-day medical quarantine for newly admitted detainees, the Bureau of Jail management and Penology (BJmP) confirmed.

BJmP officials said revilla was moved out of quarantine earlier this week and is now sharing a cell with six other per-

a motion by senate majority Leader Juan miguel Zubiri. the changes were adopted without objection, in line with senate rules governing standing committee organization. As part of the reshuffle, senators ronald “Bato” dela rosa and Joel Villanueva were removed from the ethics panel. their replacement finalized the committee’s com-

mANiLA — Local government units (LGUs) have received a P1.19-trillion share from tax collection, giving them the capital they need to roll out infrastructure and welfare projects without delay. the Department of Budget and management (DBm) said it has issued the national tax allotment (NtA) for LGUs amounting to P1.19 trillion for 2026.

Budget secretary rolando toledo approved the issuance of the NtA through a special allotment release order, corresponded by notices of cash allocation,

to ensure that local governments can pursue programs and projects on time.

The timely release of the 2026 NTA ensures that local governments have the resources that they need to deliver services without delay. This is how the 2026 budget works for the people; it is by making sure funds reach communities when they are needed most,” toledo said. the NtA is leaned on by local governments to sustain, if not expand, priority programs. it funds disaster preparation, education support, health care and local infrastructure, among others.

As such, toledo said it is im-

House processes connected to impeachment matters involving his father

by AJPress

mANiLA — sen. imee marcos will be replaced as chair of the senate committee on foreign relations, senate President tito sottto said, citing the tradition that the post is reserved for members of the majority. marcos has chaired the committee since the previous congress. she has used the panel to summon administration officials, including after the arrest and turnover of former President rodrigo Duterte to the international criminal court. on friday, January 30, sotto

said the senate leadership initially allowed marcos to keep the post in the hope that she would join the majority bloc. But apparently things did work out that way at meron mga important treaties at agreements na nakapending doon na malaki ang concern ng mga members of majority. We decided that we should give it to a member of the majority," sotto said at a virtual press conference.

(But apparently things did work out that way and there are important treaties and agreements that are still pending there, which have a significant concern from

Impeachment proceedings against...

the session was presided over by Yevgeny Vicente emano, who announced the referral to the justice committee. Under house rules, the committee is tasked with determining the sufficiency in form and substance of the complaints, including compliance with constitutional and procedural requirements. At this stage, the referral does not constitute a finding of merit or wrongdoing. the committee’s review is preliminary and focuses on whether the filings meet the thresholds required to proceed further under the constitution and house rules.

No details of the allegations were discussed on the plenary floor, consistent with established practice governing impeachment proceedings. Lawmakers also did not debate the merits of the complaints during the session. the house leadership has

not announced a timetable for the committee’s initial actions.

Any subsequent steps, including hearings or a vote on sufficiency, will depend on the committee’s schedule and the constitutional thresholds applicable to

impeachment cases. Under the constitution, an impeachment case advances to the senate for trial only if at least one-third of all members of the house vote to approve articles of impeachment. n

House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos recuses...

required under existing law.

This decision is guided not by legal compulsion, but by a higher obligation—to preserve the integrity of the House of Representatives, to protect the credibility of its processes, and to uphold the public’s trust in our constitutional system,” he said.

marcos, who represents ilo-

cos Norte’s first congressional district, said his recusal was intended to remove any potential questions regarding the fairness, objectivity, or legitimacy of house proceedings connected to impeachment-related matters in-

volving the president. This step ensures that no questions regarding the fairness, objectivity, or legitimacy of the process may be raised by the public,” he added. the house committee on rules is responsible for determining the scheduling and flow of measures brought before the chamber, including procedural matters that may arise from impeachment complaints once these enter the legislative process. Under the Philippine constitution, impeachment proceedings originate in the house of representatives and advance only upon compliance with

prescribed procedural requirements.

marcos emphasized that stepping aside from impeachment-related discussions does not affect his broader responsibilities as house majority Leader.“I remain committed to my duties as House Majority Leader in all other matters, and I express full confidence that the House will act with independence, sobriety, and fidelity to the Constitution,” he said.

house rules do not explicitly require lawmakers to recuse themselves from proceedings involving relatives. however, voluntary recusals have been employed by legislators in the past to address potential conflicts of interest or perceptions of undue influence.

house officials have not indicated whether additional internal safeguards will be adopted in connection with impeachment-related deliberations. the house leadership has consistently stated that all constitutional processes will be observed should any impeachment complaint reach the appropriate stage for consideration.

house majority Leader says decision aims to safeguard institutional integrity and public trust as impeachment-related procedures remain at an early stage. n

Senate completes reshuffle of ethics...

position, enabling it to resume deliberations on matters within its jurisdiction.

Under senate rules, the committee on ethics and Privileges is tasked with overseeing issues related to the conduct, rights, privileges, dignity, integrity, and institutional reputation of the senate and its members. the panel has authority to receive, evaluate, and act on complaints involving alleged ethical violations, subject to established procedures and due process safeguards. the committee is chaired by senator JV ejercito, with senator francis “Kiko” Pangilinan serv-

ing as vice chair. other members include senators risa hontiveros and erwin tulfo, alongside ex officio members drawn from senate leadership positions, as provided for under chamber rules. ex officio membership is intended to ensure continuity and representation from both the majority and minority blocs. the completion of the committee’s membership follows concerns raised in recent months about delays in addressing pending ethics-related matters. senate officials have previously cited procedural constraints, noting that certain actions could not proceed while the panel re-

mained incomplete. senate leadership has emphasized that committee reorganizations are a routine aspect of legislative operations, particularly following leadership adjustments or the start of a new session. No additional changes to other senate committees were announced in connection with the ethics panel reshuffle.

Hindi dapat komplikado ang paghahanap ng angkop na health plan. Tutulungan ka ng Covered California na paghambingin ang options, maunawaan ang mga benepisyo at magkaroon ng coverage. Walang malalalim na salita. Walang stress.

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

With its membership now finalized, the committee on ethics and Privileges is expected to convene and take up matters falling within its mandate, in accordance with senate rules and established parliamentary practice. n

Davao City, Manila among world’s worst cities for traffic in 2025

by John Patrick ranara Philstar.com

DAVAo city has once again topped the list for having the worst traffic in the Philippines. in the 2025 tomtom traffic index, the city ranked 12th among the most congested cities worldwide, with manila at 40th place. Davao city had an overall congestion of 66.2%, with the average distance driven being 4.4 kilometers every 15 minutes. motorists have lost about 168 hours on the road per year while dealing with the rush hour. this is higher than the 136 hours lost in data collected back in 2024. meanwhile, manila had a congestion level of 57%. the average distance driven in the area is 4.7 kilometers every 15 minutes,

with motorists losing 143 hours of their time crawling through traffic per year. this is also higher than the 127 hours recorded in 2024. the report detailed that July 29, 2025, which fell on a tuesday, was the worst travel day in manila, having an average congestion level of 88% that reached its peak 149% at 6 p.m. the distance driven was 2.8 kilometers every 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m.

compared to 2024, manila saw a 0.8% increase in average congestion in 2025. the city with the worst traffic worldwide was mexico city, having an average congestion of 75.9%. motorists lost 184 hours during rush hour per year. this was followed by Bengaluru in india, Dublin in ireland,

Lodz in Poland, Pune in india, and Lublin in Poland.

overall, the Philippines emerged as Asia’s most congested country, posting an average congestion level of 45%, with india and singapore trailing at 37%. on how bad the traffic was in 2025, the report stated, "As was the case last year, traffic has continued to worsen. it moves slower in cities all over the globe, and, overall, most cities show an increase in congestion and travel times."

the 2025 tomtom traffic index looked into the traffic situation of a total of 492 countries. the report is built from anonymized GPs data and real driving speeds recorded across trillions of kilometers. n

Bong Revilla moved to QC jail general...

sons deprived of liberty who are not connected to his case. Jail authorities said the arrangement follows standard custodial procedures and does not involve any special classification or accommodation. the same medical clearance and transfer applied to four of revilla’s six co-accused who are currently detained at the facility: engineers Brice hernandez, Jaypee mendoza, and Arjay Domasig, and accountant Juanito mendoza. All four completed the required quarantine protocols, according to the BJmP.

the quarantine period is a routine intake requirement across BJmP facilities. it is intended to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and to allow medical personnel to assess the condition of detainees before they are admitted to the general population. officials reiterated that the policy is applied uniformly, regardless of a detainee’s public profile or former position in government.

revilla and his co-accused are in custody in connection with charges pending before the sandiganbayan involving an alleged P92.8-million flood-control proj-

ect in Pandi, Bulacan, based on prosecution filings and court records. the case remains unresolved, and no judgment has been issued. court proceedings have not advanced to trial. Arraignment was previously deferred pending the resolution of motions filed by the defense. revilla has denied the allegations against him.

BJmP officials emphasized that the agency’s mandate is limited to the safekeeping and management of persons deprived of liberty and does not extend to commenting on the merits of cases under judicial review. n

Sen. Imee Marcos to lose Foreign Relations...

the members of the majority.  We decided that we should give it to a member of the majority.) Denial of political retaliation sotto denied that marcos was being replaced because she refused to sign a senate resolution condemning the chinese embassy's public statements against Philippine officials. only 15 senators signed the resolution. several lawmakers who declined to sign were considered aligned with former president Duterte, including senators Bong Go and robin Padilla. many senators aligned with Duterte have expressed more

conciliatory positions toward china. marcos famously said in 2019 that it was the Philippines that initiated trouble with china after filing a case at the Permanent court of Arbitration over the West Philippine sea.

Possible successor sotto did not name marcos' replacement but said sen. erwin tulfo has reportedly expressed interest in the chairship.

senate majority Leader Juan miguel Zubiri was instructed to inform marcos of the leadership's decision. marcos was offered the committee on constitutional Amendments but reportedly declined. n

Philippines seeks cooperation to boost tourism in ASEAN

by Ghio onG Philstar.com

mANiLA — With tourism still perceived by many as a numbers game, the Department of tourism appealed to its counterparts in southeast Asia to “move forward not as competing destinations but as a unified region.”

The future of tourism in our region will not be shaped by any one country alone. It will be shaped by how well we align our strategies, our standards, our innovations and, most importantly, our resolve to ensure that tourism remains a force for good,”

tourism secretary christina Garcia frasco said in a statement read by Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso.

Buensuceso led the 63rd AseAN National tourism organizations meeting in cebu city on monday, which gathered senior tourism officials from AseAN and other partner countries.

Ahead of several meetings to be held this week, she called on her fellow tourism officials to pursue discussions that would yield “outcomes that support sustainability without sacrificing growth, that accelerate dig-

ital transformation while protecting trust and safety and that keep communities at the heart of the tourism economy so that the benefits of travel are felt not only in arrivals but in myriad opportunities.”

the undersecretary also highlighted AseAN’s potential as a collective tourism destination.

“ When we talk about ASEAN, we also look at it as a single destination for tourism, so the idea is to really strengthen the ASEAN product, to strengthen our connections with various markets and also to look into how we can be easily connected to our other markets outside ASEAN ,” she said, adding that more tourists coming into AseAN would also mean higher revenues for economies of its member-states.

Based on the tally from the Bureau of immigration, the Philippines welcomed a total of 6,484,060 foreign tourists –composed of 5,940,975 foreigners and 543,085 filipinos living overseas – in 2025. By comparison, other AseAN nations welcomed larger numbers: malaysia received over 38.2 million visitors, thailand

over 32.9 million and Vietnam over 21.1 million.

With the Philippines hosting both the AseAN summit and the AseAN tourism forum in cebu this year, member-states are expected to meet with tourism officials from Australia, india, china, Japan, south Korea and russia.

Beyond tourism, the AseAN bloc is also raising its voice on global matters.

During a high-level open debate at the United Nations security council on monday, AseAN called on the council to act swiftly to uphold peace and security, as the world grapples with complex and crosscutting challenges, including pervasive threats to the rule of law.

“ASEAN underscores the importance of the Security Council acting in an efficient, consistent, transparent and non-selective manner, particularly in the application of international law, in order to uphold its credibility and effectively safeguard international peace and security,” the regional bloc said in a statement read by Philippine permanent representative to the UN enrique manalo. (With reports from Pia Lee-Brago)

Passport demand rises, extending...

say the system functions yearround with largely fixed staffing and infrastructure. During peak travel months, the sharp increase in applications results in longer intake queues before files reach adjudicators, extending overall turnaround times even in the absence of policy changes. renewals, the department notes, are not automatic. each application undergoes full adjudication, including verification of U.s. citizenship, identity confirmation, fraud and security screening, and photo and data

review. Applications involving name changes or documentation discrepancies require additional checks, adding to delays when volumes are high. mailing and intake logistics further compound wait times. Published processing windows generally refer only to the period an application is under review at a passport agency or center. they do not include the time it takes for applications to arrive by mail or for completed passports to be delivered. During peak periods, these steps can add several weeks, pushing total

renewal timelines to as long as three months, even for otherwise straightforward cases. higher application volumes also tend to coincide with an increase in incomplete or incorrectly submitted forms, such as missing signatures, noncompliant photos, or incorrect fees. each issue requires manual follow-up, diverting staff resources and contributing to broader system slowdowns. the state Department’s repeated advisories encouraging Americans to renew passports months in advance are intended to mitigate these recurring bottlenecks. many countries require travelers to hold passports valid for at least six months beyond their dates of entry, and airlines may deny boarding if documentation requirements are not met. officials emphasize that seasonal backlogs are a recurring feature of the passport system. While processing speeds improve during slower months, applications submitted closer to peak travel periods face a higher risk of delay due to demand-driven constraints rather than individual applicant circumstances. (AJPress)

Filipino in California pleads guilty to...

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ueva on how to send money to syria.

Villanueva sent more than $1,600 in a dozen payments, knowing the money would buy ammunition, weapons and other supplies for isis operations, court documents show. he also discussed conducting operations for isis in the United states.

During a search of Villanueva’s home in August 2025, law en-

forcement found a manufactured bomb packed with large amounts of ball bearings and metal objects including nails, screws and nuts. At all relevant times, Villanueva knew the bomb was considered a firearm and a destructive device under federal law, and the device was not federally registered as required by law,” the release stated.

U.s. District Judge Anne hwang scheduled sentencing for June 17. Villanueva faces up to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and up to 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Villanueva’s case is being monitored by the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles, according to a statement by the Department of foreign Affairs last year when it confirmed his arrest. (Christina Chi/Philstar.com)

LGUs get P1.2 trillion share from national...

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portant that local governments gain access to their share in the NtA as soon as possible to avert, if not minimize, interruptions in service delivery.

“By releasing the NTA in full and on time, we are enabling local governments to act decisively, respond to local needs and bring immediate benefits to their constituents,” toledo said. moreover, toledo said the immediate release of the NtA underscores the government’s

sincerity in strengthening local capacity by providing for their fiscal requirements. Under the constitution and the Local Government code, the NtA is the automatic appropriation received by local governments annually. the NtA is distributed to provinces (23 percent), cities (23 percent), municipalities (34 percent) and barangays (20 percent). the amount is computed based on several factors, including the population census and land area.

since the supreme court’s mandanas ruling was implemented in 2022, local government share in revenue collection has increased. With higher revenue gains, the mandanas ruling devolved the task of maintaining infrastructure projects and social services to local governments. toledo reminded local leaders to spend their NtA share solely on authorized purposes, as he also asked them to comply with reporting requirements for accountability and transparency. n

DOT: Philippine tops Asean neighbors in tourism GDP, job generation

mANiLA — the Philippines stood out among its neighbors in southeast Asia when it comes to the impact of tourism on economy and employment, the Department of tourism (Dot) said on friday, January 30. in a statement, the Dot said the Philippines “ranked first in terms of tourism GDP (gross domestic product) valued at $91.8 billion, the highest in ASEAN,” which is equivalent to 19.9 percent of the country’s economy. citing the 2025 World travel and tourism council economic impact report, the Dot said the country’s tourism GDP exceeded those of its neighbors including indonesia at $71.7 billion, thailand at $67.3 billion and singapore at $54.6 billion. it said that with 11.22 million tourism-related jobs or 23 percent of the country’s employment, the Philippines ranked second in the region in terms of the impact of tourism on job generation.

“These figures clearly show that the Philippines ranks among ASEAN’s leading tourism economies… Tourism remains a power-

ful driver of inclusive growth, job creation and economic resilience for our country,” tourism secretary christina Garcia frasco said. in a media briefing on Wednesday, Dot Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso also said that the Philippines welcomed over 6.4 million foreign travelers in 2025, earning an estimated P694 billion from inbound visitor spending.

“It also confirms that our strategies are working and we’re steadily positioning the country as a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” she said.

As AseAN chair this year, the Philippines hosted the AseAN tourism forum in cebu city this week where the AseAN tourism sector Plan 2026-2030 was

rolled out.

the five-year plan aims to “enrich visitor experience, empower enterprises, whether small or large scale, and ensure that ASEAN remains competitive in the global market,” President marcos said in a speech read by frasco during the opening ceremony. frasco said the plan would specifically see the region first being marketed as a unified tourism destination, and also to make ASEAN’s reach easier in terms of accessibility by air and sea among travelers.” she added it would also ensure that “our destinations are not plagued by over-tourism, for example, that will lead to the degradation of our natural assets.” n

Building Virtual Worlds Through Sound: Junwen Wu and the Exploration of a New Musical Ecosystem

In an era marked by the rapid transformation of digital art and technology, music is no longer merely an accompaniment to visual imagery. It is increasingly becoming a core force in shaping spatial perception and driving immersive, interactive experiences. Within this wave of change, a Chinese composer is redefining the possibilities of sound and narrative through her distinctive artistic vision and cross-disciplinary practice. She is Junwen Wu

With a keen understanding of the essence of music and a sharp sensitivity to technological trends, Wu has pushed traditional compositional paradigms into new territory. Her music often comes into being before any visual imagery, subsequently guiding the development of visual design and narrative structure. She actively integrates artificial intelligence into her compositional toolkit in search of new modes of artistic expression. In largescale immersive VR works such as Deep Sea Adventure, she uses music as the driving force behind users’ emotional and cognitive interaction within virtual spaces, allowing sound and experience to evolve in tandem.

Reconstructing Virtual Narratives with Music at the Core

Unlike the conventional model of film and television production— where visuals are created first and music follows—Wu has adopted a “music-led creative workflow” across multiple key projects. In this approach, music is neither a supplement to pre-existing images nor simple background atmosphere; instead, it functions as the primary language of narrative logic and experiential rhythm. This method encourages creative teams to rethink pacing, emotional progression, and spatial construction from a musical starting point, resulting in works with greater cohesion and internal tension.

A representative example is the large-scale immersive VR production Deep Sea Adventure, in which music serves as the central framework for both narrative structure and user experience

from beginning to end. The work employs music not only to establish expansive spatial moods and narrative cues, but also to guide users’ exploration, emotional engagement, and immersive interaction within an underwater virtual world. Rather than passively observing, users are led by musical rhythm and motion—an approach that fundamentally distinguishes the project from traditional audiovisual storytelling.

The project has received high recognition in international immersive exhibition contexts and was officially selected for the Fourth Golden Rooster XR Exhibition, part of the main program of the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, China’s top national film festival, in 2025. This achievement marks a new benchmark for immersive musical narrative and virtual spatial expression.

Redefining Musical Expression Through Technology

As the convergence of music and advanced technology becomes an irreversible trend, Wu’s sensitivity to technological application stands out. In today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape, generative artificial intelligence is reshaping paradigms of music composition, audio production, and interactive experience design. Academic and industry research has already demonstrated AI’s capacity to construct interactive music systems that enable spatialized sound and participatory engagement within VR environments.

Within her creative process, Wu actively experiments with integrating technology into the generation and evolution of musical expression itself. She explores AI as a collaborative creative partner, co-generating thematic musical material with algorithms at the early stages of composition. This approach breaks away from the traditional, linear framework of humanonly ideation and establishes a cooperative creative mechanism between human composer and machine intelligence. The result is not only increased efficiency, but also multilayered artistic potential: music becomes a form

by Ashley Wang

of generative art co-created by human and technology, rather than a one-directional transmission from composer to audience. This exploration gives Wu’s work a distinctive voice at the intersection of technology and art. In her practice, music is not merely sound—it is an integral component of spatial interaction. In VR and large-scale immersive environments, the relationship between sound and space grows increasingly complex and intimate. Unlike linear musical scoring in traditional cinema, immersive contexts require sound to respond dynamically to users’ positions, perspectives, and behaviors. Music, therefore, must function as a responsive system—an understanding that aligns with global frontiers in contemporary musical expression and forms a core element of Wu’s technical logic. Immersion and Interaction:

A Real-Time Dialogue Between Music and the User

The essence of immersive experience lies not only in sensory coverage, but also in co-creation and real-time feedback between user and content. In many cuttingedge academic discussions, interactive music systems are defined as frameworks that allow users to participate in music creation, embed personal input, and trigger visual or environmental responses. Across multiple immersive projects, Wu has explored how to establish a real-time “dialogue” between music and the user. She focuses on designing musical structures with built-in feedback mechanisms: when users trigger different virtual scenarios through movement, interaction, or spatial positioning, the music instantaneously alters its color, texture, and rhythm, deepening emotional engagement. In this

sense, users are no longer simply listening to music; they are shaping the experiential rhythm within a musical ecosystem, resulting in heightened immersion and participation. This line of exploration transforms music from a “narrative follower” into a “narrative co-creator,” reflecting a new positioning of music within future immersive content ecosystems— not as a supporting element, but as a central driving force.

A Chinese Voice Creating New Contexts As a practitioner at the intersection of culture and technology, Wu’s creative work is deeply influenced by multicultural perspectives. She integrates Eastern and Western musical elements with contemporary technological frameworks, while consciously constructing virtual narrative contexts that possess cross-cultural communicative power. Her works

thus combine strong

I’m running the government – Marcos

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

mANiLA — As rumors swirl about his health condition, President ferdinand marcos Jr. has assured the nation that he remains in control of the government and that his administration continues to carry out the tasks it is supposed to do.

A visibly thinner marcos was seen in a video released by Palace press officer claire castro that was meant to dispel claims that the condition of the president, who has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, has worsened. the eight-minute video, which was sent to reporters Wednesday night, showed the 68-yearold president playing with his dog oreo and gamely answering questions by castro.

“I’m running the government. We’re doing everything that needs to be done. The work of the government did not stop,” marcos said.

“Don’t worry. I told you that last week. To those waiting for me to die, do not be excited. You became too excited. I am still here,” he added.

marcos explained his weight loss, saying he was advised by his doctor to avoid solid food to remove stress from his intestines.

“I lost weight because I just had soup for three days,” he said, adding that he even dreamt of eating a steak while he was not yet allowed to do so. marcos said he no longer feels pain, but his doctors still recommended that he slow down a bit on his work.

“When they told me to rest, I got bored during the weekend. I said I have to do something, so I read all my (briefers). I am now up-to-date,” he said. “I was supposed to take a rest, but I cannot do it. I have a lot of things to do.” Before the release of the video, a medical bulletin supposedly detailing marcos’ condition circulated, but st. Luke’s medical center, where marcos was placed under observation, clarified that it was “fake and falsified.”

“St. Luke’s Medical Center strictly upholds patient confidentiality and data privacy. Medical results are released only to the patient himself/herself through authorized and official hospital channels,” it said. the Presidential communications office said the deliberate spread of falsified medical information is irresponsible, deceptive and a clear violation of the President’s right to privacy.

“Appropriate legal options are being reviewed in connection with the circulation of fabricated documents and false information,” it said in a statement.

castro said law enforcement agencies should investigate to determine who is spreading false information about the president’s health.

It should be investigated because the health of the president should not be turned into a joke. We know that the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) acts swiftly,” she added.

the NBi has started investigation of the fake medical report even before this was referred to the agency.

Soon back to normal President marcos is expected

to resume his normal activities next week as he continues to recover from diverticulitis, which is characterized by severe pain in the stomach, executive secretary ralph recto said.

speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine National Police Day at camp crame, recto said marcos is doing well and is busy with paperwork.

“Maraming kailangan pirmahan, maraming kailangan basahin (There’s lot to sign, lot to read),” recto said.

recto answered in the affirmative when asked if marcos will resume his normal work routine next week.

According to recto, marcos is following the advice of his doctors to rest for one week before returning to his normal activities as he has visibly lost weight after going on a soft diet.

Kung kayo ay kumain lang sabaw ng tatlo, apat, limang araw ay talagang papayat ka (Try having only soup three, four, five times a day and see if you don’t lose weight),” recto said. even while he is recovering from his illness, recto said marcos is aware of the issues in the country, including the impeachment complaints filed against him at the house of representatives.

Despite efforts by critics to oust him, recto said marcos is focused on his goals to improve government services for the people.

meanwhile, house Deputy speaker and La Union rep. Paolo P. ortega V said there was nothing more to clarify after st. Luke’s medical center categorically denied the authenticity of alleged result of medical test on marcos, circulating in social media.

ortega, a stalwart of Lakas-christian muslim Democrats, stressed that the issue was not about health, but about the deliberate spread of false information.

“An independent medical institution has already confirmed the documents are fake. We respect and rely on that statement,” he said. in an advisory dated Jan. 28, st. Luke’s medical center said it was aware of the circulation of fake medical test on marcos and categorically rejected its authenticity.

St. Luke’s Medical Center is aware of medical test results falsely circulating online and on social media claiming to pertain to

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. These documents are FAKE and FALSIFIED,” the hospital said.

Any medical results or documents obtained, posted, shared, or circulated outside these authorized channels are considered unauthorized, fraudulent, or falsified,” it said adding that such acts constitute “a breach of data privacy and is a violation of hospital policy and applicable laws.”

ortega emphasized that the denial did not come from malacañang but from st. Luke’s itself, underscoring that the matter had already been settled.

the La Union house leader also warned against attempts to pressure public officials into disclosing private health information, noting that patient confidentiality is protected by law and hospital policy.

The president respects patient confidentiality and data privacy. That principle applies to everyone. No one should be pushed into violating privacy laws just to feed rumors,” ortega said. ortega echoed the hospital’s call for caution, urging the public to be responsible in sharing information online.

“Fake documents do not deserve airtime. Spreading falsified material is irresponsible and only undermines public discourse,” ortega said. he said the President remains focused on governance, adding that the controversy should end with the hospital’s categorical denial. “There is nothing further to clarify beyond that,” ortega said.

PNP chief Gen. Jose melencio Nartatez Jr. said he has directed the Anti-cybercrime Group to mobilize a team that will investigate the matter and coordinate with other agencies.

“This is really disrespectful, insensitive and gross violation of the law,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Among the personalities who posted the fake medical bulletin is former broadcaster Jay sonza.

Nartatez said that while the PNP respects the people’s right to express themselves, manufacture and circulation of fake documents targeting any person is not only malicious but is also a violation of the law. “We are certain that this kind of action is not part of that freedom,” he said. (With reports from Jose Rodel Clapano, Emmanuel Tupas, Rhodina Villanueva, Mark Ernest Villeza)

Philippines tightens airport health checks amid Nipah virus outbreak in India

by Dominique nicole Flores Philstar.com

mANiLA — the Department of health Bureau of Quarantine (Doh-BoQ) has begun implementing strict health protocols, including passenger screenings, at the Ninoy Aquino international Airport (NAiA) and other points of entry amid the Nipah virus outbreak in india.

in a message to reporters on Wednesday, January 28, Doh Assistant secretary Albert Domingo said all airports are being monitored round the clock, regardless of whether incoming passengers show symptoms of infection.

he said the country’s health protocols are consistent with World health organization standards, and that the Doh-BoQ is distributing informational materials on Nipah virus at all entry points.

since there is no international recommendation to restrict travel and the Philippines' borders remain open, the agency will instead implement proactive screening measures such as online health declarations and thermal checks for incoming passengers.

india has reported five confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, with 100 close contacts under monitoring, Domingo said. What to know about the

Nipah virus Primarily carried by bats, the Nipah virus can spread to animals such as pigs and horses and may reach humans through contaminated food, close contact or respiratory droplets.

After exposure, symptoms of infection may develop within three to 21 days, beginning with fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting and sore throat. the infection can escalate to life-threatening conditions such as brain swelling, respiratory problems like pneumonia and seizures. the Nipah virus first emerged in malaysia in 1999, claiming the lives of over 100 people, primarily pig farmers. the outbreak later affected singapore as well.

According to Who, Bangladesh and india have been experiencing periodic or seasonal outbreaks since then due to the consumption of fruits and fruit products contaminated with the urine or saliva from infected fruit bats. in pigs, the virus is highly contagious, with an incubation period of four to 14 days. symptoms include barking coughs, trembling, twitching, and muscle spasms. Authorities recommend culling infected animals and restricting livestock movement to prevent outbreaks. currently, no approved drugs or vaccines exist for Nipah virus, and treatment is mainly support-

ive, focusing on patients with severe respiratory or neurological issues. Who, however, has designated the virus as a priority disease under its research and Development Blueprint.

Domingo said filipinos can reduce the risk of contracting the virus by avoiding bats and other sick animals, and by ensuring that all meat consumed is properly cooked and certified by the National meat inspection service.

Who has estimated the fatality rate of Nipah virus infections at 40% to 75%.

Not new in the Philippines the Doh, however, assured the public that the department is capable of preventing and controlling the Nipah virus should there be cases in the Philippines, saying the virus is not new in the country. the last time the Philippines encountered the virus was in 2014, when 17 people in sultan Kudarat developed flu-like symptoms or brain infections, such as encephalitis and meningitis. these cases were reportedly associated with the consumption of horse meat and exposure to infected individuals. other countries have also tightened airport surveillance and health checks following the outbreak in india, including thailand, Nepal, taiwan and singapore. n

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FeAtures OPiniOn

Restitution, due process, and the real dispute behind the flood control scandal

The debate over restitution in the flood control scandal has been clouded by rhetoric, but the underlying dispute is more precise and deserves to be stated plainly.

At issue is not whether restitution is lawful. Philippine law has long recognized the state’s authority to recover public funds believed to be improperly obtained. the contention lies in timing and conditionality: whether restitution may be required before a judicial finding of liability, particularly when tied to eligibility for witness protection. this distinction matters, because it explains why businessman Pacifico Discaya has publicly said he felt “robbed” when asked to return money in connection with his possible cooperation in the investigation.

Discaya’s position, as articulated in media interviews, rests on a procedural objection. he argues that requiring the return of funds prior to conviction treats him as guilty before a court has ruled. in his framing, the money demanded represents contract payments he considers legitimate, not proven ill-gotten wealth. to compel repayment at this stage, he suggests, collapses the distinction between allegation and adjudication. from his perspective, the restitution requirement is not merely corrective but coercive. it con-

We are familiar with the idea of a caretaker government—an interim leadership that exists mainly to keep things in place, maintain stability, and avoid risks that might unsettle the prevailing order. When this minimalist approach comes to characterize nearly the whole political system, however, we may speak more broadly of caretaker politics. this is where we find ourselves today. the executive branch has shown little capacity to demand full accountability from political allies implicated in the flood control corruption scandal, or to carry out meaningful reforms in the national budget and procurement system. congress, for its part, remains deeply enmeshed in patronage politics and pork barrel allocations—hardly in a position to expose abuses that sustain its own power. it is not even necessary to claim that the President himself is corrupt, or that every legislator is personally involved in scandal, to explain the paralysis

iN quiet, off the record conversations here in Washington where i am often asked about the Philippines’ strategic posture in the indo-Pacific, one question keeps resurfacing: is there still a path toward reducing tensions with china without compromising national interests? the honest answer is that no one believes that territorial disputes in the south china sea will disappear overnight. however, many seasoned diplomats and policymakers in Washington agree on one thing – conflict is not inevitable, and hostility is not destiny. Let’s be clear – china is here to stay. it is the world’s second largest economy, a permanent member of the UN security council and the Philippines’ largest trading partner. And whether we like it or not, geography alone ensures that

ditions access to state protection on compliance with a demand he believes should only follow a final judicial determination. the government sees the matter differently.

the Department of Justice has taken the position that restitution is a threshold obligation, not a penalty. Where public funds are under dispute and cooperation is sought, the state argues that it cannot allow those funds to remain in private hands while negotiations over immunity or protection proceed. restitution, in this view, is meant to preserve public assets and prevent dissipation, not to declare guilt. this policy approach reflects a practical concern. corruption cases involving infrastructure often take years to resolve. Waiting for final judgments before recovering funds has historically resulted in assets disappearing, being transferred, or becoming unrecoverable. By requiring restitution upfront, the state prioritizes recovery for the public while legal proceedings continue. the tension, then, is not rhetorical but structural.

Caretaker politics

of decision-making we now observe. caretaker politics thrives precisely in such settings: when one does not need to be evil for nothing decisive to happen. one only needs to equate playing safe with governing. the origins of the marcos presidency made this risk-averse stance likely from the outset. President marcos came to power with an overwhelming electoral mandate but without a clearly articulated reform agenda. his victory rested on nostalgia, coalition-building, and the promise of political calm rather than on an urgent demand for institutional change. Governance during the first half of his term was largely reduced to system maintenance—reassuring markets, stabilizing foreign relations after a period of volatility, lowering political temperature, and letting unresolved conflicts lie. caretaker politics, however, is often disrupted by events. in mr. marcos’ case, two developments briefly pushed him out of this passive stance: the open rupture with the Dutertes, culminating in the enforcement of the international criminal court’s arrest warrant against former President rodrigo Duterte in march 2025; and the severe

flooding that followed the monsoon rains, which exposed the failure of enormously expensive flood control projects to protect vulnerable communities. these developments set the stage for the President’s state of the Nation Address in July 2025. When he rebuked legislators with a sharp “Mahiya naman kayo!,” few anticipated the surge of public indignation and reformist expectation that followed. for a brief moment, the presidency appeared ready to abandon caretaker politics and assert political leadership. six months on, that moment reads increasingly like a missed opportunity. the administration invited citizens to submit their observations on flood control projects and created an independent commission for infrastructure to gather information and recommend prosecutions. these were meaningful steps. But public debate soon narrowed to a familiar script: the pursuit of “big fish” and the spectacle of punishment. the deeper task, that of redesigning the budget and procurement systems that normalize corruption, was eclipsed. When promised jail time for major offenders failed to mate-

An opportunity to re-engage with China during our ASEAN chairmanship

we will remain neighbors. the real question, therefore, is not whether china will continue to be influential in our region, but how we choose to manage that reality. Will it be through permanent confrontation, or calibrated engagement? for decades, AseAN has survived and prospered by embracing a simple but powerful principle: economic interdependence reduces the likelihood of conflict. trade creates stakeholders. investment creates constituencies for peace. And when business leaders, investors, workers and consumers are deeply interconnected, the cost of escalation becomes too high and the logic of war becomes irrational. this is where the Philippines has a strategic opportunity. As AseAN chair this year, we are in a rare position to shape not only the agenda but the atmosphere

Discaya emphasizes presumption of innocence and property rights. the state emphasizes public interest and asset preservation. Both invoke due process, but they weigh its risks differently. one fears premature deprivation. the other fears permanent loss. this is why the language surrounding restitution has become charged. When restitution is framed as extortion, it casts accountability mech-

anisms as abuse. When objections are dismissed as self-serving, legitimate procedural concerns risk being ignored. Neither framing serves public understanding. What is clear, however, is that restitution does not extinguish liability, nor does it confer immunity. returning funds does not end prosecution, just as retaining them does not prove guilt. resu PAGE 7

The heart of a great Filipino leader

e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com

of regional diplomacy. instead of allowing the south china sea to remain the dominant and defining narrative, we can rebalance the conversation toward cooperation, growth and shared prosperity.

Let it be clear: this is not about forsaking sovereignty, weakening alliances or forgetting our legal victories. the 2016 PcA arbitral ruling remains a cornerstone of our national position. our defense partnerships, especially with the United states and other like-minded nations, remain essential to deterrence and regional stability. But security tools alone cannot solve political disputes. history teaches us that even the strongest alliances cannot be substitutes for diplomacy, and even the best military hardware cannot manufacture trust.

mY first encounter with the filipino heart—its compassion and moral courage—took place just a few months before i arrived in the Philippines. it happened in israel, on holocaust remembrance Day, which is marked each year in April. i was invited by the Philippine ambassador to israel to attend a screening of “Quezon’s Game.” the film tells the story of the late President manuel L. Quezon and the brave, principled decision he made to rescue Jews fleeing the holocaust. When we speak about models of leadership and sources of inspiration, we speak about Quezon—about the moral clarity and courage that led to the saving of Jewish lives at humanity’s darkest hour. that spirit has deep roots in Philippine history. one of its clearest and most courageous expressions is found in the leadership of Quezon. in the late 1930s, as hatred spread across europe and Jewish families were being systematically persecuted and mur-

“NoTHING inspires cleanliness more than an unexpected guests.” – radhika mundra i’m sure many of our readers have experienced having unexpected guests for lunch, dinner or visitors staying for a few days on short notice. As filipinos, we traditionally don’t mind because we are so hospitable and welcome company. there are of course certain instances when those surprise visits throw everything into a spin and we find ourselves cooking or cleaning on overdrive just to be ready and, of course, to “save face.” they may be an inconvenience at the time, but they do bring results. this article is not meant to be a “how i spent last sunday” or “What i learned while playing tourist guide.” instead, it is meant to point out small concerns that come together and

dered by Nazi Germany, Quezon was confronted with a moral truth that could not be ignored. Alex frieder, a representative of the Jewish community, came to him with urgent news. Jews were being arrested. homes were confiscated. families were erased. they needed somewhere—anywhere—to go. they needed help. Quezon listened. he wanted to save thousands. his vision was to bring as many as 10,000 Jewish refugees to safety. But the Philippines was still under American administration, and immigration policy was controlled from Washington. the quota granted allowed only a few hundred work visas. his advisers warned him not to challenge the system. his political future depended on American support. his health was failing. his country itself was struggling on the path toward independence. every option carried risk. every decision carried consequences. Quezon reviewed lists of names. each name represented a life. each approval meant survival; each rejection meant almost certain death. he un-

derstood this fully. he did not see numbers. he saw human beings. When doors remained closed, he refused to accept it. to force the issue, Quezon took an extraordinary step. he gathered the press and publicly announced his intention to welcome Jewish refugees to the Philippines. it was a bold move—a moral declaration meant to make indifference impossible. Behind the scenes, he negotiated relentlessly. he pressured, persuaded, and persisted. he worked with Jewish and filipino community leaders. he built political support. he strained relationships. he pushed against limits that were never meant to be challenged. slowly, against the odds, the door opened. more than 1,300 Jewish men, women, and children found refuge in manila. they rebuilt their lives. they worked, prayed, and raised families in safety. today, nearly 8,000 descendants are alive because one filipino leader chose not to turn away. in Jewish tradition, saving

‘House cleaning’

create bad impressions among tourists or guests.

since the beginning of January, we have been playing host to in-laws from the Netherlands and after that, we will be hosting a scholar doing her PhD on Philippine studies. Aside from house cleaning, we have also been lining up places to visit and foods to eat.

i don’t know if i’m just being conscious of potential embarrassment or showing guests the imperfections, but i have noticed little things that speak a lot about our culture, attitude or things we don’t value. for instance, last sunday we took guests sightseeing and as we drove in front of the cultural center of the Philippines, we saw that the main building was partly covered with tarp to be repainted or cleaned. i appreciated that the ccP management were on top of things such as regular maintenance. But right after i said that i noticed that the center island of roxas Boulevard right in front of the ccP was an embarrassing

mess. the question was, Who is responsible or in charge of maintaining those center island/ plant boxes? is it the DPWh, the mmDA, the Dot or Pasay city? the problem is if people don’t know who is responsible, then we can’t hold them accountable. in a country where “plantitos” and “plantitas” became a thing during the pandemic, can’t the government or Dot invite them to grow beyond their pots and gardens and reinvigorate or green those plant boxes? Plant boxes and center islands may seem a small thing but remember what the Bible says about small things: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10 if i remember correctly, there used to be a women’s organization famous for garden-related projects, hosting orchid shows and bonsai demonstrations. Why not try tapping them? i carried on driving towards manila hotel and once again the

PAGE 6

Restitution, due process, and...

titution operates in a separate lane from criminal adjudication. it is about restoration, not verdicts. sen. risa hontiveros and other officials have underscored this point, arguing that the real victim in infrastructure scandals is the public. flood control projects exist to prevent loss of life and property. When they fail, the harm is immediate and tangible. Against that backdrop, asking whether restitution is

PAGE 6

‘House cleaning’

center island became a concern but for a different reason. maybe because many tourists go to Luneta and the manila hotel, the intersection in front of manila hotel has become a favorite among people asking for alms or food. this has been the case for many years. so, who should be responsible for keeping the area clear of mendicants? is it the city of manila or is it the Department of social Welfare and Development, the mmDA or the PNP? the issue is not just a matter of appearance.

Beggars carrying infants or toddlers begging at the risk of life and limb tells people about how the government and society treats and views the poorest of the poor. Poverty may exist worldwide, but when tourists see them it tells a negative story. instead of letting them beg in tourists areas, perhaps authorities could consider putting up mobile feeding centers and kid-friendly facilities that can tell a very positive tale to out-

PAGE 6

siders. the good news is that there was ample parking around fort santiago, there was better organization, traffic management by the “Guardia Civil” in front of the manila cathedral and a fiesta-like atmosphere in the area on a sunday. fort santiago was well maintained, although parts were not as good as others, and we even saw floor mops and house cleaning stuff being dried by one of the ground floor windows. After our sunday trip to manila, we drove back to Pasig and of course we had to cross from BGc to Kapitolyo via the Lawton-sta. monica bridge. this bridge has gone from a pedestrian unfriendly bridge to an open garbage dump with the drainage outlets clogged overgrown with weeds. once again, who is responsible for keeping the bridge clean and clear of garbage and litter? And before i forget, how difficult is it to get the lights working at night? it is weird that both ends of the bridge are clean but not

the bridge itself. Given how DPWh engineers insisted on building the bridge, then they should be accountable for making sure it is clean and presentable to the thousands of commuters as well as foreigners that cross over it. from what i read, Dot secretary frasco is optimistic that when the Philippines chairs the upcoming World tourism forum, it would help boost awareness and tourist arrivals in the Philippines.

this is why i am suggesting for the Dot secretary to put together the needed clean-up crew composed of the Dot DPWh, mmDA, DiLG and PNP. there is a lot of cleaning and fixing that need to be done – and not just for appearance’s sake. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * * Email: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com

The heart of a great Filipino...

one life is considered as saving an entire world. Quezon saved thousands of worlds. each year, Jan. 27 marks international holocaust remembrance Day—a day to honor the victims and survivors of the holocaust and to confront the consequences of hatred and indifference. in the Philippines, it is also a day to remember a moment in history when this nation chose humanity above fear, and moral courage above convenience.

Quezon’s decision was not driven by political gain. it was shaped by moral clarity at a time when hesitation and silence dominated much of the world. he understood that leadership is not defined by avoiding risk, but by accepting responsibility when human lives are at stake.

Living and serving in the Philippines has allowed me to see that this legacy endures. it is reflected in everyday acts of kindness, in the “bayanihan”

economic engagement, on the other hand, can lower temperatures where political dialogue struggles. reigniting stronger economic ties with china – in infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, technology and manufacturing – offers a practical pathway toward de-escalation. it does not resolve competing claims, but it changes the environment in which those claims are managed. consider the practical benefits. tourism alone could generate billions in revenue and thousands of jobs. expanding agricultural exports opens new markets for filipino farmers. Joint infrastructure projects improve logistics, ports and energy security. supply chain integration strengthens our role in regional manufacturing networks. these are not abstract theories; these are tangible outcomes that can help improve everyday lives. more importantly, these create a web of mutual interests. When chinese companies invest in the Philippines, when filipino-chinese exporters depend on chinese markets, when airlines, hotels and logistics firms thrive on bilateral flows, a powerful constituency for stability emerges on both sides. Business leaders begin to lobby for calm, not confrontation. Diplomats gain space to talk. Nationalists find fewer ears willing to listen to escalation. this logic is not new; it is precisely how europe transformed itself after centuries of war. it is how AseAN itself prevented

spirit, and in the instinct to help without being asked. this is the Philippines’ greatest strength— the heart of its people. if faced with a similar moral test today, would we act as Quezon did? Would we protect our own future without abandoning others? Would we choose courage over comfort?

this shared history forms part of the foundation of the deep and enduring friendship between israel and the Philippines. it reminds us that true power does not come from authority alone. it comes from compassion. this shared history also lives on in the present. on international holocaust remembrance Day, israel joins the Philippines, the German embassy, and the United Nations delegation in manila for a joint commemorative event. together, we will screen Quezon’s Game—not only as an act of remembrance, but as a reaffirmation of the values that unite us: responsibility,

conflict among former adversaries. trade came first, trust followed later. As AseAN chair, the Philippines can champion a regional mantra such as “Competing claims, cooperative futures” or Peace through prosperity.” these are not slogans for weakness, but frameworks for realism. We acknowledge disputes, but we refuse to allow them to dominate the entire relationship. concrete initiatives could include an AseAN-china economic reset summit in manila, focused on post-pandemic recovery and future industries. track-two dialogues involving business leaders, retired diplomats and strategic thinkers could quietly explore confidence-building measures. Joint development zones – carefully crafted and without prejudice to sovereignty claims – could allow resource cooperation while shelving the most contentious legal questions for later generations.

None of this requires choosing between Washington and Beijing. the Philippines does not benefit from a binary worldview – we benefit from being a bridge, not a battlefield. strong alliances deter conflict, strong economies prevent discord. in fact, many American officials including President trump acknowledge that the most stable indo-Pacific is not one that is divided into rigid camps, but one where economic networks remain dense and inclusive. the United states itself trades heavily with china despite strategic rivalry. if great powers

courage, and the refusal to remain indifferent in the face of human suffering. Quezon’s decision did not end with the rescue of refugees. it shaped a legacy. his moral stance became part of what is often described as an open-door policy between the Philippines and the Jewish people—a legacy reflected today in the unique visa-free relationship between israel and the Philippines. it is a quiet but powerful reminder that decisions made in moments of crisis can shape relations between nations for generations. for these reasons, i am grateful to call the Philippines—if only temporarily—my home.

(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.

* * * Dana Kursh is ambassador of the State of Israel to the Philippines.

can compartmentalize competition and cooperation, surely, smaller states must learn to do the same.

A few months ago, during a policy forum in Washington, a senior diplomat remarked to me that “no one wins a Cold War in Asia.” the costs would be astronomical, the disruptions immense and the losers would be ordinary citizens long before generals or politicians feel the consequences. that comment stayed with me because it reflects a growing quiet consensus: escalation may be easy to talk about, but peace is far harder – and far more valuable – to build. As AseAN chair, the Philippines has a chance not merely to manage disputes, but to reshape the regional climate in which those disputes exist. We can choose to be remembered as the country that amplified tensions, or the one that restored balance, dialogue and economic common sense. history rarely remembers who shouted the loudest. it remembers who kept the peace. And in a region as complex and consequential as the indo-Pacific, peace will not come from rhetoric or weapons alone. it will come from something far more practical, far more durable and far more AseAN in spirit: shared prosperity. (Philstar.com)

uncomfortable for those implicated risks missing the larger moral center of the issue. the more important question is institutional: should the recovery of public funds depend on the pace of criminal trials, or should it proceed as soon as the state has a credible basis to act?

A system that waits may be procedurally pure but practically hollow. A system that recovers early must be carefully constrained to avoid abuse.

the challenge is not choosing one extreme over the other, but maintaining legitimacy while acting decisively. restitution, properly understood, is not punishment. it is not confiscation by fiat. it is a safeguard against further public loss while the truth is still being established. in scandals where public safety, public money, and public trust converge, restoration cannot be an afterthought. it must be the starting point. (AJPress)

Caretaker politics

rialize, cynicism returned. corruption is once again treated as individual greed rather than as structural dysfunction. today, mr. marcos appears to have slipped back into caretaker mode. facing impeachment complaints of his own and dependent on fragile congressional support, he has little incentive to disturb the equilibrium that sustains his presidency. Political accommodation once again takes precedence over structural reform. Yet this reform moment need not be entirely wasted. important lessons have been learned—lessons that can still inform a reform-minded presidency in 2028. corruption must be acknowledged as a systemic problem. civil society must be

institutionalized as a legitimate observer in budget, procurement, and audit processes. Public works must be rebuilt around traceable responsibility. reform blocs must replace lone reformers. And exposure must trigger automatic consequences, not discretionary mercy. caretaker politics may preserve stability for a time, but it also conceals decay. When politics limits itself to managing the consequences of corruption rather than dismantling its causes, it abandons its transformative role. the next presidency will inherit not a blank slate but a fully diagnosed festering system fail-

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Commission on Filipinos Overseas promotes 2026 Presidential awards for overseas Filipinos

The CFO is promoting the 2026 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, recognizing outstanding overseas Filipinos who contribute to national development.

by AJPress

MANILA — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has stepped up efforts to promote the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), the highest national recognition accorded to overseas Filipinos who contribute to Philippine development or excel in their professions abroad. The outreach aims to broaden public awareness of the biennial awards and encourage wider participation in the nomination process, particularly among Filipino communities overseas.

The CFO said nominations for the 2026 PAFIOO will be accepted until May 29, 2026, covering four award categories: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award, Banaag Award, Pamana ng Pilipino Award, and Kaanib ng Bayan Award. Nominations will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process, with awardees to be formally recognized in December 2026. Support for the 2026 awards has been reinforced through Memorandum Circular No. 112, which directs government agencies and instrumentalities to extend full assistance to the CFO and encourages local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector to support the conduct of the

awards. The circular was signed on January 15. The initiative comes as the CFO undertakes a strategic shift toward deeper engagement with the global Filipino community, moving beyond traditional administrative functions to focus on mobilizing overseas Filipinos for national development. Raising public awareness of the agency’s mandate is seen as central to strengthening links between Filipinos abroad and development priorities in the Philippines. Discussions also covered diaspora-focused programs such as the Youth Leaders in the Diaspora initiative, which seeks to reconnect younger generations of

Filipinos overseas with their cultural heritage and civic identity. Efforts are also underway to identify overseas Filipinos whose experiences and achievements can inspire the public and reinforce the country’s global presence. Established under Batas Pambansa Blg. 79, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas is an agency under the Office of the President mandated to strengthen the social, economic, and cultural ties between Filipinos permanently residing abroad and the Philippines. Its stakeholders include permanent migrants, dual citizens, spouses and partners of foreign nationals, and Filipino descendants overseas. n

West Coast Health Alliance Endorses Annual Update of American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule

Medical evidence, benefits, and safety of vaccines paramount in recommendation

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in coordination with its partners in the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), endorses the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. This schedule differs from recent national changes issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Immunization recommendations are similar to previous recommendations issued by AAP, adopted by CDPH, and endorsed by the West Coast Health Alliance.

CDPH will continue to adopt the most recent AAP immunization recommendations for California pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 120164.

This updated 2026 AAP Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule will be posted on the CDPH immunizations recommendations website. “The United States achieved elimination status for measles in 2000 with high vaccination rates. Now, we're seeing the highest numbers of measles cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations

and deaths than we’ve seen in more than 30 years, driven by populations with low vaccination rates.” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “We are at risk of losing our measles elimination status, and we all need to work together to share the medical evidence, benefits, and safety of vaccines to provide families the information they need to protect children and our communities."

CDPH has also issued separate recommendations for mpox vaccine to increase access for that vaccine to adolescents at increased risk of infection.

Because the 2026 AAP recommendations are essentially unchanged from prior CDPH recommendations, health insurance coverage in California will continue to cover these recommended vaccines. If parents have questions about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, they should discuss with their healthcare provider.

The West Coast Health Alliance joint statement: The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) endorses the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization

Schedule, as do professional medical and health organizations representing more than one million health care providers, reflecting a broad consensus on the safety and benefits of the recommended immunizations.

The AAP issued the annual update to its Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2026, based on a thorough and deliberate review of medical evidence. These recommendations also continue to thoughtfully consider specific disease risks and health care delivery in the United States.

The 2026 AAP Immunization Schedule reflects the most current science-based safety and benefits of immunizations that protect individuals and communities from infectious diseases and have saved millions of lives in the United States. Annual updates are important to incorporate new evidence.

The WCHA believes the AAP Immunization Schedule should continue to serve as the foundation for the immunizations routinely recommended by healthcare providers

Philippine ambassador engages Johns Hopkins SAIS students on U.S.–Philippines relations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Philippine Ambas

sador to the United States Jose Manuel Ro

mualdez held a policy discussion with grad

uate students of the Southeast Asia Policy Seminar at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), focusing on Phil

ippines–U.S. relations and regional challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

During the session, Romualdez emphasized the long-standing alliance between the Phil

ippines and the United States, describing the Philippines as a “friend, ally, and partner” of the United States. He cited decades of cooperation as treaty allies, including close ties in security, trade, and people-to-people ex

changes.

The ambassador highlighted the role of more than four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans in strengthening bilateral relations, noting their contributions to both coun

tries and their role in deepening mutual un

derstanding and goodwill.

Romualdez also discussed Philippine foreign policy priorities, including developments in the South China Sea and the importance of multilateral and minilateral partnerships. He outlined the Philippines’ priorities as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, emphasizing regional cooperation and stability.

The Southeast Asia Policy Seminar is a capstone course for second-year graduate students at SAIS and includes a week-long study trip to Manila as part of its academic program. (CDPH Release)

LOS ANGELES

Family-owned Nathan Studios places two films in 2026 Sundance Film Festival program

Nathan Studios earns international recognition as two films, Filipiñana and Levitating (Para Perasuk), are selected for screening at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, placing Philippine cinema on the global independent stage.

by AJPress

MANILA

— Nathan Studios, a Philippine production company described in industry reporting as family-owned, is credited on two films selected for screening at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026, placing the studio within the official lineup of one of the world’s most closely watched independent film events. The 2026 festival runs from January 22 to February 1 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, with an online component scheduled for the latter portion of the program, according to festival organizers. Sundance selection marks expanded international presence

Sundance’s annual selection process draws thousands of submissions from around the world. Films chosen for the final program are screened before audiences that include distributors, programmers, critics, and industry executives, making inclusion a significant marker of international visibility for independent producers.

Two films with Nathan Studios credits enter 2026 lineup Festival program materials list Nathan Studios in the producer or co-producer credits of “Filipiñana” and  “Levitating (Para Perasuk),” both of which are part of the 2026 feature slate. The

Complaints

selections place the company among a limited number of Asian production outfits represented in this year’s program.

‘Filipiñana’ screens in World Cinema Dramatic Competition Directed by Rafael Manuel,  Filipiñana is programmed in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition, one of Sundance’s flagship sections. The film follows a young woman working at an elite country club whose growing closeness to its president leads her to uncover unsettling truths beneath the institution’s carefully maintained image.

The project is an international co-production involving partners from the Philippines, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands, reflecting the cross-border financing and collaboration models increasingly common in contemporary independent filmmaking.

‘Levitating (Para Perasuk)’ included in feature program

Levitating (Para Perasuk) is also part of the festival’s 2026 feature lineup. Festival descriptions center on a young spirit channeler navigating trance rituals while trying to raise money to prevent eviction, situating the story within a blend of social realism and ritual practice. The film’s inclusion further extends Nathan Studios’ presence across multiple narrative forms within the program. Projects highlight cross-bor-

der production structure

Industry observers note that both films reflect a broader trend in which Southeast Asian producers partner with European and regional counterparts to access larger financing pools and international festival platforms. For Philippine companies, such collaborations can provide pathways to wider distribution and sustained global engagement beyond domestic release cycles. Festival schedule and platform

The Sundance Film Festival is organized by the nonprofit Sundance Institute and remains a central marketplace for independent cinema. The 2026 edition has drawn additional attention as it is widely reported to be the final festival hosted in Park City before a planned relocation beginning in 2027.

Sundance remains a key gateway for independent film Selection at Sundance does not guarantee commercial release or awards recognition, but it often serves as a critical entry point for independent films seeking international distribution, critical appraisal, or further festival circulation. For Nathan Studios, the inclusion of two titles situates the company within that global pipeline at a moment when Philippine and Southeast Asian cinema continues to seek broader international reach.

and counter-filings emerge in dispute involving Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos, Samantha Panlilio and former driver

by AJPress

MANILA — A dispute involving three figures from Philippine entertainment and pageantry has entered formal legal channels, resulting in overlapping complaints, counter-filings, and an investigation now under review by national authorities.

A man identifying himself as a personal driver and assistant, using the alias “Totoy,” has filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation naming actress and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, actress Rhian Ramos, and beauty queen and television personality Samantha Panlilio as respondents.

The complaint alleges physical assault and serious illegal detention stemming from an incident the complainant said began on January 17 inside a condominium unit in Makati City, following a dispute over an envelope or packet he claimed contained private or sensitive photographs.

Allegations under investigation

In his filing, the driver alleged that he was confronted after being accused of taking the packet and that he was physically assaulted and prevented from leaving the condominium unit over several days. He further alleged that two male bodyguards were involved and that certain police officers were named in his complaint. These assertions are contained in the complaint and have not been established as fact.

The complainant also alleged that he attempted to escape by jumping from a condominium window, claiming he survived by holding onto a rope and reaching a lower-floor unit before being brought back. Authorities have not publicly confirmed this account.

The driver is being assisted in pursuing his complaint by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption.

Barangay blotter filed by Dee

Separately, Michelle Dee filed a barangay blotter with Barangay Urdaneta in Makati City, accusing the same driver of assault. Barangay records confirm that the blotter entry was filed at the community level. Details of the allegation contained in the blotter have not been fully disclosed.

Prosecutor review and release

Records further show that on January 19, the driv-

er was brought to a police station in connection with a qualified theftcomplaint. He was detained and later released on January 22 after the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the complaint. No criminal case arising from that filing is currently pending in court.

Responses and denials

Through legal counsel, the camps of Dee and Ramos denied the allegations of illegal detention and physical assault. Their lawyer said the accusations are false and stated that their clients will formally respond upon receipt of an official copy of the NBI complaint. No admission of wrongdoing has been made by any of the individuals named.

Panlilio has not issued a separate public statement beyond what appears in official records.

Dispute moves to formal review

Officials at the National Bureau of Investigation said the agency will assess the evidence submitted by all parties, including the complaint, counter-filings, and supporting records, to determine whether the facts warrant the filing of criminal charges. Until that review is completed, no cases have been filed in court, and the allegations remain unadjudicated. All individuals involved are presumed innocent under the law.

Veteran actor Raoul Aragon dies at 78; family says remains to be flown to Philippines

by AJPress

LOS ANGELES — Veteran Filipino actor Raoul Aragon, whose career spanned decades of Philippine cinema and television, died peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Downey, California. He was 78.

Family confirms passing, appeals for accuracy and respect

In a statement released by his family and shared with the media through broadcaster and writer Laila Chikadora, Aragon’s daughter, Rica, confirmed his passing and explained that the family issued the statement to ensure accuracy and to prevent the circulation of unverified reports on social media.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Raoul Aragon, who left us peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Downey, California. He was 78 years old,” the family said.

The statement asked for restraint and respect for the family’s privacy as they mourn.

A career marked by discipline and quiet strength

Aragon was part of a generation of actors shaped by the socially conscious era of Philippine filmmaking. He was known for performances grounded in restraint and emotional credibility, often portraying fathers, authority figures, and working-class men whose inner conflicts reflected everyday Filipino life.

His most acclaimed performance came in 1979, when he won Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival for  “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo,” directed by Lino Brocka and starring Lolita Rodriguez and Nora Aunor. The film remains a landmark of Philippine cinema, and Aragon’s performance is widely regarded as central to its impact.

He was also remembered for his role as Tio Kadyo in “Pasan Ko ang Daigdig,” alongside Sharon Cuneta, and for appearances in films such as “Working Girls” and “Waikiki,” as well as the television series “Aguila,” where he worked with Vic “Bossing” Sotto. Across film and television, colleagues described him as a disciplined actor who favored understatement over theatrics.

Life in the United States

In later years, Aragon settled in Southern California and lived largely outside the public eye. He did not actively pursue acting work in the United

States, a choice friends say was consistent with his long-standing preference for privacy and family life.

Remembered as a family man

In their statement, the family described Aragon as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Josie; his children Zoilo, Nina, Rica, Jose, and Raul, along with their spouses; and his grandchildren Zachary, Leila, Kimi, Mika, and Jada.

“A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family,”  the family said.  “His presence will forever be missed, but his values and memories will continue to live on in our hearts.”

Final arrangements

The family confirmed that Aragon’s remains will be flown to the Philippines, where a viewing and memorial service will be arranged to allow family, friends, and colleagues to honor his life.

Raoul Aragon leaves behind a body of work that reflects an important chapter in Philippine cinema – one defined by realism, seriousness of purpose, and respect for craft. While he avoided celebrity, his performances continue to endure for their honesty and quiet power.

At 70, Charo Santos-Concio continues to push boundaries on screen

by AJPress

MANILA — At an age when many actresses are quietly eased out of leading roles, Charo Santos-Concio is doing the opposite. She is taking on one of the most challenging performances of her career and expanding the conversation around age, identity, and storytelling in Philippine cinema.

Santos-Concio stars opposite veteran actress Boots Anson Roa Rodrigo in Until She Remembers, a film directed by Brillante Mendoza and scheduled for theatrical release on Feb. 25, 2026. The film marks Santos-Concio’s first portrayal of a lesbian character, a deliberate choice that reflects her continued willingness to explore unfamiliar emotional and social terrain even after decades at the top of the industry.

Rather than framing the role as provocative, Santos-Concio has described it as an exercise in honesty and responsibility. The story centers on memory, loss, and unresolved emotional ties, unfolding quietly and relying less on spectacle than on restraint and nuance. It departs from the roles often written for older women in

mainstream cinema, where characters are frequently reduced to archetypes or relegated to the background.

The project brings together two performers whose careers span generations of Philippine film and television. Their pairing reinforces a broader idea suggested by the film, that stories about aging, intimacy, and identity do not lose relevance over time. Instead, they gain depth.

Santos-Concio’s decision to

take on the role follows a career defined by reinvention. She first gained acclaim as an actress in the late 1970s before becoming one of the most influential executives in Philippine media as president and chief executive officer of ABSCBN Corporation. During her tenure, the network expanded its film and television output, while Maalaala Mo Kaya, the drama anthology she has hosted since 1991, became a cultural fixture. In recent years, Santos-Concio has returned more deliberately to acting, choosing roles that favor complexity over familiarity. Her recent honors, including a 2025 induction into the Rolling Stone Philippines Hall of Fame and an honorary doctorate from St. Paul University Manila, have coincided with this creative reengagement rather than signaling a closing chapter. With Until She Remembers, Santos-Concio again challenges the notion that artistic risk belongs only to the young. At 70, she remains not only relevant but quietly resolute, continuing to test herself, her audience, and an industry still learning how to tell fuller stories about women, aging, and love.

H Mart celebrates 2026 Lunar New Year with exclusive Red Envelope Giveaway

LYNDHURST, NJ – H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States, is excited to announce a special promotion in celebration of the 2026 Lunar New Year. To honor this significant cultural tradition and thank its loyal customers, H Mart will distribute exclusive 2026 Lunar New Year Red Envelopes to H Mart Smart Rewards Card members starting Wednesday, February 4, 2026. During this promotional event, Smart Rewards Card members who spend over $30 at participating H Mart locations will receive a set of two uniquely designed red envelopes. This offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Customers who are not yet members can sign up for a Smart Rewards Card at any participating store’s Customer Service Desk to immediately participate in the event. H Mart is thrilled to bring back our Lunar New Year Red Envelopes as a way to celebrate and showcase the richness of Asian culture," said the H Mart Marketing Team. "The red envelope is a cherished tradition used to share good wishes and luck with loved ones. Our 2026 collection features two beautiful, curated designs that will make a fantastic addition to any holiday celebration." As the premier destination for authentic Asian groceries, H Mart invites customers to explore its wide selection of traditional Lunar New Year foods, fresh produce, and premium gift sets. Shoppers can find everything needed for their holiday feasts while enjoying this festive giveaway. For more information regarding the event, please refer to instore advertisements or follow H Mart on official social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, KakaoTalk, Line, and WeChat.

For

Former Miss Universe Catriona

Gray ushers in acting chapter

by AJPress

FORMER Miss Universe Catri-

ona Gray is taking a decisive step beyond pageantry and hosting as she formally enters acting, marking what she has described as her “actress era.”

Gray is set to make her feature-film acting debut in the upcoming Valentine-season romance The Loved One, where she appears alongside established screen figures Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales. The project represents Gray’s first major dramatic role following years of work as a beauty queen, television host, recording artist, and advocate.

In interviews promoting the film, Gray acknowledged that acting presents a new creative challenge, noting that the transition

requires formal preparation and a willingness to be evaluated in a different arena of performance. Industry observers view the casting as a measured introduction rather than a headline-driven pivot, placing Gray within an ensemble led by veteran actors.

The Loved One is scheduled for release in February 2026, timed for the Valentine’s Day movie season. As of publication, no controversies or legal issues are associated with the project or Gray’s participation, and all details cited have been publicly confirmed through established entertainment reporting.

The film signals a recalibration of Gray’s career trajectory, positioning her for potential long-term work in cinema while expanding her public profile beyond pageantry-related roles.

Raymart Santiago denies involvement in alleged kidnapping claim involving child with Claudine Barretto

by AJPress

MANILA — Actor Raymart Santiago has denied any involvement in an alleged “kidnapping”

incident referenced by his estranged wife, actress Claudine Barretto, stating that the allegation is false and that he will not issue public statements while a court-issued gag order remains in force.

The denial was conveyed through Santiago’s legal counsel in a statement read on the television program Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. His lawyers stated that Santiago “had no participation whatsoever” in the incident described on social media and is refraining from further comment in compliance with court restrictions connected to ongoing legal proceedings between the former couple.

Allegations raised online

On January 24, Barretto went live on social media alleging that her former personal assistant took her children without her consent. During the livestream, she stated that authorities had been notified and referenced the National Bureau of Investigation. Later the same day, Barretto posted an update indicating that her children were “safe and sound.” No further details were disclosed regarding the circumstances of their return.

Public record

There are no publicly available confirmation from law-enforcement agencies indicating that a

formal kidnapping complaint has been filed or outlining the status of any investigation related to the allegations. The public record at this stage consists of statements issued by the parties involved and responses from legal counsel. Santiago’s lawyers stated that the gag order cited in their statement remains in effect and restricts his ability to address the matter publicly. Any issues, they said, will be handled through the appropriate legal forum.

Mariel Rodriguez says Robin Padilla will not seek office in 2028

by AJPress

MANILA — Television host

Mariel Rodriguez said her husband, Senator Robin Padilla, has decided not to run for any elective post in the 2028 national elections. Rodriguez made the remarks in response to public speculation about Padilla’s political future, saying he has no plans to pursue another campaign after completing his current Senate term. She cited the level of criticism directed at him during his tenure as a factor in the decision, adding that the family has taken note of the public scrutiny surrounding his work in government.

Padilla, a former film actor who won a Senate seat in 2022, has not issued a separate, detailed statement outlining post-term plans beyond what Rodriguez conveyed. As of publication, there is no official filing or announcement from Padilla indicating any intention to seek office in 2028. The statement follows intermittent calls from supporters for

as settled,

Cecilia Ongpauco backs Heart Evangelista at Paris Fashion Week

PARIS — Fashion entrepreneur and actress Heart Evangelista returned to the global style spotlight at Paris Fashion Week with a familiar presence at her side: her mother, Cecilia Ongpauco, who was seen cheering her on across shows and fashion events in the French capital.

Photos and social media posts circulating during the week showed Ongpauco accompanying Evangelista to runway venues and fashion engagements, underscoring a visible mother-daughter bond amid one of the industry’s most demanding calendars. Evangelista, a longtime fixture of international fashion weeks, attended multiple presentations and related events, drawing attention from photographers and fashion watchers for her curated looks and front-row appearances.

The Paris trip marks Evangelista’s continued participation in the international fashion circuit, where she has established a following for her coverage of couture and ready-to-wear collections. Ongpauco’s presence, highlighted by fans online, added a personal dimension to the oth-

erwise business-driven schedule. The

reinforces Evangelista’s standing as a Filipino

Matet de Leon responds to questions over Ian de Leon’s

absence from family wedding

MANILA — Actress Matet de Leon has addressed online speculation surrounding the absence of her brother Ian de Leon at the recent wedding of their brother, following comments from social media users who noted that Ian was not seen in photos from the ceremony.

In a public response, Matet emphasized that family matters remain private and that her siblings are under no obligation to explain personal decisions to the public. She urged netizens to refrain from intrusive commentary and harassment, stressing that not all family circumstances are meant for public discussion.

Matet did not disclose specific reasons for Ian’s absence, instead underscoring boundaries between public life and private family relationships. She also made clear that speculation linking the absence to family conflict was unfounded. As of publication, there have been no verified reports of a dispute among the siblings connected to the wedding, and neither Ian de Leon nor other family members have issued statements contradicting Matet’s remarks.

sonal family matters out of public view despite continued public interest.

Ramsay says he is ‘at peace,’ prioritizes

by AJPress by AJPress

tional balance, and time with family. He said the past months prompted a reassessment of priorities, leading him to slow down and place greater attention on health and inner stability. Ramsay did not dwell on specific issues or disputes, instead framing the period as one of recalibration. He described the shift as intentional, noting that self-care and personal growth have become central as he looks ahead to future work and commitments.

The actor added that upcoming professional opportunities will be approached with more selectivity, aligned with his current focus on balance rather than pace. No formal announcements regarding new projects were made.

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Tips for Los Angeles "Solopreneurs" to Grow Their Businesses in 2026

You’ve put in the late nights, the weekends and the hustle. And now, what started as an opportunity to make extra money has turned into an enterprise with real potential.

If you handle everything on your own – logistics, production, marketing, finances and everything in between – you’re part of a growing group of entrepreneurs nicknamed “solopreneurs.” While the image of a small business often includes an owner and a few employees, for many entrepreneurs, “solopreneurship” makes the most sense for their business model and goals.

If you’re considering the solopreneur life or have already launched your business, JPMorganChase offers five helpful tips for you to grow your business in 2026.

1. Identify or solidify a business opportunity.

If you want to become a solopreneur or enhance your current offerings, look for a need in Los Angeles or come up with an innovative idea. Maybe it’s a service that can help others or a product that could enhance or simplify their lives.

Once you have your big idea, careful planning and preparation can give your startup its best shot at becoming a success. That can include researching your industry’s trends to see if you’re meeting a niche or a growing need. Look for long-term demand and understand your total addressable market, not just seasonal or trendy success.

2. Make a business plan.

Start by writing or refining a business description to outline your goals and strategy. Your plan doesn’t have to be long, but it should outline your mission, goals, competitive analysis, marketing approach and financial forecasts.

If you’re already running a business, examine your customer base. Do you have repeat customers? Are they referring others to you? Side hustles that work have a steady and growing customer base. If yours does, it’s a positive sign your business may be ready for the next step.

3. Maximize savings to impact growth.

Many entrepreneurs use some personal savings to get their businesses started but also pursue business lines of credit or small business loans to fund equipment and marketing plans. No matter how you get started, prioritizing saving along the way will help secure the funds you need to get your business up and running. One powerful tool for solo entrepreneurs is the new Solo 401(k) from JPMorganChase. This plan is designed for business owners without full-time employees, apart from their spouse, and allows for high annual contributions — up to $72,000 for themselves and their spouse — with both pre-tax and Roth options.

The key is consistency. According to data from Chase, while Solo 401(k) accounts are a popular choice for self-employed business owners, 70% didn’t contribute in the past year. Building small, sustainable habits — such as setting up automatic monthly contributions or scheduling quarterly check-ins with a financial advisor — can strengthen followthrough. Over time, these simple actions add up, helping ensure Solo 401(k) accounts reach their full potential and deliver meaningful longterm results.

You could also look for additional financing from angel investors— wealthy individuals that can provide small investments, usually in the very early stages of a business. Angel investors accept more risk but want an ownership stake. Crowdfunding can also be beneficial for solopreneurs. With the right product and approach, you can raise small dollar amounts from a large pool of individual online backers with the bonus of connecting with your target customers early on.

4. Develop your marketing and brand strategy.

Define your brand voice and value proposition and choose the right marketing channels for growth. You might explore channels such as social media, email marketing or paid advertising. As you set a realistic marketing budget, consider the cost of tools, advertising and outsourced services like graphic design or content writing. Start small, measure results and scale what works.

You should also build a strong network to find mentors who can provide startup advice. Stay focused on your target audience so you can market to them effectively.

5. Plan for growth and operations.

The logistical side of entrepreneurship includes thinking about order fulfillment, customer service, project management and scheduling. Invest in the right tools to streamline daily operations, improve customer experience and save time.

A final note: Self-employment comes with new tax responsibilities, including quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment tax. You may also need to collect and remit sales tax, depending on your industry— and you could have to pay sales tax in all the states where your goods or services are sold.

You may already be operating as a sole proprietor, but going full time could mean exploring a more formal business structure. While creating an LLC for your side hustle is common, consider which structure best supports your long-term goals and legal needs. Depending on your industry, you may need licenses, permits, insurance, contracts or compliance paperwork before you can legally or safely scale operations.

If you want more assistance in taking your solo business to the next level, your local financial institution has resources that can help. You can also reach out to a Chase business banker today for more information and advice.

* * *

This article is for Informational/Educational Purposes Only: The opinions expressed in this article may differ from the official policy or position of (or endorsement by) JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates. Opinions and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendations for any individual or business. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

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