031426 - Los Angeles Edition

FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 20, 2026 Volume 37 - No. 11 • 14 Pages

Trump dismisses unverified report of Iranian drone threat to West Coast as war with Tehran continues

WASHINGTON D.C. — President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was not concerned by reports of a possible Iranian drone threat targeting California, after a federal intelligence bulletin circulated among law-enforcement agencies warned of an alleged plan involving unmanned aerial vehicles launched from vessels off the U.S. coast. The internal alert, distributed through the Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center (LA JRIC), indicated that Iran had “aspired” to launch drones from unidentified ships positioned offshore. Officials said the information cited in the bulletin was preliminary and had not been verified.

Speaking with reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump downplayed concerns that Tehran could attempt a strike on American soil.

Global Entry resumes as airport security delays persist during DHS funding dispute

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government has restored the Global Entry trusted-traveler program after suspending it in late February during a funding lapse affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), even as some airports continue to report unusually long security lines.

Federal officials said the program resumed March 11, ending a pause that began Feb. 22 during the partial shutdown of DHS operations.

Global Entry, administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), allows pre-approved travelers considered low risk to bypass traditional passport inspection lines by using automated kiosks or dedicated processing lanes when entering the United States. Enrollment also includes TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited security screening at participating airports.

During the shutdown, DHS temporarily halted Global Entry processing and reas-

info@asianjournalinc.com

by AJPress

cannot bring him home because that is not the way it works. We have to ask the assistance of the country where he is in, which is presently Portugal. So, that’s what we have done,” Marcos Jr. said. He added that the government has already requested a Red Notice through the International Criminal Police Organization to locate Co.

“That’s the process. You do not send your own police to go and pick him up kasi wala namang jurisdiction ang police doon sa kung saan ‘yung ibang bansa.

for school districts to recruit teachers from

The issue centers on the H-1B visa program, a U.S. immigration pathway that allows employers to hire foreign professionals in

VP Sara Duterte: Diokno request proves impeachment case lacks evidence

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday claimed that the move by Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno to seek subpoenas in the impeachment proceedings against her only proves that the complaints lack sufficient evidence.

copy of Diokno’s letter, written as a motion Madriaga should be placed under the panel’s custody as “material witness” for the impeachment case, was released on Thursday, March 12.

She said the request filed before the House committee on justice shows that lawmakers are still trying to gather proof to support the accusations.

THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which was formed to investigate irregularities in flood control projects in the last 10 years, is winding down and will remain operational only until the end of the month.

In a statement released on Friday, March 13, ICI chairperson Andres Reyes said that the Commission has “turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman all documents, evidence, and findings gathered in the course of its investigation,” which will then be submitted to the Department of Justice and the Department of Public Works and Highways “for their records, review, and guidance.”

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, with the Department of Tourism to be temporarily headed by Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso as officer in charge.

This was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro to reporters on Thursday, March 12.

“As many areas across the country face increasing climate-related hazards and disruptions that affect local economies and livelihoods, the President has tasked Secretary Frasco to take on this role to help strengthen the implementation and sustained follow-through of priority national initiatives at the community level,” Castro said in a viber message.

and as head of the Marketing Development Group.

Meanwhile, Casto said Frasco did not resign from the DOT but only transferred to a different role. Speculation about Frasco’s replacement has been going on for a few months now following allegations that the DOT commissioned the publication Philippine Topics to feature her on its cover and publish a story about her. Lawmakers and netizens also criticized Frasco for alleged “self-promotion” in tourism materials.

“This only reinforces what I have been saying all along. There is no sufficient evidence to warrant an impeachment case against me,” Duterte said. This statement comes as a u PAGE 2

“The finding of sufficiency in substance by the committee on justice presupposes that the allegations in the complaints are supported by evidence,” the vice

According to Reyes, within the six months it’s been in operation, the ICI “has established the investigative framework and methodology that can now be adopted and replicated by statutory prosecutorial agencies in examining the full universe of anomalous infrastructure projects.”

“The ICI has submitted 9 referrals covering 65 individuals to the OMB and has convened 20 agencies in the Technical Working Group

“The President expressed his appreciation for her service at the Department of Tourism and conveyed confidence that her experience working closely with local governments and communities will continue to support the Administration’s priorities,” she also said.

Buensuceso has been with the DOT since 2013, where she served as Assistant Secretary, Tourism Attache and Director for East Japan,

Frasco was the former mayor of Liloan, Cebu and spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte. She is the daughter of then-Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who backed Marcos presidential bid together with her One Cebu party. n

Middle East conflict pushes...

PAGE 1

instructed to remain in close coordination with Filipino communities and host governments.

The Middle East hosts a significant share of the world’s oil production and shipping routes.

As tensions intensified in recent weeks, global crude prices moved upward amid concerns that conflict could disrupt supply flows or threaten maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for international oil shipments.

The Philippines imports most of its petroleum requirements, making the country particularly sensitive to changes in global fuel prices. The Department of Energy has repeatedly warned that geopolitical disruptions in major oil-producing regions can quickly translate into higher domestic fuel costs.

Energy officials said rising oil prices could eventually influence transport costs, electricity generation and logistics expenses across the archipelago.

Economic managers have long identified global oil volatility as a major external risk to inflation. Higher fuel prices tend to feed into transportation fares and electricity costs, which can affect consumer prices and the broader economy.

Officials from the Department of Energy said they are monitoring international market move-

ments and assessing potential measures should global fuel prices continue to rise. Labor and foreign affairs authorities are also focusing on the situation of Filipino workers in the Middle East.

The Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs said Philippine embassies and labor offices in the region have been instructed to maintain communication with Filipino communities and remain prepared to provide assistance if necessary.

Filipino workers are present across several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait. The region has long been one of the most significant overseas employment destinations for Filipinos.

Remittances sent by overseas Filipino workers remain a key pillar of the Philippine economy.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show that remittances total tens of billions of dollars annually and support household consumption throughout the country.

A substantial portion of those remittances originates from workers in the Middle East, making developments in the region economically significant for many Filipino households. Beyond energy markets and labor concerns, officials and an-

alysts are also watching global trade and logistics.

The Middle East lies along important maritime and aviation corridors linking Asia with Europe and parts of Africa. Prolonged disruptions in the region could affect shipping routes, freight costs and supply chains moving across international markets.

Economic planners say higher logistics costs can influence the price of imported goods entering the Philippines, including fuel products, food commodities and industrial materials.

Regional governments are also evaluating the broader economic effects of the conflict. Southeast Asian officials have discussed the potential implications for trade, energy security and economic stability as tensions continue.

For the Philippines, the unfolding situation highlights the country’s exposure to geopolitical developments beyond its borders, particularly those affecting energy markets and the welfare of Filipino workers abroad.

ICI to remain operational...

PAGE 1

for Asset Recovery. It has also initiated the development of 3 information systems designed to detect fraud and other irregularities in infrastructure projects,” he pointed out.

“While these represent only the initial phase of a much broader investigative and restitution effort, these accomplishments demonstrate that, with strong inter-agency coordination, proper investigations can be conducted which could ultimately lead to the successful prosecution of those responsible and the recovery of stolen public funds,” he added.

es related to its wind-down.”

“I likewise urge government institutions involved in the implementation and oversight of infrastructure projects to act on the Commission’s recommendations for their respective offices to improve transparency, strengthen controls, enhance coordination, reinforce accountability, and prevent the recurrence of infrastructure-related irregularities,” added Reyes.

the Independent Commission on Infrastructure in September.

The ICI is tasked to recommend the filing of appropriate charges and recommend to the appropriate government bodies the enforcement of remedies, corrective actions, or legislative measures in connection with irregularities in flood control projects in the last 10 years.

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ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY

Marcos confirms Zaldy Co...

So, they cannot arrest anyone.

So, it will have to be with the assistance of the hosting country,” the president commented.

Co is considered a central figure in the 2025 flood control scandal involving billions of pesos lost to alleged corruption.

In September of that year, Co resigned from Congress and denied any involvement in the alleged scam. He was then a noshow to Senate hearings on the issue, citing “medical reasons.”

On Nov. 14, 2025, Co posted a 6-minute video, implicating Marcos and his cousin former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez in the flood control mess,

claiming they had roles in inserting P100 billion in flood projects into the 2025 national budget.

On Nov. 18, the Ombudsman filed graft and malversation cases against Co, several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 4-B, and executives of Sunwest Inc. over the P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. Later in the year, Marcos announced that Co’s passport was already cancelled. Sandiganbayan declared Co a fugitive for failing to return to the country amid warrants and for non-compliance with the Independent Commission on Infrastructure’s probe. n

Government agencies said monitoring and coordination efforts will continue as the conflict evolves, with priority placed on protecting Filipino nationals overseas and managing the potential economic effects at home. n PAGE 1

Since such frameworks and systems have been up, Reyes said he believes that the ICI “has fulfilled its mandate” under Executive Order No. 94, and that the work it has initiated “is now properly situated to be carried forward by the agencies established by law.”

“Thus, I hereby recommend that the ICI wind down its operations,” he said. “The Commission will remain operational until March 31, 2026 to complete the necessary administrative process-

The ICI chair thanked the government agencies that helped the Commission with its probe.

“As the investigation continues through the coordinated efforts of our government agencies, may we remain vigilant and steadfast in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice,” he said.

“May we always remember that crime does not, and should never, pay. No one is, and should ever be, above the law,” he concluded.

Formation of ICI

Hearings at the House of Representatives and the Senate on flood control projects revealed billions of pesos lost to corruption, which prompted the formation of

The fact-finding body is receiving assistance from the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Prosecution Service, the DPWH, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and offices in the national government’s executive branch “to accomplish its mandates.”

It also has the power to conduct hearings, take testimony, and receive, gather, review, and evaluate evidence, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, recommend to the DOJ the admission of a person as a state witness, and obtain information and documents from the Senate and the House of Representatives. n

Visa policy shift raises concerns...

PAGE 1 specialized occupations, including teaching. In 2025, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trumpannounced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions, a sharp increase from previous application costs that typically totaled several thousand dollars.

Education leaders and immigration experts say the change could affect school systems that rely on international recruitment to address teacher shortages.

Across the United States, many districts, particularly in rural or underserved communities, have turned to foreign educators to fill vacancies in subjects such as mathematics, science, and special education.

In some districts, international teachers account for a significant portion of the workforce. School administrators in several states report that educators from countries including the Philippines and Jamaica have helped sustain staffing levels in communities where domestic recruitment has proven difficult.

Philippines a major source of international teachers

The Philippines has emerged as one of the leading sources of international teachers working in U.S. schools.

Philippine government advisories and migration data have noted that Filipino educators rep-

resent a large share of teachers participating in the J-1 exchange visitor teacher program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of State. The program allows qualified foreign teachers to work in accredited American schools for several years while participating in cultural and professional exchange activities.

Recruitment agencies and education officials say Filipino teachers are widely sought after because of their English proficiency, professional training, and experience teaching subjects where shortages are common, including STEM fields and special education.

For many Filipino educators, teaching abroad has become part of a broader pattern of global mobility among Filipino professionals working in education systems across North America, the Middle East, and other regions.

School districts warn of financial strain

Education officials say the higher H-1B visa fee could place international recruitment beyond the financial reach of many public school districts.

Administrators note that the cost of sponsoring a single visa under the new policy could approach or exceed the annual salary of a teacher in some states, making it difficult for smaller

districts to continue hiring from overseas.

Without access to international educators, some school leaders warn that hard-to-staff districts may face persistent vacancies or may need to rely on alternatives such as larger class sizes, combined classrooms, or short-term teaching arrangements.

Several policymakers and education groups have urged federal authorities to consider exemptions for sectors such as education and health care that rely on specialized workers from abroad.

Implications for Filipino educators For Filipino teachers seeking employment overseas, any changes affecting international recruitment in the United States could influence future opportunities.

Education analysts note that Filipino teachers have long played a role in addressing staffing gaps in American schools. Their presence has helped sustain classroom instruction in districts facing shortages of qualified educators.

School administrators and immigration experts say the longterm effects of the visa policy will depend on whether adjustments are made to accommodate sectors such as education.

Until then, districts and international teachers alike are watching closely as U.S. immigration rules continue to evolve. n

VP Sara Duterte: Diokno request...

president said in a statement.

“The committee cannot conduct an investigation to search for evidence to support accusations already made in the impeachment complaints,” she added.

Third ‘fishing expedition’ Duterte said the subpoena request would amount to a third “fishing expedition” by the House, citing that previous congressional proceedings had already attempted to look for evidence against her.

According to her, “The first was the budget hearing in 2024, remembered for the now infamous line, ‘Let’s stick to our plan.’”

“The second were the hearings conducted by the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, which many will recall for the so-called ‘Mary Grace Piattos’ attack,” Duterte added.

Protecting ‘certain individuals’

The vice president again maintained that the impeachment complaints filed against her are politically motivated and “designed to protect certain individuals and advance personal and foreign interests.”

“Among them are an official reportedly struggling with substance abuse, a congressman widely regarded as the mastermind of flood control funds and his associates who allegedly received maletas [luggages] of cash, and a legisla-

tor openly positioning herself for a presidential run,” she said. Duterte did not name these individuals.

However, in earlier statements dismissing Akbayan’s complaints, she suggested its leader had presidential ambitions and, with it played a video of Senator Risa Hontiveros’s speech, which she claimed illustrated the group’s political motives.

An insult

Duterte also criticized the proposal to grant “special treatment” to Ramil Madriaga, whom she described as an alleged kidnapper who fabricated accusations against her. Madriaga is currently detained in a jail facility in Taguig City for alleged kidnapping.

The vice president previously

filed a perjury complaint against Ramil Madriaga over an affidavit claiming that he served as her “bagman” during Duterte’s vice presidential campaign in 2022. In the same statement, Duterte said: “Even more disturbing is the treatment now being extended to Madriaga, an alleged kidnapper who fabricated an entire story. The request that he be given special treatment in the House of Representatives is a grave insult to the minor victim who was traumatized by his criminal acts.”

Duterte claimed that while the world grapples with global energy and economic challenges amid the Middle East conflict, the Philippine House and Office of the President remain focused on her, “insulting” even OFWs, the poor, and vulnerable families. n PAGE 1

Razon is richest Filipino on Forbes billionaires list

by Richmond meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA — Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. is the country’s richest, based on the Forbes 2026 World’s Billionaires list.

Razon, chairman of port giant International Container Terminal Services Inc., hotel and casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. and East zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc., leads 15 other tycoons from the Philippines who landed in this year’s edition of the definitive ranking of the world’s wealthiest people.

Razon was the only Filipino who cracked the top 200, ranking 175th with a net worth of $16.5 billion.

He was followed by San Miguel Corp. chairman and CEO Ramon Ang who came in at rank 1,189 with a net worth of $3.6 billion and LT Group chairman Lucio Tan who placed 1,223rd with a net worth of $3.5 billion.

Real estate and retail tycoon Manuel Villar, the richest Filipino last year at 117th worldwide, is this year’s fourth wealthiest from the Philippines at 1,376th with a net worth of $3.1 billion.

Members of the Sy family comprised the next four Filipino billionaires on the list, led by Henry Sy Jr. at 1,676 with $2.5 billion, Hans Sy and Herbert Sy tied at rank 2,274 with $1.8 billion each and Harley Sy, who is tied with property tycoon and Alliance Global chairman Andrew Tan at rank 2,386 with $1.7 billion each.

Also tied at rank 2,481 are

retail tycoon Lucio Co and BDO Unibank chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson with net worth of $1.6 billion each.

Another member of the Sy family, Elizabeth Sy, and Lucio Co’s wife Susan Co of retailer Puregold were tied at rank 2,600 with $1.5 billion in net worth each.

Completing the Filipino tycoons on the list are Jollibee Group founder Tony Tan Caktiong at 3,185th with a net worth of $1.1 billion and Eusebio Tanco, chairman of STI Education Systems Holdings and digital entertainment company DigiPlus Interactive, who ranked at 3,332 with $1 billion in net worth.

Forbes said this year’s list features a total of 3,428 billionaires, up by 400 from last year and by far the biggest since the list’s inception in 1987. It said the world’s wealthiest

people are worth a record $20.1 trillion combined, up from $16.1 trillion in 2025.

The U.S. has the most billionaires with 989 on the list, followed by mainland China with 539 billionaires and India with 229.

Elon Musk topped the list for the second year in a row with a net worth of $839 billion.

Forbes said Musk is the first person ever recorded to reach the $800 billion mark, as he moves toward becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

Larry Page, co-founder of Google, ranked second with an estimated net worth of $257 billion, followed by his co-founder Sergey Brin at third with $237 billion.

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos ranked fourth with $224 billion and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg rounded out the top five with $222 billion. n

Trump dismisses unverified...

PAGE 1

“No, I’m not concerned,” the president said. “It’s being investigated. We have a lot of things happening, and all we can do is take them as they come.”

Administration officials said the notice represented a routine intelligence-sharing communication rather than confirmation of a specific operational plot.

Federal officials say information remains unverified Officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and

other federal agencies said the bulletin was based on what investigators described as a single unverified tip.

According to officials familiar with the notice, authorities had no additional information regarding timing, targets, methods or individuals involved in the alleged plan.

White House press secretary

Karoline Leavitt said federal authorities had reviewed the information and found no credible evidence of an active threat to the U.S. homeland.

Officials noted that intelligence notices are routinely distributed during periods of heightened international tensions so state and local agencies can remain alert while federal authorities assess the reliability of incoming information.

California monitoring developments

Officials in California said they were coordinating with federal partners while emphasizing that no immediate threat had been identified.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the state has heightened monitoring efforts as the conflict in the Middle East continues, with

particular attention to drone-related security concerns.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) said it is working with federal agencies including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to monitor developments and review preparedness measures.

Local authorities in Los Angeles and San Francisco confirmed receiving the intelligence notice but said they had not identified any credible or imminent threat.

Conflict overseas continues The alert surfaced as the United States continues military operations against Iran following the outbreak of hostilities in late February.

Officials from the Department of Defense said U.S. forces have conducted strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including missile and drone capabilities. Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. and allied facilities in parts of the Middle East, according to defense officials. Military authorities said the conflict remains concentrated in the region and that there have been no confirmed Iranian attacks on U.S. territory. (AJPress)

Global Entry resumes...

PAGE 1

signed personnel normally assigned to the program to assist with standard immigration inspections at ports of entry.

The wider disruption has been most visible at airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees passenger screening at U.S. airports, continued operating during the shutdown period, but many employees worked without pay while funding negotiations remained unresolved.

Travelers at several airports reported unusually long waits at security lines. At William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, passengers said screening lines stretched for hours during peak periods. Travelers at airports in New Orleans, Atlanta and Charlotte also reported extended waits as passenger traffic increased during the spring travel season.

Airport authorities in some cities advised travelers to arrive three to four hours before flights to allow additional time for screening.

The disruption comes amid a continuing dispute in Washington over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers have been negotiating legislation to restore full funding for the department, but disagreements over immigration and border enforcement policies have complicated efforts to reach an agreement.

Travel industry groups and airlines had urged federal officials to restore Global Entry, arguing that the program helps reduce congestion at international arrival halls by allowing vetted travelers to move more quickly through customs. According to CBP, millions of travelers are enrolled in Global Entry, which operates at dozens of airports and ports of entry across the United States. While the program’s reinstatement restores expedited processing for its members, federal officials say broader airport conditions, including staffing levels and seasonal travel demand, could continue to affect travel times in the weeks ahead. (AJPress)

LACMTA will receive

LACMTA will receive Bids for OP140008 - Bus Tire Purchase, Installation, and Maintenance - World Cup Contingency Fleet A Virtual Pre-Bid conference will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. All Bids must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. OP140008. For a copy of the Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email John Platt at plattj@metro.net. 3/14/26 CNS-4022465# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

DAteline PhiliPPines

CFO registration center records highest overseas voter sign-ups

by AJPress

— A voter reg-

PASAY CITY

istration center hosted by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has recorded the highest number of overseas voter registrants among registration facilities operated by Philippine government agencies, according to officials of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The update was shared during the “Votes That Count: Overseas Voting Dialogue with the Filipino Diaspora,” held earlier this year at the Commission on Filipinos Overseas main office in Pasay City.

During the forum, COMELEC

Director III Jan Jordan Poon of the agency’s Office for Overseas Voting said the registration facility located within the CFO has been drawing strong participation from Filipinos registering to vote abroad.

“The overseas diaspora is one of the backbones of our economy—through their remittances and strategic investments in the Philippines—so it’s only right that they should participate in the elections so that they can also shape and influence policies that are relevant to them,” Poon said.

Poon added that the CFObased center is currently leading in the number of registrants compared with other field registration centers established in coordination with government

departments and agencies.

Dialogue highlights diaspora engagement

The event was organized by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Overseas Voting Secretariat, and the COMELEC Office for Overseas Voting. Government officials, Filipino diaspora leaders, civil society representatives and overseas Filipinos participated in the hybrid forum to discuss reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening overseas voting participation. Electoral modernization The dialogue took place as the Philippines continues to imple-

ment reforms to modernize its electoral system.

Beginning with the 2025 elections, the country introduced internet voting for overseas Filipinos, a move aimed at expanding access to the ballot for citizens living or working abroad.

CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II emphasized the importance of maintaining strong civic engagement among Filipinos overseas.

Officials also reminded overseas Filipinos that voter registration continues as preparations begin for the 2028 national elections, encouraging eligible voters abroad to participate in shaping the country’s democratic future.

35 housing bills move forward in Senate push to address Philippines’ housing shortage

by AJPress

MANILA — Facing a housing shortage that affects millions of low-income Filipino families, a Senate committee has advanced 35 proposed measures aimed at expanding socialized housing and speeding up the construction of affordable homes.

The proposals were approved by the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, which reviews legislation related to housing policy, urban development and resettlement programs for underserved communities.

Lawmakers said the package of bills seeks to remove common obstacles that have slowed housing projects, including difficulties acquiring land, delays in project approvals and gaps in financing for government housing initiatives.

Among the proposals is legislation seeking to amend provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, the law that established the country’s framework for providing housing to underprivileged and homeless citizens. Supporters say the amendment would strengthen government authority to acquire land intended for socialized housing projects, a step viewed as critical in areas where land availability has limited the construction of affordable housing.

Other measures endorsed by the committee focus on streamlining housing project approvals, improving coordination among national agencies and local government units, and strengthening financing and support mechanisms for socialized housing programs.

Urban development planners have long cited land acquisition challenges, regulatory bottlenecks and funding limitations as key factors contributing to delays in housing projects across the country.

With the committee’s approval, the proposed measures now move forward for plenary deliberation in the Senate, where lawmakers will determine whether the bills will advance further in

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

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OPiniOn FeAtures

Women’s History Month and the unfinished work of equality

EACH March, the world marks Women’s History Month, a time not only to celebrate the achievements of women, but also to examine the cultural and institutional forces that continue to shape their place in public life.

In the Philippines, a country often cited as one of Asia’s more gender-progressive societies, that reflection has taken on renewed urgency after remarks attributed to Bong Suntay, a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, drew criticism for referencing actress and television host Anne Curtis in terms widely regarded as objectifying.

Editorial

commonly known as the “Bawal Bastos Law”, as a reminder that gender-respectful conduct must extend to public institutions and political discourse. Taken individually, such episodes may appear fleeting. Taken together, they reveal something more enduring: the persistent tension between the Philippines’ legal and political advances for women and the cultural attitudes that sometimes lag behind them.

The reaction was swift and unusually broad. Curtis’ family members, including her sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith and their mother Carmen Ojales Curtis-Smith, publicly criticized the remark, describing it as disrespectful. Curtis herself later rejected what she called a “non-apology” and indicated that legal options were being studied.

Within Congress, the statement was eventually ordered stricken from the official record of the proceedings. Women’s advocates filed an ethics complaint, and the Philippine Commission on Women issued a formal condemnation, describing the comment as an act of sexual objectification inconsistent with standards expected of public officials.

Risa Hontiveros also invoked the country’s Safe Spaces Act, the anti-harassment legislation

FOR years now, a familiar narrative has been circulating in global strategic discussions: the United States is in decline. From academic conferences to political commentary and social media debates, many observers have argued that America’s influence is fading as new powers rise and geopolitical dynamics shift.

This narrative has been particularly popular among some analysts in Beijing and Moscow, who frequently describe a world moving toward a “post-American era.” According to this view, internal political divisions, economic competition and war fatigue have weakened Washington’s ability to lead internationally.

But recent events once again remind the world that reports of America’s decline may be greatly exaggerated. Ironically, even some Chinese analysts are beginning to acknowledge this. A recent item in the South China Morning Post noted that the United States’ ability to conduct rapid and precise military operations in response to escalating tensions in

QUESTION

I MIGHT be beating a dead horse and milking an overworked cow, but there are a few things that bear repeating.

The setting: the impeachment hearings for Vice President Sara Duterte. During the proceedings, Quezon City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay, ostensibly her supporter, spoke in her defense with an analogy that was so faulty, it could have been substituted by any other without losing meaning.

Suntay insisted on announcing how he lusted after Anne Curtis (in Filipino: nag-iinit sa loob) as a way to talk about how harmless words are and how people cannot be condemned for their imagination.

He could have referenced any other situation. To wish for a lot of money by planning to befriend contractors and siphon money out of government con-

A country of progress and paradox

The Philippines has long stood out in Asia for its record on gender equality. The landmark Magna Carta of Womenestablished an expansive legal framework protecting women’s rights and promoting their participation in governance and development.

The country has also elected two women presidents, Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and women continue to hold influential positions across government, the judiciary, and the private sector.

Internationally, global assessments from the World Economic Forum have repeatedly ranked the Philippines among the leading countries in Asia in narrowing gender gaps in education and

the Middle East has prompted debate among Chinese strategic thinkers. While the dominant narrative in China has often emphasized American decline, these developments have forced a more sober assessment of U.S. capabilities.

The reality is that no other country today possesses the combination of military reach, technological sophistication, intelligence networks and global alliances that the U.S. commands.

When Washington decides to act, it can mobilize enormous resources across continents within hours. Carrier strike groups, long-range bombers, precision-guided weapons, satellite intelligence and integrated command systems project U.S. power in ways that remain unmatched in the modern world. Equally important is America’s unparalleled network of alliances and partnerships.

Unlike many other major powers, the United States does not operate alone. It works within a framework of long-standing alliances built over decades, extending across Europe, Asia and

tracts. To wish to be able to eat a lot of fatty food without bearing the consequences on health and appearance. Instead, Suntay chose to remark on how he has lustful desires but chose not to act, and we shouldn’t condemn him for mere thoughts.

It turns out: we can. After all, his Bible verse-toting allies in the pro-Duterte circuit can quote from the Gospel of Matthew: If a man looks at a woman and lusts after her, then he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. There might not be a law against thoughts, but there are principles to uphold—surely the Duterte supporters agree, or will they once again pick and choose when morals apply, the way they do it for “thou shalt not kill”?

As the online furor built, so did the defense of Suntay, which was perhaps even worse in both tone and meaning. Why wasn’t anyone castigating Curtis, they said, for posing in revealing outfits and wearing skimpy clothes? How could anyone blame a man

political participation.

Yet legal architecture alone cannot reshape culture. Even in societies that have achieved substantial formal equality, language and behavior often reveal deeper social patterns that evolve more slowly. The enduring shadow of machismo Few societies are immune from the legacy of

the Indo-Pacific. NATO in Europe, security partnerships with Japan and South Korea, the Australia-U.S. alliance and growing cooperation with countries like India form part of a strategic architecture that multiplies American power. This alliance network remains one of Washington’s greatest advantages and rather than shrinking, this system of partnerships appears to be strengthening. NATO has expanded in response to the war in Ukraine. Security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific has intensified as countries seek to ensure stability and freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes. And for the Philippines, these developments are not simply matters of academic debate – they are directly relevant to our national security.

To be clear, maintaining a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy will always be important for the Philippines. We seek constructive relations with all countries, including China, while firmly protecting our sovereignty and national interests. At the same time, our longstanding u PAGE 7

for lusting after such a woman?

We are hearing, yet again, a woman being blamed for a man’s inability to control himself. That is not to deny anyone’s personal responsibility over how they present themselves—but there, too, is the agency that one has to look away, control their thoughts, and be faithful in all ways to their vows.

We are hearing, yet again, that a woman is responsible for all the actions that will make or break a man’s existence—that instead of raising men to be stronger, of teaching them to be better, of expecting them to be so much more than some paltry bare minimum of existence, we must yet again corral women.

In laying the blame on Curtis, the supporters are telling people that men are so weak that they must be guarded against a woman who dares to exist publicly. The defense is actually saying: Men have no power over themselves.

These supporters should ask themselves whether they should u PAGE 7

this time last year, in a room

the

the day before Rody Duterte was to return to the Philippines on March 11, 2025, the mood had become tense; the succeeding hours were filled with uncertainty.

Duterte flew to Hong Kong days before to speak at a PDP rally with overseas Filipino workers and had been hearing that he would be arrested – for what exactly was still unclear.

But what was supposedly a regular trip of mostly political rallies and perhaps some wine and dine on the side turned out to be a prelude to Duterte’s historic arrest by the International Criminal Court.

At the time, he, his family and friends who were with him, including former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea and some retired generals, had been receiving information that Duterte, upon landing in the Philippines, would be served an arrest warrant at the airport. They did not know if it was ICC-related or from a sedition complaint

WHILE United States President Donald Trump has been epically vague about the goals of his unauthorized war against Iran (The Atlantic says he has offered at least 10 rationales), the one thing he has stressed is America’s unmatched military power in lethality, speed, and precision. His Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasts that Operation Epic Fury is the “most precise aerial operation in history.”

Day one of the war began with surgical strikes aimed at decapitating Iran’s leadership. Before this could be confirmed, Trump went on Truth Social to announce the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other key figures.

Largely unmentioned was the bombing that same day of a girls’ elementary school that left about 175 dead, most of them students and teachers. Initial reports said the school stood near a naval facility of the Islamic Revolution-

patriarchal norms. In the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, traces of machismo culture re

main embedded in everyday language and politi

cal rhetoric.

When women in public life - whether journal

ists, performers, professionals, or political

ures - are discussed primarily through the

filed by Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, then chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police.

Remember that Torre had filed a complaint against the former president for joking about killing senators to make more vacancies for the senatorial candidates he was endorsing.

In the end, Duterte’s Hong Kong cavalry advised the former president that he had two alternative options and both had been “taken care of,” meaning arrangements had already been made. These include: one, flying to China and two, staying in Hong Kong for as long as it is needed instead of going back to Manila where an arrest was imminent. But it was Duterte himself who insisted on facing his fate, or whatever it was that awaited him in Manila, even if it meant being transported all the way to the ICC at The Hague.

“Haharapin ko,” ES Medialdea quoted Duterte as saying.

Duterte’s camp wasted no time. ES Medialdea made arrangements to move their flight back to Manila to early morning, around 5 a.m., instead of 2 p.m. so that there would be time to seek remedies in the courts.

Upon landing in Manila, all

ary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the southern town of Minab near the Strait of Hormuz.

A reconstruction by The New York Times later suggested that the school occupied a compound once used by the IRGC but partitioned for civilian use about 15 years ago. The Pentagon declined to comment, saying the matter remains under investigation.

Part of that inquiry will likely examine whether the intelligence and targeting systems used in the strikes relied on outdated information. As the Times noted in its March 5 report, “one question is likely to be whether the school strike was a mistake or whether it was targeted based on outdated information.”

Attention has therefore turned to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare. Some reports say the AI tool Claude, developed by the tech company Anthropic, was embedded in systems used by Palantir, a contractor supplying data analytics to the US government. Its more famous rival is ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI. Wall Street Journal reporter

the other passengers were asked to go down first, even though Duterte and his associates were in business class. The jet tube, by this time, was filled with PNP personnel led by Gen. Torre. Duterte arrived at NAIA at 9:20 a.m. via Cathay Pacific Flight 907. While waiting for his wheelchair, retired Gen. Anthony Alcantara, executive director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes, met him on the plane, informed him of the ICC-issued warrant and escorted him to the bridge, according to a report by The New York Times.

A passenger on the same flight said he was scared when he saw the crowd of policemen in the passenger tube, fearing it could collapse due to overcapacity. ES Medialdea said there was no hard copy of the arrest warrant that was shown to them, only a copy on someone’s mobile phone. Amid the tension, he didn’t even have time to look at what was shown to them.

We all know what transpired next. Duterte, with ES Medialdea, who is a lawyer, was brought to Villamor Air Base where he and his family were housed in Maharlika Hall within u PAGE 7

Marcus Weisgerber wrote on Feb. 28: “Within hours of declaring that the federal government will end its use of artificial intelligence tools made by tech company Anthropic, President Trump launched a major attack in Iran with the help of those very same tools.” Claude was reportedly used for intelligence assessment, target analysis, and battle simulations during the strikes. Hours before the operation, however, the Pentagon declared Anthropic a “supply chain risk to national security” because of restrictions in the company’s terms of use.

Anthropic’s conditions prohibit mass surveillance of American citizens and the use of its AI models in fully autonomous weapons with no human oversight. While the Biden administration had accepted these terms, Trump officials argued that private firms should not impose limits on how the United States military uses their technology. Anthropic refused. Trump ordered federal agencies to stop using Anthropic u PAGE 7

Estrada asks Manila court to lift travel ban

Senator says precautionary hold-departure order

unnecessary

as investigation into flood control projects continues

by AJPress

MANILA — Philippine Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has asked a Manila court to lift a travel restriction imposed on him in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities involving government flood control projects.

In a motion filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court, Estrada requested the removal of a precautionary hold-departure order (PHDO) that currently bars him from leaving the country while judicial proceedings related to the case continue.

Department of Public Works and Highways. The order directs the Bureau of Immigrationto prevent Estrada and other respondents from leaving the Philippines unless the court modifies or lifts the restriction.

Authorities have been examining allegations that public funds allocated for flood mitigation projects may have been improperly used or linked to infrastructure works reported as completed but allegedly not built.

Women’s History Month...

PAGE 6

appearance or desirability, the effect is subtle but consequential. It shifts attention away from accomplishment and toward objectification.

When such remarks come from elected officials, the stakes become higher. Public language helps shape the boundaries of acceptable conduct, particularly in institutions entrusted with national leadership.

The issue, therefore, is not merely a question of etiquette. It is a question of standards.

The digital age of accountability

If the controversy has taken on national resonance, it is partly because civic discourse now unfolds in a far more transpar-

ent environment. Comments made during legislative hearings no longer remain confined to parliamentary transcripts. Within minutes, they circulate across social media platforms, where citizens, journalists, and advocacy groups scrutinize them in real time. In this new public sphere, accountability is no longer solely institutional. It is also cultural.

A moment for reflection

Women’s History Month invites societies not only to remember the past but also to measure the present.

The Philippines has produced generations of women leaders in politics, civil society, business, and the arts. Their achievements are part of the country’s modern

identity.

Yet moments such as the current controversy reveal that progress is rarely linear. Even as institutions advance toward equality, cultural habits can linger in unexpected places, including the language of those entrusted with public office.

The deeper lesson may be this: respect for women is not simply a matter of law or representation. It is reflected in everyday conduct, especially in the words chosen by those who lead.

As the Philippines and the rest of the world observe Women’s History Month, the episode offers a reminder that the work of equality, like history itself, is never fully finished. (AJPress)

From HK to the Hague...

PAGE 6

the Presidential Airlift Wing.

‘Last chance’

That evening, Duterte, accompanied by Medialdea, boarded a private jet en route to Rotterdam, the Netherlands. During a stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Medialdea again tried to convince Duterte to leave the plane and seek the help of UAE authorities but the former president did not want to do that. It was his last chance to avoid going to The Hague.

But Duterte was determined to face the charges, Medialdea said.

The rest, as they say, is history.

A year ago today, Duterte arrived in the Netherlands and was transferred to the ICC detention facility in The Hague.

ES Medialdea, who returned to The Hague for the confirmation of charges last month, was not allowed to see the former president during the February visit. The last time the two saw

each other was when Medialdea visited him in the meeting room at the detention facility a year ago. At the time, Duterte was in high spirits and was fighting boredom by reading, Medialdea said. I learned all this from Medialdea himself, whom I recently met over coffee and donuts at J.CO in Makati, that famed donut chain from Indonesia which low-key tycoon Carlos Chan has brought to the Philippines. During our chat, some diners requested a selfie with ES Medialdea, some of them posing with the trademark fist bump which is associated with the Duterte brand.

Like many of Duterte’s family, friends and supporters, ES Medialdea is hopeful that Duterte will be cleared of the charges against him. They call his arrest a kidnapping.

The former president, Medialdea said, believed that he did what he could to make his coun-

try better. For victims of Duterte’s drug war, however, Duterte’s arrest is the closest to justice they could get.

As for many Filipinos, Rody Duterte’s arrest is a flashbulb memory, one of those big or earth-shaking events where one remembers exactly where they were when it happened.

I was in a breakfast meeting and I thought to myself that this was a historic day for the country.

What happens next is anyone’s guess but for sure, Duterte’s detention will significantly influence the 2028 elections.

* * *

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

* * * Email: eyesgonzales@gmail.com. Follow her on X @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.

Imagining better leaders...

PAGE 6 have voted for someone like Suntay into office. How can he manage legislative affairs if he can’t control something as basic as his thoughts?

So much has already been said about this issue, but there was something else that became apparent last Sunday at Mass. Fr. Jun Viray, SJ, our presider at Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, talked about the overwhelming darkness seemingly enveloping the entire world today.

He used the oft-quoted passage from “The Lord of the Rings,” where the wizard Gandalf counsels a despondent Frodo who wishes that the great darkness did not encroach on his beloved Shire, did not come into his life, did not force him to live in such times.

“And so do all who see such times,” Gandalf says, “But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

The passage is more than a

War at

PAGE 6 tools and barred Pentagon contractors from working with the company. The Pentagon reportedly shifted to systems linked to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Elon Musk’s AI model Grok, after supposedly finding these to be less restrictive in their terms of use. But because these tools are embedded in larger software platforms, such transitions cannot happen overnight.

Anthropic maintains that Claude was never used to control weapons systems or make lethal decisions without human oversight. Still, the broader picture is troubling. A Fortune magazine headline on March

3 captured this concern thus: “Trump’s strike on Iran and

call to deal with the difficulties of the present rather than dwell on a past of supposed peace. It is a call to have hope in a humanity that has freedom and agency—a humanity that is strong because it chooses to rise above its tendency to despair, because it chooses not to cave beneath the force of sin, because it chooses to fight against the darkness. Fr. Viray went on to talk about changing ourselves this Lenten season (and beyond). Shift the focus away, he said, from ourselves and our weaknesses, but also be aware of our own free will and power to face the darkness together.

To expand this reasoning: we must be inspired by those who are able to surmount their supposed weaknesses, who act and speak nobly—who can see the light in each human being even through the darkness cast by the world.

The darkness could be the war around us, but it is also the darkness within us. It might be

human to succumb to one’s defects and see nothing but death and emptiness in an already broken world—but it is nobler to rise above, to try, to hope.

That is probably why many of us were so disturbed by Suntay’s remarks. He was tasked to speak about how people could be damaged by what he saw as mere thoughts, how there was no such thing as mere words. He could have taken the higher road, the nobler route. Instead, he chose to make the hearing about him, his thoughts, and his shortcomings, and then expected us all to applaud the whims of humanity at its lowest. Can we be persecuted for imagining better government officials? (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.

* * * iponcedeleon@ateneo.edu

the speed of AI...

the new breed of AI wars mean bombs can drop faster than the speed of thought.”

AI can synthesize vast streams of intelligence—from satellite imagery to intercepted communications—compressing the military “kill chain,” from identifying a target to destroying it. Experts say strikes on the scale seen in Iran would have been difficult without such tools. Yet the same speed that enables these operations also magnifies their risks. If the Minab school bombing proves to have been based on faulty or outdated data, it will be a grim reminder of how lethal such errors can be. But there’s a deeper danger. It is not simply that machines can simulate human reasoning;

it is that we may find it too easy to outsource judgment to systems whose fluency and analytical power impress us.

Sociologist Niklas Luhmann observed that modern technology compresses the time between decision and action. Artificial intelligence appears to be doing exactly that in warfare. Responsibility remains human, but the judgment that guides it may no longer be fully our own.

(Inquirer.net)

The travel restriction was issued earlier this year as part of preliminary proceedings tied to complaints involving flood control projects overseen by the

PAGE 6

Investigators from the National Bureau of Investigation earlier submitted complaints involving several individuals as part of the inquiry. The complaints were forwarded to the Department of Justice for preliminary investigation to determine whether criminal charges such as graft or related offenses may be warranted. In his motion, Estrada argued that the travel restriction is unnecessary because he has consistently complied with court processes and has appeared before judicial authorities when required. His filing states that there is no reason for the court to consider him a flight risk. Under Philippine rules on criminal procedure, courts may issue a precautionary hold-departure order during the early stages of an investigation if authorities believe a suspect may attempt to leave the country to evade prosecution. The Manila court has not yet ruled on Estrada’s request. Until a decision is issued, the precautionary hold-departure order remains in effect. n

Reports of America’s decline greatly...

alliance with the United States – formalized through the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty – remains a cornerstone of Philippine defense policy, evolving over decades to meet new challenges through the VFA and EDCA. Cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. continues to deepen with expanded joint exercises, improved interoperability and new EDCA sites being developed to strengthen our collective ability to respond to humanitarian disasters and security threats.

This cooperation is set against the backdrop of continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Filipino fishermen continually face harassment in waters recognized by international law as part of our exclusive economic zone. In this context, the credibility of alliances greatly matters. Having a reliable partner with the capacity and commitment to uphold international law contributes significantly to regional stability. It also sends an important message that rules and norms governing the global commons must be respected.

Having spent many years in Washington, I have heard predictions of America’s “fading influence” and “decline” more times than I can count. During earlier visits here decades ago, I remember similar conversations

with analysts about the U.S. supposedly losing its edge to rising powers. Yet I have consistently observed America’s remarkable capacity for renewal, proving time and again its ability to adapt to new realities, mobilize its resources and reassert its leadership when circumstances demand it.

The American economy remains one of the most dynamic and innovative in the world, its universities and research institutions continue to drive technological breakthroughs and its military capabilities remain formidable, supported by a defense industrial base that few nations can rival.

Perhaps most importantly, the U.S. continues to attract partners who see value in cooperation and shared principles.

This is not to suggest that America faces no challenges.

Like all nations, it must navigate domestic debates, economic competition and evolving geopolitical realities. Yet the continued vitality of American alliances belies the notion that America is rapidly retreating from the global stage, with many countries across Europe and Asia continually drawing closer to the U.S.

Predictions of American decline have surfaced repeatedly throughout modern history –after the Vietnam War, during the economic competition with

Japan in the 1980s and again after the global financial crisis. Yet each time, the United States has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt, innovate and renew its leadership.

Today’s geopolitical environment is undoubtedly more complex, with new powers rising and technologies transforming both economies and warfare. But recent events demonstrate that the United States remains a central pillar of the international system and a key anchor for stability in many regions of the world.

More than a century ago, Mark Twain famously responded to rumors of his death by saying: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

In much the same way, predictions about America’s decline have often proven premature. The United States still possesses extraordinary strengths – not only in terms of military and economic power, but in its network of alliances and its enduring capacity for reinvention. For allies like the Philippines, that reality continues to matter greatly. (Philstar.com)

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

* * *

Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Lacson hopes more senators will sign flood scandal report

by eJ MaCababbad Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Panfilo Lacson expressed confidence that the partial Senate committee report on the flood control mess would get five more signatures to send it to the plenary.

Four senators, so far, have signed the report: Lacson, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan.

Three senators who withdrew their signatures after a draft report leaked to the press – JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian and Juan Miguel Zubiri – have yet to sign again.

Lacson, however, told One News’ “Storycon” that the committee had already revised the report’s wording to be “acceptable” for them.

“During our executive session, we invited the ombudsman, the Department of Justice and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to enlighten them about the complexities of the report,” he said on Thursday , March 12.

The Blue Ribbon committee chair understands that some senators are wary of signing the report due to its sensitive nature.

The report recommends that a preliminary investigation be opened against Senators Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva – all members of the minority bloc. The leaked draft suggested the filing of criminal and administrative charges against them.

Other senators, Lacson said, are still testing the waters before affixing their signatures. “Some are asking their fellow senators if they’ve signed already, having been skeptical not necessarily due to the content but are simply reading the room first – just as how the vote for Senate president works,” he stressed.

Lacson explained that the partial report can still be amended in the Senate plenary and that its “partial” status stems from the

fact that hearings are not yet finished. 16 men face NBI

Sixteen of the 18 alleged former “Marines” who claimed they delivered cash to government officials on behalf of former lawmaker Zaldy Co appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday to answer questions over their allegations.

The group, accompanied by their lawyer Levito Baligod, arrived at the NBI office after being summoned by the bureau to shed light on their claims that they served as “bagmen” of Co.

Baligod said the group was ready to cooperate with the investigation and provide documents to support their statements.

“But I looked at the subpoena and it appears that what the NBI wants to know is the background of the 18, so we will provide all the information,” Baligod said in an ambush interview.

He said the group would submit their military serial numbers and identification cards to establish their identities and employment.

“They said that eight of them were not employees of Zaldy Co, so we will provide their identification cards signed by Zaldy Co to show that they were employees,” Baligod said.

The NBI earlier said that based on its initial verification, eight of the 18 individuals were not employed by Co while four were not Marines but drivers and bodyguards.

Baligod, however, maintained that 16 of the group were former Marines while two were former members of the Philippine Army.

The lawyer also defended the group’s joint affidavit, saying the document used collective statements only for portions involving common knowledge among the group. “In the first portion of the affidavit, the pronoun ‘we’ was used because they were all employees. But when it comes to the deliveries, the individuals involved were specified,” Baligod said.

He added that the lawyer who notarized the affidavit, Charlie Pascual, was connected to his law firm as “counsel.”

“That means if they have cases where they need support or assistance, I help them,” Baligod said, adding that he had begun scaling down his law practice.

Harassment?

Former congressman Mike Defensor, accompanied by his legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio, also appeared before the NBI after receiving a subpoena from the bureau.

Defensor earlier said he merely helped the alleged ex-Marines with transportation and had no involvement in preparing their affidavit.

Topacio questioned the NBI’s move to summon the group, describing the investigation as harassment. “We are here out of respect for the NBI as an institution, but in our view, what the current leadership is doing is harassment and intimidation of those who are reporting wrongdoing,” Topacio said. “We are here and we respect the NBI, but we are not waiving our rights.”

Individual affidavits

The Office of the Ombudsman has asked the 18 alleged former Marines to submit their individual separate affidavits in connection with allegations that they delivered billions of pesos to several government officials as kickbacks from flood control projects.

The 18 earlier submitted their joint affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman through Baligod.

Complaints have been filed against the alleged ex-Marines and others by several personalities, including National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, Fr. Flavie Villanueva and Bureau of Corrections chief Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., over the alleged money delivery scheme. (With reports from Mark Ernest Villeza, Daphne Galvez)

Japan to release 80 million oil barrels to mitigate global disruptions caused by Middle East war—PM

Japan will release about 80 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves, equivalent to 45 days of supply, to mitigate global disruptions caused by the Middle East war, officials said ahead of an International Energy Agency-led effort.

JAPAN is dependent on the Middle East for around 95% of its oil supplies and gets around 90% of its oil shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively controls. Shipments via the Strait have been virtually blocked amid the US-Israeli war on Iran.

After Japan’s decision, the IEA on Wednesday recommended the release of 400 million barrels of oil, unanimously agreed to by 32 member countries and the largest such move in the agency’s history, to try to restrain soaring crude prices from the Iran crisis.

“The emergency stocks will be made available to the market over a timeframe that is appropriate to the national circumstances of each Member country and will be supplemented by additional emergency measures by some countries,” the IEA said in a statement.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi welcomed the IEA decision.

To avoid disruption to gasoline and other petroleum product supplies, Japan will tap its reserves in coordination with the G7 and the IEA but will begin releasing its part from March 16, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a broadcast statement, ahead of the IEA’s statement.

“Rather than wait for formal IEA approval of a coordinated international reserve release, Japan will act first to ease global energy market supply and demand, releasing reserves as early as the 16th of this month,” Takaichi said.

Japan plans to release 15 days’ worth of private-sector oil reserves first and one month’s worth of state oil reserves from around late March, an official with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said separately.

Japan’s planned release will be part of the total IEA coordinated release of oil reserves, the official said.

days of

comprising

(146 days), private-sector reserves (101 days), and joint stockpiles with producing countries (7 days)—around 470 million barrels in total.

Gasoline prices up Government and industry data on Wednesday showed that retail gasoline prices in Japan rose by 3.3 yen to 161.8 yen per liter as of March 9. Japan will curb domestic gasoline prices at about 170 yen per litre on a national average through subsidies, and use pre-allocated government funds to keep prices for diesel, heavy fuel oil, and kerosene in check. The Nikkei Business Daily reported on Wednesday that Eneos Holdings, Japan’s largest oil refiner, had notified its counterparties of the plans to raise wholesale gasoline prices by 26 yen per liter from March 12 to 18. (Reuters/Philstar.com)

PH not rejoining ICC—Palace

by CeCiLe baLtasar Philstar.com

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not changed his position about the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court. According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Marcos remains firm, for now, about the Philippines not becoming an ICC member country again. "Hindi nagbabago 'yung stance ng pangulo. Hindi pa rin po tayo ngayon magre-rejoin sa ICC," said Castro in an ambush media interview on March 10 in New York City. When prodded for the president's reason, Castro said, "'Yan lang ang binitawan sa akin na salita ng pangulo." Castro is part of Marcos' entourage during his two-day

working trip to New York City from March 9 to 10. The president is in the city to attend a series of engagements at the United Nations.

Marcos previously shared the same decision on Aug. 1, 2022. In a media interview, he said the country "has no intention" of rejoining the ICC, even as the international court was seeking the government's cooperation in its investigation of the Duterte administration's alleged "war on drugs."

The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC on March 17, 2019, one year after the government notified the UN of its intentions. According to a report by the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, filed on March 15, 2019, former president Rodrigo Duterte announced the country's withdrawal from the ICC one month after ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda opened

Back from US trip, Marcos cites high-level meetings in New York

by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has returned to the Philippines after a “productive working visit” in New York, United States. Marcos’ plane landed in the Philippines on Wednesday night, March 11.

In his arrival statement, Marcos recounted addressing United Nations (UN) member states where he stressed the importance of rule of law, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The president urged international leaders to choose dialogue over division.

“I also spoke about the intertwined destiny of the Philippines and the United Nations, our shared values and principles, and the need to unite in addressing the humanitarian crises around the world,” Marcos said.

“I reiterated our request for support for the Philippines candidature for a non-permanent seat to the UN Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028, highlighting that the Philippines offers a voice from the Indo-Pacific, from developing countries, climate-vulnerable nations, and from middle-income countries and our commitment to South-South cooperation,” he added.

Activities in New York. Reporting on the president’s agenda in the United States, Malacañang earlier said he met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the country’s pursuit for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council. He stressed, however, that the bid it was not just meant to advance Manila’s claims over the West Philippine Sea, in opposition to China, a permanent member of the security council.

During the working visit, Marcos also spoke before the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women with a message of unity to confront violence against women. Marcos also had several meetings on the sidelines of the assem-

bly, including a discussion with senior leaders of JPMorgan.

“JPMorgan also provided insights on the rapid advancements in AI and emphasized the growing need for governments and institutions to prepare for the transformative effects of AI on economics, industry and labor markets,” Marcos said.

The president similarly met with a U.S. Medical Glove company, tackling plans to build a manufacturing facility in the Philippines that could generate up to 2,000 jobs.

“It will also allow us to produce essential medical supplies locally and to open new opportunities for Filipino workers in the growing global medical manufacturing industry,” Marcos said.

NAIA among best airports for layover food—UK magazine

by MeLanie uson Philstar.com

ONCE listed among the world’s worst airports, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is now recognized for having some of the best food offerings.

According to the latest list of Airport Parking & Hotels, a magazine in the United Kingdom, NAIA is the seventh-best airport in the world for layover food in 2026, noting its 131 dining spots. Singapore's Changi Airport topped the list with 247 restaurants and cafés, followed by Chicago O’Hare (210) and Tokyo Haneda (173).

U.S. airports dominate the top 10, while Asian hubs like Jakarta, Manila, and Shanghai also ranked highly, reflecting the diverse dining options at major global airports.

NAIA also placed sixth in its

most affordable airport lounges list, noting its average price point of £18.80 ($25 or around P1,480), the same as Tokyo Haneda.

China dominated the list, with Xi’an Xianyang International Airport offering the lowest average price at £15 ($20 or ~P1,191), other cities, namely Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Beijing Capital, and Guangzhou, round out the top five.

The Department of Tourism welcomed the recognition, saying it "also underscores the importance of ongoing modernization efforts as part of NAIA’s privatization to further elevate the visitor gateway experience."

Overall, Singapore Changi Airport tops the list of the world’s best layover airports with a score of 7.3 out of 10, citing its excellent sleepability, dining, and facilities, followed by Dubai Inter-

national with its 23 lounges.

Asia dominates the rankings, with airports in China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia performing strongly across food, sleep, and lounge affordability. Beijing Daxing leads for sleepability, and Changi also stands out for food, offering an unmatched 247 restaurants and cafés for travellers.

To rank the best airports for layovers, APH created a Layover Score for the world’s 50 busiest airports, combining 12 key factors, these include lounge availability and cost, daily flights, sleep and shower facilities, WiFi, ATMs, dining options, and overall ratings for both the airport and its restaurants.

Each factor is weighted equally, producing a score out of 10 that shows which airports offer the most comfortable and convenient stopover experience.

Bato dela Rosa seeks to use Senate Mansion in Baguio

by CaMiLLe santiaGo Philstar.com

a preliminary investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines. "A withdrawal has no impact on on-going proceedings or any matter which was already under consideration by the Court prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective," wrote the Coalition. The alleged crimes being investigated were committed in the country between Nov. 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, while the Philippines was still a member country of the ICC. Duterte has been detained in The Hague since his arrest on March 11, 2025. He is currently awaiting the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber's decision on whether or not his case will continue on to a full trial. The announcement is expected to be handed out within 60 days of Feb. 27, the last day of Duterte's confirmation of charges hearing.

SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has reportedly sought permission to use the Senate Mansion in Baguio City for his family’s upcoming trip. In a letter dated March 12, Dela Rosa asked Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III for access to the official residence from March 26 to 29. He said that the request is to provide accommodations for his family while they attend the 2026 Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Cup.

“May we request your good office to allow us to use the Senate Mansion on March 2629, 2026? The mansion will be used solely to accommodate the undersigned’s family during the CSAFP CUP 2026 in Baguio City,” the letter read.

Sotto said his letter was referred to Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, who said that there are ongoing repair works at the property.

“The Senate mansion is undergoing repairs now and the policy is the family must be accompanied by the senator,” Mendoza told reporters.

When asked if Dela Rosa would be denied his request, he replied, "Yes."

Dela Rosa has been notably absent from Senate hearings since November 2025 after his name was implicated in ongoing international legal proceedings. The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in February of this year identified him, alongside Senator Bong Go and former police chief Oscar Albayalde, as "co-perpetrators" in cases of murder and attempted murder involving alleged drug suspects during former President Rodrigo Duterte's tenure.

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

Women & wealth: Tips for navigating your lifelong financial journey

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.

Investing involves market risk, including possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Diversification and asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC.

Photo credit: “Witthaya Prasongsin/Moment, with Getty Images”

Marriage Erased: The Guide to Annulments in California

MARRIAGE annulments in California are a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never existed. This differs significantly from a divorce, which terminates a valid marriage. Below, we explore the distinctions between annulments and divorces, the legal grounds for annulments in California, time limits for filing, the annulment process in Los Angeles, and the potential effects of an annulment.

An annulment differs from a divorce in that it establishes that a marital status never existed, whereas a divorce terminates a valid marriage. A divorce dissolves the bonds of matrimony based on causes arising after the marriage, while an annulment is based on causes existing at the time of the marriage. For example, an annulment decree declares the marriage void ab initio, erasing the marriage and its implications from the outset.

In contrast, a divorce leaves intact the marriage relationship between the time of the marriage ceremony and the entry of the final decree . Whealton v. Whealton, 67 Cal. 2d 656, McDonald v. McDonald, 6 Cal. 2d 457, In re Marriage of Garcia, 13 Cal. App. 5th 1334. In California, the legal grounds for annulments are outlined in . Cal Fam Code § 2210. A marriage may be annulled if any of the following conditions existed at the time of the marriage: one party was underage, one party was al -

ready married, one party was of unsound mind, consent was obtained by fraud or force, or one party was physically incapable of consummating the marriage. For instance, fraud must go to the very essence of the marriage relationship, such as concealing an intent not to have children or hiding a significant fact like sterility . Cal Fam Code § 2210, Turner v. Turner, 167 Cal. App. 2d 636, Handley v. Handley, 179 Cal. App. 2d 742, In re Marriage of Turfe, 23 Cal. App. 5th 1118. The time limits for filing an annulment depend on the grounds. For example, an annulment based on fraud must be filed within four years of discovering the fraud. If the annulment is sought due to one party being underage, it must be filed before the underage party reaches the age of majority. For marriages involving bigamy, the action must be brought during the joint lives of the parties to the illegal marriage . Cal Fam Code § 2210, Stierlen v. Stierlen, 6 Cal. App. 420, Millar v. Millar, 175 Cal. 797. The annulment process in Los Angeles follows the general California procedures for annulments. A petition for nullity of marriage must be filed in the appropriate court, and the petitioner must prove the grounds for annulment. The court will then issue a decree of nullity if the grounds are substantiated. During the proceedings, the marriage is treated as valid until the decree becomes final. Temporary orders, such as spousal support or property division, may be issued while the case is pending . Cal Rules of Court, Rule 5.76, Dunphy v. Dunphy, 161 Cal. 87. The effects of an annulment are significant. Once a marriage is annulled, it is treated

as though it never existed. This can impact property rights, inheritance, and spousal support. For example, annulment may automatically cancel a spouse’s rights under wills, trusts, and other legal instruments. However, the court may still address issues such as child custody and support if children were born during the marriage . Dunphy v. Dunphy, 161 Cal. 87, Cal Fam Code § 2024.

Marriage annulments in California are a distinct legal remedy that voids a marriage based on specific grounds existing at the time of the marriage. The process and implications differ significantly from divorce, and understanding the legal framework is essential for those seeking an annulment.

* * *

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

* *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a BoardCertified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH U. REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

The Healing Practice of the Presence of God

RoDel G. BalaGtaS

FRIENDS, we are in the Fourth Sunday of Lent, and I hope you are finding time to pray more and spend intimate moments with the Lord.

One of the purposes of Lent is to grow deeper in our spiritual lives. When we speak of growing deeper in our spiritual lives, we don’t merely refer to a life of penance and sacrifice; rather, we envision a life rich with the abundant graces of peace, joy, and contentment. This is God’s promise to all of us who strive to be closer to Him through prayer. Brother Lawrence, in his book

The Practice of the Presence of God, which Pope Leo XIV highly recommends for spiritual reading, discusses this profound truth. He contends, “God has infinite treasures to give us. Why should we be satisfied with a brief moment of worship? With such meager devotion, we restrain the flow of God’s abundant grace. If God can find a soul filled with lively faith, He pours

His grace into a torrent that, having found an open channel, gushes out exuberantly.” This is why Brother Lawrence refers to those who complain about being satisfied with too little as blind.

He states that God has infinite treasures to offer us.

I suggest that this is how we should understand the Gospel reading this Sunday, which recounts the healing of the blind man from birth. Jesus desired for him to experience healing not only physically but also spiritually. By spiritual healing, we mean an authentic sense of joy gained from encountering the Person of Christ, who brings wholeness into our lives.

This is my wish for all of you this Lent: that you may encounter and experience the presence of Christ more profoundly every day of your lives. Nothing is more joyous and healing than experiencing God’s presence daily. In my homilies, I often speak about conversing with Jesus as a friend every day of our lives.

The book The Practice of the Presence of God illustrates this intimacy with Christ through Brother Lawrence’s life: In the beginning, Brother Lawrence noted the little effort needed to cultivate the habit of continuously conversing with God, sharing everything that

was happening. However, after a little careful practice, God’s love refreshed him, and it all became quite easy. Whenever he considered doing some good deed, he always consulted God about it, saying, “Lord, I will never be able to do that if You don’t help me.” Immediately, he was given more than enough strength. When he sinned, he confessed it to God with these words: “I can do nothing better without You. Please keep me from falling and correct the mistakes I make.”

After that, he did not feel guilty about the sin. Brother Lawrence pointed out that he spoke very simply and frankly to God. He asked for help with things as he needed it, and his experience showed that God never failed to respond.

I wish for all of you the same intimate and personal relationship with God—a life of prayer that is wholly and simply centered on God’s presence. I hope that this Lent and Easter will be a time of abundant treasures of peace and joy in the Risen Lord!

* * * 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.

* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California

Wonders of Metformin

Health @Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

Recent findings indicate that metformin, a staple medication for type 2 diabetes, significantly reduces the risk of long COVID by 40% to 60% when taken during acute infection. New research also reveals it acts directly on the brain's hypothalamus to control hunger and blood sugar, potentially slows aging, and may counteract weight gain from antipsychotics.

Metformin, a very popular biguanide class of oral medication approved by the US-FDA as a first-line drug in the management of type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels, improves insulin resistance, reduces glucose production in the liver, and helps in weight loss. Metformin is also used “off-label” for polycystic ovary syndrome; it regulates the menstrual cycle and improves fertility. Metformin is  linked to boosting longevity by “improving metabolic health, reducing inflammation, and activating pathways that mimic caloric restriction.”

Recent studies at Stanford revealed the following new data about amazing Metformin:

•“Long COVID Prevention: Multiple studies, including the COVID-OUT trial, show that metformin reduces the risk of long COVID by 40-60% if administered early in the infection. It is believed to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

•Brain Mechanism Revealed: Contrary to long-held beliefs that it only works in the gut/liver, studies show metformin crosses the blood-brain barrier, affecting the hypothalamus, reducing hunger, and helping regulate blood sugar.

•Anti-Aging Properties: Research suggests metformin may be neuroprotective, reducing amyloid- β accumulation and TAU protein, which could delay Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. Another study indicated that older women on metformin had a 30% lower risk of mortality before age 90.

•Weight Management: The drug is effective in treating weight gain associated with second-generation antipsychotics in youth.

•Long-Term Side Effects: Long-term use of metformin is associated with a deficiency in vitamins, requiring monitoring.

•Interaction with Exercise: Emerging, yet debated, evidence suggests that while metformin helps with glucose control, it may blunt some of the fitness and cardiovascular improvements usually gained from exercise.” – SD+2

P-Cancer: 10 triggers

Pancreatic cancer, a most deadly disease, is one of the most difficult to diagnose because of the location of the pancreas, way deep behind other organs, hard to palpate, even if enlarged. By the time itis clinically obvious, it is usually in an advanced state. Worldwide, there are about half a million cases a year, in the United States, about 67,000, and in the Philippines, about 3,100. The 5-year survival is about 10 percent, and deaths usually occur within 4-6 months from the time of diagnosis.

Here are ten triggers for pancreatic cancer: smoking, alcohol, obesity, diabetes, soft drinks, high-heat grilled meats with burnt edges, red meat in general, history pf pancreatitis, age (60-80), family history, genetic predisposition, premalignant lesions (like pancreatic cyst). Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, many of them subtle: unexplained weight loss, upper abdominal or back pains, jaundice (yellowish skin discoloration), loss of appetite, pale, floating stools, and new onset of diabetes.

Abstaining from smoking, alcohol, and red meat, eating a plantbased diet with enough protein, a liberal amount of cold-pressed olive oil, and a healthy lifestyle as a whole, with exercise and stress management, will reduce one's risk of pancreatic and other cancers and metabolic diseases.

Night lights

Studies show that nearly 56 percent of Filipinos in the Philippines sleep less than the recommended 7-8 hours per night, making the country the most sleep-deprived in Asia. Nearly 6 out of 10 Filipinos struggle with sleep, compared to about 30 of Americans in the United States. Good health requires enough restful sleep and satisfying rest. One of the various reasons for impairment of sleep is the presence of light, especially blue light from our electronic devices, cellphones, computers, etc.

“Separate research has linked

nighttime light exposure to, yes, sleep disruption, but also negative effects on cardiac, metabolic, cognitive, and mental health. It’s also linked to higher cancer risk.”

“One of the things that we’ve started to understand more is that our circadian rhythms are closely linked to our overall health,” according to Jennifer Martin, PhD, sleep researcher and professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “Our digestion has a circadian rhythm. Even our cells dividing have a circadian rhythm.”

The best ambiance for sleep hygiene is a totally dark room (some use sleep-mask), quiet, comfortable temperature, with loose clothing, and no less than 4 hours after a meal, and no television watching before bedtime. Sleep is vital to health and longevity. AI in medicine

Artificial Intelligence is a boon to humanity and to the world. Like any wonderful tool, AI technology could pose an extreme danger to society in the wrong hands. Strict government and community safeguards around the world are prudent to harness the best in AI and protect the public as well. In medicine, AI enhances medical treatment by accelerating diagnostics, personalizing care plans, and optimizing the operational workforce. It analyzes vast datasets to detect diseases like cancer earlier, assists in precision medicine by tailoring treatments to genetic profiles, powers robotic surgery for greater accuracy, and reduces administrative burden.”

While cold AI can provide powerful and efficient technological modalities, healthcare providers will comfort the patients with warmth, understanding, and compassion. Nothing can beat the human touch.

The

LOS ANGELES

LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE

Showbiz Icon Meets Tech

by AJPress

MANILA

— The Philippine entertainment landscape just gained a high-tech edge. In a revelation that has set social media abuzz, veteran actor and former Makati Vice Mayor Edu Manzano has officially confirmed his relationship with technology executive Ann Cuisia. The news effectively merges two influential spheres: the enduring legacy of Philippine cinema and the rapidly evolving frontier of blockchain technology.

A Milestone Reveal

While whispers of the pairing began in late February 2026, the duo stepped into the spotlight during a wedding celebration on the weekend of March 7–8. In video clips that quickly trended, Manzano, 70, introduced Cuisia to fellow guests with the definitive title of "life partner." This public acknowledgment followed a poignant appearance on February 22 at the EDSA Shrine. Attending a prayer rally for the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, the two were photographed in communal prayer, a sighting that many now view as a "soft launch" rooted in shared civic values.

Inside the Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN)

The partnership isn't just personal; it's professional. Both Manzano and Cuisia are star anchors for the Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), a digital-first organization that has carved out a unique niche by positioning itself as a hub for "unfiltered" discourse. PGMN is known for high-octane investigative reporting and a "free speech" mandate.

At the network, the couple’s expertise creates a unique synergy. Manzano continues his legacy of civic discourse and cultural commentary, while Cuisia serves as the Technology Anchor, breaking

down complex national policies like the CADENA Act (short for Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability) a landmark Philippine transparency law passed in late 2025. It is designed to overhaul how the national budget is tracked by using blockchain technology to create an immutable, real-time record of government spending. The Visionary "CEO Mom" Ann Cuisia is a pioneer in her own right. A self-made "Tech Titan" with 30 years in IT, she is the founder of TraXion Tech. Her work has been instrumental in the country’s digital shift through

digiCOOP, a platform bringing digital banking to grassroots cooperatives. Cuisia often describes herself as a "CEO Mom," balancing a blockchain empire with the demands of raising four children from a previous marriage. She frequently credits her parents’ "culture of generosity" as the blueprint for her social-impact ventures.

Following Manzano’s 2023 separation from actress Cherry Pie Picache, a transition that remains famously amicable, this new chapter represents a sophisticated alignment of two leaders dedicated to public service, media, and innovation.

Megastar Sharon Cuneta Undergoes Spinal Procedure in Singapore

by AJPress

SINGAPORE — Sharon Cu-

neta, the veteran singer and actress widely regarded as the Philippines’ "Megastar," confirmed Thursday that she underwent a specialized spinal proce

dure at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre to address chronic pain that has impaired her mobility for two years.

In an official statement released via social media on March 12, 2026, the 60-yearold performer clarified that her travel to Singapore was strictly for medical intervention rather than leisure. Cuneta disclosed she has undergone "pain management" for approximately 24 months due to persistent discomfort in her right hip and leg, a condition she previously attributed to osteoarthritis and hereditary factors.

"I wish I went there to vlog, but actually, it was for medical reasons. My spine," Cuneta stated, expressing regret for not seeking the consultation of her Singapore-based specialist, Dr. Prem Pillay, sooner.

The procedure follows a series of health updates from the actress, who recently reached her 60th birthday. While the primary spinal intervention successfully managed her immediate lower-body pain, diagnostic evaluations revealed further degenerative issues in her cervical spine. Cuneta noted that her C4,

C5, and C6 vertebrae, located in the neck, will require additional corrective treatment in the coming months.

The medical emergency necessitated Cuneta’s absence from the finals of the television program Your Face Sounds Familiar, where she serves as a regular juror. "I am so sorry to my YFSF family... for not being able to make it to the Finals. I tried," she wrote, while praising the Filipino nursing staff who assisted in her recovery.

Cuneta’s medical journey coincides with a major professional transition; earlier this year, she announced the launch of her own independent management company, moving toward self-representation after decades of network-bound contracts. Despite the prospect of future surgery, the actress reassured followers that the "root of the problem" has been identified. "What’s important is that I am okay; the pain has been dealt with," she added.

by

If marriage banns posted by the St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Manila were to be believed, actress Bea Alonzo will soon tie the knot with her beau Vincent Co. Alonzo and Co‘s names were posted during the livestream of the parish church’s marriage banns on March 8. To note, marriage banns serve as an official announcement that an affianced couple intends to wed based on Catholic traditions.

However, the couple themselves have yet to confirm their marriage plans.

“Dear parishioners, we are announcing the marriage banns of the proposed marriage of… Ferdinand Vincent Pe Co, 44 years old, son of Lucio L. Co and Susan Sy Pe …, who will be married to Phylbert Angelli Escalante Ranollo, 38,” the church’s commentator said, as their names flashed onscreen.

The church announcement further disclosed that the couple now share the same address in the luxurious part of Paco, Manila.

Alonzo confirmed in August 2025 that she is in a relationship with the Puregold president, although they were spotted together on multiple occasions months prior, particularly at events organized by the supermarket chain.

A month later, the actress said she has “nothing to clarify” when rumors about her engagement to the Puregold scion made rounds. She also reiterated that she wants to keep her romance with Co private.

“Alam mo,

Eugene Domingo on living a happy, unapologetic life

Eugene Domingo is one of the best actors in the industry. She has rightfully earned her dazzling spot in the Philippine entertainment biz. She has incessantly displayed her acting prowess by breathing life into every character she portrays, whether onstage or in notable films such as “Kimmy Dora” and “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.” The fabulous Uge is the real deal.

As an actress, Uge admitted that she doesn’t want to accept movies that have no message.

“Before my role, I’m really concerned about the message of the film. Whether it’s big or small, it has to say something,” she said during her recent interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

Actors have their own acting styles. Some follow their instincts or draw inspiration from personal experiences, while others work directly on their script on set. Uge talked about her own process, saying, “My preparation as an actor is very simple. I read the script. It’s a gut feel. I read it as an audience. If I see the movie, how will I feel? What is the connection with me? If the script is beautiful, naiyak, tumawa, pumalakpak, nagalingan ako, then I will be in this movie, whatever the role is.”

As a veteran, Uge gave a piece of advice to young actors who often fall into the trap of developing certain bad habits.

“Please don’t prepare too much because it depends on the condition of the set. It depends on your director and co-actor. Prepare in such a way that you know the script, the scene that you’re going to shoot, but don’t prepare your emotions.”

As Delia in her latest movie, “Sisa,” she had the amazing opportunity to work alongside legendary actress Hilda Koronel.

Uge remarked, “Imagine, she’s already a senior, pero kapag kasama mo siya sa trabaho, wala kang maririnig na kahit anong pain or kahit na anong demands. She will memorize her lines. She will ask the director what she’s supposed to do. She respects (her) co-actors.”

Uge will celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary with her husband, Italian film critic Danilo

this year. The couple met in Italy in 2014 during the Udine Far East Film Festival, where her film, “Barber’s Tales,” was an official entry. Uge was already contemplating entering the convent at that time until she found true love unexpectedly.

“I loved him from the day I realized I loved him, and I have to love him until I die,” she said during our conversation.

The multi-talented actress described Danilo as a man of strong faith with immeasurable patience. “You cannot imagine being married to an actress. It’s a disaster. Every day is a drama.

A small instance that you will give an actress a chance to be a dramatic queen, she will use it to some extent hanggang manalo siya sa argument. My husband is so patient.”

On the lighter side, Uge talked about her viral video taken at Kiray Celis’ wedding.

“Hindi naman talaga iyan para i-post at ipagyabang. Para lang

iyan kay Enchong (Dee) kasi kasama rin siya doon. Tapos niloloko ko siya kasi kumukuha siya ng mga videos. Sabi ko, ‘Ako i-video mo ako,’” she shared. “Eh, pinost niya. Nagulat na lang ako, viral na ako. Kung anu-ano na ang mga sinabi. Iyong talagang bash na okay na for the whole year. Kotang-kota na, eh. ‘Parang baliw,’ ‘tinawag lang mag-ninang kasi kulang,’ ‘parang naghatid ng labada.’”

She added in jest, “So, gusto ko lang ipaliwanag at gusto ko rin mag-sorry. Para doon sa mga naghanda at nag-abala, pasensya na. Ako iyong nag-viral. Pasensya na. Baka malaki iyong nagastos nyo, nahirapan kayong huminga, ang taas ng mga takong nyo. Eh, iyong hitsura ko, tingnan mo naman, di ba? So, pasensya na at ako iyong nag-viral.”

She rises above the bashings, and I celebrate Uge for her presence, confidence and bravado in doing what she did and living a happy, unapologetic life!

After pageantry, Ahtisa Manalo decides to pursue showbiz

There’s the right timing for everything, as the cliché goes. One may tread on this road in the forthcoming season and that road next.

For beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo, she’s at the point of her life to pursue a career in show business, a route usually frequented by pageant titleholders and candidates.

And pageantry is a rich source of talents for the small and big screens.

“(A) little bit of info: I was actually supposed to sign last year, but I decided to do Miss Universe Philippines,” said the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 and that year’s Miss Universe third runner-up in a segment that segued to the Q&A for the recent presscon to welcome Ahtisa as a Sparkle GMA artist, “and it feels right to be here now at this time. It feels like the perfect timing because now, I’m opening my doors to new opportunities and new things because tapos na ako sa pageant journey ko (I concluded my pageant journey), and I can’t ask for a better family than GMA, thank you, thank you so much.”

Prior to her Miss U stint, she earned the right to represent the country at the 2018 Miss International and the 2024 Miss Cosmo, with first runner-up and Top 10

placements, respectively. She showcased Pinay beauty and intelligence in these pageants, described as Alpha and emerging.

The newbie, on the other hand, seems to commence her showbiz era through acting.

“I’ve always been fascinated (by) action movies and hopefully, that’s something I could explore,” said she about the genre and role Ahtisa sees herself trying in future endeavors during the event. “You know, I wanted to be a Charlie’s Angel when I was a kid. So, if I (were) given the opportunity, I’d love to do that. You know, it’s time for adventure, and it’s time to see what I can do and not.”

Later part of it, she shared that she likes romantic-comedy movies, you know, with that happy, “kilig” (romantic thrill) and light feeling.

She will also bring values such as hard work and dedication that she has learned from competing in pageants to the competitive field of showbiz.

“Hopefully, that’s enough recipe for success,” said she.

In relation to that, she also shared lessons learned from being a pageant contestant to a Philippine representative.

One of them, aside from having the working-hard attitude, as one could pick up from her answer, is this: “I had learned

a lot of lessons, but I think the most important lesson out there is you can pour everything into something, and that doesn’t automatically result (in) success or win… but just making sure that you’re pouring into something that you actually want to do,” said she.

Asked what sort of preparation she made when the call of entertainment beckoned her, Ahtisa shared, “Zero preparation, ano po talaga pumasok ako dito na I’ve never been acting. I’ve never done acting workshops. I don’t know what I am getting myself into, but it’s, honestly, a surprise that I’m excited to see.”

During the event, she said that Alden Richards is her dream leading man, describing him as having “a maamo face, a face that looks like he’s very kind.” Ahtisa, the Sparkle GMA artist, shared that she’s “open to try(ing) everything, anything that GMA will make me try, all the workshops, I’ll go to (them).”

“This is a point of my life where I’m willing to explore again what I want to do,” added she.

Her publicity team shared that Ahtisa’s projects may include “acting, hosting and high-fashion collaborations” as well as brand partnerships. One can also look forward to seeing her join the cast members of “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre.”

My Encounter with Three Nieces of Sen. Ninoy Aquino

As we observe Women’s Month, I encountered the nieces of the late martyred senator Ninoy Aquino: courageous sisters Roxanne Aquino and Jackie Aquino, and Mia Concio.

As a child and during her teens, like any Aquino kid, Roxanne Mendez Aquino, daughter of Sen. Butz Aquino (Senator Ninoy Aquino’s brother), became a witness to the struggles of her Uncle Ninoy. But more than just a witness, she wholeheartedly joined in her Uncle Ninoy’s cause.

For Roxanne, armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude) from the University of the Philippines, it was not easy, but she looks back at those trying moments with gratitude.

“Through more than seven years that Uncle Ninoy was incarcerated in Fort Bonifacio, we, his nieces and nephews, would celebrate his birthday by going to school only for half a day so we could join his family and friends to greet him a happy birthday,” recalled Roxanne.

The celebration in jail was simple but touching. “There was usually a Mass celebrated by Father Toti Olaguer, who delivered fiery sermons. Then we shared a lechon and some cakes sent by friends— not too many in those days, I must say.”

As Roxanne grew up, she became more aware of the problems that beset the country during the Marcos regime. When she was old enough, she couldn’t help speaking her mind against government policies she did not agree with. She was not afraid to be heard. She was very vocal and read what foreign newspapers were saying about the country at that time, and they were not flattering, especially to the Marcos administration.

“I joined relatives in xeroxing the articles and passing them around to people. Some read the articles with gusto, others were simply afraid even to receive them,” she related with alacrity.

For actress-TV host Jackie Aquino, or Jacqueline Suzanne

Mendez Aquino, bonding with young cancer-stricken patients at East Avenue Medical Center was very memorable, heartwarming, and most humbling. I vividly remember that she, together with her daughter Andrea, found time to interact with the children with cancer.

Years ago, she volunteered her time at the Cupertino School for Special Children. She would often leave in tears but always came home remembering to count her blessings. At UP Diliman, she joined ICTUS (In Christ Thrust for University Students), where she taught poor out-of-school youth in Marikina and Krus na Ligas near the UP campus. She says that if she were to be born again, she would like to be a Santa Claus: “I want to make underprivileged children happy and provide good education for a better quality of life,” she says with a gleam in her eyes. She followed in the footsteps of her father, Butz Aquino (who appeared in over a dozen movies, TV dramas, and commercials before plunging full-time into politics). She appeared in Moises Platon, Circle of Fear, Days of the Wild Ones, Dahil Mahal Kita, The Dolzura Cortez Story, Kuratong Baleleng, Mulanay, Kristo, Jones Bridge Massacre,

Epimaco Velasco: The NBI Story, You and Me Against the World, Iskul Bukol, Oh My Ghost, Faces of Love, and Teach Me To Love, among others. She and her sister Roxanne, and brother Bobby, grew up— like any Aquino child—as witnesses and participants in Ninoy’s cause. She says she was not afraid to be heard. She was very vocal. She read what foreign newspapers were printing about the country, since it was subversive to print those articles locally. She would photocopy those articles and pass them around, especially to her grade school teachers. For her, it was not a time to sit down and relax but “a time to be vigilant.”

Multi-talented writer Mia A. Concio has been helping me cheer up less fortunate kids. I remember she was one of those personalities (OPM icon Jose Mari Chan often joined me) who brought joy to children with cancer at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. She even spent her birthday with them.

Born Aurora Crismina Aquino Concio, or simply Mia, daughter of ace director Lupita Aquino Kashiwahara (Ninoy’s sister and one of my favorite film directors), remembers what her mom Lupita would say about her Uncle Ninoy:

“Mia, look at your Uncle Ninoy. He didn’t do anything. Do not cry. Be brave. This Ninoy Aquino is a role model. Try to apply your life in that mold. Ang ating kahirapan ay maliit lamang kung ikukumpara mo riyan.”

Mia was then 12 or 13 years old when they used to visit their Uncle Ninoy in jail. They experienced being bodily searched and photographed.

“Uncle Ninoy made kuwento. He was smiling. I have 50 first cousins, but he made it a point to go to each one of us. He told me, ‘Kumusta ka na? Nagdadalaga ka na.’ I also remember his trials— he called the military court a kangaroo court. He didn’t eat for 40 days, and we went to Mass every day in Greenhills. You couldn’t break him, and he was indeed larger than life for us,” clearly recalls Mia, who obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from Ateneo de Manila University in 1982 and later pursued an MBA course at the University of San Francisco in California.

When her Uncle Ninoy went to the U.S. for his bypass operation, he “would go to San Francisco to visit us.” She still recalls that they ate at her Uncle Ninoy’s favorite restaurant, Max’s Fried Chicken in San Francisco. Mia returned to the Philippines

a few days after the August 21, 1983 shooting, and she became active in street rallies. She went to the grassroots to understand how to address poverty and create economic opportunities for everybody. She was writing and going to the provinces—in the Cordilleras, Negros, Laguna, and the Cavite area. She believes that her Uncle Ninoy’s assassination was the seed that later bloomed into flowers. “Each of us should be like a seed. It doesn’t end at the EDSA revolt; it’s just the beginning. With confidence, courage, and faith, we can overcome everything. We can bring ourselves to God. Uncle Ninoy became very spiritual. Though he experienced isolation from the world, he didn’t crumble. Instead, he trusted his life to God.” Mia A. Concio is a noted screenwriter of Kailan Ka Magiging Akin, Got 2 Believe, All My Life, and Everything About Her. She is the stepdaughter of actress and ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos-Concio.

Guesting in Jigo Live! It was my third time to guest on the show of broadcast journalist Jigo Postolero. I appeared on the Jigo Live! show at Abante Radyo Tabloidista on March 13, 2026,

Friday, at 10 p.m. The livestream can be watched on the Facebook and YouTube pages of Abante Radyo Tabloidista. I was with Nirro Marcelo, chairman of the awards committee for the 4th Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers.

Marissa Z. Burgos’ Early Birthday

From SM City BF Parañaque, I went to visit Marissa Z. Burgos of Don Galo, Parañaque—best friend of my sisters Victoria and Aurora—where we all grew up. I brought a cake given to me by Ms.

A reflection on Filipina history

The history, progress, and everyday realities of women in the Philippines

by KHusHi saMtani Inquirer.net

Long before recognition became official, resistance came first. International Women’s Day is not simply a celebration; it is a reflection of the progress women have long fought for, and a reminder of the discomfort and inequality that made that fight necessary. Before there were boardrooms and ballots came the women who refused to be silenced. And be

hind the freedoms that many take for granted today are the genera

tions of women who organized in factories and on city streets, who demanded their right to vote, to work, to study, to lead, and to be seen—not just in the home, but in history, too.

An institutional call to action

This legacy is formally recognized annually in the Philippines.

Republic Act No. 6949 declares March 8 as National Women’s Day, while Proclamations No. 224 and 227 (both issued in 1988) designate the first week of March as Women’s Week and the entire month as Women’s Role in History Month.

With a requirement from government agencies and private institutions to actively commemorate and support women’s contributions, this stands as a reminder that recognition here is not incidental but institutional.

And yet, even with this formal acknowledgement, the women who raise our children, run our companies, shape policies, and sustain communities are, to this day, often undervalued.

This is why International Women’s Day calls us to reinstate our gratitude and calls us to action in honoring the past victories of women, while acknowledging the inequalities that continue to exist.

From a labor movement to a call for equality

Although it began in the early 20th century as a labor movement advocating for safer working conditions and suffrage, the significance of International Women’s Day in the Philippines has taken on a distinctly local taste.

It appears in workplace panels and university forums, in barangay-led seminars on women’s rights, and in social media campaigns that feature Filipina frontline workers, educators, and entrepreneurs. It can be seen in protests calling for accountability for gender-based violence, corporate campaigns highlighting female executives, and government buildings illuminated in purple.

March 8 is more than just a symbolic day; it’s a time when discussions on equality shift from policy documents to public forums.

Women in (people) power

However, visibility has always been important in the Philippines. During the People Power Revolution in 1986, one of the most notable examples of that visibility took place. Alongside

EDSA, women served as organizers, religious leaders, and civic mobilizers in addition to being supporters of the peaceful revolt that brought democracy back.

Corazon Aquino, the nation’s first female president and the first woman in Asia to head a country after a democratic revolution, came from that movement. Her presidency changed the perception of leadership itself in addition to shattering a political ceiling. A woman who was widowed, publicly grieving, yet unshakeable, became the symbol of the country’s change.

Since Aquino, women have remained highly apparent in Philippine public life. The country has since elected another female president, produced business executives and journalists whose impact goes well beyond its borders, and appointed women to the Supreme Court and cabinet. Large percentages of women graduate from college and work in sectors such as healthcare and education.

All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid On paper, gender parity in the Philippines is frequently among the best in Asia; this fact is proudly reported every March. However, growth here has always been a little stickier than the figures show. A woman can lead a company by day and still be expected to manage the household by night. The concept “ilaw ng tahanan,” or the woman as the family’s emotional center, hasn’t vanished—it’s just evolved to fit contemporary circumstances.

The pressure to be the primary carer, the reliable one, and the

selfless one does not necessarily go away with professional success.

The story is identical in terms of economic realities. Wage disparities still exist, especially in contract and informal work, where a large number of women are employed. Remittances from the millions of Filipinas who work abroad as nurses, carers, and domestic workers support their families and the country’s economy.

Although their labor is vital, it is rarely shown as power.

Recognizing how far we’ve come So what does progress really look like? It looks like women in cabinet meetings and barangay halls, in classrooms and courtrooms. It looks like girls growing up believing leadership is normal.

But it also looks like quieter shifts: more equitable partnerships at home, safer public spaces, fairer pay. International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating visible success; it is about asking whether that success is reaching far enough. International Women’s Day, then, is not just about measuring what remains to be done. It is about recognizing how far Filipino women have already come. It is about honoring the generations who fought to be heard, and celebrating the ones who are now shaping policy, culture, business, and community life in ways that once seemed impossible.

Progress may be layered and unfinished, but it is real. And today, that reality deserves both reflection and celebration.

Rachel Alejandro hopes to elevate women through film roles

by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

Rachel Alejandro hopes that portraying powerful women on screen will help push Filipino singers to the next level, as she takes on a new role that reflects both the empowering and dark sides of the music industry. Fresh from winning Best Supporting Actress at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood for the musical drama “Song of the Fireflies,” Alejandro returns to the big screen in “Songs for Selina,” which opens in local cinemas on March 18.

In the new music-themed film, Alejandro plays Emily Santos, a ruthless record producer whose influence can make or break rising artists. The role, she said, highlights how powerful women in the industry shape the careers of Filipino performers.

“I play powerful, influential women whose support and influence can bring Filipino singers to the next level,” Alejandro said in a statement, comparing her role in the new film to her character in “Song of the Fireflies.”

The two projects, both cen -

tered on music in the Philippines, were developed around the same time. In “Song of the Fireflies,” Alejandro portrayed Equet Butalid, a real-life patron who supported the internationally acclaimed Loboc Children’s Choir. In contrast, “Songs for Selina” explores the more menacing side of the recording industry.

In the film, Alejandro reunites with writer-director Dean Rosen, who co-wrote the historical drama “Quezon’s Game,” where she portrayed former First Lady Aurora Quezon. Their professional relationship goes back years, including when they shared the stage in the musical “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”

“Songs for Selina” also attracted Alejandro because of the determination of its producers, singer-actors Mica Javier and Jay R, who pushed through with the independent project despite uncertainties about distribution.

The film has already streamed in the United States through platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Tubi before its Philippine theatrical release.

The film follows Selina, a singer, and Maya, a composer, as they navigate ambition, friend-

Heart Evangelista among top digital stars at Milan Fashion Week 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Heart Evangelista emerged as one of the popular global fashion influencers at the recently concluded Milan Fashion Week in Italy. On Instagram, influencer marketing platform lefty. io released its list of the Top 5 digital stars who generated the highest online engagement for leading fashion brands during the Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 (Women’s) shows held from February 24 to March 2.

Heart was among those in the Top 5, recording a 2.5% average engagement rate and generating $8.6 million in Earned Media Value (EMV), making her the only Filipino included in the ranking.

Joining Heart on list of “Top Key Voices” for Milan Fashion Week F/W 2026 (Women’s) were Thai actress Faye Peraya, Thai actress-singer Namtan Tipna -

ree, Thai actor-model Naravit Lertratkosum, and Karina (Yu Jimin) of K-pop girl group Aespa.

The platform also reported that among brands featured during Milan Fashion Week, Gucci ranked first with $56.4 million in EMV, followed by Prada with $48.1 million, Fendi with $20.3 million, Ferragamo with $18 million, and Dolce & Gabbana with $16.5 million.

“And while the brands provided the stage, creators drove the engagement,” the influencer marketing platform for leading luxury and lifestyle brands explained in its Instagram post tagging the Top 5 influencers, including Heart.

Another fashion, luxury, and beauty industry analytics firm, Launchmetrics, ranked Heart as the top influencer who generated the most conversation during the Paris Men’s Fashion Week and Haute Couture Week.

According to Launchmetrics,

Heart recorded $23.5 million in Media Impact Value (MIV) during Paris Men’s Fashion Week and $8.5 million in MIV during Haute Couture Week.

Earlier this year, the actress, entrepreneur, and artist further cemented her status as an international fashion icon after being included in lefty. io’s “Top 10 Key Voices” for the January 2026 Paris Menswear Fashion Week — also as the only Filipino on the list.

Heart stood out in the heavily male-dominated influencer landscape after posting a 5.4% average engagement rate and generating $3.34 million in EMV.

Joining her in the Top 10 were K-pop idols Mingyu (Seventeen), The8 (Seventeen), and Hyun-jin (Stray Kids), Thai actor-singer Nattawat Jirochtikul (Fourth), and other talents and brand ambassadors from across the Asia-Pacific region.

ship and the pressures of the music business. Alejandro said the story highlights the importance of women supporting one another.

“The theme of female friendship is very strong. The film shows how women have the power to raise each other up to our full potentials,” she said.

However, the film also touches on the realities of show business, including how some artists are pressured to hide their identities or conform to marketable images, such as in the case of love teams.

As the country marks Women’s History Month, Alejandro said stories about influential women — whether uplifting or flawed — can spark conversations about the role women play in shaping the entertainment industry.

“Songs for Selina” stars Alejandro, Javier, Rachel Coates, Jay R, Audie Gemora, Nicole Laurel, Gian Magdangal, Gab Pangilinan, Bendeatha, Anne Guathier, Lean Mamonong, Tami Monsod and George Schulze III.

The film is presented by HomeWorkZ Entertainment and distributed in the Philippines by Black Cap Pictures, with music by Rosen and Jay R.