MARCH 21 - MARCH 27, 2026
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Volume 37 - No. 12 • 14 Pages
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California moves to rename César Chávez DATELINE USA $1.18 billion behavioral holiday as Los Angeles redesignates observance FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
health expansion set to reshape treatment access across California
New funding will build treatment beds, crisis centers, and recovery facilities statewide—targeting gaps tied to homelessness, emergency care, and untreated mental illness
Los Angeles moves first to redesignate César Chávez Day as “Farmworkers Day” as California lawmakers consider a statewide shift amid allegations outlined in recent reporting. by AJPress
SACRAMENTO — California legislative leaders are preparing a proposal to rename the state holiday honoring labor leader César Chávez, as local governments - including Los Angeles - begin formally
redesignating public observances amid a widening reassessment of his legacy. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President pro tempore Monique Limón confirmed that legislation is being drafted to rename the March 31 holiday as “Farmworkers Day,” while retaining its
A historic night: Autumn Durald Arkapaw becomes first woman and Fil-Am to win best cinematography oscar
SACRAMENTO — California is undertaking a major expansion of its behavioral health system, committing $1.18 billion in funding to increase treatment capacity and address persistent gaps linked to homelessness, emergency care strain, and untreated mental illness. The funding, approved under Proposition 1 and administered by the California Department of Health Care Services, will support 66 projects across 130 facilities statewide. State estimates project the addition of u PAGE 3
Her rise to the top of cinematography reflects both inherited resilience and a redefinition of access in Hollywood’s technical disciplines by AJPress
Fil-Am who killed ex-partner in front of kids sentenced to 64 years to life ‘The defendant has orphaned his own children and the devastation will last their entire lives,’ the judge says LOS ANGELES – Filipino American Romier Taguiam Narag, who was convicted of killing his former partner in front of their children in Daly City, Calif., has been sentenced to 64 years to life in prison. A jury last month found Narag, 30, guilty of murdering his 27-year-old ex-partner Frances Kendra Lucero in 2023 in her parents’ home in Daly City. The jurors found Narag guilty of first degree murder with an enhancement for using a firearm during the commission of the murder. They also found him guilty of “one count of misdemeanor child abuse, one count of felou PAGE 3
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Thursday signed a proclamation renaming the city’s César Chávez Day holiday as “Farmworkers Day” in light of sexual assault allegations against the late labor leader. Bass was joined by councilmembers Ysabel Jurado, Imelda Padilla, Monica Rodriguez, and Eunisses Hernandez during the announcement at City Hall. Photo from Mayor Bass’ Office
Philstar.com
MANILA — More help is on the way for sectors most affected by skyrocketing fuel prices, President Marcos said yesterday, as he ordered the immediate release of P21.47 billion to keep infrastructure projects running, protect jobs and cushion the impact on Filipinos of the raging conflict in the Middle East. Acting on the President’s directive, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) fast-tracked the release to ensure that critical services continue uninterrupted – especially
HOLLYWOOD — Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history at the 98th Academy Awards, becoming the first woman to win Best Cinematography, according to Academy records dating back to 1929. Her win, for the film Sinners, marks a milestone in a category long defined by limited access and entrenched professional pathways. In her acceptance remarks, she emphasized the collective nature of the milestone, stating: “I’m so honored to be here and I really want all the women in the room to stand up,” she said, “because I feel like I don’t get here without you guys. I really, really, truly mean that.” Her recognition reflects a broader shift within the u PAGE 2
14 notable Filipino women to Comelec ruling on Marcoleta honor this Women’s Month SOCE case highlights limits of These Filipinas step into the spotlight to claim space and visibility for themselves and their communities by Elton Lugay Inquirer.net
NEW YORK CITY — Filipino women are reshaping culture, public service and everyday life in ways that are bold, quiet and everything in between, and this year’s list pays tribute to both headliners and unsung hero-
ines. Autumn Durald Arkapaw Fil-Am cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for the epic film “Sinners,” after already breaking ground as the first female u PAGE 3
Government to release P21 Senate faces pressure as billion to cushion rising prices rules gap stalls complaint by Alexis Romero
place on the state calendar. Gov. Gavin Newsom has indicated he is open to reviewing the proposal once formally introduced. The developments follow a March 2026 investigative report by The New York Times detailing alu PAGE 2
as higher oil prices threaten transport costs and household budgets. “Every peso we release is meant to ease a burden, sustain a livelihood or keep a service running for our people – especially at a time when global events beyond our control are affecting daily life here at home,” DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo said. “At a time when global headwinds are pushing fuel prices up, it is critical that we step in where it matters most: supporting our drivers, protecting commuters, and ensuring that no Filipino is left to carry these challenges alone,” he added. u PAGE 2
vs. absentee lawmaker by AJPress
MANILA — The Philippine Senate’s Committee on Ethics and Privileges indicated Friday that a complaint filed against Sen. Ronald dela Rosa may face procedural limitations due to the absence of explicit rules governing prolonged legislator absenteeism. Committee chair Joseph Victor Ejercito said the issue underscores a gap in the Senate’s internal framework, noting that existing rules do not clearly define penalties for extended non-attendance in plenary sessions or committee work. “The matter is largely procedural,” Ejercito said, explaining that without codified guidelines, any action could be challenged on technical grounds. He added that the Senate would need to adopt formal amendments before enforcement mechanisms could be applied. Procedural limits expose gap in Senate disciplinary framework u PAGE 5
current campaign finance law by AJPress
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has terminated its election-offense investigation into Senator Rodante Marcoleta over approximately P75 million in funds not reflected in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), citing the limits of existing law on campaign finance disclosures. The March 18 resolution outlines how current statutes and jurisprudence apply to political contributions received before the official campaign period. Legal definition of candidacy Central to the case is the Supreme Court’s 2009 ruling in Peñera v. COMELEC, which provides that a person who files a certificate of candidacy is considered a candidate for purposes of election offenses only upon the start of the official campaign period. COMELEC noted that the funds were received in January 2025, prior to the February 11 start of the national campaign period. Based on this timing, the commission determined that the transactions did not fall within the period when campaign finance rules tied to candidacy are enforceable as
election offenses. Limits of statutory penalties The resolution also cited Republic Act No. 7166, which governs post-election reporting requirements. While the Omnibus Election Code requires candidates to file detailed SOCEs, RA 7166 provides administrative penalties—such as fines and possible disqualification for repeated violations—rather than criminal sanctions for failure to file required statements. Separate obligations for donors Donor reporting requirements remain subject to provisions of the Omnibus Election Code that carry potential criminal liability. The commission has directed further proceedings involving individuals identified as contributors, in line with requirements that donors submit their own reports. Implications for election oversight The ruling underscores how current election law distinguishes between activities conducted before and during the official campaign period, as well as between administrative and criminal enforcement mechanisms. Under existing statutes, regu PAGE 5