032726 - New York and New Jersey Edition

20 - No.13 • 16 Pages We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online! MARCH 27 - APRIL 2, 2026

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DATELINE USA

Aviation Crisis Deepens: Trump Deploys ICE Agents to Airports as TSA Absenteeism Hits Record Highs

by AJPress

WASHINGTON — A staffing strain at U.S. airports has intensified as a partial shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now in its second month, prompting federal authorities to reassign personnel to assist with airport operations.

Approximately 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees have been working without pay since mid-February, based on federal workforce estimates tied to the funding lapse. The disruption has contributed to increased absenteeism and operational delays at several major airports, raising concerns about system resilience during prolonged funding interruptions.

The shutdown remains linked to a legislative impasse in Washington over DHS appropriations, with disagreements centered u PAGE 4

Philippines declares energy emergency as Middle East conflict disrupts fuel outlook, revives China talks

Transport strike highlights domestic pressure amid rising fuel costs

by AJPress

MANILA — The Philippine government declared a State of National Energy Emergency, citing risks to fuel supply stemming from escalating tensions in the Middle East, as a nationwide transport strike disrupted

commutes in Metro Manila and other areas on Thursday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 110, authorizing emergency measures to stabilize energy supply and mitigate the economic impact of global oil market volatility linked to hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Corruption top reason for distrust in Marcos Jr., Sara – poll

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos who distrust President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte cited corruption as the primary reason for their lack of trust in the country’s two highest officials, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey.

The survey, conducted from Feb. 27 to March 2, asked the respondents for their primary reason for trusting or distrusting Marcos and Duterte.

trusted him. The remaining 21 percent were undecided.

Duterte had a trust rating of 54 percent. Twenty-six percent distrusted her, while the remaining 20 percent were undecided.

In the case of the President, 16.7 percent of those who distrusted him cited his failure to fight corruption or the lack of accountability in corruption issues as their primary reason.

It was followed by his supposed failure to fulfill his promises (15.3 percent), failure to perform his duties (13.8 percent), failure to control the prices of goods (12.3

It showed that 35 percent trusted Marcos while 44 percent disu PAGE 2

California lawmakers vote to redesignate César Chávez Day as ‘Farmworkers Day’ following abuse allegations

by AJPress

A state of emergency

Under the order, Marcos cited an “imminent danger” to the country’s energy security arising from the conflict, which has heightened risks to global oil shipping routes, in-

Duterte legal team weighs Supreme Court challenge as House impeachment proceedings intensify

by AJPress

MANILA — Lawyers for Vice President Sara Duterte said they may again seek relief from the Supreme Court as the House Committee on Justice advances impeachment proceedings, sharpening a constitutional dispute over the limits of the chamber’s investigative authority.

Michael Poa, a spokesperson for Duterte’s legal team, said a petition before the high court remains “always a possibility” after the House panel proceeded with hearings despite the Vice President’s absence.

Pope Leo calls for ban on aerial bombardment as war intensifies

by AJPress

CITY —

grooming over several decades.

The move marks a swift reversal for a figure long regarded as central to the American labor movement. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign Assembly Bill 2156 into law immediately, ensuring the new designation takes effect before the holiday next week. A movement re-evaluated

The legislative action was triggered by a March 18 inves-

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Legislature voted on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to strip the name of César Chávez from the state’s annual March 31 holiday, redesignating the date as “Farmworkers Day.” The emergency legislation, passed with unanimous support in both chambers, follows a series of allegations that the late labor icon engaged in sexual abuse and u PAGE 2

has called for a global prohibition on aerial bombardment, describing such attacks as inherently indiscriminate, in one of his strongest statements yet against modern warfare as hostilities involving Iran entered a fourth week.

Speaking on March 23 before executives and staff of Italy’s ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group, the pontiff said that aircraft should serve as instruments of connection rather than destruction, warning that civilians should never have to live in fear of violence from above.

“No one should fear that threats of death and destruction will come from the sky,” he said. In remarks published by the Holy See, Pope

F rom the F ront P age

Philippines declares energy ...

PAGE 1

cluding the Strait of Hormuz.

The Philippines relies heavily on imported fuel, leaving it vulnerable to external supply disruptions and price shocks.

The declaration activates the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), a whole-of-government framework designed to coordinate responses across agencies and ensure the availability of fuel and other essential goods.

Officials said the emergency measures would allow the government to move more quickly in securing alternative fuel sources, as the country explores diversified supply options, including nontraditional imports.

Marcos described the declaration as a precautionary step intended to enable faster coordination and response across government.

Transport strike exposes pressure points

The emergency declaration coincided with a twoday transport strike led by jeepney groups PISTON and Manibela, protesting sharp increases in diesel prices.

Commuters in Metro Manila experienced delays as many public utility vehicles stayed off the roads. Government agencies deployed buses and service vehicles to

provide free rides, while authorities monitored the situation for public safety.

Transport leaders called for more direct relief measures, including the removal of fuel excise taxes and value-added tax on petroleum products, arguing that existing policies continue to burden drivers and operators.

In response to sustained price increases, Marcos also signed Republic Act No. 12316, which authorizes the President to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products once the average price of Dubai crude reaches at least $80 per barrel over a one-month period, a condition recent market trends suggest has been met.

Renewed focus on China energy talks

The energy situation has renewed attention on potential joint oil and gas exploration between the Philippines and China in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Marcos said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could provide the impetus to restart discussions on joint development projects.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila responded that its “door to dialogue” remains open, but emphasized that the Philippines must demonstrate “sincerity” before for-

Corruption top reason ...

percent) and his alleged involvement in corruption (12 percent).

Other reasons for distrust in the President included his supposed lack of action against criminality and illegal drugs (10.1 percent), for allegedly being a drug addict (9.2 percent), slow response to help disaster victims (2.5 percent) and for going after the Dutertes (1.4 percent).

Notably, Marcos’ actions to expose and fight corruption was also the primary reason of most of those who trust him.

mal negotiations can resume.

The issue remains sensitive following the 2016 arbitral ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which rejected key elements of China’s expansive maritime claims.

Philippine officials have said any future agreement must comply with the Constitution and protect sovereign rights.

Economic outlook and supply buffer

Officials said the country maintains fuel supply for more than 45 days, while the government has earmarked approximately P20 billion to procure up to 2 million barrels of diesel as part of contingency planning.

Beyond fuel, the UPLIFT framework also covers efforts to ensure the availability and stable pricing of essential goods, including food and medicines, with authorities warning against hoarding and profiteering.

Some government offices have shifted to a four-day workweek as part of broader energy conservation measures introduced this month.

The emergency declaration is expected to remain in effect for one year, subject to government review, as authorities seek to stabilize supply chains and cushion the impact of global energy volatility on consumers. n

It was selected by 28.6 percent of those who trusted the President, followed by helping those affected by disasters (12.4 percent), implementing programs that improve the lives of Filipinos (10.9 percent), supporting farmers (9.9 percent) and repairing public infrastructure (4.9 percent).

For Duterte, more than half or 51.5 percent of those who distrusted her cited her alleged involvement in corruption as their reason. It was followed by her threats against the administration (21.4 percent), repeated cursing (5.4 percent), not being able to do anything (5.1 percent) and repeated travels abroad (4.5 percent). n

Pope Leo calls for ban ...

Leo added that after the devastation of the 20th century, aerial bombardment should have been “banished forever,” cautioning that the continued use of advanced technology for warfare reflects not progress but regression.

The address did not explicitly name any specific conflict. However, it came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where a widening confrontation involving Iran has drawn international concern.

The Pope’s comments form part of a series of public appeals issued over consecutive days.

On March 22, during his Angelus message, he described ongoing wars as “a scandal to the whole human family,” urging an immediate halt to violence.

A day later, on March 24, speaking to journalists while departing Castel Gandolfo, he warned that “hatred is increasing” and that violence is worsening, renewing his call for a ceasefire and for dialogue as the only viable path toward

resolution.

“Peace is built through dialogue,” he said, emphasizing that solutions must be pursued “not with weapons.”

The Vatican has consistently framed its position in humanitarian terms, underscoring the protection of civilians and the moral limits of warfare, particularly in an era of increasingly sophisticated military technol-

California lawmakers vote ...

tigation published by The New York Times, which detailed accounts from individuals alleging that Chávez exploited his position within the United Farm Workers to abuse women and minors.

Among the most prominent voices to emerge was Dolores Huerta, the 95-year-old co-founder of the union. In a public statement, Huerta said she had been a victim of abuse in the 1960s, describing incidents that resulted in secret pregnancies and decades of silence to protect the movement.

“I have kept this secret long enough. My silence ends here,” Huerta wrote. “I wasn't going to let César or anyone else get in the way [of the movement].”

The allegations have prompted a broader reassessment of Chávez’s legacy, with lawmakers emphasizing that the farmworker movement itself extends beyond any single individual.

Legislative consensus

In Sacramento, the response was immediate and bipartisan. Lawmakers moved with unusual speed, coalescing around AB 2156 in a rare display of unanimity.

“We cannot ignore wrongdoing, and we should not continue to celebrate a single person when the movement itself is so much bigger,” said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. “The legacy of farmworkers is not erased; it is being reframed.”

Republican lawmakers echoed that framing, emphasizing recognition of laborers rather than individuals. Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo said the change honors “the hands that feed this nation—the men and women who are in the orchards and the fields before the sun even touches the horizon.”

A widening institutional response

The renaming of the state holiday signals the beginning of a broader administrative and civic reassessment across California.

Local governments in major cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, have begun reviewing public spaces bearing Chávez’s name. Educational institutions have taken interim steps, including covering statues and reassessing commemorative displays. Cultural institutions have also moved to reevaluate honors previously conferred, reflect-

ogy. While the Holy See has avoided direct attribution of blame to specific states, the Pope’s remarks signal a sharpened critique of air-based military operations and their impact on civilian populations, reinforcing the Vatican’s longstanding advocacy for de-escalation and negotiated peace. n

ing a wider institutional response to the allegations.

The Chávez family response

The family of Chávez, who died in 1993, said in a statement that they were “devastated” by the revelations.

“As a family steeped in the values of equity and justice, we honor the voices of those who feel unheard and who report sexual abuse,” the statement read.

The César Chávez Foundation added that the farmworker movement “was never about one man,” expressing sorrow for those who have come forward while underscoring the broader historical significance of the cause.

A reframed holiday

With the expected signing of AB 2156, California’s March 31 observance will shift from honoring an individual to recognizing the collective contributions of farmworkers, an adjustment lawmakers say reflects both historical reality and present accountability.

The speed and unanimity of the legislative action underscore the gravity of the allegations and the state’s effort to respond decisively, while redefining how one of its most visible holidays is understood.

Philippines Launches First Fully Digital

Apostille Service for PSA, CHED Records

by AJPress

MANILA — The Philippine government on March 16, 2026, officially launched its fully digital apostille services, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to electronic document authentication under the Hague Apostille Convention.

The rollout, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), enables the issuance of electronic apostilles (e-Apostilles) for civil registry documents and academic records. This development builds on the Philippines' 2019 adoption of the apostille system, which replaced the former “red ribbon” process and aligned the nation with international standards for document legalization.

Digital Verification and Global Use

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro stated that the new system introduces secure digital verification features designed to assist the estimated

10 million Filipinos living and working abroad.

“These are issued as fully digital certificates with QR-based verification,” Lazaro said, noting that documents may be validated in real-time through the DFA’s electronic registry. Apostilles issued by the Philippines are legally recognized in over 120 member countries, including the United States. However, the DFA advises applicants to confirm whether specific receiving institutions, such as private employers or state licensing boards, accept digital formats.

Step-by-Step Implementation Process

The process is entirely contactless and eliminates the need for physical appearances at consular offices.

1. Request Documents:

* PSA Records: Visit PSAHelpline.ph to request an e-Certificate (Birth, Marriage, Death, or CENOMAR).

• Academic Records: Register at the CHED OneTouch portal (https://ecav. ched.gov.ph/home) to upload transcripts and diplomas for verification.

2. Payment: * Pay for the document via the respective

agency’s portal.

• Proceed to the Landbank LinkBiz portal to pay the P200 DFA e-Apostille fee.

3. Digital Delivery: * Once processed, a cryptographically signed e-Apostille is sent to the applicant’s registered email as a secure PDF. The file includes a unique QR code for instant authentication by foreign authorities

Expanded Access for the US Market

For the Filipino-American community, the shift removes the need for international courier services or hiring local representatives in the Philippines. Authenticated documents, commonly required for USCIS immigration cases, NCLEX nursing licensure, and university admissions, can now be managed entirely from the United States.

Part of a Broader Digital Shift

The Philippines is the first country in the ASEAN region to fully implement an end-to-end e-Apostille service. While the initial phase covers PSA and CHED records, further expansion is expected later this year to include NBI Clearances . n

Philippines hits gas at Malampaya amid energy crisis

by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, March 26, announced that the Philippines has successfully struck gas in the Malampaya gas fields at the Camago-3 well.

The drilling project, located offshore in Palawan, is part of an $893-million investment by business tycoon Enrique Razon and his partners. An earlier discovery was also made at Malampaya East 1, which marked the first time that gas was found in the area in over a decade.

In a video statement, Marcos said that the Camago-3 well produces up to 60 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

“It is the second major milestone under our $893 million Malampaya Phase 4 campaign, and it is significantly larger than our first. Camago-3 holds an estimated 2.5 times more recoverable gas than the Malampaya East 1 discovery,” Marcos said.

“So together, these two

wells are projected to extend the life of the Malampaya gas field by an estimated six years,” he added,

Marcos said that this discovery spells steadier and cheaper power, noting that Malampaya gas costs P4.80 per kilowatt hour, while imported liquefied natural gas costs P10.30.

“We are targeting first gas delivery by the fourth quarter of 2026 and we are not stopping there. The next well,

The president said that this discovery is all the more important now, amid the ongoing fuel crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

The US-Israel war on Iran has sent fuel prices soaring, with inflation feared to follow. The Philippines has since declared a state of national energy emergency. n

End of the road in Miami: Eala, Fernandez, and Krawczyk shift focus to clay

A Round of 16 finish for Alexandra Eala highlights a strong showing from players representing the Philippines, Canada, and the United States with Filipino heritage as the tour transitions to clay

by AJPress

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.

— The 2026 Miami Open reached a turning point on Monday, March 23, as the tournament runs of several players connected to the Philippines came to a close, signaling a broader shift from the hard-court swing in the United States to the European clay-court season.

The exits of Alexandra Eala, Leylah Fernandez, and Desirae Krawczyk marked the conclusion of a notable showing from a Filipina competitor and athletes representing Canada and the United States with Filipino heritage at one of the WTA Tour’s premier events.

The final stand: Eala’s Round of 16 finish

Alexandra Eala, representing the Philippines, saw her campaign conclude in the Round of 16 after a straightsets loss to Karolina Muchova, 6-0, 6-2, in a 68-minute match.

Muchova dictated play early, using her variety and court craft to limit Eala’s ability to establish rhythm.

Despite the scoreline, Eala’s overall performance in Miami reflects continued progression at the WTA 1000 level. Her run included a three-hour, 20-minute second-round victory over Laura Siegemund and

Digital overhaul, fraud safeguards reshape Social Security services for millions of Americans

System upgrades,

record cleanup, and benefit adjustments carry direct impact for retirees and public workers

by AJPress

BALTIMORE, MD — The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing a wide-ranging operational overhaul that is beginning to affect how millions of Americans - including Filipino retirees and public sector workers -access benefits, resolve claims, and protect their identities.

The changes center on faster service delivery, expanded digital access, and tighter safeguards against improper payments.

Faster service, digital access

For beneficiaries, the most immediate shift is improved access.

SSA reports shorter wait times on its national hotline compared with prior years,

alongside expanded use of the my Social Security online portal, which now allows 24/7 access to key services such as benefit verification, earnings history, and claims tracking.

For many in the Filipino American community, particularly retirees managing cross-border documentation or assisting family members in the Philippines, these digital tools reduce the need for repeated in-person visits or long call wait times.

At the same time, the agency maintains that phone and field office services remain available, recognizing that not all seniors are comfortable navigating online systems.

Record cleanup and identity protection

A major focus of the overhaul is data accuracy.

SSA has conducted a large-scale review of records involving individuals listed at extreme ages, including those over 100. Officials clarified that these entries are typically legacy records rather than evidence of active fraud, but they can create vulnerabilities for identity misuse.

To address this, the agency is strengthening coordination with the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Do Not Pay system, which helps prevent payments tied to inaccurate or outdated records.

For beneficiaries, the practical implication is increased scrutiny in identity verification processes - particularly when updating records, applying for benefits, or resolving discrepancies.

Sources @alex.eala, @leylahanniefernandezz, @des_krawczyk11

a straight-sets win against Magda Linette, 6-3, 7-6(2).

At world No. 29, Eala remains firmly within the upper tier of the rankings and is expected to enter the clay season as a seeded contender in multiple events.

Weekend exits for Fernandez and Krawczyk

Leylah Fernandez, representing Canada, exited the singles draw in the Round of 32 following a 6-2, 6-2 loss to Jessica Pegula, representing the United States. Pegula’s baseline consistency and return pressure proved decisive throughout the match.

Fernandez also competed in doubles alongside Venus Williams, representing the United States. The pair pushed the sixth-seeded team of Asia Muhammad, representing the United States, and Erin Routliffe, representing New Zealand, to a deciding match tiebreak before falling 3-6, 6-3, [1113] in a closely contested finish.

Meanwhile, Desirae Krawczyk, representing the United States, partnered with Caroline Dolehide, also representing the United States, and exited the doubles draw after a tight straight-sets loss to Anhelina Kalinina and Dayana Yastremska, representing Ukraine, 2-6, 6-7.

Transition to clay

With the Miami Open

nearing its conclusion, the WTA Tour now shifts to clay, where longer rallies and surface-specific movement reshape match dynamics.

Based on current tour schedules:

Alexandra Eala will continue representing the Philippines into the European clay swing.

Leylah Fernandez is slated to begin her clay campaign in Charleston before continuing to Madrid and Rome.

Desirae Krawczyk is expected to compete across the European doubles circuit, including Stuttgart.

Entry lists remain subject to change, but the transition marks a critical phase leading into the clay-court Grand Slam season.

A sustained presence on tour

While their Miami campaigns have concluded, the performances of these athletes reflect a sustained presence of Filipina talent and players representing Canada and the United States with Filipino heritage competing at the highest levels of professional tennis.

Eala’s continued rise, alongside Fernandez’s consistency and Krawczyk’s es-

success,

Aviation Crisis Deepens: ...

PAGE 1

on election-related provisions included in broader funding negotiations. No final measure to restore full funding had been approved as of press time.

Federal personnel reassigned to support airport operations

Federal officials confirmed that personnel from agencies under DHS, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have been temporarily reassigned to assist with non-screening functions at select airports beginning Monday, March 23.

According to administration officials, these personnel are tasked with logistical support roles such as managing passenger flow and assisting with crowd control. They are not authorized to conduct TSA screening procedures, which require specialized certification and training.

The reassignment covers multiple major airport hubs across the United States, including facilities in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.

rather than conduct immigration enforcement. The move, however, has drawn scrutiny from labor organizations and civil liberties advocates, who have raised concerns about role clarity and public perception.

Rising absenteeism strains airport operations

Data released by DHS indicates that TSA absenteeism has increased during the funding lapse, with a reported national rate reaching 11.8% over the weekend, the highest level recorded since the shutdown began.

Airport-specific impacts have varied:

Houston (William P. Hobby Airport): Officials reported elevated absentee rates contributing to extended wait times at security checkpoints.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Reduced staffing led to the temporary closure of some screening checkpoints. New York (LaGuardia Airport): Operations were further strained following a ground incident involving a vehicle and an aircraft, according to federal transportation officials.

underscoring broader access challenges during peak congestion.

Labor concerns over staffing substitutions

Labor representatives have raised concerns about the use of reassigned personnel who are not trained for TSA-specific roles.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said that while support staff may assist with general operations, aviation security functions require certified personnel and should not be supplemented by untrained substitutes.

Aviation analysts note that while crowd management support may help ease visible congestion, it does not directly increase screening capacity, which depends on trained TSA officers.

Operational outlook amid prolonged funding gap

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Local officials in several jurisdictions stated that the presence of reassigned federal personnel is intended to support airport operations

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that investigative personnel experienced delays entering secure areas,

Lawmakers continue negotiations over DHS funding, though no immediate resolution has been announced. In the interim, federal agencies are expected to maintain temporary staffing adjustments to manage airport operations. Transportation officials have advised travelers to allow additional time at security checkpoints and monitor airport advisories as conditions evolve. n

Women’s Month in the Philippines and the laws that protect them

by atty connie JiMenez-aquino Inquirer.net

ACROSS schools, workplaces, and communities around the country, National Women’s Month is a time devoted in recognition of a powerful and enduring force in society: Filipina women. In addition, Republic Act No. 6949 declares March 8 as National Women’s Day.

Women’s Month serves as a platform to amplify women’s voices, recognize our contributions, and confront the challenges we still face—particularly discrimination, gender-based violence, and unequal opportunities against our male counterparts. More than a celebration, Women’s Month serves as an enduring reminder of both the progress achieved and the continuing struggle for equality, safety, and representation. It also highlights the vital role women play in nation-building while encouraging conversations about gender equality and empowerment.

Over the years, there have been legal mechanisms put in place by Philippine legislation in order to protect women’s rights.

A legal backbone for women’s rights

Behind the celebrations lies a strong legal framework designed to protect and uplift Filipino women. At the center of this framework is Republic Act No. 9710, also known as the Magna Carta of Women. This landmark law affirms that women’s rights are human rights, and mandates the state to eliminate discrimination and ensure women’s equal access to opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and governance.

The Magna Carta of Women goes beyond symbolic recognition. It requires concrete action, such as integrating gender equality into government policies, increasing women’s participation in leadership, and establishing mechanisms like Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in barangays to assist victims. It also guarantees specific benefits, including special leave for women undergoing gynecological surgery and protection against workplace and educational discrimination.

Gender-based equality in the workplace Republic Act No. 6725 codifies the express prohibition against discrimination

against women with respect to the terms and conditions of employment. It penalizes specific acts, such as payment of a lesser compensation to women employees for work of equal value, favoring a male employee over a female employee with respect to promotion, training opportunities, and study and scholarship grants solely on account of their sexes.

Motherhood and pregnancy Congress has also enacted laws that specifically protect women, mothers, in awareness of the biological and physiological realities they face in relation to motherhood and childbirth, and in order to protect their overall reproductive health.

Republic Act No. 11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, recognizes women’s maternal function as a social responsibility, and provides them with ample transition time to regain health and overall wellness as well as to assume maternal roles before resuming paid work.

Notably, it increased the period of paid maternity leave for working mothers in the public and private sector to 105 days. This is unconditional, regardless of her marital status, or whether the birth is through natural or caesarian, provided that the mother has made the necessary contributions to Social Security Service. This is a significant increase from the previous 60 days of paid maternity leave for working mothers in the public and private sector.

The law also recognizes unfortunate circumstances, and carved out accommodation for such situations. Thus, mothers who also experienced miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy are also afforded 60 days of paid maternity leave. Additionally, this law also understands the special circumstances of single mothers. In connection with Republic Act No. 8972, or the Solo Parents Welfare Act, mothers qualified as such are entitled to an additional maternity leave benefit of 15 days on top of the 105 days.

Addressing violence and harassment

While equality for women is the goal, safety remains a pressing concern because of the prominence of gender-based violence in the Philippines. One of the most significant is Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women

and Their Children (VAWC) Act. This law criminalizes various forms of abuse against women and children—physical, psychological, sexual, and economic—and provides legal remedies such as protection orders and support services for victims. It also affords immediate remedies such as Temporary Protection and Protection Orders during the pendency of the criminal case, and provides measures such as the installation of women’s desks in barangays around the country.

Complementing this is Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law.” It expands protection into public and digital spaces by criminalizing acts like catcalling, stalking, and online harassment, and imposes corresponding criminal liability. It also obliges institutions to create systems that prevent and respond to such behavior.

Together, these laws reflect an evolving understanding of violence—acknowledging that harm can occur not only at home but also in streets, workplaces, schools, and online platforms.

The continuing challenge

Despite these legal safeguards, challenges remain. Reports and public discourse continue to highlight cases of abuse, discrimination, and unequal access to resources. Awareness and enforcement of laws are ongoing concerns, especially in marginalized communities.

This is where Women’s Month becomes crucial—not just as a celebration but also as a call to action. It encourages citizens, institutions, and policymakers to ensure that laws are not only written but fully implemented.

Ultimately, Women’s Month in the Philippines is one of resilience and progress. It reflects decades of advocacy, legislation, and cultural change aimed at building a more inclusive society. Yet, the responsibility does not rest on women alone. Achieving true gender equality requires collective effort from government agencies enforcing laws, to communities fostering respect, to individuals challenging harmful norms.

As the country celebrates Women’s Month each year, it also renews a commitment: to uphold the dignity, rights, and potential of every Filipina. When women are protected and empowered, the entire nation moves forward. n

Tagle to represent Pope Leo XIV at beatification of US archbishop Sheen

by ian laqui Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been appointed as the representative of Pope Leo XIV for the beatification of American Archbishop Venerable Fulton Sheen, the Vatican said.

The beatification ceremony is set on September 24 in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States, according to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

A papal representative presides over the rite on behalf of the pope and formally declares a "Venerable" servant of God as "Blessed."

Tagle, who serves as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will

act on behalf of the pontiff during the ceremony.

Who was Sheen?

Sheen was a prominent figure in the United States known for evangelizing through radio and television.

He joined the radio program "The Catholic Hour" in 1930, which drew millions of listeners, and later hosted the television show "Life is Worth Living" beginning in 1951, which reached an audience of around 30 million, according to Vatican News.

Sheen served as Bishop of Rochester from 1951 to 1969 before being appointed titular archbishop of Newport.

Born on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois, to an Irish family, he discerned his priestly vocation at age 24 and was

ordained in 1919.

A 1956 New York Times report noted that Sheen had papal permission to celebrate both the Roman Rite and the Byzantine Divine Liturgy.

He was also known for efforts to seek common ground with Christians from non-Catholic churches, including Eastern Orthodox and Protestant communities. Sheen died in New York on December 9, 1979, at the age of 84.

Path to beatification. Sheen was declared Venerable in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. In 2019, Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to his intercession, paving the way for his beatification. n

Digital overhaul, fraud safeguards ...

Benefit adjustments for public workers

The agency also continues to process benefit corrections tied to long-standing provisions affecting public employees.

Adjustments linked to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) are being distributed to eligible retirees, including teachers, law enforcement personnel, and other government workers.

These changes are especially relevant for Filipino Americans who worked in

U.S. public service systems and may have previously received reduced Social Security benefits due to pension offsets.

SSA data indicates that millions have already received retroactive payments, with corresponding increases reflected in monthly benefits.

National workload system

To reduce delays, SSA has introduced a nationwide case-routing system that allows claims to be handled by available staff regardless of location.

For applicants, this means that processing times are less dependent on local office backlogs—an issue that has

historically affected high-density areas such as California.

What to watch

The modernization effort signals a structural shift in how Social Security operates - moving toward a system that is more automated, data-driven, and nationally integrated.

For beneficiaries, the transition brings both advantages and adjustments: faster service and improved access, alongside stricter verification and greater reliance on digital tools.

SSA officials emphasize that the goal is not only efficiency, but long-term sustainability of the system as de-

FeAtures OPiniOn

When systems lose margin: a failure of design, not a failure of one agency

WHAT the public is experiencing today is not a breakdown in a single office. It is the visible strain of an interconnected system under pressure.

The standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security has become bound up with immigration enforcement policy. Republicans have pushed to move DHS funding without Democratic restrictions on immigration operations, arguing that enforcement is a core mission that requires immediate support. Democrats, in turn, have sought guardrails on enforcement practices such as oversight and operational limits and have argued those policies should be debated explicitly rather

public lives

AS the war that the United States and Israel unleashed upon Iran enters its fourth week, the prospect of escalation seems all but certain. The principal protagonists appear to have locked themselves in a mental trap that compels them to go for the limit. That all this is happening during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent invites an examination of its moral dimensions—and the need for a different kind of

than folded into a must-pass funding measure.

Both positions are coherent. One ties funding directly to mission and urgency. The other separates funding from contested policy to preserve legislative clarity and oversight.

But the structure of government does not isolate that disagreement.

DHS is not a single-function agency. It includes the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, among others. When funding is disrupted, the effects extend beyond the policy area under dispute.

Exiting the trap

intervention.

The US under President Donald Trump claims that the obliteration of Iran’s military capacity is nearly complete. “I don’t want to do a ceasefire,” he told reporters. “You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”

Having decimated Iran’s top leadership in targeted strikes, Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now training its missiles on the country’s oil and gas fields and its proxy armies in Lebanon. Both leaders believe they have cornered the enemy. They can-

not stop now.

Unable to shield itself from strikes that have killed its key leaders and thousands of its people, Iran has vowed to retaliate, attacking not just Israel but American facilities across the region. More than this, it has tightened its grip on the strategic Strait of Hormuz in sheer defiance of US and Israeli military supremacy. The US is now moving forces into the Strait in what the New York Times foresees as “the war’s pivotal battlefield.”

Aviation security, disaster readiness, and other public-facing operations are drawn into the same uncertainty. At airport checkpoints, that strain is al-

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin’s candid admission of a potential “worst-case scenario” of fuel depletion is not merely a bureaucratic warning—it is a stark declaration that the Philippines stands at the precipice of an unprecedented national crisis. With the government acknowledging only 50 to 60 days of fuel supply remaining since tensions escalated on February 28, every Filipino household faces an existential

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect

Nation on brink: this oil crisis may destroy everything we built

threat that extends far beyond the inconvenience of rising pump prices. The specter of complete fuel depletion looms ominously over April and the months that follow, and the gravity of this situation cannot be overstated.

Let us be unequivocal: a fuel supply collapse would systematically dismantle the infrastructure upon which modern life depends. Secretary Garin herself acknowledged the terrifying reality: “Worst case really is we won’t have enough, or we won’t have any.” This is not hyperbole. This is the gov-

ernment’s own assessment of the abyss we are approaching. “If we don’t have any diesel or any oil, our public transportation won’t go. Our sea, air transport will be affected.” She might have gone further— without fuel, our entire civilization grinds to a halt.

The government’s announcement that it is considering securing one to two million barrels of oil as a contingency supply is, frankly, too little and far too late. This represents a desperate scramble after

When systems lose margin ...

ready evident. TSA officers designated as essential continue to work under uncertain pay conditions. Reporting has documented rising absenteeism, hundreds of resignations, and wait times stretching into hours at major airports. These are immediate disruptions. They are also indicators of something deeper: the gradual loss of operational margin.

The strain has now prompted direct executive intervention. Donald Trump said he would sign an order to ensure TSA workers are paid during the impasse, while federal authorities have deployed personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to assist at airports. These measures may ease immediate pressure, but they also underscore a deeper reality: core functions are being sustained through workarounds rather than stable funding, and personnel are being reassigned across roles that were not designed to be interchangeable.

Margin is the buffer that allows complex systems to absorb stress. It exists in staffing depth, redundancy, and the ability to respond quickly when conditions change. When that margin narrows, systems may continue to operate, but with less resilience and less room for error.

Aviation shows how this works in practice.

Air traffic controllers, operating under the Federal Aviation Administration, fall outside the DHS funding dispute. Their role in managing aircraft separation, runway clearances, and traffic flow remains central to safety. But modern aviation is not a single layer. It is a system: controllers, ground operations, emergency vehicles, passenger screening, and post-incident investigation all function together.

The recent crash involving Air Canada Express Flight 8646 at LaGuardia Airport illustrates the stakes. Two pilots were killed and dozens of others were injured. The causes of the accident are under investigation and are expected to involve multiple factors across aviation operations, an approach consistent with how such incidents are analyzed.

It is important to be precise. The funding standoff did not cause the crash.

But what followed offers a different insight into system condition.

Jennifer Homendy said at least one investigator was delayed for hours in a TSA security line while traveling to assist in the crash response. The delay did not contribute to the accident itself, but it illustrates how strain in one part of the system can affect the speed and efficiency of another.

This is how the issues connect.

A dispute over immigration enforcement has stalled DHS funding.

That funding lapse has affected TSA staffing and airport screening operations.

And strained screening conditions have, in at least one documented case, delayed the movement of federal personnel, including an investigator responding to a crash.

A dispute over immigration enforcement has stalled DHS funding. That funding lapse has affected TSA staffing and airport screening operations. And strained screening conditions have, in at least one documented case, delayed the movement of federal personnel - including an investigator responding to a crash.

At the same time, aviation safety depends on separate but interdependent layers governed by the FAA and airport authorities. The crash itself is being examined within those operational domains, including runway procedures, vehicle coordination, and safety systems.

The relationship is not causal. It is structural.

The consequences extend beyond aviation. FEMA and other DHS components depend on continuity for preparedness and response. Reporting has indicated that disaster-response resources are under strain during the funding lapse. Across agencies, essential personnel continue to carry out their duties even as the institutional framework supporting them becomes less certain.

The burden is not evenly shared.

Lawmakers continue to negotiate within the structure of government. But the immediate effects are borne

by frontline workers reporting without stable pay, by travelers navigating delays and uncertainty, and by communities that depend on reliable public systems. And in moments like LaGuardia, the stakes are not abstract. Lives are lost. People are injured. The consequences are permanent.

This is not a failure of intent. It is a failure of design.

A funding structure that binds multiple critical functions into a single legislative vehicle works efficiently when agreement exists. When it does not, it allows a dispute in one policy area to degrade operations in others. Immigration policy becomes tied to airport screening. A legislative impasse becomes operational strain. Responsibility, in this case, is shared. Republicans have sought to align funding with enforcement priorities. Democrats have sought to impose guardrails and separate policy from appropriations. Both approaches reflect legitimate concerns. But the mechanism through which they are being contested has exposed a vulnerability in how essential systems are funded.

What must follow is not only resolution, but correction.

Funding for DHS operations should be restored without delay. Beyond that, policymakers should consider whether critical functions - aviation security, disaster response, infrastructure protection - require continuity protections so that they are not disrupted by unrelated policy disputes.

The goal is not to eliminate disagreement. It is to prevent disagreement from degrading systems that depend on continuity.

A government is judged not only by the policies it advances, but by the reliability of the systems it sustains. When those systems begin to lose margin, the effects are gradual, then cumulative, and eventually visible.

The present moment is not defined by the failure of one agency. It is defined by the exposure of a system and by the measures now required to keep it functioning. And systems, once exposed, rarely fail all at once. They weaken in increments until the consequences can no longer be absorbed. n

Exiting the trap ...

As the war that the United States and Israel unleashed upon Iran enters its fourth week, the prospect of escalation seems all but certain. The principal protagonists appear to have locked themselves in a mental trap that compels them to go for the limit. That all this is happening during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent invites an examination of its moral dimensions—and the need for a different kind of intervention.

The US under President Donald Trump claims that the obliteration of Iran’s military capacity is nearly complete. “I don’t want to do a ceasefire,” he told reporters. “You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”

Having decimated Iran’s top leadership in targeted strikes, Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now training its missiles on the country’s oil and gas fields and its proxy armies in Lebanon. Both leaders believe they have cornered the enemy. They cannot stop now.

Unable to shield itself from strikes that have killed its key leaders and thousands of its people, Iran has vowed to retaliate, attacking not just Israel but American facilities across the region. More than this, it has tightened its grip on the strategic Strait of Hormuz in sheer defiance of US and Israeli military supremacy. The US is now moving forces into the Strait in what the New York Times foresees as “the war’s pivotal battlefield.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The near-total halt of oil tanker and commercial shipping through that narrow waterway—affecting one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply— has thrown global energy markets into turmoil. The bombing and closure of major airports in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi

has compounded the devastation, producing economic consequences far beyond the reckoning of the war’s authors.

This is the scale of the tragedy now unfolding in Iran, across the Middle East, and in countries like the Philippines, dependent on Gulf oil and the earnings of millions of migrant workers. This war is neither proportionate nor just in any serious moral sense. It has equated an entire nation with the regime it wishes to punish.

Did Trump and Netanyahu expect the Iranian Islamic regime to simply fold after the killing of its supreme leader?

Then they do not understand how the powerless translate their condition into a moral identity, or how weakness, over time, becomes sanctified as virtue, making ordinary political calculation nearly impossible. In such circumstances, resistance to the point of mass martyrdom often becomes the only available language of dignity.

This is what makes the quest for a face-saving exit so urgent and so complex. Wars of this kind often end only when someone quietly proposes a way for the losing party to leave the battlefield without being seen to have yielded everything they stand for. This requires genuine respect and imaginative sympathy for the dignity even of one’s enemy. It demands, at minimum, that the winning side retreat from the goal of total destruction.

Let us call this task “moral diplomacy.” It is perhaps best performed by someone of the moral standing of the late Pope Francis. Francis instinctively understood the language of sacrifice and martyrdom, and was hopeful that it could be met and symbolically redirected within a shared Abrahamic worldview. His gestures of humility toward the Muslim world, his refusal to speak of civilization as a weapon, his insistence that the poor and the victims

of war have faces—all these gave him a voice that no United Nations mediator, regional broker, or American ambassador presently possesses. We can imagine his successor stepping into that void. How striking that Pope Leo XIV happens to be an American—a fact that seems, for a moment, to disqualify him from the role Francis might have played. But Robert Prevost is not only American. He is, above all, an Augustinian missionary, formed in a tradition going back to Saint Augustine, who famously sought to clarify the difference between the peace of dominion and the peace of genuine reconciliation. Leo spent years as a priest among the poor of Peru—learning, from the inside, what it means to inhabit a world not your own. A pope shaped by that tradition and that life is intellectually and spiritually equipped to speak to what is happening in the Middle East with a credibility that no political commentary can match.

It is not a coincidence that this war has reached its present pitch during Ramadan and Lent—two traditions of self-emptying and renunciation enacting themselves against a backdrop of imperial conquest. This convergence points to something that Jürgen Habermas, who died recently, spent his final years articulating: that secular reason alone, for all its procedural power, cannot fully communicate certain forms of loss, solidarity, and hope. Those semantic resources belong to religion. They are precisely what this moment needs—and what Pope Leo XIV, by formation and by vocation, may be uniquely placed to offer.

(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.

Nation on brink: ...

months of complacency. The fact that the Philippines has historically relied on private companies to maintain fuel reserves—a 15-day replenishment cycle—reveals a shocking lack of strategic planning. We have known for decades that fuel security is critical to national survival, yet we have left ourselves dangerously exposed.

Moreover, the government’s willingness to “pay whatever premium” for emergency supplies is a tacit admission that we will face astronomical fuel prices in the months ahead. Every household now will bear this cost through skyrocketing prices for food, transportation, electricity, and medicine. We Filipinos are justifiably proud of our resilience through typhoons, financial collapse, pandemics, and countless calamities. Every time, history confirms we did survive. But today, history is a dangerous teacher. We face a crisis unlike any in its past—one that cannot be survived through the mechanisms that have always worked before. An extended oil shortage triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would expose a fundamental vulnerability: our total systemic dependency on oil that cannot be quickly replaced, cannot be imported from unaffected regions, and cannot be compensated for by adaptation or community spirit alone.

We must stop assuming that resilience alone will save us. We must begin planning as if our survival depends on it— because it does.

In past crises, we faced challenges that, however severe, retained some element of workaround. In the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the peso collapsed but oil imports could still arrive; the economy could be restructured. In the 2008 food crisis, rice prices soared but alternative crops could be planted, and aid flowed in. In Typhoon Yolanda, one region was devastated but others sent help. In COVID-19, the economy contracted but people could shift to remote work and deliveries.

Without oil, Government collapses: Police cars sit idle, Military operations cease. Officials cannot reach offices. The state apparatus that coordinates crisis response becomes immobilized. Without oil, food distribution breaks down, trucks cannot move, farmers cannot reach fields, markets cannot stock shelves. And within weeks, hunger spreads,. Water systems fail because

pumps run on diesel and cities become thirsty. Power generation stops, thermal plants that provide baseload power shut down and blackouts cascade. Healthcare fails, ambulances cannot run. generators power down and hospitals become warehouses of the dying, not healing.

Imagine the possible sequences happening within weeks or months.. Oil supplies tighten. Panic buying begins. Diesel prices spike to P150 per liter and other fuels up 60%. The government announces rationing. Black markets emerge. Long-distance trucking becomes sporadic. Food shipments from provinces slow. Supermarket shelves begin to empty. Hospitals report fuel shortages. Inter-island shipping halts. Mindanao and the Visayas face acute shortages. Agricultural production stalls—farmers cannot reach fields, cannot transport harvests. Hunger begins in rural areas.

This is not a sectoral crisis. This is a “civilizational crisis”—a moment when the basic infrastructure of modern society seizes up.

We import approximately 95% of our oil. Compare this to other countries that have invested in energy independence, and recognized that energy security is national security. Our former national leaders from 1986 or from Cory, FVR, Erap, Pnoy, Digong and until today, Bongbong, practically did nothing . We drifted along, assuming global oil markets will always supply us, that prices will remain manageable, that alternatives will appear when needed.

After April, the question is no longer “when will oil return?” Will supplies resume in weeks? Months? Years? But “will our society hold together?”

This is not speculation. This is the logical outcome of removing a foundational resource from a system built entirely upon it. The geopolitical closure of the Strait of Hormuz has no clear endpoint. The uncertainty itself becomes destabilizing.

When people cannot foresee an end to deprivation, social behavior shifts fundamentally. Early-stage cooperation and sacrifice give way to panic and self-preservation. After 2-3 weeks of sustained scarcity, the Filipino tradition of bayanihan erodes. Neighbors compete rather than cooperate. Hoarding replaces sharing. Rumors and conspiracy theories flourish.

Social media, which can

amplify both truth and falsehood at the speed of light, becomes a vector for panic. False narratives spread faster than official communication can counter them. Trust in institutions evaporates. When trust collapses and uncertainty persists, the risk of mass unrest rises exponentially. History shows revolutions and violent upheavals are not triggered by absolute deprivation but by the loss of hope that deprivation will end. We are facing exactly this condition.

And the saddest thing, our nation drifts toward this crisis unprepared, not because the threat is unknown, but because the present political system is structurally incapable of responding to it. Most politicians from both sides, Pro-Marcos or pro-Duterte, even incentivize crisis response thru their gimmickry rather than uniting and helping in its solutions.

And today, we do not have the luxury of waiting for political consensus or perfect planning. If it is total systemic collapse, there may be nothing left to endure with.

The time for half-measures and political theater has passed. The time for real preparation, real investment, and real leadership is now.

The whole nation must immediately act. Not because crisis is certain, but because the stakes of being wrong is too high to be ignored. Our survival depends on it. (next)

Call to all families to take action

In the coming weeks, various analyses and commentaries about this crisis will hound us. Critics may even call this writer a fear-monger , doom-sayer, a pessimist or alarmist.

But if they wanted me to think that government, both administration and opposition, can help us in the weeks ahead, I don’t think so. Which is why I am calling on all of Filipino families to begin preparations this week. Not next month. Not when the crisis seems more imminent. This week.

Have your own family meeting. Discuss the possibility of an oil crisis. Create a plan. Assign roles and responsibilities. Establish communication protocols. Start storing supplies. Buy first weeks’ worth of extra food and water. Organize your trusted neighbors for a preparedness discussion. Form a crisis response committee. Establish a communication network. Start planning collective projects. Learn a skill. First aid. Food preservation. Water purification. Gardening. Bicycle repair.

Rare Philippine deer sighted again in Marinduque

After decades without confirmed sightings, camera traps and community reports point to the return of the vulnerable Philippine brown deer in the Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary.

MANILA, Philippines — The motion sensors were meant to catch whatever moved through the forest at night — a wild pig, a civet, maybe a stray dog. Instead, camera traps set in the Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary captured an animal many residents had stopped expecting to see: the Philippine deer.

After decades without confirmed sightings and once believed locally extinct, the Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) has been seen again in several towns in Marinduque, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mimaropa-PENRO Marinduque and partner communities.

Through sustained conservation efforts anchored on Biodiversity Monitoring System activities, camera trap installations in Barangay Malibago, Torrijos, and Barangay Makulapnit, Santa Cruz, and expanded Communication, Education, and Public Awareness campaigns, the Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Management Office has confirmed the species’ continued presence.

Also known as the Philip-

Basic carpentry. Every skill you learn increases your value to your community and your capacity to contribute to collective survival.

Every Filipino household must understand what lies ahead. April 2026 may mark the beginning of the most severe crisis this nation has faced in decades. Without immediate

pine brown deer, the species is endemic to the Philippines and is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Records from 2025 documented multiple sightings across the sanctuary, with Barangay Makulapnit emerging as a key habitat and at least 10 individuals recorded. Additional signs, including footprints, were also observed in Boac and nearby areas, indicating a broader distribution within the landscape.

Despite the encouraging developments, threats persist.

The protected area management office recorded several cases of deer mortality in different barangays linked to illegal hunting, poaching and attacks by wild dogs.

On Dec. 28, 2025, a female deer in the Balagbag Range survived an attack by wild dogs, prompting a response from the office and partner enforcement units.

In response, the Protected Area Management Board is strengthening coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office to address wildlife threats. The protected area management office is also intensifying public awareness campaigns to reinforce compliance with Republic Act No.

and decisive action, without massive fuel reserves secured at any cost, and without honest communication about the severity of the situation, we face the prospect of a nation brought to its knees by fuel scarcity.

This is not a time for reassuring platitudes. This is a time for truth, urgency, and extraor-

9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Across the Philippines, remaining populations face pressure from habitat loss and hunting, and the species’ low reproductive rate — typically one fawn per birth — can slow recovery.

The deer is generally associated with forest cover and dense thickets but forages in open areas such as grasslands. It is largely nocturnal and hunted for meat, which has been reported sold for about P150 to P250 a kilogram.

The species has been recorded in Luzon, Mindanao, Samar and other islands, though populations are under increasing pressure due to deforestation and fragmentation.

Complementing field efforts in Marinduque, a proposed scientific study by the University of the Philippines Los Baños aims to assess the Philippine deer’s population status and provide data to guide long-term conservation and management strategies.

DENR said the renewed sightings underscore stronger collaboration among the DENR, the Protected Area Management Board, local government units and communities. n

dinary measures. The government must act now, or we all will pay the price in hunger, unemployment, and suffering. (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.

P44 billion for Metro Manila subway project OK’d

by RichMonD MeRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines —

About P44.17 billion has been released by the government to avoid project delays for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) phase 1 and North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.

The fund will cover loan proceeds requirements of the Department of Transportation, budget officials said yesterday.

Of the amount, P21.28 billion will support the two projects financed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Around P22.88 billion will support the NSCR System under its loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank.

The P44.17 billion was charged to the “Support to Foreign-Assisted Projects” under unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 national budget, the Department of Budget and Management said. “As ordered by the President, these projects should not be delayed further,” Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said. n

PH ranks among world’s most polite, friendliest nations

The study gathered insights from over 4,600 respondents across 26 nations

by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net

THE Philippines ranked 6th among the most polite countries worldwide, according to a survey by Remitly, which gathered insights from over 4,600 respondents across 26 nations. The country also placed 8th in terms of friendliness.

The report highlights how simple gestures, such as greeting strangers, offering assistance or showing patience, can shape how welcome a person feels in a new country. These small but meaningful acts, often second nature to Filipinos, play a significant role in building the country’s positive global reputation.

Globally, Japan topped the list of the most polite nations, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom. China and Germany completed the top five.

Filipinos rate themselves lower

Despite the Philippines’

strong global standing, the study also revealed a notable contrast. Filipinos tend to rate themselves lower in politeness, placing the country among the least polite in terms of self-perception. This gap mirrors a broader trend seen in the study, where internal views do not always align with how others perceive a nation.

Meanwhile, countries like Brazil and Chile ranked highest in self-assessed politeness, while Japan, despite leading global perceptions,

ranked near the bottom in self-evaluation.

In terms of friendliness, Canada emerged as the top-ranked nation, followed by Brazil and Australia, with the Philippines securing a spot within the top 10.

The findings ultimately point to a shared global standard of politeness rooted not in grand gestures but in consistent, everyday acts of respect and kindness. As the study suggests, it is often the smallest acts that leave the biggest impact. n

Philippines eyes defense cooperation with NATO, EU

by Michael Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines —

The Philippines is pushing for broader defense cooperation with European nations at the ongoing 2026 Paris Defense and Strategy Forum in France.

Eyeing cross-regional convergence in the defense and military domains, Defense

Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. engaged in a meeting with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chair of the military committee on Tuesday.

During the conversation, the Philippines underscored the need for broader cooperation among countries as challenges to global security and stability continuously evolve.

Teodoro discussed how the Philippines is presently laying the groundwork for enhanced interoperability and exchanges with the European Union and NATO countries, underpinned by the country’s duty to strengthen its resilience and protect the welfare of Filipinos wherever they may be in the world.

Cavo Dragone, for his part, affirmed NATO’s willingness to pursue cooperation with the Philippines as both officials acknowledged the importance of sharing of information and best practices as inter-regional partners converge to mitigate the threats to the prevailing international order.

The two officials earlier met at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue last September, where they shared views during a panel discussion on geopolitical competition and restoring strategic stability.

Meanwhile, at the Philippine Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Army vice com-

mander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados welcomed Tim Cahill, president and senior executive of American air defense firm Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, in a courtesy call also on Tuesday.

Cahill presented Lockheed MFC’s cutting-edge systems and advanced missile and sensor technologies, which can enhance the effectiveness of assets used in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Balikatan exercises.

The Philippine Army said it is “steadfast in its stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities." n

Philippines receives Russian crude shipment as energy emergency deepens

First delivery in five years signals shift in fuel sourcing as Middle East conflict disrupts global supply

by AJPress

MANILA — The Philippines has received its first shipment of Russian crude oil in five years, marking a shift in fuel sourcing as the government confronts a tightening global energy market linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East. Shipping data and port records show that the Sierra Leone-flagged tanker Sara Sky arrived at Limay, Bataan on March 23, carrying about 100,000 metric tons of ESPO (Eastern Siberia–Pacific Ocean) blend crude, or roughly 700,000 barrels. The cargo was loaded at Kozmino Port in Russia and

is intended for processing at the Petron Corp. refinery, the country’s only operating facility.

The delivery follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national energy emergency, citing an “imminent danger” to fuel supply as hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupted key shipping routes and pushed oil prices higher.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said fuel reserves are estimated to last about 45 days, prompting efforts to secure alternative sources and build buffer stocks.

The shipment was enabled by a temporary U.S. Treasury authorization allowing deliv-

Duterte legal team ...

ery of Russian crude already in transit as of mid-March, with the window expiring on April 11, 2026.

While the volume represents only a small share of national demand, it signals contingency planning as the Philippines, long dependent on Middle East imports, seeks to diversify supply. Officials said additional sourcing options across Asia are under consideration to stabilize domestic supply.

Supply outlook and policy response

Authorities are expected to continue diversifying procurement while monitoring fuel inventories and price pressures as global energy markets remain volatile. n

The committee has moved into its evidentiary phase following determinations of sufficiency in form and substance, placing the proceedings at a critical stage before any potential elevation to the full House.

Constitutional limits in focus

Duterte’s camp argues that while the House has the exclusive power to initiate impeachment cases, the Senate alone has the authority to try and decide them.

The defense maintains that the issuance of subpoenas and the summoning of witnesses risk transforming the House process into one that resembles a trial—an argument House leaders reject, saying such actions fall within their mandate to determine probable cause.

The dispute reflects a broader constitutional question: where investigation ends and adjudication begins.

Expanding scope of inquiry

The House justice committee, chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, has authorized a series of document requests and witness appearances tied to its review.

These include Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) covering Duterte’s years in pub-

lic office, as well as records from the National Bureau of Investigation related to statements attributed to the Vice President involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and then Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Lawmakers have also sought testimony and audit records concerning the use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, along with corporate and tax documents related to businesses associated with Duterte and her spouse.

House leaders maintain these steps are part of determining whether sufficient grounds exist to move the impeachment complaints forward.

Precedent from the high court

The prospect of Supreme Court intervention draws from its July 2025 ruling that invalidated an earlier impeachment complaint against Duterte.

The Court held that the filing violated the constitutional one-year bar rule and due-process requirements, and stated that any subsequent complaint could only be initiated beginning February 2026.

That decision affirmed that while impeachment is a political process, the judiciary may step in when constitutional limits are alleged to

have been breached.

Audit issues and competing narratives

Central to the complaints are questions surrounding Duterte’s use of confidential funds. A 2024 audit finding cited the disallowance of a portion of such expenditures, a matter that Duterte’s office previously said it would contest.

Lawmakers have referenced those audit concerns as part of their review, while Duterte’s allies have framed the impeachment push as politically motivated.

Complainants and House members backing the process have countered that the proceedings are a constitutional mechanism for accountability involving public funds. No court has ruled on these competing claims.

A defining institutional test

A petition before the Supreme Court, if filed, could result in a temporary restraining order that may pause the House proceedings.

Absent judicial intervention, the committee is expected to continue its evidentiary review before determining whether to elevate the matter to the full House.

The outcome is poised to shape not only the trajectory of the case but also the evolving interpretation of impeachment powers under Philippine law. n

people events arts culture entertainment

DreamWorks sets ‘Forgotten Island’ for Sept. 2026 release, centers Philippine mythology in original animated feature

Bringing Philippine mythology to moviegoers ahead of its Sept. 25, 2026 theatrical release, the film features a cast of Filipino and Filipino American performers.

by AJPress

MANILA — DreamWorks Animation has released an initial preview of its upcoming feature Forgotten Island, an original animated project that places Philippine mythology at the center of a major studio production. The film is scheduled to open in theaters on September 25, 2026, according to studio materials.

The project is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who also serve as co-writers. Mercado makes his feature directorial debut on the film, developed in collaboration with producer Mark Swift. The film reunites key creatives associated with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, an Academy Award-nominated release. Filipino-led cast anchors global ensemble

The voice cast features a mix of Filipino and Filipino American talent alongside established Hollywood performers.

Singer-songwriter H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano lead the film as Jo and Raissa, portrayed as lifelong friends whose story unfolds at a transitional moment before they are drawn into a mythological setting identified in studio materials as the island of Nakali.

Lea Salonga voices The Dreaded Manananggal, described in official materials as one of the island’s most feared creatures. The supporting cast includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, Jenny Slate, and Amielynn Abellera. Dave Franco voices Raww, a supernatural companion who guides the protagonists through the island.

Stakes tied to friendship and what is left behind

According to studio materials, the story turns on what the two friends may have to give up to find their way home. After arriving on the island of Nakali, Jo and Raissa are confronted with a condition that places their shared past at risk.

The film draws from Philippine mythology, with creatures such as the Tikbalang and Bakunawa appearing in the narrative. It is set in the 1990s, a period the filmmakers have pointed to as a way of grounding the story in a time before digital communication, when friendships were shaped more by direct, day-to-day interaction.

Strategic shift toward original storytelling

Distributed by Universal Pictures, the film arrives as part of DreamWorks Anima-

tion’s broader slate that includes both franchise titles and original works.

The studio has historically been associated with established properties such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. Recent releases reflect continued investment in original narratives alongside established franchises. n

Regine Velasquez named Woman of the Year by Billboard Philippines; calls for resilience in OPM

by AJPress

MANILA — Regine Velasquez, widely known as “Asia’s Songbird,” was recognized as Woman of the Year at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music event held in Metro Manila, according to official event releases and consistent reports from Philippine entertainment media.

The honor recognizes artists with sustained impact on Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and contributions to the visibility of women in the industry.

Career discipline over sentiment

In her acceptance remarks, Velasquez emphasized preparation and work ethic as central to longevity in a competitive and increasingly globalized music landscape.

“You have to dream big. You need to be ready for your dreams to come true. Work hard. Be ready. Because one day, it will be your time.”

Her comments reflect a recurring position she has expressed in past public appearances, underscoring that success in music is tied

to sustained discipline rather than momentary visibility.

Velasquez, whose recording and performance career spans nearly four decades, remains among the most commercially successful and enduring figures in Philippine music.

Artistic autonomy and industry pressures

The singer also cited early-career experiences in which she diverged from industry expectations, including decisions related to image and musical direction.

“In my youth, I kept on

Anne Curtis dismisses online rumor, rebukes lawmaker’s remarks and weighs legal options

Bringing

by AJPress

MANILA — Anne Curtis has dismissed online speculation about her marriage to Erwan Heussaff while separately condemning remarks made by a Philippine lawmaker that she described as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Speaking during a television appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Curtis said she was aware of a circulating “blind item” referring to a supposed “power couple,” but did not initially realize she and her husband had been included in the speculation.

“I knew the issue, but I didn’t know we were part of the list,” Curtis said, adding that she does not give weight to unverified rumors. She reiterated a personal approach shaped by years in the public eye, choosing not to engage with claims lacking attribution or substantiation.

Curtis, who has spent more than two decades in the entertainment industry, said she avoids allowing speculation to affect her well-being, noting that undue stress can have lasting personal consequences. She described her relationship with Heussaff as stable, acknowledging that disagreements occur but are handled without escalation.

In a separate development, Curtis addressed remarks made by Bong Suntay during a House of Representatives proceeding. The comments, which referenced the actress, drew criticism online and prompted Curtis to issue a public response.

In a statement posted on social media, Curtis said her name had been used “without

consent” and in a context she described as “vulgar” and “disrespectful.” She said the incident reflects a broader pattern of language that women encounter in both private and public settings.

“What happened to me isn’t rare. It happens to women every day… What made this incident different is that it came from someone holding public office,” she wrote.

Curtis said she does not accept what she characterized as an insufficient apology and confirmed she is seeking legal advice. She also acknowledged a separate apology issued by the lawmaker’s spouse, expressing empathy while maintaining her position on the matter.

As of this writing, no formal disciplinary action has been publicly confirmed by House authorities. The incident, however, has renewed scrutiny on standards of conduct within legislative proceedings and the use of language by public officials.

Curtis’ response, measured but firm, reflects a broader shift in how public figures address issues of respect, accountability, and representation, particularly in spaces where power and public trust intersect. n

Kris Aquino seen in BGC, signals cautious return to public life after prolonged illness

by AJPress

MANILA — Kris Aquino, the former television host and one of the Philippines’ most recognizable media figures, made a rare public appearance in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) this week, marking a careful re-entry into social life following years of medical treatment abroad.

Aquino, 55, was seen Monday evening with her son, Bimby Aquino-Yap, alongside longtime friends including Dingdong Dantes and television producer Darla Sauler. The outing comes after an extended period of treatment for multiple autoimmune conditions that have largely kept her out of the public eye since 2022.

Her appearance, documented in social media posts by makeup artist Jonathan Velasco, showed Aquino preparing for the evening while receiving intravenous (IV) fluids, reflecting the continuing demands of her medical care. Visuals circulating online indicate an improvement in her condition compared with her departure for the

Filipino Star Angeline Quinto to Graduate College in June

by AJPress

MANILA — Filipino singer and actress Angeline Quinto announced on Wednesday her upcoming graduation from college this June, a milestone she achieved while navigating motherhood and a high-profile entertainment career.

United States in 2022, when her weight had significantly declined.

Aquino returned to the Philippines in September 2024 after undergoing treatment in California for a complex set of autoimmune disorders. She has publicly disclosed diagnoses that include Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Churg-Strauss Syndrome, among others. In past statements, she has said her condition requires ongoing immunosuppressive therapy to prevent further organ damage.

Recent updates shared through her official channels indicate a gradual improvement in weight and strength, though her health remains closely monitored. She has also undergone procedures related to long-term treatment access, including catheter-based interventions earlier this year.

Earlier in March, Aquino made another limited public appearance during a private visit to Malacañang Palace, where she attended a lunch hosted by Liza Araneta-Mar-

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was also reported to have briefly joined the gathering. The visit marked her first return to the presidential residence in several years.

Despite these appearances, Aquino has maintained that her recovery remains ongoing. She has previously described her condition as medically complex, with complications that have included Deep Vein Thrombosis and fluctuating blood pressure, requiring coordinated care from specialists in both the United States and the Philippines. For now, Aquino remains on hiatus from regular media work. She has indicated openness to future projects, including a possible digital or video-based format, but has emphasized that any return will depend on her health.

The recent BGC sighting suggests a measured shift rather than a full comeback - one defined by limited engagements, continued treatment, and a deliberate effort to regain strength while reconnecting with a close circle of family and friends. n

Regine Velasquez named Woman ...

11 breaking the rules.”

Such remarks point to long-standing tensions within the industry between artist-led identity and management-driven positioning— an issue that continues to shape OPM’s evolution. Also recognized during the event were contemporary and legacy acts, including BINI, G22, KZ Tandingan, and Lolita Carbon, reflecting a cross-generational representation of female artists.

Industry positioning

The launch of Billboard Philippines’ Women in Music initiative comes as the local music industry continues to expand its footprint in international streaming markets, where Filipino artists have gained increased exposure in recent years. By placing established performers alongside emerging acts, the platform signals an effort to formalize continuity within OPM, linking foundational artists to

a new generation entering a digitally driven, global distribution environment.

Velasquez concluded by directing her message to younger performers, framing them as central to the industry’s future.

“You are the future of OPM.”

Her remarks align with broader industry efforts to sustain growth while reinforcing the role of Filipino artists in both domestic and international markets. n

Speaking at a press conference for her contract renewal with ABS-CBN’s Star Music, the 36-year-old artist revealed she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing Management, from the Immaculada Concepcion College on June 16. Quinto admitted she had kept her enrollment a secret from her husband, Nonrev Daquina, and her immediate family to surprise them with the final achievement.

"Fulfilling a dream has no age limit," Quinto said during the event. She noted that she pursued the degree to honor her late adoptive mother, Sylvia "Mama Bob" Quinto.

The path to her degree was marked by significant personal and professional overlaps. Quinto completed academic modules while pregnant with her second child, Azena Syl-

As a newbie Sparkle GMA artist, beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo will be seen testing the waters in entertainment areas such as acting and hosting. She has expressed her interest in doing action flicks and names Alden Richards her dream leading man.

via, and during the filming of the Philippine adaptation of What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. She acknowledged the immense difficulty of the workload, admitting she once petitioned professors for a chance to rectify a failing grade due to her intense filming schedule.

Beyond her academic success, Quinto’s contract renewal with Star Music, One Music Management, and KreativDen signals a robust schedule for the remainder of 2026. Her upcoming projects include new original soundtracks, a

solo concert, and further acting roles. She received support from fellow artists like Regine Velasquez and Kyla during the ceremony. Quinto, who rose to prominence as the winner of the television talent competition Star Power in 2011, is celebrating her 15th year in the industry. As one of the most recognizable voices in Original Pilipino Music (OPM), her graduation marks the fulfillment of a long-standing promise and serves as a testament to her professional resilience in the public eye. n

Christian Bautista opens up on longevity, anxiety, and a new creative chapter

MANILA — Filipino singer and television personality

Christian Bautista has spoken candidly about the demands of sustaining a long career, acknowledging that performance anxiety and burnout remain part of his professional life more than two decades after his debut.

At a late March 2026 media event tied to his single “Sa’yo Lamang” (Only Yours), Bautista said the pressures of live performance have not diminished with experience. He cited fatigue, self-doubt, and the unpredictability of live delivery as recurring challenges, even for seasoned artists.

To manage these, Bautista has developed a pre-show routine that includes briefly observing the audience before going onstage to establish a sense of connection. He also pointed to the importance of a stable support system, including his wife, Kat Ramnani, and trusted collaborators.

His remarks align with broader conversations on mental health in the entertainment industry. Fellow performer Regine Velasquez-Alcasid has also spoken about the pressures of live performance. Bautista expressed support, noting that longevity does not eliminate professional challenges.

The release of “Sa’yo Lamang,” under Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, marks a shift in Bautista’s musical direction. Moving away from traditional ballads, he has explored City Pop influences. The track was produced by Ziv, with creative direction from Rico Blanco, reflecting a more experimental approach to sound and production.

Beyond music, Bautista has expanded into artist development as president of NYMA Talent Management, which he co-leads with Ramnani following its 2024 acquisition.

He said balancing performance and executive roles has become central to his

long-term strategy, allowing him to approach the industry with both creative and strategic perspective.

“As long as there are people who believe in me,” Bautista said, “tuloy pa rin tayo” (we keep going). n

Lella Ford details close ties with Kaila Estrada

Estrada has been romantically linked to Ford’s brother Daniel Padilla.

by AJPress

MANILA — Lella Ford, the winner of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, has spoken publicly about her relationship with actress Kaila Estrada, offering a clear account of Estrada’s presence within her family circle.

Speaking at a “Spotlight” press conference in Quezon City on March 18, 2026, Ford described a close personal rapport with Estrada, whom she considers both a role model and someone she admires beyond her work in the industry.

“She is someone I really look up to, not just in acting but as a person,” Ford said.

Ford also confirmed that Estrada visited their home following the Pinoy Big Brother finale on February 28, where she spent time “catching up with the family,” reflecting a level of familiarity within the household.

Family interactions in public view

Public appearances in recent months have kept attention on Estrada and Ford’s brother, Daniel Padilla.

In January 2026, the two were seen at an anniversary event for The Child Haus, a foundation that supports

children with cancer and their families.

On March 16, 2026, Padilla was seen performing at Estrada’s 30th birthday celebration—an event Ford said she attended alongside her sister, Magui.

Estrada’s rising profile Estrada, the daughter of veteran actors Janice de Belen and John Estrada, has continued to build her profile through television work, including Linlang.

Ford’s remarks position Estrada as a familiar presence within one of the country’s most closely followed showbiz families.

Ford also said she was happy that Estrada “makes my brother happy,” offering one of the clearest insights yet from within the family about the pair’s dynamic.

Neither Padilla nor Estrada has publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship.

tvN confirms ‘Goblin’ cast reunion for 10th anniversary retrospective special

by

SEOUL — South Korean cable network tvN has confirmed that the principal cast of Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, widely known as Goblin, will reunite for a 10th anniversary special.

Lead actors Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, and Yoo In-na are set to participate in a travelogue-style program tentatively titled Goblin 10th Anniversary. The special will follow the cast as they revisit filming sites and reflect on the drama’s cultural impact during its 2016–2017 run.

Defining a cable television milestone Goblin remains one of the most commercially and critically significant Korean dramas of its era. Its finale surpassed 20 percent nationwide

viewership, placing it among the highest-rated cable dramas in South Korean history and reinforcing the viability of high-budget productions outside terrestrial networks.

At the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2017, the series secured the Grand Prize (Daesang) for screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, while Gong Yoo received Best Actor honors. The drama’s visual design and soundtrack further contributed to its sustained popularity.

Internationally, the series continues to circulate across streaming platforms, often cited as a key driver of the Korean Wave’s global reach. Revisiting a cultural phenomenon

The anniversary program is expected to adopt a retrospective format, blending location visits with behindthe-scenes reflections. The approach mirrors earlier tvN

Nic Chien recounts discovering parents’ separation through a stranger’s social media comment

The 19-year-old performer says he learned of Lea Salonga and Robert Chien’s separation at age 14, years before the family confirmed it publicly.

LOS ANGELES — Nic Chien, the 19-year-old son of Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga and businessman Robert Chien, has publicly recounted learning of his parents’ separation through a social media comment, describing the experience as unexpected and emotionally distressing.

reunion specials that foreground cast chemistry and production history.

The project also aligns with the network’s broader anniversary slate, positioning the special as both a commemorative feature and a reaffirmation of its content legacy.

Cast and creative return

Participation has been coordinated with the actors’ agencies, including Management SOOP and King Kong by Starship. The special marks the first full-cast narrative collaboration since the series concluded.

Director Lee Eung-bok is also expected to contribute insights into the production’s visual identity.

Release window tvN has not announced a specific premiere date but indicated the program is targeted for release in the first half of 2026. n

Speaking during a March 20, 2026 appearance on the television program Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Chien said he was 14 years old when an Instagram user posted a message expressing sympathy over his parents’ separation—information he had not yet been told privately.

“I had no idea that they had split,” Chien said, adding that it was “a terrible way to find out.”

A private matter surfaced publicly

According to Chien’s account, he contacted his father shortly after seeing the comment to verify whether the information was accurate. He said Robert Chien confirmed that he and Salonga had separated and apologized for the way his son learned about it.

Lea Salonga and Robert Chien, who were married in 2004, publicly confirmed

their separation in January 2026, stating that they had been “separated for some time.” In her remarks, Salonga did not provide a timeline or details, instead emphasizing a continued commitment to co-parenting.

Neither parent has publicly commented on Nic Chien’s account of how he learned of the separation.

Context in hindsight

In the same interview, Chien reflected that, in retrospect, there were signs of distance in his parents’ relationship. He noted that visible expressions of affection were less common in his household compared to those of his peers.

“I thought it was all normal because that’s all I knew,” he said, adding that exposure to other families later gave him a different frame of reference.

He described the separation as something that appeared to have developed gradually over time.

Personal path and family support

Chien, a performer and visual artist pursuing musical theater, also discussed his personal journey as a transgender man. He said he began hormone replacement therapy in January 2025 and

later underwent gender-affirming surgery.

He credited both of his parents with supporting his transition. Salonga has previously expressed public support for her child, emphasizing respect for identity and well-being in her statements.

Public remarks from the family indicate that their relationship remains cooperative. Salonga has described their co-parenting dynamic as stable and supportive, without disclosing further personal details.

The digital dimension of private lives

Chien’s experience reflects a broader reality for families connected to public figures, where personal developments can surface online before formal confirmation. In this case, a private family matter appeared in a public digital space and reached a direct family member without prior context.

The family has maintained a largely private stance beyond their confirmed statements. Their approach underscores an effort to balance public visibility with personal boundaries, even as the speed and reach of social media continue to reshape how private information is encountered. n

@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

Eons before Spanish Navigator/Explorer Ponce de Leon travelled around the world searching for the Fountain of Youth, people in their native domain, surprisingly, even the cavemen, had already been using local rituals and herbs to look and feel younger, and to live longer.

Today’s various media are loaded with misinformation and fake data on ways to slow down ageing, or even achieve immortality. Ridiculous as they may sound, here is an even more hilarious example:

“The search for a Fountain of Youth has driven humankind down some strange avenues of inquiry. But there may be none stranger than the work of Dr. Serge Voronoff. Known in his time as “the monkey grand expert,” Voronoff believed that human aging could be halted or even reversed by transplanting monkey testicles into people, for immortality.’ And that was among the most down-to-earth of his ideas.”

There is no medical evidence that monkey testicles, or organs (brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) of baby animals, or any herbal concoction or modern drugs, promote longevity. Time to put these ‘theories’ to rest.

As I have written in this column in the past, humankind should stop wasting time exploring for the Fountain of Youth around the globe, because we have it right in our home, and right in our hands. It is called a healthy lifestyle, coupled with wisdom, discipline, tenacity, and persistence.

A healthy lifestyle starts with a smart diet of fish, vegetables, nuts, some fruits, minimal carbs and red meat, restful sleep, exercise, no soft drinks of any kind, stress management, abstinence from tobacco, and only occasional alcohol, if at all, since recent studies show no amount of alcoholic drink is safe. The great sacrifice this requires is worth the great dividend we get in terms of health, happiness, and longevity.

News: A 2026 study revealed that taking a multivitamin daily can modestly slow biological aging (by reducing cellular aging) in older adults by 2.7 to 5.1 months over 2 years based on epigenetic

Slowing ageing

clock measurements. – (Nature Medicine)

To a significant extent, our health and longevity are within our control. It is never too late to start loving our bodies and stop abusing our health.

GLP-1 and vision

There are about 12 percent of Americans currently taking a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and 35 percent of others are interested in using them. Globally, there are about 5.1 million users. Since the pill form of Wegovy was released, more than 170,000 Americans have been taking this pill. The obesity drug semaglutide (Wegovy) has a significantly higher risk of ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) than any other GLP-1 agonist, including semaglutide for diabetes (Ozempic), an analysis of FDA data (31,774 subjects) showed. Luckily, ION is very rare, but it is best to be aware of this finding. Discuss any concerns with your physician.

GLP-1: more benefits

While GLP-1 drugs have been found to be most efficacious in treating T2 diabetes, they have also been found to be a great aid in weight management. Latest studies reveal those on GLP-1 had a reduction of 10 percent to 20 percent in heart failure, cardiac arrest, lung failure, kidney failure, reduced joint pains, stroke, fatty liver pneumonia, and even Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. More extensive clinical use of these wonder drugs in the years to come will show us if they have any potential harmful side effects or complications from long-term use.

The booster vaccine

A clinical research among “adults in England aged 50 years or older showed that those who received the bivalent BA.1 mRNA booster vaccine during the 2022 autumn campaign had substantially lower risks for COVID-related hospitalization and death for up to 350 days after vaccination compared to peers who did not receive the booster."

Complete vaccination, including the booster shots, significantly reduces the risk of developing the devastating Long COVID.

Caring and cognition

Caring for grandchildren is associated with better cognitive performance among seniors, according to a study

posted in Psychology and Aging. The brain, like our muscles, needs exercise and challenges. Puzzle-solving, social interaction, travel, and a positive attitude all boost brain power and minimize cognitive decline. However, “excessive caregiving stress could negate the potential benefits.” Everything in moderation, indeed.

Fatal falls

Here are some scary statistics: “Fatal falls are increasing: the age-adjusted fall death rate increased by 41% from 55.3 per 100,000 older adults in 2012 to 78.0 per 100,000 older adults in 2021. Fatal falls are more common in December and January, likely due to factors such as more ice in northern climates and the desire to get on ladders to decorate for holidays and remove decorations. Most advice to prevent falls focuses on factors such as medication reviews, muscle strengthening, better eyeglasses, and getting rid of trip hazards. All are important, but we need to actively tell our older patients to stop getting on ladders (as well as step stools).” – MS Pancreatic cancer

The FDA has approved a first-of-its-kind wearable electrical device — Optune Pax (Novocure) — for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Optune Pax delivers alternating electrical fields, known as tumor treating fields (TTFields), to the abdomen. TTFields work by disrupting the rapid cell division characteristic of cancer cells, causing cell death. Swiss-based maker Novocure said the approval is the first for locally advanced pancreatic cancer in nearly 30 years.” – MS * * *

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.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated

The global altar: How Filipino Holy Week is evolving at home and abroad

From its biblical origins to its Filipino adaptations and global diaspora expression, Holy Week endures as a living tradition - reshaped by technology, mobility, and modern life while remaining grounded in faith, ritual, and cultural identity.

by AJPress

MANILA — As Holy Week unfolds across the Philippines and Filipino communities worldwide, its modern expressions - livestreamed liturgies, full-capacity tourist hubs, and diaspora-led devotions - remain anchored in a tradition that spans two millennia. The evolution of Filipino Holy Week reflects continuity as much as change, shaped by faith, history, and shifting social realities.

Biblical origins and early foundations

Holy Week traces its origins to the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke, and Gospel of John.

By the 4th century, early Christians in Jerusalem were already marking these events through processions and liturgies tied to specific sites. The Council of Nicaea helped standardize the date of Easter, providing a structure that continues to guide Christian observance worldwide.

From colonial transmission to Filipino tradition

Holy Week was introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century through Spanish missionary activity. Over time, Catholic rites merged with local customs, producing a distinctly Filipino expression of devotion.

Practices such as the Pabasa, a continuous chanting of the Passion, draw from oral traditions, while the Senákulo, a dramatization of Christ’s suffering, reflects both European influence and local theatrical culture. Visita Iglesia, the visitation of multiple churches, mirrors pilgrimage traditions but has become a widespread communal practice across Philippine provinces.

These forms established Holy Week as both a religious observance and a cultural institution.

A nation once defined by stillness

For decades, Holy Week in the Philippines was marked

by a near-total slowdown. Broadcast networks limited programming, businesses closed, and public transportation was reduced.

Good Friday, particularly from noon to 3 p.m., was widely observed as a period of silence and reflection. Communities gathered for the Pabasa, reinforcing a shared participation in the Passion narrative. This collective pause defined the traditional experience for much of the late 20th century.

Continuity in a digital era

In recent years, observance has expanded into digital spaces without displacing traditional practices.

Churches now livestream liturgies, allowing participation beyond physical boundaries. Online Stations of the Cross and prayer services have become common, particularly following the pandemic-era shift toward virtual access.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has encouraged moderation in digital media use during Lent, framing restraint as a contemporary form of reflection. These efforts reflect an ongoing adaptation to changing patterns of communication.

Mobility and economic realities

Holy Week today intersects with the demands of a modern economy.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) classifies Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as regular holidays. At the same time, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reports sustained travel demand during the Lenten period, with major destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu experiencing high occupancy. For many Filipinos, the observance now

awardees include

includes both religious and leisure activities.

A global observance

For millions of Filipinos overseas, Holy Week has become a transnational practice. Philippine diplomatic posts and Filipino communities organize religious services abroad, while traditions such as Pabasaand Visita Iglesia are adapted to local contexts.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advises Filipinos in certain regions to observe local regulations, leading to more discreet forms of worship where necessary.

Digital platforms further connect diaspora communities, enabling real-time participation in services from the Philippines.

Tradition and public health

Some forms of devotion remain physically demanding. In parts of Pampanga, penitential practices such as self-flagellation and voluntary crucifixion continue among a small number of devotees. While not endorsed by the Catholic Church, these practices persist as localized expressions of faith.

The Department of Health (DOH) regularly issues advisories on heat, dehydration, and safety risks during Holy Week, particularly as large crowds gather.

An enduring observance Holy Week in 2026 reflects a layered tradition - rooted in early Christianity, shaped by colonial history, and adapted to contemporary life.

Across time and geography, its core remains unchanged. For Filipinos at home and abroad, Holy Week continues to serve as both a religious observance and a reflection of identity, sustained through evolving forms but grounded in enduring belief. n

Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, renowned scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com n

My P.E.P.

(People, Events,Places)

MeDina

As the first quarter of 2026 draws to a close, the year is no longer about anticipation; it is beginning to reveal direction.

I asked seven individuals from different fields what they are seeing unfold, what they continue to work toward, and what they hope the rest of the year will bring. Their responses reflect a shift from expectation to action, where aspirations are tested against reality.

Photojournalist and singer-songwriter Bernard Testa, who is preparing for a joint exhibit with Riza Zuniga this April, points to the kind of society he believes remains within reach: “A more civil society with progressive and honest leaders, better education, and a proactive, pro-people universal health care program.”

For Vancouver-based filmmaker Clyde Capistrano, whose film Lanaya is set for Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2026, the year is already in motion. “With more people discovering Lanaya, I’m inspired to continue creating films that are meaningful and personal. I’m finalizing a new screenplay and hope to begin production soon. I also look forward to seeing our local film industry continue to grow.”

Robert Delgado, conductor of the PCSO Chorale and founder of the National Association of Filipino Choirs, Inc., is preparing for a global stage.

“What I look forward to in 2026 is the opportunity to present my research at the World Symposium on Choral Music, to be held this August in Macau, China, as a continuation of the initiatives I began in 2024, using this platform to further advance research and lead sustained efforts that equip both thriving and underserved choirs with the skills and opportunities to become meaningful catalysts in the socio-economic life of their communities. This ongoing work lies at the very heart of my organization’s mission.”

Anna Ylagan, director and producer of The OPM Friends’ Groovin’ The Greatest Hits, set for March 27 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, keeps her focus grounded. “Good health for me, my loved ones, and the OPM Friends—and more shows for this wonderful group.”

For overseas Filipino worker

What Is Taking Shape in 2026 (Part 2)

Norman Noces Rolle of Benguet:

“Embrace 2026 as a fresh, promising chapter for growth, boldness, and joy, designed to be shaped by your own actions, and an opportunity to live life as an exhilarating, full-throttle ‘ride,’ embracing new beginnings and manifesting success.”

Bob Zozobrado, CEO of the Philippine Retirement Authority, offers a perspective that cuts across all ambitions: “Peace all over the world.”

Meanwhile, San Francisco-based Ricky Concepcion looks toward a quieter form of progress, one measured in daily life. He hopes for balance, meaningful time with family, and milestones such as his son’s college graduation and his daughter’s continued journey in medical school. He also anticipates developments in areas he follows closely, including cryptocurrency and a shift toward more practical politics.

Taken together, these responses suggest that 2026 is no longer about what people hope will happen. It is about what they are actively building, and what is slowly taking form.

EDSA Guadalupe Billboard

I am honored to be among the awardees of the 2026 Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers, alongside actress Marian Rivera and a distinguished group of leaders from business, government, and the arts. Their recognition reflects not only individual success, but the broader standard of excellence that continues to evolve within our communities.

Spending a day with the Dyna family

Thanks to dancer-entrepreneur Emily Samson, I spent time with the Dyna Family (Dyna Dancers) at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque, offering a glimpse into the discipline behind performance.

In the dressing room and rehearsal spaces, I met members of the group and their choreographer, Severo “Toto” Sanglap, as they prepared for the show. What stood out was not just the scale of the production, but the precision and quiet focus behind it.

Among those present was Miles Obra-Borin, a Filipina dancer and actress now based in the United States, who continues to work in theater and television. During the final rehearsal, I also saw Tess Dabasol Smith, known internationally as the “Soul of Tina Turner,” whose decades-long career spans Europe.

The Aldeguer Sisters, Lally and Terri, whose synchronized performances helped shape Philippine television dance, were among the highlights. Also present were Pia Moran, Geleen Eugenio, and John Gaddi, alongside several dance groups including WEA Dancers, OCTOARTS Dancers, Vicor Dancers, and Urban Dance Crew.

Watching from the audience—first during rehearsal, then later from a more distant seat during the actual performance—I saw how much of what the audience experiences in a few hours is built on countless unseen hours of preparation.

The energy of the show carried through to the finale, where The Boyfriends performed for the crowd. It was only later that I learned actress Maricel Soriano had also appeared, while I recognized the voice of singer Sephy Francisco during the performance.

By the end of the evening, fatigue had set in, but so had a clearer understanding: much of what we admire in public is the result of quiet, sustained work behind the scenes.

Happiness, as it turns out, is not something easily pursued. It often arrives indirectly— through effort, shared moments, and the act of bringing something meaningful to others.

Birthday greeting

Happy birthday to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (March 28).

* * * 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.

* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com n