April 19-25 2025 Volume 36 - No. 16 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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DATELINE US congressional delegation reaffirms support to PH-US alliance from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America
MANILA — The United States Congressional Delegation (CODEL) has reaffirmed its commitment and support to the Philippines-U.S. alliance, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Manalo said the CODEL — composed of U.S. Senators John Peter Ricketts, Christopher Coons, and Theodore Paul Budd — expressed their commitment during a meeting in Manila on April 14. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, “the CODEL’s visit, the first under the new Trump administration, and its meeting with [Manalo] highlights the strength of the PH-U.S. treaty alliance.” “Secretary [Manalo] and CODEL discussed opportunities to reinforce PH-U.S. defense and security cooperation, the importance of building economic security and resilience, and exchanged views in addressing regional
China: Asean trade can offset US tariffs by Franco Jose C. Baroña and Bernadette E. Tamayo ManilaTimes.net
CHINA on Thursday, April 17 warned that the higher tariffs imposed by the United States on all countries could do wide-ranging damage to the Philippine economy but said regional integration could mitigate the impact of America's pivot to protectionism. Speaking at a closed-door press briefing with select members of the Philippine media held at the Chinese Chancery in South Forbes Park, Makati,
Ambassador Huang Xilian cited recent survey data showing that 75 percent of Filipino respondents anticipate negative repercussions from U.S. tariffs on the country's oil and trade sectors. Such measures, he cautioned, could exacerbate economic instability, triggering cascading effects across vital — from agriculture to outsourcing. "These are not just abstract numbers — these are livelihoods at stake," Huang said. "Rice farmers, garment workers and BPO (business process outsourcing) employees are bracing for higher costs and shrinking demand. History shows the U.S. is uncompromising — not only with rivals but even
Marcos ratings plunge while VP posts gains by Catherine Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suffered a double-digit decline in his approval and trust ratings, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey which also showed a notable rise in public support for Vice President Sara Duterte. In the survey conducted from March 23 to 29 among 2,400 respondents, Marcos' approval ratings saw a steep decline, dropping from 42 percent in February to just 25 percent in March, with 53 percent disapproving and 22 percent remaining neutral. On the other hand, Duterte's approval ratings climbed from 52 percent in February to 59 percent, with 16 percent disapproving and 25 percent neutral. Aside from the two top officials, the approval ratings for other officials also dipped over the same period. Senate President Francis Escudero's approval rating fell from 47 percent to 39 percent, with 18 percent disapproving and 39 percent neutral. House Speaker Martin Romualdez saw his rating drop from 17 percent to 14 percent, with 54 percent
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Clark County approves Filipino Town cultural district in Las Vegas IN a landmark move recognizing the vibrant Filipino community in Southern Nevada, the Clark County Commission unanimously approved to officially establish a “Filipino Town” cultural district in Las Vegas. The newly designated cultural corridor, which was approved by the Commission on Tuesday, April 15, will span a 1.2-mile stretch, along Maryland Parkway, between Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road. The area, already a thriving hub of Filipino culture and commerce, is anchored by the popular Seafood City supermarket and several Filipino-owned businesses at the Boulevard Mall. With the new designation, it will now serve as a formal center for Filipino American life in Las Vegas — encompassing food, business, community services, and celebrations. “The establishment of this Cultural District will help preserve and celebrate the culture, commerce, food, celebrations, and religion of Filipino people who have made Clark County their home,” the official resolution stated. This marks the second cultural district
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with allies." Citing a February 2025 report by the House of Representatives' Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department, Huang noted that the Philippines risks losing up to $1.89 billion in exports due to U.S. protectionist policies. The report highlighted vulnerabilities in key export sectors — from coconut oil to electronics and auto parts — as Washington's trade stance grows increasingly unpredictable. Unlike regional competitors such as Vietnam and Malaysia, which adapted during earlier phases u PAGE A2
PENANCE. Fernando Mamangun, 54, is nailed to the cross along with 10 other men in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga on Good Friday, April 18. It was his 29th time, next only to Barangay Cutud’s Ruben Enaje, 64, who made his sacrifice for the 36th time. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
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Malacañang to online overseas voters: ‘Vote from the heart’ by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
MANILA — Filipino voters abroad should choose candidates who are patriotic and will not sell out the Philippines in any form, a Palace official said on Monday, April 14. This advice came as the Commission on Elections began its monthlong internet voting for overseas Filipinos on Sunday, April 13. In a briefing in Malacañang, Palace
Press Officer Claire Castro said that voting is the way Filipinos abroad can voice their opinions, even if they are not physically in the country. “Our message from the Palace is, “fulfill your duty as a Filipino. Vote wisely. Vote from the heart,” she told the voters abroad. “Do not vote just because of influence or because you were paid, but vote for those who truly deserve it—those we can rely on, leaders who will not sell out
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Sen. Imee Marcos
Photo from Facebook/@ImeeMarcos
FIFA World Cup 26: Filipino American creatives take the spotlight VP Sara endorsement not a reward for Duterte probe, says Imee Marcos by Momar G. Visaya AJPress
Rich Tu LeRoid David Chris "DJ Flict" Aparri Photo courtesy of FIFA World Cup™ NYNJ Photo courtesy of LeRoid David Photo courtesy of @djflict
AS the world gears up for the largest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history, a trio of Filipino American artists are making their mark on the global stage — infusing the world’s biggest sporting event with powerful expressions of identity, heritage, and creative vision. Set to unite 48 teams, 16 cities, and billions of fans across three host nations, FIFA World Cup 26 will kick off on June 11, 2026, and culminate with the Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026. Rich Tu, a creative designer from New York; LeRoid David, a visual artist from San Francisco; and Chris “DJ Flict” Aparri, a music producer from Los Angeles, have been chosen to represent their respective host cities through official FIFA World Cup u PAGE A3
by Maila Ager Inquirer.net
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday, April 15 dismissed speculations that the endorsement of Vice President Sara Duterte was a “reward” for probing the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Marcos initiated the probe as head of the Senate committee on foreign affairs. “Reward? That never crossed my mind, and it never crossed hers either,” she said, speaking
in Filipino, in Zoom interview, referring to the vice president. The two appeared in a 30-second political advertisement titled “ITIM” or Inday Trusts Imee Marcos. Inday is VP Duterte’s nickname. Black, according to their political ad, is the current color of the country as it is mourning over hunger and criminality and is starving for justice. ‘Idea of the vice president’ According to Marcos, the black theme was the idea of the vice president.
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