May 24-30, 2025 Volume 36 - No. 21 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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Marcos revamps government, extends USA cabinet shake-up to all agency heads
DATELINE California AG Bonta warns cities: Enforce President Marcos launches a sweeping government overhaul, retaining key officials while housing law or face fines under new SB 1037 extending his Cabinet shake-up to include all agency heads following midterm election setbacks from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America
SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta is stepping up pressure on local governments to comply with the state’s housing laws, issuing a legal bulletin this month that warns city and county officials they could face significant financial penalties if they unlawfully delay or deny new housing developments. The move follows the implementation of Senate Bill 1037, a law Bonta co-sponsored, which took effect January 1. The law strengthens the state’s Housing Accountability Act by allowing courts to fine jurisdictions between $10,000 and $50,000 per month for each violation tied to obstructing legally compliant housing projects. “Every community in California must do its part to address the housing crisis,” Bonta said. “We now have the tools — and the will
by AJPress
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has begun a sweeping shake-up of his Cabinet and top government agencies, retaining
only a core group of senior officials after midterm election losses signaled public dissatisfaction with the administration’s pace of reforms. Calling the move a “bold reset,” Marcos initially ordered all Cabinet secretaries to submit courtesy
resignations following a lackluster performance at the polls. That directive has now been expanded to cover the heads of all national government agencies, signaling a far-reaching overhaul of public u PAGE A2
Marcos must oust ‘reckless allies who squandered his goodwill’ – Escudero by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net
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Senate unanimously passes bill granting $25,000 tax break for tipped workers In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved the “No Tax on Tips Act,” a bill that would exempt up to $25,000 in annual cash tips from federal income taxes for workers in traditionally tipped occupations. The legislation marks a significant shift in federal tax policy affecting millions of service industry workers. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where it may be considered as part of a broader tax and spending package. If enacted, the new deduction would take effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025. “This legislation will have a lasting impact on millions of Americans by protecting the hard-earned dollars of blue-collar workers,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who introduced the bill. “The very people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck will now have some much-needed relief.”
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs into law the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and the New Government Procurement Act during simple rites held on Saturday morning (May 17) at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang. Among those who witnessed the event were Senate President Chiz Escudero (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Malacañang photo
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From prime time to power: The Tulfo Pacquiao’s comeback: brothers’ disruptive rise in PH politics Cheers, caution, and the challenge of time by AJPress
Raffy and Erwin Tulfo — two of the Philippines’ most recognizable broadcast personalities — are poised to serve side by side in the Senate for the first time. From their journey as media crusaders to elected lawmakers, to the narrow Senate loss of their brother Ben, the Tulfo brand has reshaped the country’s political landscape. Their ascent raises deeper questions about power, populism, and the shifting dynamics of public trust in Philippine politics.
In the storied halls of the Philippine Senate — long dominated by dynasties, technocrats, and ideological stalwarts — two brothers forged not in party politics but in the crucible of public outrage are about to take their seats. Raffy and Erwin Tulfo, household names synonymous with blunt justice and on-air confrontation, have crossed from broadcast studio to legislative floor. What began as a brand is now political reality. Their rise speaks to a restless electorate
by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
MANILA — Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle placed the symbolic Fisherman’s Ring on Pope Leo XIV’s finger during the Mass of Inauguration at the Vatican on Sunday, May 18. The ring shows an image of St. Peter and has meaning from the New Testament. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus gives Peter the keys to Heaven, and in Luke 22:32, He tells Peter to strengthen his fellow believers. u PAGE A4
by AJPress
MANILA — U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin has proposed establishing a hightechnology innovation hub in the Philippines as part of its $5.6 billion bid to supply 20 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. The proposal—cleared by the Trump administration under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program—signals a shift in U.S.Philippine defense cooperation, blending military hardware with long-term capacity-building. If approved, the initiative would mark one of the largest U.S.
by AJPress
Las Vegas — The boxing world is bracing for the return of Manny Pacquiao, who at 46 will fight for a world title four years after announcing his retirement. The eight-division champion and former Philippine senator is set u PAGE A3 to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand. The World Boxing Council has confirmed Pacquiao’s eligibility, ranking him fifth and sanctioning the bout. Nevada’s athletic commission has cleared him to com-
US firm offers Philippine defense Cardinal Tagle places hub in $5.6B F-16 deal symbolic Fisherman’s Ring innovation Lockheed Martin proposal gains traction under on finger of Pope Leo XIV Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific posture
Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle Photo from Cardinal Tagle’s Facebook page
MANILA — Senate President Francis Escudero sees President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to reset his cabinet as an opportunity to “distance himself from reckless allies who squandered his goodwill.“ Escudero’s pronouncements on Thursday, May 22, came after Marcos called for the courtesy resignation of all his cabinet secretaries. In his statement, the Senate leader commended the president and tagged his move a “good start,” as it signals the need for the government to recalibrate according to the public’s expectations. “I view this revamp as a mid-game substitution — a
pete, following routine licensing and medical evaluations. “At this time, Mario Barrios is going to face Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman in an interview with Boxing King Media. Pacquiao’s last official bout was in August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugás by unanimous decision. He later pivoted to politics and mounted an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022. u PAGE A2
defense sales to Southeast Asia and could significantly deepen strategic collaboration between the two countries. Philippine officials say the proposal aligns with their goal to modernize the armed forces while also investing in indigenous defense capabilities. According to Lockheed Martin, the proposed innovation hub would be modeled after its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions in Abu Dhabi. The facility would support collaborative research, Manny Pacquiao, 46, returns to the boxing ring to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario technical training programs, Barrios on July 19. As critics raise concerns over age and fairness, Pacquiao eyes legacy and Photo from Manny Pacquiao’s Facebook page u PAGE A2 history in a high-stakes comeback.