062726 - Los Angeles Edition

Federal appeals court lifts block on nationwide fasttrack deportation policy

Divided D.C. Circuit permits DHS to resume expanded expedited removal while statutory limits and credible-fear procedures remain

WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court has cleared the Trump administration to resume a nationwide expansion of expedited removal, a deportation process that generally bypasses a hearing before an immigration judge.

In a 2-1 decision issued June 23, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated a nationwide stay blocking the Department of Homeland Security policy since August 2025. The ruling permits immigration officers to apply the procedure to noncitizens nationwide, rather than near the border.

The decision does not make every undocumented immigrant eligible. Under the

AAPI poll finds faith in American ideals alongside deep concern over immigration climate

Most respondents still value opportunity and democratic government, but nearly two-thirds say the country is no longer a great place for immigrants

WASHINGTON — A new national survey presents a divided picture of how Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults view the United States: strong attachment to its democratic and economic ideals, paired with broad concern that the country has become less welcoming to immigrants.

The AAPI Data and Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that 64 percent of respondents believed the United States had once been a great place for immigrants but was no

DOJ charges 455 defendants in new nationwide health care fraud crackdown

Las Vegas nurse practitioner pleads not guilty in an alleged $906 million wound-care scheme that prosecutors linked to luxury purchases and a resort project in Cagayan

by AJPress

Tacloban shooting spurs national review of school gun safety

Deaths of three students and injuries to 20 others prompt scrutiny of firearm custody, campus safeguards and emergency preparedness

by AJPress

MANILA — The June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City has prompted a national review of school gun safety, including firearm storage, owner accountability, campus safeguards and emer-

Aileen Dinkjian to be sworn in to Glendale school board after Area D victory

Educator and health care leader will become Glendale’s first Filipina American elected to public office

by AJPress

GLENDALE — Dr. Aileen O.

Dinkjian, an educator, health care leader and longtime South Glendale resident, is scheduled to be sworn in July 14 as the Glendale Unified School District’s new Trustee Area D representative. Her election marks a first for the city: Dinkjian is the first Filipina American elected to public office in Glendale.

Dinkjian finished first in the

June 2 nonpartisan election with 3,185 votes, or 42.53 percent, according to the latest Los Angeles County count. Janet Balekian received 2,183 votes, or 29.15 percent, while Shant Kevorkian received 2,120 votes, or 28.31 percent.

Dinkjian will take the oath of office at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Glendale Unified district office, 223 N. Jackson St. in Glendale. Assemblymember Jessica

gency preparedness.

Three students were killed and 20 others were injured. Police took two students, ages 14 and 15, into custody.

Authorities said 15 of the injured sustained gunshot wounds, while five others were hurt

Sandiganbayan keeps Estrada cases separate as Senate enforces 90-day suspension

Court rejects consolidation request as plunder and graft prosecutions move forward before two divisions

by AJPress

his legislative duties and receiving his salary and benefits while one of the graft cases remains pending.

In an eight-page resolution promulgated June 24, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division denied Estrada’s motions to consolidate or jointly try one plunder case and two graft cases. The court said the prosecutions involve different transactions, project locations and combinations of de-

American fugitive nabbed in PH over $1.2B healthcare fraud case

Herbert Leon Kimble was on FBI's 'Most Wanted Fraudsters' list U.S. overtakes South Korea as Philippines’ leading visitor market

Nearly 592,000 visitors from the United States arrived through mid-June as overall international arrivals continued to rise

by AJPress

MANILA — The United States has become the Philippines’ largest source market for international visitors, moving ahead of South Korea during the first half of 2026.

Preliminary Department of Tourism figures showed 591,569 arrivals from the U.S. market as of June 17, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said.

The department separately recorded 2,955,014 international visitor arrivals from Jan. 1 through June 16, an increase of 6.16 percent from the same period in 2025. Because the cutoff dates differ by one day, the figures should not be used to calculate an exact U.S. market share for mid-June. A detailed January-to-May report showed 531,859 visitors from the

LOS ANGELES – American fugitive Herbert Leon Kimble, who was on FBI’s “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, was recently captured in the Philippines and has been returned to the United States to face charges related to a $1.2 billion healthcare fraud case, the FBI announced Friday.

“Herbert Leon Kimble was apprehended in the Philippines and is now back in the United States, on the run since 2024 after he allegedly orchestrated a $1.2 billion healthcare fraud conspiracy that targeted the Medicare system – particularly elderly victims – from 2014-2019,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in a post on X.

Patel said Kimble, 60, was the second “Most Wanted Fraudster” arrested in just over two weeks since the new “Most Wanted” list was launched by Vice President JD Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

3 Fil-Ams on ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list

Three Filipino Americans are among the eight fugitives on the list: Michael Lizaso Marasigan, John Michael Dimitrion – also known as John Dela Cruz – and his wife JulieAnne Baldueza Dimitrion. They remain at large.

From the Front Page

Federal appeals court lifts block...

PAGE 1

January 2025 DHS designation, expedited removal applies, with limited exceptions, to people who have not been admitted or paroled, are found inadmissible on specified fraud, misrepresentation or documentation grounds and cannot establish continuous U.S. presence for the preceding two years.

People who can prove two years of continuous presence fall outside that category. Those admitted or paroled are also excluded.

An immigration officer may issue a removal order without the hearing and administrative review available in immigration court. Regulations require officers to state the charges, allow a sworn response, provide interpretation and obtain supervisory approval.

A person may challenge placement by asserting U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee status, prior admission or parole, or sufficient continuous presence. Judicial review is narrowly restricted.

A person who expresses fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to seek asylum, is ordinarily referred for a credible-fear

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ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

interview. A negative finding receives supervisory review and, upon request, may be reviewed by an immigration judge. A positive finding sends the claim into further proceedings rather than immediate removal.

The policy was announced by acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman on Jan. 21, 2025. DHS said it restored expedited removal to the fullest extent authorized by Congress.

Before the 2025 expansion, the principal land-border rule generally covered people apprehended within 100 air miles of an international land border and within 14 days of entry. Separate provisions covered certain sea arrivals encountered anywhere in the country within two years. A comparable nationwide designation adopted in 2019 was rescinded in 2022.

Make the Road New York challenged the 2025 designation and a related DHS memorandum. In August 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb stayed the policies nationwide after finding that the challengers were likely to succeed on a due-process claim and had shown a substantial risk of erroneous removal.

Judge Justin Walker, writing the lead appellate opinion, concluded that the policies provide constitutionally adequate notice and an opportunity to object. Walker wrote that due process does not require officers to explain that proving two years of continuous presence would remove someone from the expanded category, reasoning

that such an obligation would amount to legal advice.

Judge Neomi Rao supplied the second vote to vacate the stay and joined Walker’s due-process analysis. In a separate concurrence, she argued that Congress had sharply restricted judicial review and nationwide relief.

Judge Robert Wilkins dissented from the due-process ruling. He said the procedures do not require officers to ask how long a person has lived in the country or explain the two-year limit, leaving some people without a meaningful opportunity to show the process does not apply.

The district court cited cases in which people present for more than two years were nevertheless removed. Walker acknowledged evidence of errors but said they reflected failures by individual officers, not constitutional defects in the written directives.

The court rejected the challenge to the written directives but did not adjudicate any particular removal.

DHS General Counsel James Percival said the ruling vindicated the department’s decision to apply the law as written. ACLU attorney Anand Balakrishnan said the system is unfair and prone to error and that the organization is reviewing its next steps.

The ruling removes the nationwide stay. It does not eliminate statutory eligibility limits, the credible-fear process or the narrow forms of judicial review preserved by Congress. (AJPress)

American fugitive nabbed...

PAGE 1

From 2014 to 2019, Kimble allegedly operated an offshore call center that marketed orthotic braces for pain through TV and online advertisements.

“Once a Medicare beneficiary called a 1-800 number listed in the advertisements, they would be screened for eligibility and then convinced that they needed an orthotic brace, and often upsold on other braces,” stated the case profile posted on the FBI’s website. “The call center would then contact a telemedicine company whose physician would of-

ten issue a prescription without regard to medical necessity.”

Dozens of medical equipment companies allegedly entered into agreements with the offshore call center to purchase the prescriptions and then bill Medicare for the orthotic braces.

“The invoices received from the call center disguised the fact that what was being purchased were prescriptions for orthotic braces,” the FBI said. “The (medical equipment) companies caused more than $1.2 billion in charges to Medicare from these prescriptions.” (Inquirer.net)

DOJ charges 455 defendants...

PAGE 1

Control Units participated, the most in the history of the department’s national health care fraud takedowns.

The action was announced separately from three health care and COVID-related fraud matters disclosed by the department in April. Those earlier matters involved two companies, two individual defendants and more than $500 million in attempted billings.

The $6.5 billion represents claims that prosecutors and regulators allege were false or fraudulent. It is not a finding that the defendants received or stole the entire amount. The sums paid by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other health programs vary by case.

Authorities said they seized more than $182 million in cash, vehicles, jewelry and other property. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services separately suspended 1,079 providers and revoked the billing privileges of 1,403 others.

The Medicaid component involved 295 defendants and more than $518 million in allegedly false claims, both records for a national Justice Department health care fraud takedown.

Among the largest prosecutions is the case against Marizel Yukee, 49, a Las Vegas resident and Nevada-licensed nurse practitioner accused of controlling four mobile wound-care companies in Texas, Nevada, California and Hawaii.

A federal grand jury in Houston charged Yukee with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, two counts of health care fraud, conspiracy involving illegal health care kickbacks and transactional money laundering.

Court records show that Yukee was arrested in Houston on June 22 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court allowed her release pending trial under conditions that included home detention, a $600,000 secured bond and a $400,000 unsecured bond. She was ordered to surrender her passport and participate in electronic location monitoring. The order permits her to leave her residence for approved purposes, including work, medical treatment, meetings with counsel and court appearances.

Prosecutors allege that Yukee and others submitted more than $906 million in false claims to Medicare and TRICARE from approximately October 2023 through April 2026. The two programs paid more than $297 mil-

lion, according to the indictment.

The case concerns amniotic wound allografts, including products made from human placental tissue and used to assist with wound closure.

Prosecutors allege that Yukee and others sought out elderly Medicare beneficiaries, including terminally ill patients receiving hospice care, and arranged for allografts that were not medically necessary.

The indictment says some products were applied without first attempting, completing or confirming more conservative treatment. Others were allegedly used on infected wounds, wounds that had already healed, wounds that were not responding to the products or wounds that prosecutors say would not heal because of patients’ underlying medical conditions.

Some terminally ill patients died within days of receiving the products, according to the indictment. The filing does not allege that the allografts caused their deaths.

Prosecutors also accuse Yukee of falsifying or causing the falsification of medical records, paying alleged kickbacks to obtain patient referrals and soliciting or receiving alleged kickbacks from distributors in exchange for purchasing allografts.

A Nevada company nominally owned by a member of Yukee’s family allegedly received approximately $15.95 million in kickbacks from a distributor between January 2024 and January 2025. The indictment does not identify the family member or the companies, which are described through generic labels.

Federal authorities said they seized property valued at approximately $35.2 million in connection with the investigation. The assets included more than $30 million in bank accounts, approximately $467,000 in cash, eight vehicles and luxury jewelry.

Among the property identified in federal records were a Ferrari 296 GTS purchased for approximately $594,000 and a custom Bulgari necklace purchased for approximately $865,000.

The indictment alleges that proceeds of the purported scheme were also used to acquire a million-dollar residence in Hawaii and a $3 million certificate of deposit. Prosecutors further allege that approximately $4.6 million was used to construct a beach resort in the Philippines.

The indictment’s forfeiture notice identifies the project as the Ultra Coastal Beach Resort in Santa Ana, Cagayan. It lists funds sent

for construction and real property traceable to those funds among the assets the government may seek to forfeit.

The indictment does not state that Yukee owns the resort. A seizure or forfeiture notice is not a judicial finding that property was acquired through criminal conduct. The government must establish its claim in court.

The Yukee prosecution is part of broader federal scrutiny of Medicare spending on amniotic wound allografts and related products commonly called skin substitutes.

Medicare Part B spending on skin substitutes rose from $256 million in 2019 to more than $10 billion in 2024, according to CMS.

The Justice Department charged 11 defendants, including eight medical professionals and a company executive, in woundcare cases across six federal districts.

In one alleged arrangement separate from the Yukee case, providers billed Medicare more than $4 billion for one company’s allografts between approximately December 2021 and June 2024. Medicare paid more than $2 billion.

Prosecutors allege that the company acquired products from tissue banks, relabeled them and increased their prices by as much as 2,000 percent, charging up to $1,450 per square centimeter.

CMS changed its reimbursement system effective Jan. 1, setting an initial payment rate of about $127 per square centimeter for the products. The prosecutions announced in the nationwide action are at different stages. The allegations against Yukee and the other defendants have not been proven in court. Each defendant retains the presumption of innocence, and the government bears the burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS AND CASE RECORDS

Justice Department announcement of the nationwide enforcement action:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ national-health-care-fraud-takedown-results-455-defendantscharged-connection-over-65

Official defendant list and case summaries: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-carefraud-unit/2026-national-hcf-casesummaries

Federal indictment against Marizel Yukee: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/media/1446921/dl?inline= (AJPress)

Tacloban shooting spurs national review...

PAGE 1

as they fled. Police recovered 40 shell casings, a 9 mm Glock pistol and a .38-caliber revolver.

Police said the Glock was a service weapon issued to a police officer related to one of the minors. The revolver was registered to a security agency in Cebu. Investigators are examining how the firearms came into the minors’ possession and whether lapses in storage, custody or supervision contributed.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said June 25 that he would recommend changes to firearms laws to impose criminal liability on owners whose weapons are illegally accessed or transferred and used in crimes.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Remulla had called for a more comprehensive law addressing negligent firearm ownership. Its announcement did not provide language, penalties or a timetable for congressional action.

Remulla also said authorities would pursue a malversation complaint involving the police officer and a National Police Commission administrative case. No criminal or administrative liability has been established.

The attack has also focused attention on security at school entrances. The Department of Education said San Jose National High School had guards, surveillance cameras and random bag

inspections before the shooting.

Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said one guard had been assigned to cover multiple entrances and exits when the firearms were brought onto campus.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara ordered schools to review compliance with safety and learner-protection policies. DepEd Order No. 6 includes security guards, closed-circuit television cameras, metal detectors and random bag inspections.

DepEd Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said implementation varies according to a school’s resources.

Angara also said the department would accelerate the hiring of school counselors and psychologists to strengthen mental-health and early-intervention services.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation and heightened security in schools and other public areas.

Government agencies are considering whether emergency training designed for natural disasters should be expanded to cover shootings and other human-caused emergencies. Officials have discussed tighter entrance controls, consistent inspections, emergency-response training and faster reporting of threats.

A resolution filed in the House seeks an inquiry into the Tacloban shooting and other recent incidents of school violence. House Resolution No. 1146, filed by

Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano, calls for a review of prevention programs and school-safety policies.

The Commission on Human Rights has opened an independent investigation and urged authorities to examine the weapons’ source and whether failures in firearm custody or school security contributed.

The commission warned that stronger safeguards should not turn schools into militarized environments. It called for expanded guidance counseling, mental-health services, anti-bullying programs and other child-protection measures. Investigators have examined bullying, online activity and other possible influences, but authorities have not announced a final motive.

Both minors are covered by juvenile justice and child-protection laws, and their identities must remain confidential. Police filed complaints against the 15-year-old alleging three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder and multiple counts of serious physical injury. The allegations do not establish guilt. The 14-year-old is subject to an intervention program under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. The continuing investigations will determine how the firearms reached the minors and whether any person or institution failed to meet legal, administrative or security obligations. n

Gawad Kalinga founder moved to Bulacan jail

by Carmela reyes-esrtrope Inquirer.net

MALOLOS, Bulacan—Gawad

Kalinga founder Antonio Meloto, 76, is now at the Bulacan Provincial Jail here after a local court denied his petition for hospital arrest in connection with qualified trafficking charges.

Bulacan Provincial Jail Warden Enrico Vargas said Meloto was brought to the facility on June 17 after the Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 76, which issued his arrest warrant, denied his counsel’s petition to allow hospital arrest.

Meloto, he said, is placed in isolation considering his age. However, he said, Meloto is treated like an ordinary inmate.

“We can not give any special treatment to anyone that could be a subject for scrutiny by other inmates,” Vargas told the Inquir-

er.  On June 16, Meloto was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.  Meloto is charged with two counts of qualified trafficking in persons filed on Sept. 10, 2025, by his two male scholars in Gawad Kalinga. The court had not set any bail.

The Gawad Kalinga founder is suffering from psoriasis and hypertension.

A source from his camp earlier told the Inquirer that Meloto had left Gawad Kalinga in 2017 for treatment abroad for his psoriasis and returned recently to resume the foundation’s operations.

inside the Bulacan Provincial Jail here after a local court denied his petition for hospital arrest in connection with qualified trafficking charges.

Sandiganbayan keeps Estrada cases

fendants, and that merging them could delay rather than accelerate the proceedings. Although the cases share some factual questions, the Fifth Division said the plunder prosecution requires a separate process for any request for temporary release. Under the Constitution, a person charged with an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua may be denied bail when the evidence of guilt is strong. The court must conduct a hearing and evaluate the prosecution’s evidence before ruling on a bail application.

The Sandiganbayan’s official docket shows that the three cases were filed and assigned May 28. Criminal Case No. E-SB-26CRM-0004, alleging a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, was assigned to the Second Division. Criminal Case No. E-SB26-CRM-0005, another graft case, and No. E-SB-26-CRM-0006, a plunder case, went to the Fifth Division.

Division. Bonoan is Estrada’s only co-accused in the graft case pending before the Second Division. The allegations have not been proved in court. Estrada has denied wrongdoing and challenged the legal and factual sufficiency of the charges. His lawyers sought to quash the criminal informations and asked that all three prosecutions be heard by one division. The June 24 resolution rejected consolidation but did not decide the pending motions to quash or determine whether any defendant committed the offenses charged.

Meloto is an internationally known social entrepreneur and a multi-awarded non-governmental organization leader. n

He was arrested at the Gawad Kalinga base in Enchanted Farm in Angat town on May 29 and placed inside the Angat police detention cell. He was later brought and confined at Dr. Yanga’s Hospital in Bocaue. After more than a week, he was transferred to Bulacan Medical Center.

The Fifth Division said combining the cases could hold up the graft proceedings while bail-related hearings in the plunder case are conducted. Trying them separately would allow the graft cases, which do not require the same preliminary bail proceedings, to move toward trial independently.

The Office of the Ombudsman alleges that more than P573 million in illicit payments connected with fiscal 2025 public-works allocations and flood-control projects were delivered to Estrada. Prosecutors charged former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan alongside the senator. Department of Public Works and Highways officials Manny Bulusan, Arturo Gonzales Jr. and Denryl Caesar Cortuna are also defendants in the cases before the Fifth

Estrada posted P90,000 bail after the Second Division issued an arrest warrant in the graft case on May 29. He was taken into custody again June 1 after the Fifth Division issued a warrant in the plunder case and was subsequently committed to the Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory in Payatas. n

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How IKEA Pasay made the world’s largest store work for Filipino shoppers

Its Store of the Year recognition reflects a retail strategy shaped around local homes, service and the management of an unusually large operation

by AJPress

PASAY CITY — Size first distinguished IKEA Pasay. Performance became the more consequential measure.

The home-furnishings store at the Mall of Asia complex occupies about 66,000 square meters, making it the largest IKEA location in the world. When it opened in 2021 as the Swedish retailer’s first Philippine store, it combined a showroom, warehouse, restaurant, customer-service operation and e-commerce infrastructure under one roof.

Four years later, the branch was named IKEA Store of the Year for 2025, an internal global honor that placed the Philippine operation in the company’s permanent Store of the Year Hall of Fame. IKEA said the store was selected from a field of more than 470 locations in 63 countries.

The recognition highlights how a standardized international brand adjusted its retail model to Filipino households. Before opening, the company conduc-

ted home visits and research into local living arrangements. Those findings shaped room displays, product presentations and services rather than simply reproducing European interiors.

The store also combined physical retail with online ordering, click-and-collect, delivery and an IKEA for Business service, while its restaurant helped turn shopping into a family visit.

At launch, Ikano Retail - the IKEA franchisee owned by Peter, Jonas and Mathias Kamprad, sons of IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad - said the store featured a 1.5-kilometer customer route, about 8,000 products, 63 room settings and three complete model homes.

Managing that scale requires tight control of inventory, displays, checkout, delivery and food operations. Company officials said the award considered operating figures, internal audits, employee surveys and assessments of how products were presented and adapted to the market.

Sales were also part of the

record. IKEA Philippines reported that the store raised the average number of products purchased per transaction to nearly 17 and sold more home-furnishing pieces than any other IKEA branch worldwide in 2025.

Those are company-reported measures, not independently audited rankings of revenue or profitability. Selling the most individual products does not necessarily mean recording the highest sales value because prices and product mixes vary by market.

The award came as IKEA reported global retail sales of 44.6 billion euros for fiscal 2025, down 1 percent, although customer visits and product volumes increased. Ikano Retail described its Philippine performance as record-setting.

The recognition gives IKEA Pasay a prominent place inside the company’s global network. It also raises expectations that the store will sustain product availability, service, pricing and delivery standards consistent with the honor. n

U.S. overtakes South Korea...

PAGE 1

United States, up 7.07 percent from 496,742 a year earlier. Arrivals from South Korea declined 9.56 percent to 501,789 from 554,855. The United States accounted for 19.40 percent of arrivals during the five-month period, compared with South Korea’s 18.31 percent.

The shift is significant for a tourism industry long supported by South Korean travel. South Korea remained the Philippines’ largest source market in 2025, with 1,346,301 arrivals, while the United States ranked second with about 1.32 million.

South Korea remains a major market. The DOT said in March that it was working with airlines and 15 South Korean travel agencies on discounted fares, tour

packages and promotions featuring Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and Clark.

The government figures establish the decline in South Korean arrivals but do not identify a single cause. Economic conditions, exchange rates, air capacity and travel preferences can affect visitor movements, but available data do not show how much any factor contributed.

Angara-Mathay, appointed tourism secretary in April, presented the latest figures during an American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines meeting in Makati.

Her remarks framed the increase as an opportunity to improve access to destinations beyond the country’s established gateways.

She said the government would

work with transportation agencies, airlines, airport operators and private companies to maintain routes, develop new connections and attract tourism investment.

The DOT is also promoting meetings and conventions, food, wellness, education and retirement travel to encourage longer stays and higher visitor spending.

The Philippine Statistics Authority estimated tourism’s direct contribution at P2.27 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 8.1 percent of gross domestic product. Tourism industries employed an estimated 7.70 million people, or 15.7 percent of total employment.

The latest figures underscore the growing importance of the U.S. market while showing that South Korea remains close behind. n

Aileen Dinkjian to be sworn in to Glendale...

Caloza is scheduled to administer the oath.

A parent of three Armenian-Filipino students in Glendale Unified, Dinkjian holds a master’s degree in public health and a doctorate in education. Her 25 years of professional experience span education, health care, policy, governance and organizational leadership.

She has also served on the district’s Budget Committee and participated in the PTA, experience that placed her inside discussions over school finances and the concerns of Glendale families before her campaign for the board.

Dinkjian ran on a platform centered on student safety and belonging, support and retention

for teachers, student health and well-being, workforce preparation and closer financial oversight. She also called for campuses better equipped to protect students during extreme heat and for expanded partnerships connecting young people with higher education, health care and local industries.

Trustee Area D stretches from Glenoaks Canyon through South Glendale and includes the communities served by Glendale High School and Glenoaks, Mann, Marshall and Muir elementary schools.

Glendale Unified adopted geographic trustee areas in 2016, replacing its former system of electing board members districtwide. Although each member

AAPI poll finds faith in American ideals...

1

longer. Thirty percent said it remained a great place for immigrants, while 5 percent said it never had been.

At the same time, large majorities identified several principles as central to the country’s identity. Eighty percent said the ability to secure good jobs and achieve the American dream was extremely or very important. Seventy-nine percent cited democratically elected government, and 73 percent pointed to the blending of cultures and values from around the world. Taken together, the findings suggest dissatisfaction with the current immigration climate rather than a wholesale rejection of the United States. Forty-eight percent described the country as one of the world’s greatest nations, and 18 percent said it stood above all others. Thirty-four percent said other countries were better.

The survey was conducted April 20-28 among 1,075 AAPI adults nationwide. Respondents were drawn from NORC’s Amplify AAPI Panel, which is designed to represent Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander households in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The overall margin of sampling error was plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

The poll also asked whether immigration status had affected respondents or people they personally knew during the previous 12 months. Fifty-one percent reported at least one of four experiences listed by the survey. Forty-one percent said they or someone they knew had begun carrying proof of immigration status or U.S. citizenship.

Thirty-four percent reported changed travel plans, 22 percent cited significant changes in daily routines, and 10 percent said they or someone they knew had been detained or deported because of immigration status. Those figures do not show that each respondent personally experienced the reported event. The questions combined respondents’ own experiences with those of people they knew, and the categories could overlap.

The survey also did not independently review the circumstances of any reported detention or deportation. Nor did it establish that federal policy directly caused the respondents’ views or actions.

The poll was fielded during a period of intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. The administration has said its policies are intended to enforce federal immigration law and address public-safety and national-security concerns.

Federal law requires many registered noncitizens age 18 or older to carry evidence of registration. The survey’s document-carrying category was broader, however, because it also included proof of U.S. citizenship and did not ask why respondents or people they knew began carrying documents.

Political affiliation produced some of the sharpest differences in the results. Eighty percent of AAPI Democrats said the United States was no longer a great place for immigrants, compared with 52 percent of independents and 37 percent of Republicans. Sixty-two percent of AAPI Republicans said the country remained a great place for immi-

Alex Eala becomes first Filipina seeded in Grand Slam singles

The No. 29 seed opens Wimbledon against Mexico’s Renata

after a Berlin semifinal run lifted her into the

by AJPress

LONDON — Alex Eala will begin Wimbledon against Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa after becoming the first Filipina seeded in a Grand Slam singles draw, the clearest measure yet of her ascent on the women’s tour.

The official women’s singles draw lists the 21-year-old Eala as the No. 29 seed. A victory over Zarazúa would send her into a second-round match against either seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams or Australia’s Maya Joint.

Eala enters the tournament at No. 30 in the WTA rankings, five places higher than before her semifinal run at the WTA 500 Berlin Tennis Open. Her ranking and the absence of a higher-ranked entrant placed her at No. 29 among Wimbledon’s 32 women’s seeds.

Seeding distributes the highest-ranked players throughout the 128-player draw so that they cannot face one another in the first two rounds. It offers protection from an immediate meeting with another seed, but does not guarantee a favorable opponent or passage through the tournament. Every match must still be won.

The designation brings high expectations after the strongest grass-court stretch of Eala’s professional career.

Competing in Berlin as a wild card, she defeated Donna Vekic before recording consecutive straight-set victories over second-seeded Elena Rybakina and sixth-seeded Elina Svitolina. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, was ranked No. 2 in the world when Eala beat her, 7-5, 6-4.

Eala then defeated Svitolina, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the semifinals. Her run ended with a 6-2, 6-4 loss to eighth-seeded Linda Noskova, who went on to win the title.

Those three Berlin victories supplied the ranking points that moved Eala from No. 35 to No. 30 and secured her place inside Wimbledon’s seeded range.

Her final preparation produced a less favorable result. Belgium’s Elise Mertens defeated Eala, 6-3, 6-3, in the opening round of the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open.

The loss interrupted her momentum but did not alter the ranking release that had already returned her to the Top 30.

The Wimbledon milestone is specific to singles. Treat Huey previously represented the Philippines as a seeded player in Grand Slam men’s doubles, reaching the Wimbledon semifinals with Max Mirnyi as the No. 12 seeds in 2016. Eala is the first Filipino player to receive a Grand Slam singles seed.

Zarazúa, an experienced tour player and Grand Slam competitor, presents the immediate test. The possible second-round meeting with Williams has attracted attention, but it exists only if Eala first advances past her Mexican opponent and Williams defeats Joint.

A year ago, Eala made her Wimbledon debut as an unseeded player against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova. She re-

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grants. The survey’s ethnic crosstabs included 127 Filipino respondents. Among them, 57 percent said the United States had once been a great place for immigrants but was no longer, 33 percent said it remained one, and 10 percent said it never had been.

Among the Filipino respondents, 38 percent said they or someone they knew had begun carrying immigration or citizenship documents, 25 percent reported changed travel plans, 17 percent reported major changes in routines, and 6 percent said they or someone they knew had been detained or deported because of immigration status.

Because the Filipino subgroup was relatively small, its percentages carry greater statistical uncertainty than the full survey and should not be treated as precise estimates for all Filipino American adults.

The survey also found that respondents did not view cultural preservation and integration as mutually exclusive. Fifty-eight percent said maintaining culture and traditions was extremely or very important for immigrants living in the United States. Fifty-four percent said speaking English fluently was equally important, while 48 percent placed that level of importance on blending into American society.

The results point to a community weighing the country’s stated ideals against present-day experiences. Most respondents continued to value opportunity, democracy and cultural pluralism, even as a clear majority expressed doubt that the United States still offers immigrants the welcome it once did. (AJPress)

FeAtures OPiniOn

America cannot prosecute its way out of health care fraud

The latest nationwide takedown shows why Medicare and Medicaid need stronger payment safeguards, better-designed incentives and earlier intervention

THE Justice Department’s latest nationwide health care fraud action is remarkable for its scale: 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, accused in schemes involving more than $6.5 billion in allegedly false claims.

The charges remain allegations.

Every defendant is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. But the significance of the announcement reaches beyond the outcome of any one prosecution. It raises a harder question: How can claims of such magnitude move through publicly financed health programs before the system intervenes?

Health care fraud is commonly described as the work of dishonest individuals exploiting government programs. That is only part of the problem.

Large schemes also depend on payment rules, information gaps and administrative weaknesses that can reward volume before anyone has determined whether the underlying care was necessary, appropriate or even delivered.

Medicare and Medicaid must process enormous numbers of claims quickly enough to keep hospi-

The Long View

OUR Senate exists to provide three things. The first is to bring a national perspective to solving the country’s problems, because senators are elected by the whole nation and not by a small part of it. This is vital for a country with a traditionally parochial political class. The second is a consequence of the first: being the only people to share a national mandate with the president and vice president, senators, because of their work, are in a training ground for the presidency. The third is actually the foundation of the first two: to achieve national awareness and prominence, and thus earn a national mandate, ideally requires more than mere celebrity or money, and it requires a track record of responsible leadership. That this last part is less and less likely the case is another story—of the collapse of both political parties and the mass media. But for now, it remains true that the Senate remains a durable proving ground for the presidency where leaders are trained. In his book “Certain Trumpets: The Call of Leaders,” Gary

Moving Into High Gear

CAN a nation be born in a day?

While the unfurling of the Philippine national flag marked the official dawn of Philippine sovereignty on June 12, 1898, history shows that true independence is an ongoing process rather than a one-time achievement. Thus, 128 years after the national tricolor was first raised in Cavite, the Filipino nation remains on a continuous journey to prove that the freedoms purchased with the blood of our martyrs and revolutionaries are not in vain.

Nation-building is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Even after achieving independence, Filipinos continue to build the nation as each new generation works to eradicate poverty, eliminate corruption, educate the citizenry, and heal systemic wounds that hinder the realization of the Filipino’s full potential.

Jochen Hippler (1998) asserts

tals, physicians, pharmacies and suppliers operating. That speed is essential. It also creates risk.

The government often pays on the strength of records prepared by the provider seeking reimbursement, while patients may lack the expertise or, in hospice and long-term care settings, the capacity to challenge what was ordered in their names.

The danger grows when reimbursement rises with the quantity, size or listed price of a product.

Medicare spending on skin substitutes illustrates the point. The Department of Health and Human Services inspector general found that Part B expenditures on the wound-care products surpassed $10 billion annually by the end of 2024, driven by higher use and higher prices.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services subsequently changed the payment method,

Leaders

Wills says, a leader is someone who can move people to act on and pursue the goals the leader and followers share.

But here, we are often conflicted over what we seek: do we want a leader or a manager for president? What is the difference? Leaders are transformational; they inspire people to do things differently. Managers, on the other hand, are transactional, fostering deals to get things done. Leaders will sell, managers tell; leaders exchange excitement for work, managers exchange money for work. A president leads; the Cabinet exists to manage. Put another way, the manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people; the manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust. The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing. By these standards, it’s clear who has demonstrated leadership in the Senate.

It wasn’t the former Senate president; one fundamental reason for President Marcos calling Congress to a special session is precisely the manner in which Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s foolishness derailed the legislative calendar. The first test of the Senate, then, today, is if it can both muster a quorum and finally settle the question of its

leadership. The past couple of weeks have seen Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian acting as Senate president, and Senators Erwin Tulfo and Raffy Tulfo, for their part, have been the most effective in calling out the Cayetano clique.

It seems to me, though, that all eyes will also be on Sen. Risa Hontiveros, because of how uniquely situated she is in this leadership-defining moment for the Senate. Coalitions come and go, but she is unique in both her consistency and ability. To begin with, she has twice been elected to the Senate, which is proof of her being able to obtain a national mandate—and keep it.

Second, she has, through her decades of political work, managed to do the right thing: she did not ally herself with former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and she stood up to former President Rodrigo Duterte, even when it was unpopular to do so.

Third, she has mastered the work of the Senate, both in fostering coalitions to get individual bills passed into law and in using the oversight function of lawmaking to conduct investigations that gathered evidence in the face of sustained opposition: consider her unearthing documents and testimony on Pharmally, and the immigration u PAGE 7

The unfinished work of nation-building

that nation-building has three major elements—an integrative ideology, “which provides for integrating the sub-groups of the inhabitants of a country into one society.” Another element is an integrated society, which implies nationwide integration of geographic regions, economic sectors, and politics. It also presupposes a functioning infrastructure and intellectual discourse of a national scale. The last element is an existing state apparatus, which actually fulfills its functions on all of the national territory. (source: https://tinyurl.com/muczn3rk).

“Telling thee the truth, hating all kinds of injustice.” The Philippines has all these elements of statehood, but why do we continue to wallow in political disunity more than a century and three decades after Dr. Jose Rizal penned “Filipinas dentro de Cien Años” (The Philippines a Century Hence), which was published in “La Solidaridad” from 1889 to 1890?

Geography can partly explain

saying the 2026 policy was expected to reduce spending on the products by nearly 90 percent without compromising access or quality.

The lesson is broader than wound care: Payment policy is also fraud-prevention policy.

When reimbursement permits extraordinary margins, a legitimate treatment can be pushed beyond clinical need, paired with inflated prices

IT has become well known by now that Xi Jinping wants to be the next Mao Zedong in China’s history. This would mean the revival of Maoism. It is therefore crucial for us to understand exactly what is Maoism and to appreciate its history. Maoism is one of the most powerful political ideologies that has reshaped society and influenced global affairs. One of the books that I highly recommend for those wanting to understand this ideology is “Maoism: A Global History” by the historian Julia Lovell, published in 2019 by Alfred A. Knopf. It is the story of Maoism not just as a Chinese political doctrine but as a global phenomenon that inspired revolutionary movements, political struggles and social transformation across the world. In the book’s blurb, it says, “This revelatory work of world history offers a new understanding of the 20th and 21st century. For decades, the West has dismissed Maoism as a local phenomenon that dissipated with the death of Mao. This book

re-centers China in the global history of the past 80 years.”

The book does not just focus on Mao Zedong and the history of China. It also tells the story of how Maoist ideas traveled beyond China and were adopted by diverse groups in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. Maoism therefore should not be understood solely as a Chinese ideology. Maoism became a global force because it offered an appealing revolutionary model for groups fighting against imperialism, inequality and political oppression. Maoism also highlighted the revolutionary potential of peasants and rural populations. This approach became very popular in developing countries where the majority of the population live in rural areas. This is different from the original Marxist ideology which emphasized industrial workers as the primary agent of revolution.

We should remember that in the Philippines, this ideology led by the New People’s Army started in the rural areas. Up to now, the few remaining revolutionary groups are still primarily in farflung provinces.

The book explains how the original Marxist-Leninist principles were adapted to Chinese conditions and emphasized guerrilla warfare, mass mobilization and peasant participation. These innovations contributed to the success of the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. These are the same principles that our present revolutionary groups are still using.

The global impact of this book is its scope because it goes beyond China and examines how Maoism influenced revolutionary movements such as those in Vietnam, Cambodia, Peru, Nepal, India and several African nations.

A very interesting statement in the book reads: “It argues that the domino theory did have some purchase on reality: that Mao and his lieutenants did want to spread their blueprint for revolution to Southeast Asia and beyond. Almost every country in the region – Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Burma – had strong capable communist movements influenced and, for the most part, materially supported by Mao’s China u PAGE 7

A salute to the citizen of the world

this—we live in an archipelago with 7,641 islands, as well as cultural and linguistic differences represented by over 180 indigenous and regional languages.

But a cursory reading of that famous essay would yield insights into the same troubling thoughts that kept our national hero and his fellow reformers up at night.

Rizal pointed out the colonial master’s prevailing indifference and abuses, saying: “Spain, thou hast remained deaf, and, wrapped up in thy pride, hast pursued thy fatal course and accused us of being traitors, merely because we love our country, because we tell thee the truth and hate all kinds of injustice.”

Rizal, still hoping that Spain would listen and implement much-needed reforms, such as the grant of representation and recognition of fundamental human rights, issued Spain an ultimatum: “What dost thou wish us to u PAGE 7

I REREAD in earnest “America is in the Heart,” one of the first books I saw while unpacking. I felt the urge to read it again after several heartfelt encounters with fellow Filipinos here in Fiji. I was in high school when I first read it so my appreciation of Carlos Bulosan’s literary masterpiece was largely diverse from my grasp the last time I read it as a transient resident in America and now as a newcomer in the South Pacific. Through over two decades of meaningful encounters with kababayans, I am finding out that the book’s message remains enduring in the sense that Mr. Bulosan’s travails as an immigrant in the 1930’s still echoes today. Except that they’re set in different places, times and circumstances, but the lived experiences stay parallel.

Carlos left his hometown Binalonan, Pangasinan for America at age 17 aboard the lowest class of a steerage. He only fin-

ished Grade 3, hardly spoke English and crisscrossed the West Coast aboard risky freight trains chasing the American dream. He ended up as a farm hand in fruit and vegetable plantations, as a dishwasher, rug cleaner and other odd jobs that, to his mind, stripped him of his humanity and dignity but never of his spirit to persevere and his pursuit for freedom. He embodied the uniquely Filipino trait of inventiveness, although at times, to a fault.

Against a climate of despair and oppression Mr. Bulosan met union organizers, labor leaders and, most compellingly for him, writers and academics who ushered him into the astonishing world of books, the liberating realm of reading and eventually writing. He devoured more books while convalescing from a life-threatening lung sickness and metamorphosed from being an unschooled laborer to become one of the prolific poet-writers of his time.

The Center for Migrant Advocacy suggests the first Philippine migration took place in the early

13th century through trade, while the second wave followed at the onset of the 20th century until the 1940’s, mostly bound for the fruit plantations in Hawaii and fish canneries in Alaska. That set the path for the Filipino diaspora. We hail them as heroes in recognition of their personal sacrifices, fortitude and hard work, which translate to billions of dollars in remittances that keep our economy afloat. Our OFWs, “bagong bayani” as the term was first coined in the late 80’s, are everywhere: from sub-zero temperature Greenland to the sizzling Middle East and, surprisingly, have been here in Fiji since the 1970’s and in other Pacific Island states like Tonga, Vanuatu, Nauru, etc. Coming to the South Pacific after the hubby’s two previous postings focused on multi-lateral work in ASEAN and the UN, I am learning how Filipinos are warmly regarded here. They are highly respected doctors, well-trained nurses and health practitioners, accountants, engineers, skilled construction and maintenance u PAGE 7

Photo by Ryan Baldemor / The Philippine STAR

How many votes are needed to convict or acquit in an impeachment trial?

As the Senate prepares for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, uncertainty looms over how many of its 24 members will participate in the tribunal.

by melanie Uson Philstar.com

SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa remains out of public view following an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, while Senator Jinggoy Estrada is currently detained under a 90-day preventive suspension for a non-bailable plunder charge.

These absences raise questions about how the vacancy and suspension will factor into the mandatory two-thirds vote required for a conviction.

Article XI, Section 3(6) of the 1987 Constitution states that "No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate."

UP College of Law Assistant Professor Michael Tiu Jr. emphasizes that the base number remains 24 regardless of whether certain senators can fulfill their duties.

"In my view, the base number is still 24. This cannot be adjusted because the text is clear. There is no room for interpretation of 'all its Members,'" Tiu told PhilSTAR L!fe.

Corroborating this, Prof. Dennis Coronacion, chairman of the UST Department of  Political Science, pointed to the legal principle of verba legis (plain meaning rule), which holds that when a law's wording is clear and unambiguous, it must be applied as written without adding to or altering its meaning. He noted that the fram-

ers deliberately used "all the Members" instead of "Members present" as an institutional safeguard. "Allowing the threshold to shrink whenever a senator is suspended, jailed, or missing would create a dangerous  political vulnerability," Coronacion explained.  This constitutional threshold creates an operational dilemma regarding how to treat the votes of absent senators. Tiu noted that while the detained Estrada could vote if given the tools to monitor the trial, Dela Rosa cannot participate unless he appears physically, adding, "If he votes in absentia, that will be an issue they will debate."

For his part, Coronacion said the defense may insist on a fixed 24-senator base requiring 16 votes to convict, while the prosecution may argue that incapacitated or absent senators should be excluded, which lowers the threshold. "If senators are currently under preventive suspension, detained on criminal charges, or otherwise physically absent, the defense will argue that the denominator must remain fixed at the full 24 constitutionally mandated seats, requiring exactly 16 votes to convict. On the other hand, the prosecution may attempt to adopt a flexible and realistic threshold, arguing that senators who are legally disabled from performing their duties should be excluded from the total pool, thereby lowering the target number of votes needed for a con-

viction," he said.

However, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has affirmed that he will uphold the 16-vote requirement, regardless of how many senators are present.

Duterte faced a total of four impeachment complaints. The first complaint was filed by a coalition of various organizations on Dec. 2, 2024, but was set aside for violating the one-year bar rule. The second was filed on Dec. 4 of the same year, but was withdrawn to consolidate support for the third complaint.

The third complaint, backed by ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, charged Duterte with culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder or malversation, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

The fourth complaint, endorsed by House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante, similarly alleged constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other impeachable offenses.

The House lawmakers voted 257 in favor of her impeachment during its first regular session on May 11. Twenty-five voted against it, while nine abstained.

If the Senate impeachment court finds her guilty of the charges, Duterte will be removed from her current post and permanently barred from holding public office.

The unfinished work of nation-building...

PAGE 6 tell our wretched country, when it asks about the result of our efforts? Must we say to it that, since for it we have lost everything— youth, future, hope, peace, family; since in its service we have exhausted all the resources of hope, all the disillusions of desire, it also takes the residue which we cannot use, the blood from our veins and the strength left in our arms? Spain, must we some day tell Filipinas that thou hast no ear for her woes and that if she wishes to be saved she must redeem herself?”

And Rizal, speaking from beyond the grave through this heartfelt essay, holds up a terrifying mirror to us, reflecting an inevitable societal convulsion if we continue on our present trajectory, failing to set aside our political differences, embrace one another as brothers and sisters, and show respect for one another.

For now, Rizal’s ultimatum may be directed at us—citizens freed from longtime colonial

overlords—yet a considerable number of us remain shackled by poverty, malnutrition, inequality, and a subpar educational system, further compounded by the elite’s indifference and the political class’ divisiveness. Millions of Filipinos are still forced to leave their families behind in pursuit of better lives abroad, only to find themselves in the arms of their modern-day masters, while our graduates face a bleak future simply because they have not been raised in an environment that makes innovation and excellence a way of life.

In Rizal’s masterpiece, “Noli Me Tangere,” after rescuing Ibarra, Elias says, “I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land! You who have it to see, welcome it—and forget not those who have fallen during the night!” These words will continue to haunt the living.

Like the tragic deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an ill-conceived team-building activity for an elite basket-

ball team in the choppy waters of Dipaculao, Aurora, Elias’ words are a poignant reminder that although death comes to us all, the lives of those who deserve to live longer are snuffed out too soon, their dreams forever drowned, because some of us choose to look the other way. The work of nation-building cannot stop because the Philippines continues to wrestle with the foundational sins of greed, which sustains social inequality; corruption that entrenches political dynasties and business elites; political divisiveness; and the exploitation of natural resources and the pursuit of untrammeled development that gives license to environmental abuse. (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.

* * * Email: lim.mike04@gmail.com

A salute to the citizen of the

PAGE 6 workers, seamstresses, tech professionals, experts in international organizations, academics, bakers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, home-based cooks and supermarket supervisors. We are again more engaged with the Filcom, short for Filipino community as we collectively address them. It’s worthy to understand the stories of our OFWs from the lens of Mr. Bulosan’s experience. He left his native Binalonan with the hope to liberate his family out of the depths of poverty, with the promise to send his younger siblings to school and with the resolve to salvage whatever small piece of land their family owned. These are the same motivations I hear from our kababayans who would candidly share their stories with me. In some cases, for women especially, another factor is to escape from an abusive marriage or a traumatic relationship.

I heard the story of Rose (not her real name) and the trauma of her life. She is now contentedly settled in Suva with her new young family. Her teenage daughter would be joining them soon for university studies. Rose shared how she recently obtained

her business license as a therapist and to operate her own salon. She could now send 500 FJD or roughly P14,000 a week to her family back home. On days when customers are lean, she cooks and accepts orders for Filipino and curry dishes. She grows malunggay, camote, ampalaya and patola creepers around her yard. “Sipag, diskarte at dasal po,” she beams. I told her how I admire her hard work, resourcefulness and faith. Rose said she tries to maintain a steady stream of customers. She confided how jealousy could become a source of misunderstanding among kababayans and she doesn’t wish that to happen, considering the intimate community of Pinoys in Fiji. I have heard of these thoughts before in previous postings where regional organizations that are meant to unite members eventually disbanded due to petty disagreements. Almost a century ago, Carlos Bulosan wrote how “…regional friendship, which developed into tribalism, obstructed all efforts toward Filipino unity in America.” In “America is in the Heart” Bulosan’s semi-autobiographical work, he poignantly braided the fulfillment and contradictions of

PAGE 6 after 1949.”

Will Maoism try to become...

The book demonstrates that Maoist ideology was often adapted to local circumstances, rather than copied directly from China. This explains that the flexibility of Maoism as an ideology appealed to diverse revolutionary movements.

The book, however, acknowledged that China’s support for different revolutionary organizations expanded Maoism’s international reach. Therefore, it recognizes that China’s foreign policy was the result not only of an ideological commitment but also of its strategic interests.

An interesting part of the book is the story of journalist Edgar Snow who wrote “Red Star Over China.” The author writes: “Edgar Snow is the first main character in this global history of Maoism because without him, both a domestic and an international cult of Mao would be hard to imagine.” Snow’s book was widely read by future leaders of the Malayan Communist Party

PAGE 6

“pastillas” scheme. Those she went up against in her fact-finding were powerful indeed: the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and Apollo Quiboloy, to name just two.

And she’s done all this by being a voice of reason, of sobriety, and empathy. She has done her homework, and she stands her ground in the face of petty-minded bullies like Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

History often presents moments when leadership is not merely desired, but required. In a period marked by uncertainty and a seeming vacuum of leadership within the opposition, Hontiveros rose to meet that challenge, answering the call of the times with courage, stead-

PAGE 6

world...

a migrant’s life in non-fiction and partly fiction terms. Regardless of the contradictions, I look up to our Filipino migrant workers as my personal heroes. Many of them have left our country for professional advancement, for economic reasons or by force of circumstances. Their life abroad is not as easy as one could imagine. They are the epitome of resilience and conscientiousness; they radiate gentleness and kindness, oftentimes wearing a plastered smile on their face (but if you’re sensitive, you’d feel a deep sense of longing in their eyes).

A high-ranking government official of Fiji once asked: “How can we emulate Filipinos?” But “sipag, diskarte at dasal” is tricky to explain; it’s something innate that pulsates in the heart of every Filipino – “the citizen of the world” – one meets at the airport, on a cruise ship, in schools, construction sites, in hospitals or among families they take care of, yet are not their own. (Philstar.com)

and became a handbook for guerrilla movements in Russia, in the Philippines and in India.

Lovell also examines Maoist influence in Western societies.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Maoist ideas attracted students, intellectuals and activists in Europe and North America. Many viewed Maoism as an alternative to Western capitalism and Soviet socialism. Mao’s image became associated with rebellion, radicalism and social transformation.

An interesting insight in the book is that Lovell notes that many Western supporters of Maoism had actually only a limited understanding of the realities of life in Maoist China.

The book also writes about certain violent revolutionary movements. It examines how extreme organizations such as Peru’s Shining Path and Nepal’s Maoist Insurgency show how Maoist principles were employed in armed struggles against established governments. These case studies re-

Leaders...

fastness, and purpose. In a nutshell, by 2028 her record would have shown: competence—proven by legislation; integrity—proven by consistency; compassion—proven by advocacy for the vulnerable; institutionalism—proven by reliance on democratic processes; courage—proven by standing alone when required. Steadfastness— proven by her pursuing and confronting powerful interests: Alice Guo, Pogo syndicates, Quiboloy, Pharmally-linked actors, and entrenched corruption networks. Fearlessness—proven by her willingness to challenge Marcoleta, Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte despite their influence, popularity, rank, or credentials. Recent events have not

veal the appeal and dangers of revolutionary ideology. While some movements sought social justice and political reform, others became associated with violence, repression and human suffering. Unfortunately, Lovell did not use the New People’s Army as one of the case studies. Lovell writes that Maoism should be understood as a global historical phenomenon rather than simply a part of Chinese history. She writes: “Maoism became one of the 20th century’s most influential exports shaping revolutions, insurgencies and political imaginations far beyond China’s borders.” If Xi Jinping really becomes another Mao Zedong, will he also try to make Maoism a global ideology? (Philstar.com) * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * Email: elfrencruz@gmail.com

changed who she is; they have simply reminded us of what has long been there, a leader willing to confront powerful interests, defend democratic institutions, and fight for the public good regardless of political cost. Perhaps the country does not need to search endlessly or wait for someone to lead. Perhaps we simply need to recognize the leader who has been there all along, quietly and steadfastly fighting for us.

(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. * * * Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @mlq3

America cannot prosecute...

courage participation in public programs. The goal should be targeted scrutiny based on measurable risk.

Claims involving sudden billing spikes, implausible treatment volumes, unusually high spending per patient or abrupt changes in a provider’s practice pattern should receive closer review before payment.

Regulators should also compare related claims across programs so that Medicare, Medicaid and supplemental insurers do not pay different portions of the same questionable bill without knowing that another payer has raised concerns.

Federal agencies already possess tools that can make a difference. The Government Accountability Office reported that CMS estimated its administrative actions prevented or could prevent about $11.9 billion in potentially fraudulent Medicare payments from fiscal 2022 through 2024.

That figure includes projected cost avoidance and possible court-ordered recoveries, so it should not be mistaken for cash already recovered. Even so, it demonstrates the value of payment suspensions, provider revocations, prepayment review and data-driven investigation.

GAO also found that supplemental insurers sometimes paid beneficiary cost-sharing on claims submitted by providers whose Medicare payments had been suspended because CMS had not shared that information. CMS began providing suspension reports to supplemental payers in late 2025.

Such information sharing should become routine and timely, with appropriate protections for provider privacy and due process.

Provider enrollment deserves equal attention. Regulators should know who owns and controls companies billing public programs, whether those principals are connected to previously sanctioned entities and whether abrupt ownership changes coincide with rapid growth in claims.

Beneficial-ownership verification should be treated as a basic program-integrity function, not a paperwork exercise.

Congress and federal agencies must also align reimbursement with clinical evidence. Payment rules should not make the costliest product the most attractive one to use.

When a treatment carries unusually high margins or shows explosive growth without a comparable clinical explanation, CMS should consider stronger documentation, narrowly focused prior authorization or independent review for the highest-risk claims.

Professional accountability matters as well. Licensed practitioners hold positions of public trust. When credentials are used to support improper billing, the potential harm extends beyond financial loss.

Unnecessary procedures can expose patients to pain and infection. Unsafe prescribing can deepen addiction. Improper hospice enrollment can misuse a benefit intended for people approaching the end of life.

Licensing boards, federal regulators and health care employers should share substantiated disciplinary information promptly while preserving notice and the right to contest allegations. Front-line workers and patients also need confidential reporting channels and meaningful protection against retaliation. Criminal prosecution remains

essential. It can punish proven wrongdoing, bar convicted or formally sanctioned providers from public programs and deter others from treating Medicare and Medicaid as easy sources of private gain.

State Medicaid Fraud Control Units reported almost $2 billion in criminal and civil recoveries in fiscal 2025, returning $4.64 for every dollar spent. But takedowns cannot substitute for prevention. A system that recognizes a scheme only after large payments have left the government is acting too late, even when prosecutors ultimately recover part of the money. Medicare and Medicaid are not merely vast payment systems. They are public promises to older Americans, people with disabilities and families who depend on them when illness leaves little room for error. Every fraudulent claim weakens those promises by diverting money from legitimate care and forcing taxpayers to absorb the cost. The government must continue to prosecute those who abuse the system. But enforcement after the money has been paid is not enough. A program that repeatedly discovers fraud only after losses have multiplied is not fully protecting either its beneficiaries or the public treasury.

The standard should be higher: payment rules that do not reward excess, oversight that detects implausible claims before they are paid and professional accountability that matches the trust placed in medical credentials.

The country should not have to wait for the next billion-dollar takedown to repair vulnerabilities it already knows exist. (AJPress)

Lino Cayetano apologizes to Aquino family after brother Alan’s remarks

PTV general manager responds after senator questions Kiko Aquino-Dee’s independence from the Marcos administration

by AJPress

MANILA — People’s Television Network General Manager Lino Cayetano publicly called on his brother, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, to stop after the senator questioned whether Francis “Kiko” Aquino-Dee was acting independently of the Marcos administration.

Hay. Tama na, Alan. Apologies to the Aquino family,” Lino Cayetano wrote on social media.

He also called for prayer, reflection and remembrance, referring to the deaths of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and the Cayetano brothers’ father, former senator Rene Cayetano.

The response followed remarks Alan Cayetano made during an online broadcast Wednesday. Addressing Aquino-Dee, the senator said: “Just remember who you are, Kiko. You are an Aquino, you are not Kiko Dee-Marcos. Don’t get instructions from the administration.”

Aquino-Dee is a co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas and a grandson of former President Corazon Aquino and former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. He is also a nephew of former Pres-

ident Aquino, who died on June 24, 2021. The exchange came as the Office of the Ombudsman began processing an obstruction-of-justice complaint filed by Aquino-Dee and representatives of several civil-society and political groups against Cayetano, Sen. Robin Padilla and former acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca.

The complaint alleges that the three respondents impeded legal processes during the events surrounding Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate amid gunfire and a lockdown at the chamber on May 13.

The complainants allege that Cayetano placed dela Rosa under Senate protection, Padilla transported him away from the premises and Aplasca restricted access by National Bureau of Investigation personnel. The claims have not been established by the Ombudsman or a court. The Ombudsman ordered Cayetano, Padilla and Aplasca to submit counter-affidavits and supporting evidence within 15 days of receiving the directive. The complainants may then submit reply-affidavits.

The order is a procedural step and does not constitute a finding

of guilt or administrative liability. Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court on allegations of crimes against humanity arising from killings during the anti-drug campaign conducted while he served as national police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa has denied wrongdoing and challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction.

Malacañang rejected Alan Cayetano’s suggestion that Aquino-Dee had acted on instructions from the administration. Palace

Press Officer Claire Castro said Aquino-Dee had repeatedly criticized the Marcos government and argued that his participation in the complaint did not demonstrate Palace coordination.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Lino Cayetano general manager of the state-run television network on June 3. He took his oath before Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez the following day.

A former Taguig mayor, congressman and television director, Lino Cayetano did not address the merits of the Ombudsman complaint. His statement focused instead on his brother’s language toward Aquino-Dee and included an apology to the Aquino family. n

Philippines tops 20-destination retirement index

The private assessment placed the country ahead of Thailand and Colombia, citing affordability and visa access while noting regional differences in healthcare.

by AJPress

MANILA — The Philippines placed first in a 2026 ranking of 20 retirement destinations, receiving 78 points in the Retirement Abroad Index produced by United Kingdom-based insurance provider Expatriate Group. Thailand followed with 77 points, Colombia with 73 and Portugal with 71.

The index measured healthcare quality, visa accessibility, health insurance requirements, cost of living, and expatriate community and integration. Each category carried a maximum of 20 points.

The Philippines received 18 points for cost of living, 17 for visa accessibility, 16 for integration, 15 for health insurance requirements and 12 for healthcare quality.

A Department of Tourism release issued June 19 said the country ranked first across all five categories. The index’s published table, however, shows that the Philippines led in visa accessibility, while other destinations

Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch postponed with no new date set

Pacquiao’s camp says early 2027 is the earliest possible window amid a contract lawsuit and unresolved scheduling questions

by AJPress

LAS VEGAS - The proposed rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been postponed indefinitely, Pacquiao’s camp said Friday, leaving the event without a replacement date.

Pacquiao’s representatives said early 2027 would be the earliest possible window. The camp said that timetable depends on the resolution of contractual and scheduling issues surrounding proposed Mayweather events.

Netflix announced in February that the rematch would take place Sept. 19 at Sphere in Las Vegas and stream worldwide. In May, Manny Pacquiao Promotions chief executive Jas Mathur said the sides were working toward a Sept. 25 fight at T-Mobile Arena, received higher scores in the remaining categories.

The ranking covered 20 selected destinations and was based on a combination of cost-of-living and healthcare indexes, immigration rules, migrant-population estimates, English-proficiency data and an international survey of expatriates. Its integration measure was framed partly around the circumstances of British retirees.

Affordability and access to the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa, or SRRV, contributed to the Philippine score.

The Philippine Retirement Authority administers the retirement program, while the Bureau of Immigration issues the visa. Principal applicants must be at least 40.

Under the SRRV Classic option, pensioners age 50 and older must place a $15,000 deposit, while those ages 40 to 49 must deposit $25,000. The corresponding deposits for nonpensioners are $30,000 and $50,000.

At mid-June exchange rates, the four deposit levels were equivalent to approximately P908,000, P1.51 million, P1.82 million and

P3.03 million. Pensioners must also show lifetime monthly income of at least $800 for a single applicant or $1,000 for an applicant with dependents, equivalent to about P48,000 and P61,000.

The index estimated that a retired couple could live in the Philippines on £750 to £1,000 a month, or approximately P60,000 to P80,000 at mid-June exchange rates. Actual expenses vary according to location, housing, healthcare, insurance and lifestyle.

Healthcare was the country’s lowest-scoring category. The assessment cited modern private hospitals and English-speaking medical professionals in Manila and Cebu City, while noting that standards can vary outside major urban centers.

Trillanes sues

but that plan was never formally announced.

The fighters also differed over whether the bout would be a professional contest or an exhibition.

Mayweather described it as an exhibition and said the venue had not been finalized. Pacquiao said the agreement he signed called for a professional fight.

Separately, CSI Entertainment LLC, CSI Sports Events LLC and CSI Entertainment Events LLC filed a lawsuit June 18 against Mayweather and Frist Apex Ventures LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs allege breach of contract involving proposed Mayweather events with Pacquiao and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. They say they advanced at least $4.65 million under agreements tied to the fights and

The claims have not been adjudicated, and the lawsuit does not establish that Mayweather or Frist Apex breached an agreement or owes the amount sought. CSI also sought to stop a Mayweather exhibition against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis scheduled for June 27 in Athens. Court filings later said the event would not proceed as planned.

Pacquiao and Mayweather first fought May 2, 2015, with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision. The bout generated about 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and an official live gate of $72.2 million. The latest announcement described the rematch as postponed rather than canceled. No replacement date or venue has been announced. n

Cayetano, Marcoleta over ‘sham’ Senate hearing, ICC lies

by tetCh torres-tUpas Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV has filed a cyberlibel case before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta, along with 18 “bodyguards” of former congressman Zaldy Co.

The complaint stemmed from what Trillanes describes as a “rogue” Senate blue ribbon committee hearing held last June 4, 2026, during which the respondents allegedly hurled fabricated, defamatory accusations linking him to claims involving the bribery of representatives of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

all elected positions vacant, effectively ousting Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president and Sen. Pia Cayetano as chair of the Blue ribbon committee. Sens. Sherwin Gatchalian and Erwin Tulfo were subsequently installed as acting Senate president and blue ribbon chair, respectively.

Acting Senate President Gatchalian declared June 4 a non-working day for Senate staff, and Tulfo officially suspended the scheduled flood control irregularities hearing.

Despite this, Pia Cayetano proceeded with a “so-called Blue Ribbon hearing” on June 4, which Trillanes contends lacked any official authority or sanction under Senate rules.

Sara to testify if needed; Piattos listed as witness

by Bella Cariaso Philstar.com

MANILA — Although criticized for shunning investigations on her alleged wrongdoings, Vice President Sara Duterte will testify in her trial before the Senate impeachment court “if necessary,” according to her legal defense team.

“I cannot say the exact circumstance yet. It will be part of the legal strategy, which obviously, we will not disclose but in case it is necessary, that will be upon the advice of the counsel, which is the defense,” said Michael Poa, spokesman for Duterte’s 16-member legal team.

“You always say that the Vice President doesn’t appear, but what we are doing now is facing allegations, right? If the circumstances arise that she needs to appear, we would be the ones who will advise our client that she needs to appear and that’s when we will know if she will appear physically,” Poa added.

He also asserted that Duterte’s statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth prior to 2022 when she was elected vice president should not be part of the evidence of the House prosecution team, maintaining that evidence should only cover impeachable offenses committed by an official occupying an impeachable position.

“That was our position. We also put it in our answer. If you remember, we sent an answer to the impeachment complaint. And that’s one of the things we raised,” he said, referring to the impeachment proceedings before the House committee on justice. “Although I have to tread carefully because we cannot discuss the merits. So, I will be very factual,” he added.

“According to the Supreme Court decision in the case of Duterte versus House of Representatives, it is very clear that the impeachable offenses are only

the offenses that were allegedly committed while the public official is occupying an impeachable office,” Poa maintained.

“So these things should be included in acts where the respondent is an impeachable official. So, our position is that everything else before 2022 should not be the topic or subject of this impeachment,” Poa added.

The Senate impeachment court, he said, will decide on the issue during the trial. “That’s why we included it as one of our affirmative defenses. And these things should be discussed by the impeachment court. Usually, in a regular court, before the presentation of witnesses and evidence, the first thing to do is to decide on these pending matters,” Poa pointed out.

Opening of ‘green box’ He also said the defense team is likely to file today its response to a manifestation by the House prosecution seeking the opening at the pre-trial conference of the sealed “green box” from the Bureau of Internal Revenue containing the tax records of Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, for evidence marking purposes.

“Number one, I just want to clarify, we are not opposing that. In fact, we have yet to submit our comment on the manifestation.

We are planning to file a comment by tomorrow (today) at the latest,” Poa said.

The pre-trial conference concluded at past 5 p.m. yesterday. Work now shifts to the drafting of a pre-trial order, according to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who presided over the pre-trial as impeachment clerk of court. Poa earlier yesterday said he regularly updated Duterte on the progress of the pre-trial conference. “I talk to the Vice President every day if not several times a day,” Poa said.

“When that comes out, if we need to comment, we will comment and after that we will look forward to the trial itself,” he

The result places the Philippines first within the index’s 20-destination field. Individual retirement costs and conditions remain dependent on healthcare needs, housing, taxes, insurance and long-term financial resources. n are seeking repayment and other relief.

said, referring to the pre-trial order to be released soon by the Senate impeachment court.

Poa also said that it is up to the prosecution team of the House of Representatives to present “Mary Grace Piattos” and former overall deputy ombudsman Melchor Carandang as witnesses in the impeachment trial.

“That’s the prerogative of the prosecution as to who they will present. Definitely if they will be presented, we are ready to cross-examine them. We can cross-examine them, we can opt to call them also but in the pre-trial brief we didn’t say anything about such witnesses but definitely, when they are called as witnesses by the prosecution, the defense has the right to cross-examine their witness,” he said.

Based on the prosecution’s pre-trial brief, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, Mary Grace Piattos is listed as one of the witnesses under Article I of the Articles of Impeachment, covering her alleged misuse of P612.5 million worth of confidential funds.

According to the document, Piattos will “testify on their alleged receipt of confidential funds.”

House prosecutor Bicol SARO Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Piattos – either her existence or non-existence – would be the “smoking gun” in the confidential funds case.

Poa added that he himself is ready to testify as he is also listed as one of the witnesses of the House prosecution panel.

“I think the prosecution listed me and I don’t have problems with that. It’s possible, especially if they ask about matters that are not pertaining to my role as counsel of the Vice President, there’s no problem and if they really wish to call me as a witness like they did to the committee on justice, we don’t have a problem there,” the defense spokesman said. (With reports from Daphne Galvez, Marc Jayson Cayabyab)

“They repeated the lies they told about giving me suitcases full of money supposedly for the ICC. That is not true, so for every word and every occasion that they repeat that lie, I will file a case against them,” Trillanes told reporters.

On Cayetano and Marcoleta, Trillanes said both senators did not merely act as passive observers during the proceeding.

The complaint stated that the two senators posed leading questions that enabled the 18 men to parrot what they had been saying.

Trillanes said the peak of the chaos at the Senate was when a quorum of 12 senators declared

“The June 4, 2026 so-called ‘Blue Ribbon hearing’ was a sham, a farce, a mockery of the official hearing… At most, it can be considered an ordinary or regular press conference, dressed in the guise of a public hearing,” Trillanes stated in his complaint.

During the June 4 hearing, which was broadcast live on Alan Peter Cayetano’s verified Facebook page and garnered over 15 million views, respondent Bernard Gumban testified that he personally delivered a large paper bag containing P5 million to P10 million, and later, “six suitcases” of mixed sizes filled with cash to the Magdalo headquarters on Scout Ojeda

insinuated that the money was exchanged into U.S dollars to fund or assist ICC investigators looking into the drug war killings of the Duterte administration. The complaint also underscores a deliberate conspiracy between the former Marines and Senators Cayetano and Marcoleta. Trillanes noted that Cayetano explicitly used the phrase “male-maleta implies bribery” during the live broadcast, while Marcoleta delivered impassioned remarks branding Trillanes’ coordination with the ICC as rapacious and traitorous to the country. n

ICC warns against 'fake news'; flags Duterte's former counsel

DURING the second status conference on June 23, Judge Joanna Korner addressed the spread of fake news surrounding former president Rodrigo Duterte's case and cited remarks made by his former lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufmann, despite an earlier warning from the court.

Lawyers involved in Duterte's case were reminded to maintain professionalism and refrain from publicly commenting on the proceedings before the International Criminal Court.

“This case has attracted, not surprisingly, a substantial amount of media interest in the Philippines in particular. That's not, of course, only mainstream media, but, as is common these days, social media, and additionally appears to have provoked suppliers of what is undoubtedly fake news, and obviously fake news," she began. Korner stressed the importance of accurate and responsible reporting as the case continues before the ICC. She also pointed to interviews given by Kaufmann as she reiterated the court's warning against inappropriate public commentary by counsel.

“Can I just issue a reminder to the media that anything which is

said in private session may not be reported? Part of the reporting of the earlier proceedings in this case was not assisted by comments made by previous defence counsel, Nicholas Kaufmann, to the media," she continued.

Korner said the pre-trial chamber had previously reminded Kaufmann of his professional obligations to the court, but that the warning "had no effect." She added that some comments he made in media interviews following the Appeals Chamber's jurisdiction ruling reflected his personal views on the court's legal decisions and were inappropriate for counsel involved in the case.

"In the light of this previous history, this trial chamber feels it incumbent to repeat the reminder or warning," Korner said.

"To all counsel in the case, for the reasons that I have already expressed as to the importance of this trial, we see no reason why counsel should feel it necessary to make any comment to the media. The appropriate forum for counsel to raise matters is in the courtroom. Trials are not conducted by the court of public opinion but by this court during the course of the proceedings," Korner stressed. Corner noted that, aside from broad provisions in the Defence Code of Conduct, ICC codes provide little guidance on lawyers'

interactions with the media. She said the court considers this a gap that should be remedied as soon as possible.

The court set the dates for the upcoming status conferences: July 14, Sept. 7, Oct. 13, and Nov. 2. These dates have been placed on the calendar, although Korner said that hearings may be canceled if there are no matters that need to be discussed.

The judge noted that the Sept. 7 conference is expected to be particularly important because reports are expected to have been submitted by then. She added that the court also expects Duterte to attend that hearing, unless prevented by a medical issue.

Duterte waived his right to attend the June 23 status conference. He also skipped his first status conference last May 27, which focused on the start date of his trial, pre-trial deadlines, the volume of evidence to be presented, and the language to be used at trial.’’ He is set to go on trial before the ICC on Nov. 30, months after

OUR planet would be at an imminent grave risk of being destroyed if Global Warming, more appropriately termed Climate Change, were true. Although controversial, like the multitude of problems threatening the world, this major one could be caused by its intelligent inhabitant, man himself, and his careless and irresponsible behavior, especially in the last two hundred some years. Human beings are not new to self-abuse, self-destruction, and irreverence in their environment, despite their education, culture, and the massive data in this age of exploding informational technology and mind-boggling advances in science and medicine.

Man’s self-abuse and rape of his environment are almost certain to doom the world he lives in, unless he listens to Mother Nature and promptly starts to take a wise, proactive strategy in dealing with his potential ecological dilemma.

Man cannot afford to lose this one, his only proven sanctuary in the galaxy. And what could happen is scary. Let’s not destroy this good earth before we find another home.

Historically, the Earth’s climate has gone through various changes, from ice ages to prolonged periods of heat waves. The factors involved include changes in Earth’s orbit, the intensity of solar radiation, and volcanic eruptions. The latter part of the 18th century ushered in a greater human factor: the Industrial Revolution, which has contributed to more massive environmental pollution.

The human “contributions” include the carcinogenic fumes from cigarettes, carbon monoxide/ dioxide from engine emissions, chemical contamination from the household agents (soaps, bleaches, tile and toilet cleaners, etc.) we use daily, factory polluting our atmosphere and dumping of toxic waste products into the our rivers and lakes, deforestation and destruction of our greeneries, invasion of the original habitats of animals and disturbing the natural order of things, and the environmental insults that urbanization brings with it in general. These changes in the landscape of nature have affected the health and atmosphere of our planet, causing its

Save our planet

“body” to have a temperature that is rising like a fever from an “infection,” and at an arguably alarming rate faster than it should be. And all this because of what we, its intelligent inhabitants, have done to the one and only “life-sustaining home” we know in the galaxy.

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation over the past two centuries have led to the “greenhouse effect,” where the toxic gases in the atmosphere have significantly increased to the point of trapping heat, like in a glass panel enclosure of a greenhouse, causing the Earth’s temperature to climb more rapidly than ever before in its history. The resultant man-induced depletion of the ozone layer (nature’s protective “umbrella” shielding us from the harmful variety of sun rays) is likewise a great health hazard, a most plausible contributing factor in the alarmingly increasing rate of various cancers killing people in the world today.

Although greenhouse gases, at safe levels, are essential for life as we know it to keep our planet comfortably warm, abnormally high levels are far too dangerous for our planet. At present, man’s abuse of his environment has adversely affected many aspects of our lives, including our means of subsistence, agriculture, and aquaculture, to mention a couple.

Data from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and NASA “show that the earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900…the warmest global average temperatures on record have all occurred within the past 15 years, with the warmest two years being 1998 and 2005.” This indisputably means the human factor has caused this dreadful and scary phenomenon. Indeed, as guests on this planet we call home, we humans have not been courteous, respectful, ecology-conscious, and environmentally friendly enough to Mother Earth. This has resulted in the gradual deterioration of our ecosystem to its ravaged state today.

What would be the signs of a widespread and long-term trend toward global warming? The manifestations would include unusually warmer weather and heat waves; glacier melting; Arctic and Antarctic warming; and ocean warming, rising sea level, and coastal flooding. Should the vari-

ous volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, flooding, and evident weather changes concern us?

If man does not do anything about his behavior towards his environment, our home, our planet, the resultant impact, according to experts, will lead to the following “harbingers”: diseases spreading more easily, spring arriving earlier, coral reef bleaching occurring, plant and animal range shifts and population changes taking place, downpours, heavy snow falls and giant tidal waves and flooding, droughts and fires happening often.

While government initiatives by all nations around the globe are vital to the remedial solution to this potentially catastrophic dilemma that could make our world uninhabitable and wipe out civilization as we know it, our individual and concerted community discipline, behavioral modifications, and proactive lifestyle changes could immensely help and positively impact how much longer we can keep Planet Earth a safe place to live in. Hopefully, our space exploration is successful soon enough in finding another friendly planet man could colonize.

The ball is in our court. Our fate is in our hands. We'd better get started.

* * * 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.

* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

*

* * 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 recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. Senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist 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

Is it time to update your California Revocable Trust?

IT is a good idea to review your existing revocable trust if the terms and provisions are still current. A revocable living trust is a cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan in California. Its flexibility allows you to adjust your wishes through life's ups and downs. But how do you actually make those changes? This is typically done by amending a revocable trust in California, delving into the process and common areas of modification.

California Probate Code Section 15401 outlines two primary methods for amending a revocable trust:

1. Following the Trust's Instructions: Many trusts specify their own amendment procedures. Read your trust carefully. If it outlines specific steps, follow them precisely. These may involve signing an amendment form, notifying beneficiaries, or obtaining specific consents.

2. If the trust is silent on amendments, you can follow the general procedure for amending the revocable trust. This is done by drafting an Amendment Documents, Sign and Notarize, and Deliver to the Trustee.

The common terms that are

updated through an amendment to the revocable trust are:

1. Beneficiaries: Adding, removing, or changing beneficiary designations is a frequent amendment. Ensure new beneficiaries meet any stipulated qualifications and consider tax implications.

cess and commonly modified terms empowers you

2. Distribution Provisions: You can modify how and when assets are distributed, for example, by adding contingencies or creating trusts within the main trust for specific beneficiaries.

3. Trustee Appointment or Removal: Changing trustees due to incapacity, resignation, or your preferences requires careful attention to detail and ensuring a smooth transition.

4. Asset Transfers: Adding or removing assets from the trust involves understanding titling procedures and ensuring proper documentation. While amending a trust may seem straightforward, legal technicalities and potential pitfalls lurk beneath the surface. Consulting an experienced California estate planning attorney is highly recommended. They can draft a legally sound amendment document, protecting your intentions, advise you on potential tax consequences of your changes, ensure compliance with all legal requirements and formalities, and navigate complex situations involving incapacitated beneficiaries or disagreements among family members.

A revocable trust offers incredible flexibility, allowing

On receiving a prophet’s reward

AS a young child, I grew up appreciating priests and often wondered how they led their lives. For instance, one Christmas morning after Mass, my mom invited our parish priest to have breakfast at our home. I was so excited to meet this priest that I thought God had visited us. I kept staring at him, admiring his joy in being with people, saying

My Encounters with Pres. Noynoy Aquino

“NASAAN ka ba?” (“Where are you?”) then-Sen. Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, fondly called Noynoy, asked in an Aug. 31, 2009, text message to me.

I was among those who suggested, through text, that he first undertake a spiritual retreat before proceeding with his crucial decision on whether to run for the highest office in the Philippines. He readily thanked me for that piece of advice.

In retrospect, it seemed prophetic that, in a corner of St. John Bosco Parish in Makati City, I asked for his mobile number for the first time. I had never done so during the years I had known him out of respect for his privacy. But I felt that something momentous would happen in the near future, and Noynoy gave me his number at once.

That was on Aug. 21, 2008, during the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the death of his father, former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. As I listened to his mother’s speech, titled “Keeping Ninoy Alive in Our Hearts and Minds,”

I sensed that something historic would soon occur — that Noynoy would take the lead and find himself in the national spotlight. The touching “I Am Ninoy” campaign was also launched that day.

I vividly remember his mother, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, saying:

“‘I Am Ninoy’ is a modern-day Filipino’s simple expression of solidarity with those who profess faith in the principles of truth, justice, spirituality, democracy and human rights. It echoes the slogan that we of older generations used to utter proudly on the streets: ‘Ninoy, hindi ka nag-iisa.’ To us then, the mood was one of defiance in the face of the brazen tyranny that claimed Ninoy’s life, among thousands of others, and held our freedom ransom.”

During his mother’s wake at La Salle Green Hills, where Tita Cory’s remains were first brought for public viewing, Noynoy left his friends and came toward me. He whispered that he had received all my text messages. At that moment, I suddenly had a vision that

he would become the nation’s leader.

My first exclusive interview with Noynoy, however, took place when he was still known primarily as the president’s son.

He recalled the happy moments he shared with his father when Ninoy was a senator. They would watch films, play jokes on each other, go to church, dine at a Chinese restaurant, vacation in Tarlac and Baguio, ride horses and jeepneys, participate in charitable and outreach work for the poor, and work on school assignments together.

He also recalled the declaration of martial law in September 1972, when he was 12 years old and still a pupil at Ateneo Grade School.

Noynoy spoke about becoming close to his father again when he was about to graduate with a degree in economics from Ateneo de Manila University.

“I vividly remember that I had a date for my class graduation ball,” he said. “My dad asked me who my date was, and I revealed her name to him. My father, as if he knew all the people in the world, asked, ‘Ano niya si _____?’

“I answered, ‘Dad, tatay niya iyon!’

“My father then said, ‘Sinisisi nga ako ng tatay niya dahil natalo sila. Dinaya raw sila sa halalan, pero sila talaga ang nandaya. Malaki pa rin ang sama ng loob sa akin.’

“I learned this only three hours before I was supposed to pick up the girl. I said to my father, ‘Dad, kung malaki pa rin ang galit sa iyo ng taong iyon, e, martial law pa naman ngayon, baka naman ang sumalubong sa akin ay shotgun!’

“Tawa kami nang tawa. He said to me, ‘Hindi naman niya gagawin iyon. Edukadong tao iyon.’” Noynoy also recalled the family’s memorable years in exile in Boston, Massachusetts. He would

pick up his father’s friends from the airport, cook rice and other food, and take care of his father’s dog.

Before Ninoy returned to the Philippines, Noynoy suggested that his father negotiate from a position of strength and return through a backdoor route in southern Mindanao. His father rejected the proposal.

“Sabi ko, ‘Bakit mo aasahan si Marcos na magkaroon ng magandang loob? Bakit mo pagkakatiwalaan na maging reasonable man lang?’” Noynoy recalled.

“Wala sa ugali’t pagkatao ni Marcos iyon. Ngunit puwede mong gawing reasonable kung nandoon ka na sa position of strength na kailangan ka niyang pakinggan. Baka iyon ang mas magandang solusyon.

“Ang sagot ng tatay ko, ‘Anong mangyayari niyon, confrontational kaagad? Maski sinuman ang manalo, problema ang mamanahin mo at maraming mapipinsala at masasaktan. Hindi yata iyon tama.’

“Pero sabi ko nga, tatay ko ito. Siyempre, nagmamalasakit ako. Para bang papasok ka sa isang swimming pool na puro buwaya at mga shark na gutom na gutom.”

Noynoy was also supposed to travel with his father when Ninoy returned to the Philippines. Had Noynoy accompanied him on the flight home, he might also have been killed, just like his father.

Noynoy told me that, when he was about a year old, he suffered from an intestinal flu, and there were fears that he would not survive. He became severely malnourished. But with his parents’ unwavering faith and trust in God, Noynoy survived.

Years later, during his mother’s early years as president, he was seriously wounded during an attempted coup but survived that grim episode. Perhaps there was a reason that only God knew.

Even after his mother was no longer president, I would see Noynoy during EDSA anniversary commemorations, the annual observance of his father’s death every Aug. 21 at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque, protest rallies against proposed changes to the Constitution, and the Mass for Truth at La Salle Green Hills in February 2008.

I also saw him at the launch of “Cory — An Intimate Portrait,” edited by former presidential appointments secretary Margie Penson-Juico, at Bestsellers bookstore in Robinsons Galleria. Noynoy attended the event on behalf of his mother.

One time, I went to his mother’s home at 25 Times Street in Quezon City to give her a birthday card. She kindly invited me inside for lunch, and, of course, Noynoy was there.

At the invitation of former Sen. Agapito “Butz” Aquino, I spent Christmas Day with the Aquino clan during a family reunion at the residence of former Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta in Urdaneta Village, Makati City. There, I met Noynoy’s cousins, nephews and nieces.

During the burial of Doña Aurora Aquino, whom I had met and interviewed when she was alive, in Concepcion, Tarlac, Noynoy remained composed as he recalled the kindness of his “Lola Gindang,” or “Lollie,” as his grandmother was affectionately called. Noynoy later became the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines, and the rest is history.

Former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino

Mass for them, and visiting them in their homes.

As I matured, I became more exposed to the lives and ministries of priests. I served at Mass, helped clean the church, and sang in the choir. I even traveled to remote villages to assist priests with their Masses. There was one parish priest whom I admired the most. He had lost his right hand in an accident and wore an artificial wooden hand, yet he continued to serve as the head of the parish. He was not the “perfect” priest that people often hope for; rumors circulated about his gambling vice and his tendency to ask for more money from parishioners. Despite this, he was incredibly supportive and caring towards altar servers and seminarians. In fact, he inspired more young men to enter the seminary than any of his predecessors. I grew up respecting priests for their calling to represent Jesus to others in the world. I can honestly say that I never had a bad experience with any priest. They became my spiritual fathers, mentors, and lifelong friends.

This is one of the major reasons why I chose to become a priest. I saw priests as happy individuals leading meaningful lives, and I wanted to live like them. Indeed, the value I learned from my family about respecting and

supporting priests in their ministry has brought great rewards for me, my family, and the Church: I, myself, have become a priest. The Gospel reading for this Sunday resonates well with this insight:

“Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

As I always emphasize in my recent homilies, please pray for us priests. There are not many of us left, and those who are still active and young need our guidance and support. Some priests choose not to retire; they continue saying Mass, hearing confessions, teaching, and counseling people. Encourage your priests, love them, and appreciate them. As the Gospel says, by doing this you will receive a prophet’s reward. Who knows what that might be?

Los Angeles gives Carlos Bulosan a permanent place in the library system that shaped him

The dedication of the Echo Park Branch Library honors the Filipino American author whose self-education through the Los Angeles Public Library helped transform a migrant worker into one of the most influential voices of the Filipino immigrant experience in America.

LOS ANGELES — The Echo Park Branch Library has been dedicated in honor of Filipino American author, poet and labor activist Carlos S. Bulosan,

whose writings chronicled the struggles, aspirations and contributions of Filipino migrants in the United States. The designation of the Car -

los S. Bulosan Branch Library follows a community-led effort that drew support from educators, authors, community leaders and residents. Located

near Historic Filipinotown and home to a Philippine Heritage Collection, the branch now links Bulosan’s literary legacy to one of the nation’s most

significant Filipino American communities. Bulosan, born in Pangasinan and arriving in the United States in 1930, is widely associated with depictions of Filipino migrant laborers in the early 20th century. His best-known work, America Is in the Heart published in 1946, remains a foundational text in Filipino American, Asian American and working-class literature. His path to becoming a writer was far from conventional. After arriving in the United States as a young migrant worker, Bulosan endured poverty, racial discrimination and periods of serious illness. Historical accounts indicate that while living in Los Angeles, including during years marked by tuberculosis and hospitalization, he immersed himself in books and pursued an intensive program of self-education through the Los Angeles Public Library system, particularly Central Library.

Carey McWilliams, one of California’s foremost chroniclers of labor, immigration and social history, later described Bulosan’s intellectual hunger in terms that have become closely associated with the writer’s Los Angeles years: “His ‘university’ was the Los Angeles Public Library … reading as though he’s compensating for years of missed schooling.” The observation carries weight because McWilliams documented many of the same labor and immigrant communities that Bulosan wrote about and later helped introduce Bulosan’s work to new generations of readers.

A central figure in the cam -

paign was Jaime Geaga, who helped advance the proposal through the library commission and build institutional support for the honor. He was joined by James Castillo and a coalition of community organizations, including the Friends of the Echo Park Library and the Carlos Bulosan Book Club. The formal process drew 121 public comments, all in support, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles. The Board’s action followed an earlier approval to begin formal proceedings and a 90-day public comment period. Beyond literature, Bulosan was known for his advocacy on behalf of workers. His writing frequently addressed economic inequality, discrimination and the pursuit of dignity among working people. His influence reached a national audience in 1943, when his essay “Freedom from Want” appeared in T he Saturday Evening Post alongside Norman Rockwell’s painting of the same name, placing his voice within a wartime conversation about democracy, opportunity and the meaning of America. Decades after Bulosan turned to books while confronting illness, poverty and exclusion in Los Angeles, the library system that helped nurture his intellectual development has dedicated one of its branches in his name. The recognition places his story within one of the city’s enduring public institutions and gives lasting civic form to a writer whose work continues to shape understandings of the immigrant experience in America.

LOS ANGELES

2026 Manila International Film Festival to Honor Broadway and Disney Legend Lea Salonga with the MIFF Icon Award

Third Annual Festival Returns

Sept. 3 – 6

with Screenings at TCL Chinese Theatre and Closing Night Gala at The Beverly Hilton

by AJPress

LOS ANGELES — The Ma-

nila International Film Festival (MIFF), the premier event celebrating Philippine and diaspora cinema on the global stage, announced today it will honor world renowned actress and singer Lea Salonga with the MIFF Icon Award in a special tribute during its Closing Night Gala Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. Also nominated by the MIFF for a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, the Tony and Olivier Award-winner will be inducted later this year, specifically in the Live Theater category, making history as the first Filipina ever to receive the famed honor.

Also, the MIFF celebrates its third year running Sept. 3-6, 2026 and returning to its Hollywood home at the TCL Chinese Theatre. The film line-up, programming, additional honorees and gala details will be announced in the coming months.

“Lea Salonga is a legend whose extraordinary career has broken barriers and inspires generations of Filipino and Asian artists globally,” said Lisa Lew, Executive Producer of the MIFF. “From sweeping major theater awards to voicing clas-

sic Disney heroines and starring on screens across both the U.S. and the Philippines, she is the ultimate ambassador for Filipino excellence. The Manila International Film Festival is proud to champion Lea’s achievements through our Hollywood Walk of Fame nomination, and we look forward to celebrating her legacy with our Icon Award at the Closing Night Gala.” Lea Salonga is the globally renowned, award-winning legend whose acclaimed performance

originating the role of “Kim” in Miss Saigon earned her Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for Best Actress. Beloved by audiences worldwide, she is highly celebrated for her work in iconic Philippine and U.S. films including Sana Maulit Muli, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, Pik Pak Boom, Yellow Rose and The Vale. A designated Disney Legend, Salonga captured hearts worldwide as the time-

Jose Mari Chan says physical-album royalties have faded in streaming era

The veteran singer-songwriter says digital plays still generate income but worries about younger musicians trying to build sustainable careers

by AJPress

MANILA

— The royalty

checks Jose Mari Chan once received from sales of records, cassette tapes and compact discs have largely disappeared as listeners have shifted to digital platforms.

Chan, whose recording career spans more than five decades, said he continues to earn royalties, particularly from streaming. His remarks concerned payments tied to physical-album sales, not all income generated by his music.

The distinction reflects a music business transformed by technology. In the era of physical recordings, royalties could be calculated from the number of albums sold under an artist’s contractual agreement. Streaming relies instead on digital plays, licensing arrangements and contracts involving platforms, labels, publishers and

other rights holders. Chan said the changing model has made him concerned about younger Filipino singer-songwriters trying to support themselves through music. Established performers with extensive catalogs can use streaming to keep older recordings in circulation and reach new listeners.

Emerging artists, however, often must build sizable audiences across several platforms and supplement recording income through concerts, endorsements and commercial work.

Music royalties can arise from several separate rights. Under Philippine copyright rules, songwriters and performers may receive different forms of compensation. A composer may earn from reproduction, public performance, broadcast, streaming or commercial licensing, while a singer may hold separate rights connected to a recorded performance. Publishers, record labels and collective-management organizations may collect and distribute those payments depending on ownership and licensing arrangements.

As both a singer and songwriter, Chan has built a catalog of romantic ballads and Christmas songs familiar to genera-

Bea Alonzo returns to television production amid questions about personal life

The actress has resumed work on “Whispers From Heaven,” while she and businessman Vincent Co have not publicly addressed the current status of their relationship

by AJPress

MANILA — Bea Alonzo has resumed filming her forthcoming television series, returning her public focus to work as questions continue to surround her relationship with businessman Vincent Co. Alonzo is working on “Whispers From Heaven,” a political thriller directed by Zig Dulay and produced by GMA Network. The project marks her return to a continuing television drama and is among the productions tied to her 25th year in the entertainment industry.

Recent production footage showed Alonzo on location with co-star Tom Rodriguez and in discussion with Dulay. The cast also includes Maricar Reyes, Cassy Legaspi, Jason Abalos and Jake Macapagal.

Questions about Alonzo’s schedule emerged after she was absent from several production dates. Antonio Pastorpide, the series’ senior program manager, said Alonzo’s management disclosed

12

Filipino-British actress Eve Ridley makes feature-film debut in ‘Supergirl’

The 14-year-old plays Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young traveler whose search for justice draws Kara Zor-El into an interstellar pursuit

by AJPress

NEW YORK — Filipino-British actress Eve Ridley makes her feature-film debut in “Supergirl,” appearing opposite title star Milly Alcock in a major supporting role in the DC Studios production.

Ridley, 14, joined Alcock and other cast members at the film’s world premiere June 22 in Brooklyn, New York. The movie began opening internationally June 24 and is scheduled to open in theaters and IMAX across North America on June 26.

She plays Ruthye Marye Knoll, a determined young traveler whose search for justice after an attack on her family draws Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, into a pursuit across several worlds.

Ridley said she completed several auditions before learning that she had secured the role. Her previous screen credits include Netflix’s “3 Body Problem” and the BBC medical drama “Casualty.” She also performed voice work for the children’s animated series “Peppa Pig.”

Directed by Craig Gillespie from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira, “Supergirl” was inspired by “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” the 2021-22 comic-book series written by Tom King and illustrated by Bilquis Evely.

Ridley said she read the comic series and studied its characters before filming. She also underwent about two months of stunt preparation that included martial arts, boxing, sword fighting and wire work.

Ridley said the production introduced her to the scale and physical demands of major studio filmmaking. She credited Alcock with helping her adjust by answering questions and offering guidance during filming.

Screenwriter Ana Nogueira described Ridley as professional and self-possessed and said the actresses developed an immediate sisterly rapport. Ridley said Ruthye’s formal, composed manner provides a contrast to Kara’s more casual and unpredictable personality.

Ridley said some of her reactions on camera drew from genuine surprise. She recalled first seeing Matthias Schoenaerts after he had been transformed through costume, hair and makeup into Krem of the Yellow Hills. The encounter, she said, produced a sense of fear that she used in the scene.

She also recalled Jason Momoa checking that parts of his Lobo costume were not hurting her during a physical sequence. Ridley said Momoa paid close attention to her safety as they performed the scene.

The cast also includes David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham, with David Corenswet appearing as Superman. Peter Safran and James Gunn produced the film for DC Studios.

Born in Tyneside, England, Ridley has described her Filipino background as coming through her maternal family. She said her grandmother grew up in the Philippines and her mother is half Filipino.

Ridley said she has not yet visited the country but hopes to travel there, see its beaches and learn Tagalog so she can communicate more easily with relatives.

“Supergirl” marks Ridley’s first role in a major studio feature. As Ruthye, she sets the story in motion by enlisting Kara in a mission that takes them across several worlds in pursuit of Krem.

2026 Manila International Film Festival...

less singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. She also recently lent her voice to KPop Demon Hunters as the singing voice of Celine. She next stars in DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated film, Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, opening in theaters Sept. 25, 2026. Across stage, film, television and music, Salonga continually brings the best of Filipino artistry to the global stage, inspiring performers and fans worldwide.

“MIFF was founded three years ago with a simple but firm belief that Philippine cinema deserves a stage in Hollywood.

Filipino filmmakers and artists have stories the world needs to see, and MIFF exists to help assure Hollywood is the room where that happens,” said Winston Emano, Producer of the MIFF. “As we return to the TCL Chinese Theatre and The Beverly Hilton, we look forward to welcoming filmmakers, artists, industry leaders and expanding audiences and awareness for Philippine cinema.”

Since its founding in 2024, MIFF has screened more than 20 films and recognized artists including Boots Anson Roa, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, Tia Carrere, Vilma Santos, and more through its awards competition and annual Closing Night Gala.

For more information and the latest updates, visit ManilaInternationalFilmFest.com, and

find us on YouTube, Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook at @ manilaintlfilmfest.

About Lea Salonga Multiple award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga is renowned across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch. Lea most recently starred on Broadway in Old Friends (alongside Bernadette Peters) after headlining the Los Angeles and London productions. Lea is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival. On Broadway, Lea starred in the 2018 Broadway revival of Once on This Island as the Goddess of Love, Erzulie. The show’s return to the Broadway stage earned a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and also garnered Lea and the cast a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. She has also been seen on Broadway in Here Lies Love, Allegiance and Flower Drum Song. Many fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. For her portrayal of the beloved princesses, the Walt Disney Company bestowed her with the honor of Disney Legend. In addition to her stage and

screen credits, Lea served as a judge on the Philippines hit version of The Voice, including the ratings juggernaut The Voice Kids. She has released multiple solo albums, toured the world with legendary popopera quartet Il Divo, and received rave reviews for her many cabaret engagements, including a record setting run at New York’s 54 Below. Her latest album, Sounding Joy | The Holiday Album was released by Center Stage Records last November. In her 45-year career, Lea has performed for six Philippine presidents, four American Presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Joe Biden), and for Diana, Princess of Wales and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was honored by Time Magazine as a Time100 Impact Award Recipient and received the Gold House 2023 Gold Legend Award.

About Manila International Film Festival

The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) is a premier Los Angeles-based film festival dedicated to promoting and uplifting Philippine cinema on the global stage. Now in its third year, MIFF brings Filipino filmmakers, artists and industry leaders to Hollywood through film screenings, an awards competition and a Closing Night Gala, connecting Philippine storytelling with global audiences. For more information, visit ManilaInternationalFilmFest. com and on social media @ manilaintlfilmfest.

The nation's girl group is contributing a new track titled 'A Parallel World'

by InquIrer net uS Bureau

LOS ANGELES

– BINI is set to join H.E.R., Lea Salonga and Katseye’s Sophia Laforteza in a soundtrack collaboration for Dreamworks Animation’s upcoming film, “Forgotten Island.”

Fresh from their historic Coachella debut, BINI is contributing a new track titled “A Parallel World,” produced by composers Nathan Matthew David and Shawn Wasabi.

In an interview with Variety, Angela Leus – the Filipino American senior vice president of Film Music at Universal Pictures – said she emphasized the importance of authenticity in the film’s soundtrack when she first met with directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

“Joel and Jan had a very creative understanding of what the music was going to be, so it was very easy to come to them and say, ‘There’s this group called Bini — they’re amazing.’ It was a no-brainer and easy to get to that point,” she told Variety.

Filipino roots Drawing from her roots in the Philippines and her parents’ musical influences, Leus aimed to honor both established and emerging Filipino artists.

“From the very beginning, I said, ‘I need to connect with every Filipino music creator out

required a deep dive and outreach to our community both in the Philippines and here.” The movie will debut at next week’s Annecy Animation Film Festival before hitting theaters later this year. It follows best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, as they embark on one last ad-

Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto star in new Filipino animated series

The 'Sun Chaser' cast includes Eugene Cordero, Charo Santos-Concio, Dingdong Dantes and AC Bonifacio by Harvey GarcIa Inquirer.net

LIZA Soberano and Manny Jacinto star in the animated adventure series, “Sun Chaser,” which released its debut episode on YouTube on June 23.

The series explores Filipino mythology and follows reluctant hero Jordan Santos, a teenager whose carefree summer in the Philippines takes a turn when a supernatural force threatens his home island.

The series is created by Filipino Americans Bobby Pontillas and Bernard Badion, and is produced by an all-Filipino team of artists from Manila-based Toon City Animations and Playlab.

The team launched a kickstarter campaign alongside their de-

but episode to call for financial support to produce future installments of the season.

“Every single frame of Sun Chaser was drawn, animated, and finished in the Philippines. By Filipino artists who gave everything they had to this world,” the team wrote. “Not outsourced. Not assisted. Fully, completely, one hundred percent made in the Philippines.”

tions of Filipino listeners. His official discography began with Deep in My Heart in 1969 and includes Constant Change, Christmas in Our Hearts, Thank You, Love, A Heart’s Journey and The Manhattan Connection His best-known compositions include “Beautiful Girl,”

“Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile,” “A Love to Last a Lifetime,” “Please Be Careful With My Heart,” “Christmas in Our Hearts” and “A Perfect Christmas.” Digital services have extended the commercial life of those recordings while allowing younger audiences to discover

PAGE 11

songs first released decades before streaming became the dominant way of listening to music. Chan has said the bond between his songs and their listeners matters more to him than commercial measurements. At the same time, his comments point to the difficulty many musicians face in turning the reach of digital distribution into dependable income.

He continues to perform with younger singers as his catalog moves from records and cassette tapes to compact discs and streaming playlists, even as the business supporting those songs continues to evolve.

Bea Alonzo returns...

her previous commitments before filming began. The production adjusted its schedule and continued working on scenes that did not require her, according to his statement. The explanation indicates that filming proceeded around Alonzo’s existing obligations. It does not establish that production was suspended because of preparations for a wedding or developments in her personal life.

Alonzo publicly confirmed her relationship with Co in August 2025, saying that they were together and that she was happy. She also indicated that she wanted to protect the privacy of a partner who was not part of the entertainment industry. Their legal names later appeared in marriage banns announced by St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Manila. Marriage banns are a formal notice of an intention to marry under Catholic practice. The

announcement gives members of the community an opportunity to disclose any possible canonical impediment to the marriage. It does not establish that a wedding has taken place. Neither Alonzo nor Co publicly announced a wedding date or confirmed details of a ceremony.

Co is president and a director of Puregold Price Club Inc., the publicly listed retail company founded by his family. He has continued appearing at corporate events, including a Puregold gathering in Pasay City in May.