070326 - Las Vegas Edition

Student loan overhaul begins as SAVE borrowers face new deadline

About 7.5 million borrowers will receive notices giving them 90 days to select another repayment plan.

WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans with federal student loans are entering a repayment system that changes monthly-payment choices and limits how much graduate students and parents may borrow.

Key provisions of a 2025 federal law took effect July 1, including two new repayment plans and tighter loan caps. Separately, the SAVE plan ended March 10 after a federal court approved a settlement requiring the Education Department to dismantle it.

The Education Department says loan servicers will send notices to about 7.5 million SAVE borrowers. The deadline is not the same for everyone: Each borrower will have 90 days from the date specified by the servicer to choose another plan. Those who do not act will be placed automatically in the Standard Plan or the new Tiered Standard Plan.

Nevada law requires school districts to restrict cellphone use during class

The statewide measure leaves enforcement and penalties to local boards while preserving exceptions for emergencies, health needs and authorized educational use.

LAS VEGAS — Nevada public school districts are now required to restrict students’ use of cellphones and other personal communication devices during instruction under a state law that took full effect July 1. Senate Bill 444 does not establish a single, statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban. Instead, it requires each district’s board of trustees to adopt its own policy limiting device use during instructional time and establishing progressive discipline based on the number and seriousness of violations.

The measure builds on an existing Nevada requirement that school districts

LAS VEGAS

Supreme Court ends 2025–2026 term with rulings that reset major legal boundaries

by AJPress

Former public works chief Bonoan may turn state witness in flood-control cases

The Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to remove Manuel Bonoan as an accused so he can testify for prosecutors, anti-graft court has not yet approved the request.

by AJPress

GNI per capita reaches $4,850, marking an economic milestone that leaves questions about jobs, prices and household security

by AJPress

its

per capita rose above the institution’s latest threshold, advancing from its previous lower-middle-income classification. The World Bank classification, released July 1, applies from July 2026 through June 2027 and is based on 2025 income data.

$4,850, exceeding the $4,636 minimum for upper-middle-income economies. Under the new thresholds, lower-middle-income economies have GNI per capita from $1,176 to $4,635. Upper-middle-income economies range from $4,636 to $14,375, while those above $14,375 are classified as high income.

Philippines joined Jordan, the Federated States of Micronesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam in

him as an accused and use his testimony in cases involving alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.

As of July 1, Bonoan had not formally become a state witness. He remains charged unless the anti-graft court approves the

Philippines faces financing test in race to build digital backbone

Public investment, development lending and regulatory reform are emerging as critical to expanding broadband access and supporting the country’s technology-driven economy

by AJPress

MANILA — The Philippines’ effort to compete in a digital global economy is confronting a question: who will finance the networks needed to connect communities, businesses and institutions nationwide? CitizenWatch Philippines, a nonprofit advocacy organization, is urging the government and development-finance institutions to commit capital to broadband infrastructure, arguing that telecommunications companies cannot shoulder the full cost of extending networks into areas where commercial returns remain uncertain.

The group said public investment could help bring fiber-optic connectivity to rural and underserved communities, where difficult terrain,

which sought to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to certain children born in the United States to parents who were unlawfully or temporarily present in the country. u PAGE 3

Justice Department prioritizes alleged birth-tourism fraud after citizenship ruling by AJPress

Directive targets suspected visa and financial crimes but does not alter citizenship rights recognized by the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has directed federal prosecutors to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of alleged fraudulent “birth tourism” schemes after the Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to restrict birthright citizenship. In a June 30 memorandum, Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald instructed prosecutors to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security and examine whether evidence supports charges under law. The memorandum identifies possible offenses including visa fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, unlawful use of identification documents, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit health-care fraud.

The directive does not change the citizenship status of children covered by the Supreme Court’s ruling. It also

INC rallies thrust Marcoleta case into national spotlight

Two days of mass demonstrations, permit disputes and political appearances transformed an Ombudsman investigation into a broader debate over due process, public order and the limits of protest.

by AJPress

MANILA — A threatened plunder prosecution against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta moved beyond the confines of the Office of the Ombudsman this week as thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members gathered near the People Power Monument, turning a legal dispute involving campaign contributions into a highly visible demonstration of political and institutional support.

The gatherings on Tuesday and Wednesday disrupted traffic along EDSA, prompted a large police deployment and forced Quezon City officials to balance the constitutional right to peaceful assembly against complaints from commuters, workers, students, businesses and patients affected by road congestion.

At the center of the controversy is the Ombudsman’s announced plan to file plunder and indirect-bribery charges against Marcoleta, an INC member elected to the Senate in 2025.

Ombudsman investigators allege that Marcoleta received P75 million in campaign contributions from former Quezon City representative Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray. Investigators have recommended that the three contributors also be charged in connection with the transactions.

Marcoleta and Defensor have denied criminal wrongdoing and questioned the legal basis and timing of the proposed prosecution. Marcoleta has described the case as politically motivated, while Defensor has argued that the contributions did not involve public funds.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla rejected accusations of political persecution and said the case would proceed despite the demonstrations. As of press time, however, the charges had not been publicly confirmed as filed before the Sandiganbayan, and no arrest warrant against Marcoleta had been announced.

West PH Sea: DND slams China over arbitral ruling response

by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA

— The Department of National Defense

(DND) on Sunday slammed the Chinese Embassy in Manila over its response to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) reaffirmation of the 2016 Arbitral Award, saying the embassy’s statement “offers a window into the true intentions of the Chinese Communist Party in dealing with our country.”

The DND issued the statement after the Chinese Embassy on June 23 rejected the DFA’s reaffirmation of the arbitral ruling, describing the award as “political manipulation disguised in legal garb” and “illegal, null and void.”

“The Chinese Embassy statement replying to our [DFA] is a window into the true intentions of the Chinese Communist Party in dealing with our Country,” said Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in a statement.

“It clearly shows their insincerity and duplicity which are amply personified by their Embassy officials. We condemn the arrogant display of deceitful indignation by them,” the defense chief said.

“Hindi kapanipaniwala ang mga sinasabi kaya idinadaan sa alboroto (their claims are not credible, so they resort to bluster),” he added.

The Philippines and China have been in a maritime dispute as the latter—through its so-called 10-dash line—claims ownership of much of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, or the waters within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The 2016 Arbitral Award, which stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims, but the Asian giant does not recognize the ruling. (For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.)

LUNGSOD NG SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO

PAUNAWA SA HALALAN

IPINABABATID SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAUNAWANG ITO na magkakaroon ng Pangkalahatang Halalang Munisipal sa Lungsod ng South San Francisco sa Martes, Nobyembre 3, 2026, para sa mga sumusunod na Posisyon: isang (1) Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lungsod para sa Distrito 1, buong Termino na apat (4) na taon; isang (1) Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lungsod para sa Distrito 3, buong Termino na apat (4) na taon; isang (1) Miyembro ng Konseho ng Lungsod para sa Distrito 5, buong Termino na apat (4) na taon; isang (1) Klerk ng Lungsod (at-large), buong Termino na apat (4) na taon; at isang (1) Ingat-Yaman ng Lungsod (at-large), buong Termino na apat (4) na taon. Ang panahon ng paghahain ng kandidatura para sa mga nabanggit na Posisyon ay magsisimula sa Lunes, Hulyo 13, 2026, at magtatapos sa Biyernes, Agosto 7, 2026, alas-5:00 ng hapon. Kinakailangang magtakda ng appointment upang makakuha at makapaghain ng mga papeles ng kandidatura at maaaring humiling ng appointment sa pamamagitan ng pagpapadala ng email sa all-cc@ssfca.gov. Ang mga appointment ay itatakda sa loob ng regular na oras ng trabaho, mula alas-8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas-5:00 ng hapon, Lunes hanggang Biyernes. Kung ang mga papeles ng kandidatura ng isang kasalukuyang nanunungkulan (incumbent) na opisyal ng Lungsod ay hindi maihahain bago ang Agosto 7, 2026 (ika88 araw bago ang halalan), palalawigin ang panahon ng paghahain hanggang Miyerkules, Agosto 12, 2026, alas-5:00 ng hapon (ika-83 araw bago ang halalan). Hindi naaangkop ang pagpapalawig na ito kung walang itinalaga o nahalal na kasalukuyang nanunungkulan na kwalipikadong tumakbo sa halalan. Walang incumbent na pinahihintulutang maghain ng mga dokumento ng kandidatura sa loob ng pinalawig na panahong ito. Kung walang maghain o iisang tao lamang ang maghahain ng kandidatura para sa isang halal na posisyon, maaaring magtalaga ng tao sa naturang posisyon alinsunod sa Seksyon 10229 ng Elections Code ng Estado ng California. Sa Araw ng Halalan - Nobyembre 3, 2026 - bukas ang mga presinto ng botohan mula alas-7:00 ng umaga hanggang alas-8:00 ng gabi. /s/ Rosa Govea Acosta, MPA, MMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of South San Francisco 7/3/26 CNS-4055226# ASIAN JOURNAL (NORTHERN CALIF.)

Senate impeachment court approves 92 trial days

by Neil JaysoN servallos Philstar.com

MANILA — The Senate impeachment court has approved a 92-day trial for Vice President Sara Duterte commencing on July 6.

The approved trial period – contained in the 14-page Pre-Trial Order signed by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on June 29 –is much shorter than the previous estimate of seven to eight months.

Based on the order, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, 62 trial dates have been set for House prosecutors and 30 for the Vice President’s defense team.

The trial convenes at 2 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays until July 28 – a day after President Marcos delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address – with a slightly revised schedule: 3 p.m. during Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. In total, the prosecution has 57 witnesses, while the defense has 45. The witnesses will testify under a strict One-Day Examination Rule, meaning their testimonies must be completed on their scheduled date unless the court grants an extension for good cause.

The impeachment court also approved a four-stage timeline requested by the prosecution panel led by Rep. Gerville Luistro.

The issue on grave threats and assassination plot made by Duterte during a press conference

will have 11 trial dates, while the one on the misuse of confidential funds will have 31 trial dates.

DepEd corruption will cover eight trial dates and unexplained wealth, 12 trial dates.

Senators from the minority bloc led by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, are again appealing to the Supreme Court (SC) to invalidate the Senate plenary session last June 3 that saw his ouster as Senate president.

Premature dismissal

With less than a week before the start of the trial, House prosecutors have warned the Senate against prematurely dismissing the impeachment case, arguing that short-circuiting the trial would deny the Filipino public the

“It’s already an established fact that under the Constitution, the Senate’s mandate is to try and decide, meaning to say there has to be a time for the proper trial to be conducted and for the evaluation of the evidence and the testimony of the witnesses for both panels to cross-examine,” House trial spokesman and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong Adiong said yesterday. “It’s not exactly in the Constitution that the Senate can dismiss outright the case or the Articles of Impeachment.”

On June 1, Duterte’s legal team submitted its formal answer to allegations against Duterte, actively urging the impeachment court to dismiss them.

In her defense, the Vice President primarily invoked freedom of expression, bank secrecy laws and an alleged lack of evidence.

Adiong criticized the Vice President’s response as “a recycled narrative” that relied heavily on procedural objections rather than on substantive issues.

Addressing Duterte’s claim that her remarks regarding an assassination plot were a protected political expression, Adiong said: “I don’t think opinion and threat are the same.”

“One conviction in one article is sufficient enough for the Vice President to be automatically removed from office,” he pointed out. (With reports from Bella Cariaso, Ghio Ong)

Supreme Court ends 2025–2026...

PAGE 1

In Trump v. Barbara, the Court ruled that the order could not take effect. Six justices voted to block it. Five concluded that the children covered by the order are citizens at birth under the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. Justice Brett Kavanaugh agreed that the order was unlawful, but based his vote on federal citizenship statutes enacted by Congress rather than on the constitutional question.

The split produced an important distinction: a 6-3 judgment against the executive order, but a 5-4 division on the constitutional reasoning. The result preserved the long-standing rule associated with United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the 1898 case involving the U.S.-born son of Chinese immigrants that has long anchored birthright-citizenship law.

The ruling carried significance beyond immigration. It served as a reminder that executive orders cannot rewrite constitutional guarantees or override citizenship laws passed by Congress.

The Court also addressed presidential power directly in Trump v. Slaughter, a case involving President Trump’s removal of Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. In a 6-3 decision, the Court held that statutory limits protecting FTC commissioners from removal

were unconstitutional, expanding presidential control over independent regulatory agencies. The Court, however, did not treat every office the same way. In separate disputes, it left room for limits involving institutions such as the Federal Reserve and the Library of Congress. Taken together, the presidential-power rulings showed both sides of the Court’s approach: a stronger view of the president’s authority within the executive branch, paired with clear limits when executive action conflicts with the Constitution or federal statute.

In election law, the Court struck down federal limits on coordinated spending between political parties and candidates. The majority held that the restrictions violated the First Amendment’s protections for political speech and association.

The ruling will allow parties and candidates greater freedom to coordinate campaign expenditures in future elections. Supporters of the challenge argued that the limits restricted core political expression. Defenders of the law said the rules helped prevent circumvention of contribution limits. The Court sided with the challengers, reshaping a key part of federal campaign-finance law.

On LGBTQ rights, the Court upheld laws in West Virginia and Idaho restricting transgender

girls and women from competing on school athletic teams designated for females. The ruling addressed school athletics and did not resolve every legal question involving gender identity, transgender rights or LGBTQ protections.

The term’s decisions are likely to reverberate across government and public life. Federal agencies will adjust to the Court’s rulings on presidential supervision. Election officials, political parties and campaigns will operate under new campaign-finance rules. Schools and state officials will interpret the ruling on athletic participation. Immigration lawyers and families will rely on the Court’s reaffirmation of birthright citizenship.

The 2025–2026 term ultimately underscored the Supreme Court’s central role in defining the boundaries of American law. The justices did not simply settle isolated disputes. They clarified who may claim citizenship at birth, how far a president may go, how campaigns may spend money and how states may regulate school sports.

Those rulings will now move from the courtroom into agencies, schools, campaigns, state legislatures and lower courts, where their practical meaning will be tested long after the term has ended. (AJPress)

Student loan overhaul begins as SAVE...

1

One new choice is the Repayment Assistance Plan, or RAP. Payments range from 1% to 10% of adjusted gross income and are reduced by $50 for each dependent. The minimum payment is $10.

Borrowers who make their full payment on time will not have unpaid interest added to the balance. When a payment reduces principal by less than $50, the government will contribute enough to bring that month’s principal reduction to as much as $50. Any balance remaining after 360 monthly, on-time payments may be discharged. The Tiered Standard Plan is not based on income. It provides

fixed repayment periods of 10, 15, 20 or 25 years, depending on the amount owed. A longer term can reduce the monthly bill but generally increases the interest paid over time. Other plans may remain available depending on loan type and eligibility. Former SAVE borrowers should not assume their bills will change by the same amount. Payments depend on income, dependents, loan balance and the selected plan. Borrowers who qualified for a zero-dollar or very low SAVE payment may face an increase. Under the new limits, graduate students may borrow $20,500 annually and $100,000 in total. Students in qualifying professional programs may borrow $50,000

annually and $200,000 overall.

New Grad PLUS loans are eliminated.

Parent PLUS borrowing is capped at $20,000 annually and $65,000 overall for each dependent student. A $257,500 lifetime federal limit also generally applies to covered student borrowers.

A temporary exception may apply to students enrolled in the same program by June 30 who had already received a Direct Loan for that program before July 1.

Borrowers should read their notices, use the federal repayment calculator to compare available options and act before the deadline stated in their notice.

Nevada law requires school districts to restrict...

(AJPress) PAGE 1

regulate students’ possession and use of electronic devices on school property and at school-sponsored activities. Districts were given until June 30 to update their policies before the new requirements became fully operative.

Local school boards retain authority over many of the details, including how devices are stored, when students may use them outside the classroom and what consequences apply when the rules are violated. Districts may impose restrictions that extend beyond instructional periods.

The law requires exceptions when a device is needed during an emergency or crisis, to manage a student’s health, for a teacher-approved instructional purpose or as part of an individualized education program or a Section 504 accommodation plan.

School- or district-issued devices are excluded from the law’s definition of electronic communication devices.

Gov. Joe Lombardo approved the measure in May 2025 after it passed the Nevada Legislature. The law allowed districts more than a year to revise their rules and complete other administra-

tive preparations.

In the Clark County School District, which includes Las Vegas and surrounding communities, restrictions were already in place before the state deadline.

Students in grades 6 through 12 are required to place personal cellular devices in non-locking, signal-blocking pouches during classroom instruction.

The pouches are kept near students, and the phones remain accessible during an emergency.

Clark County students may use their devices during lunch, nutritional breaks, district-sponsored activities and school-bus rides. Elementary schools may decide whether to require the pouches on their campuses.

Parents or guardians who need to contact a student during class are generally directed to call the school’s main office.

The district provides individualized exceptions for students who need phones or connected devices to manage medical conditions.

Washoe County School District, which includes Reno and Sparks, also requires students to put away their phones during instruction through its “Phone Away & Learn Today” program.

Phones are generally restricted

during lunch and breaks unless school employees authorize their use for an educational purpose or another special circumstance.

Washoe County classifies an initial disruptive violation as a minor infraction. Repeated violations within a specified period may be treated as major infractions, while administrators retain discretion to confiscate devices and apply the district’s progressive disciplinary procedures. The differences between the Clark and Washoe systems illustrate the structure of the state law. Nevada has established minimum requirements for classroom restrictions, exceptions and progressive discipline, but local officials determine how those standards operate from one district to another.

The law does not prescribe a statewide punishment for students who violate the rules, and it does not require districts to purchase or use signal-blocking pouches.

Families should review their district and school handbooks before classes begin because permitted-use periods, storage procedures and disciplinary consequences may vary by campus.

(AJPress)

White Ribbon March presses anticorruption and political reform demands

Faith and civil society groups call for stronger investigations, closer scrutiny of public spending and meaningful restrictions on political dynasties

by AJPress

— Thousands

QUEZON CITY

joined the White Ribbon March on Sunday, June 28, renewing a faithled campaign against corruption and calling for government accountability and political reform.

Participants gathered for a Mass at the EDSA Shrine before marching to the People Power Monument. The Quezon City Police District estimated attendance at about 3,500, while the Philippine National Police said the event was generally peaceful, with no major disturbance reported.

The march drew participants from Catholic, Protestant, evangelical and Muslim communities, along with labor, business and civil society groups. Organizers described the event as nonpartisan.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue said elected officials could attend but would not be given speaking roles. CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera encouraged participation, describing the march as an appeal for truth, justice, accountability and integrity in public life.

Organizers presented the gath-

ering as a continuation of the Trillion Peso March protests, which focused attention on alleged irregularities involving flood-control projects. A principal demand was the enactment and strict enforcement of an anti-political dynasty law.

Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution directs the state to guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties “as may be defined by law.”

The House of Representatives approved House Bill 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, on third and final reading on June 3. Debate has continued over which family relationships, elective positions and forms of simultaneous or successive officeholding should be covered.

Participants urged lawmakers to adopt stronger restrictions on the concentration of elective offices among members of the same families. Critics of the House-approved bill have argued that its provisions are too limited, while supporters describe it as an initial step toward carrying out the Constitution’s directive.

Marchers also called on the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice to expedite

investigations and prosecutions involving alleged corruption. Any proceedings would remain subject to evidentiary standards, due process and the presumption of innocence.

The Ombudsman may investigate and prosecute misconduct involving public officials. The Justice Department, through its prosecutors and investigative agencies, may investigate suspected crimes and determine whether evidence supports charges.

Participants urged the Commission on Audit to intensify its examination of government accounts, identify questionable expenditures and refer potential violations to the appropriate authorities. COA may issue audit findings and notices of disallowance, while recovery of funds may require further administrative or judicial proceedings.

Some participating organizations raised additional political demands, but those positions were not necessarily shared by every participant or included in the organizers’ common platform.

Religious leaders said misuse of public money deprives communities of resources intended for education, health care, infrastructure and other services. n

Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch postponed as contract dispute clouds schedule

by AJPress

LOS ANGELES — The rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been postponed indefinitely, Manny Pacquiao Promotions chief executive Jas Mathur said, leaving the event without a replacement date. Pacquiao’s camp said early 2027 is the earliest possible window. Mathur also said Pacquiao’s team is considering alternative opponents for a possible September fight while preserving enough preparation time for a later Mayweather bout.

Netflix announced in February that the rematch would take place Sept. 19 at Sphere in Las Vegas and stream worldwide. The event was to be produced by EverWonder Studio, Hidden Empire Film Group and Limitless X Holdings, with Manny Pacquiao Promotions,

Mayweather Promotions and CSI Sports/Fight Sports listed as promoters.

By late March, Mayweather said the venue had not been settled and described the event as an exhibition. Pacquiao said the agreement he signed called for a professional fight. Netflix’s public event page still carried the original date and Sphere listing when reviewed.

Separately, CSI Entertainment LLC, CSI Sports Events LLC and CSI Entertainment Events LLC filed a federal lawsuit June 18 against Mayweather and Frist Apex Ventures LLC in the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges breach of contract involving proposed events with Pacquiao and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

DOJ reviews homicide, anti-hazing referrals in deaths of two Ateneo players

CIDG submits additional recommendation against former coach Tab Baldwin and eight others; prosecutors have not decided whether charges should be filed

by AJPress

MANILA — The Department of Justice is reviewing a supplemental police referral recommending homicide or reckless imprudence resulting in homicide charges against former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball coach Tab Baldwin and eight others over the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

lao, Aurora. They were reported missing during a water exercise and were later recovered from the sea.

Aurora police initially reported no indication that the athletes had been intentionally harmed.

The DOJ later directed the National Bureau of Investigation to examine the circumstances, while the CIDG opened a separate inquiry into possible hazing and criminal negligence.

complete supplemental filing and identities of all those included were not immediately released.

Republic Act No. 11053 covers harmful forced physical activity imposed as a condition of admission to or continued membership in an organization. It excludes customary athletic activities serving a lawful purpose, subject to safeguards including medical clearance.

Pacquiao’s camp says early 2027 is the earliest possible window and is considering other opponents for September Rooftop installations are expanding, but financing and upfront costs continue to limit access

seeking repayment and other relief. The allegations have not been adjudicated, and the lawsuit does not establish that Mayweather or Frist Apex breached an agreement or owes the amount claimed.

CSI also sought emergency relief involving a Mayweather exhibition against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis that had been 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. Mayweather won by unanimous decision in a bout that generated about 4.6 million pay-per-view purchases and a live gate of approximately $72 million.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group submitted the additional referral July 1. It followed a June 26 submission recommending complaints under the Anti-Hazing Act against Baldwin and 10 other coaches and team personnel.

The referrals are not criminal charges filed in court. The DOJ must first determine whether the evidence is complete and sufficient before deciding whether to open a preliminary investigation.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the supplemental referral recommends homicide and/ or reckless imprudence resulting in homicide “as the evidence and applicable law may warrant.”

Baterbonia and Adili died June 8 during an off-campus Ateneo basketball activity in Dipacu-

The CIDG alleged that coaches and other team personnel supervised the players and proceeded with the water activity despite hazardous conditions and inadequate safeguards.

Investigators also alleged that the athletes underwent strenuous exercises and penalties while 20 players were being assessed for 17 positions on Ateneo’s final University Athletic Association of the Philippines roster.

Those assertions are investigative findings that have not been tested in a preliminary investigation or in court.

The June 26 referral named Baldwin and 10 other team personnel. The CIDG’s July 1 statement said the homicide-related recommendation covered Baldwin and eight others, but the

Prosecutors must determine whether the Aurora exercises were legitimate athletic preparation, whether participation affected continued team membership and whether required safety measures were followed.

Baldwin has described the deaths as an accident. He apologized to the families but did not acknowledge that the activity constituted hazing or that a crime had occurred.

Baldwin and team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo resigned June 15. Ateneo has said it will cooperate with investigators and conduct its own review.

The DOJ may return the referrals for further case-building or docket them for preliminary investigation before determining which alleged offenses, if any, are supported by the evidence. n

The latest announcement describes the rematch as postponed, not canceled. No new date, venue or fight classification has been confirmed. n

Philippine solar-panel imports accelerate as electricity costs remain high

by AJPress

MANILA — Solar-panel imports into the Philippines have accelerated as households and businesses look for protection from high electricity costs and volatile fuel markets.

Energy research group Ember estimated that the country imported panels representing 5,068 megawatts of generating capacity in 2025. It said Chinese exports to the Philippines exceeded 3,000 MW in March and April 2026 alone, indicating that demand remained strong.

The figures measure equipment entering the country, not operating capacity. Some panels may remain in inventory or await installation, permits and grid connection.

The expansion comes as elec-

The plaintiffs say they paid $4.65 million in advances under agreements tied to those events and are tricity prices remain elevated. Meralco’s residential rate rose from P13.1734 per kilowatt-hour in February to P14.4833 in June, an increase of nearly 10 percent. The utility cited factors including transmission charges, tight Luzon supply, higher spot-market and fuel prices, and peso depreciation.

Ember estimated that Philippine rooftop solar capacity had reached about 1,300 MW by early 2026 and projected that distributed capacity could approach 3,500 MW within two years. It also estimated that a residential system’s payback period had fallen to 3.1 years, although actual savings depend on system cost, financing, roof conditions and electricity use.

The Department of Energy has shortened processing times for net-metering applications. Distri-

bution utilities and electric cooperatives must process complete applications within 10 working days.

Qualified customers with renewable-energy systems of up to 100 kilowatts may receive credits for excess electricity delivered to the grid. The credits are based on the utility’s blended generation cost, not the full retail rate.

Financing remains a barrier. Access remains uneven because most households must still finance the full installation cost. GSIS has allocated P12.5 billion for loans of up to P500,000 at 5 percent annual interest over five years for qualified government employees.

The government targets a 35 percent renewable-energy share by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. n

Philippines faces financing test in race...

vanced manufacturing, financial services and other industries dependent on reliable connections. The government is already expanding its role.

launched the National Digital Connectivity Plan, which calls for faster deployment, competition and broader service in geographically isolated areas.

New U.S. envoy begins Manila posting with security and trade agenda

Lee Lipton takes up his assignment as the Philippines and the United States mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of their defense treaty

by AJPress

MANILA — Lee Lipton formally began his work as United States ambassador to the Philippines this week, opening his tenure with discussions on defense, maritime affairs, investment and regional security during meetings with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

Lipton presented his credentials to Marcos at Malacañang on June 30, completing the diplomatic process authorizing him to represent Washington in Manila. He had paid a courtesy call on Lazaro at the Department of Foreign Affairs a day earlier.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos and Lipton discussed economic and commercial cooperation, defense and security, maritime affairs, regional developments and the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

At the DFA, Lazaro outlined Philippine priorities for the new ambassador’s tenure, including defense cooperation, economic security, trade, investment, regional affairs and stronger people-to-people ties.

The officials also discussed the Luzon Economic Corridor, an infrastructure and investment initiative launched by the Philippines, the United States and Japan in 2024. The program seeks to improve transportation, energy systems, digital connectivity and industrial supply chains linking Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas.

Eight additional partner governments joined the initiative in May, expanding efforts to attract private investment in transport, energy, advanced manufacturing and other sectors. An investor forum is scheduled in Manila in September. Lipton also affirmed U.S. support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship. Manila is leading the regional organization amid

continuing concerns over maritime security, trade pressures and geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.

His priorities broadly reflect those he presented during his U.S. Senate confirmation process. In March, Lipton said he intended to strengthen security cooperation, improve supply-chain resilience, advance the Luzon Economic Corridor and promote fair and transparent trade.

The Senate confirmed Lipton on May 18. He succeeds MaryKay Carlson, a career diplomat who served as ambassador beginning in 2022.

Before his Philippine assignment, Lipton served at the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States and previously worked in the fashion and hospitality industries.

Lipton begins his posting as the two countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years since the signing of their Mutual Defense Treaty. n

Philippines enters World Bank’s...

PAGE 1

moving up one income category.

telecommunications and broadband companies spent more than P1.8 trillion in capital expenditures from 2011 through 2025, based on disclosed financial statements. The amount is the organization’s calculation, not an official government or industry total. Its statement did not provide a company-by-company breakdown that would allow the figure to be reproduced. Telecommunications capital spending also covers mobile networks, towers, data centers, software and other assets—not only fiber systems.

CitizenWatch said government appropriations, development-bank lending and public-private partnerships could absorb risk in projects companies may find commercially difficult. It linked stronger infrastructure to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, ad-

The World Bank approved $287.24 million for the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project in October 2024. The program supports the government’s national fiber-optic backbone and middle- and last-mile connections intended to reach institutions and communities outside major commercial centers. It is expected to provide new or improved broadband access to more than 20 million Filipinos by 2028. The Department of Budget and Management also released P3 billion in 2025 for internet connectivity in public schools and community locations. The funding included support for at least 8,253 public schools and the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Free Public Internet Access Program. The government has expanded the National Fiber Backbone and

The Konektadong Pinoy Act, which lapsed into law on Aug. 24, 2025, created an open-access framework for data transmission and encouraged infrastructure sharing, subject to registration, technical and cybersecurity requirements.

The Philippine Statistics Authority estimated that the digital economy generated P2.74 trillion in gross value added in 2025, equivalent to 9.8 percent of gross domestic product, and employed about 10.39 million people. The figures are preliminary.

CitizenWatch did not identify an appropriation or lending facility. Any expansion of public financing would require standards, project review and safeguards to direct government capital toward underserved areas without subsidizing investments the private sector can finance. n

Togo advanced from low-income to lower-middle-income status.

The World Bank said the Philippine reclassification reflected broad-based expansion rather than a surge in a single sector.

Gross domestic product grew by an average of 5.8% annually from 2021 through 2025, with gains across major industries.

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the milestone showed the economy’s resilience and acknowledged the contribution of overseas Filipino workers to national income.

Balisacan said the government’s longer-term objective is to create more productive and better-paying jobs at home so working abroad becomes a choice rather than an economic necessity.

The World Bank calculates GNI per capita through its Atlas method, which converts na-

tional income into U.S. dollars while smoothing short-term exchange-rate swings. The measure includes income earned by a country’s residents, including net income from abroad.

The $4,850 figure is a national statistical average, not the typical salary of a Filipino worker. The reclassification does not mean most Filipinos have entered the middle class, nor does it make the Philippines a high-income or developed economy. The change could affect access to concessional loans and development assistance because some institutions use income classifications in setting eligibility. Any reduction would depend on the rules of individual

and

‘Adult groomer,’ terror network eyed in Tacloban shooting

CIDG submits additional recommendation against former coach Tab Baldwin and eight others; prosecutors have not decided whether charges should be filed

by DaphNe Galvez Philstar.com

MANILA — A suspected “adult groomer” may have recruited two minor suspects in the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, with the incident possibly linked to the so-called 764, an online extremist group allegedly coercing children into violence and pornography, Sen. Risa Hontiveros revealed yesterday.

During a hearing of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, Hontiveros said independent investigators traced a Facebook account using the pseudonym “Sedykh Ryazanov,” believed to belong to the alleged adult groomer, which had interactions with social media accounts linked to one of the Tacloban suspects, “Nash.”

Following the June 22 shooting, the account allegedly instructed the minor suspect to delete digital traces.

“Na-edit na kita boy sa Tiktok. Make sure na na-delete mo ang Discord, Reddit, Telegram para walang evidence mahanap,” the comment read, as shown by a screenshot presented during the hearing.

Hontiveros said the suspect’s account had only one friend –another profile believed to be a dummy account named “Date Larping.” Through this account, she said, members of the same network were able to circulate posts that appeared to support the attack.

She added that these profiles were active on Meta platforms but have since been deactivated, stressing that “there are real people behind these profiles.”

The senator also noted that other accounts believed to belong to minors showed online activity expressing interest in school shootings, raising concerns about possible wider recruitment.

Hontiveros, however, stressed that these are only leads and are subject to validation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is now looking into the case to determine whether a broader recruitment network is operating.

‘764’ extremist network

The senator also pointed to indications that the Tacloban shooting may have been influenced by “764,” described as part of a nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) network.

The group targets vulnerable minors online, offering a sense of belonging before coercing them into increasingly violent and harmful acts. It originated in Texas and was founded by a teen-

ager who was helped by someone he met through the online game Minecraft.

According to Hontiveros, 764 has been designated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a “national security threat” and by the Canadian government as a terrorist group.

Leaders of the network reportedly coerce victims into producing graphic sexual content, harming family pets, self-harming and even committing suicide.

Hontiveros said there were also indications that NVE networks such as 764 were recruiting members through online games popular among young people, including Roblox, Minecraft and GoreBox.

Inside these online communities, she said members allegedly circulate materials involving sextortion, instructions on making weapons or explosives and other dangerous activities.

“What is difficult here is that if a child does not feel respect, acceptance or a sense of belonging in real life, those gaps are filled by harmful online communities –at a heavy cost: obedience, harm to others and sometimes even violence,” Hontiveros said.

A total of 24 minors have so far been rescued by the police from being influenced by the online extremist network 764, according to the Philippine National Police.

Col. Richmond Tadina of the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group said the 24 minors who have been rescued are all part of the “True Crime Community,” where they share and post about violent extremism.

Authorities have identified “No Lives Matter” and “764 Network” as subcultures in that community, where coercion, self-harm, exploitation of minors and violence are common topics and interests.

Of those rescued, five reportedly inflicted harm on themselves after exposure to graphic content, including materials linked to the game GoreBox.

First ‘completed’ attack

Cybersecurity expert Angel Redoble, chair of the Philippine Institute of Cybersecurity Professionals, said the Tacloban incident could represent the first “completed” mass shooting linked to the 764 network, if its involvement is confirmed. Redoble warned that local recruiters of NVE may already be operating in Philippine cyberspace.

“Before we saw patterns, but today I think we can say that we already have these players, and I don’t think that guy is alone. I think there’s more,” he said during the hearing.

Echoing Hontiveros and the PNP’s findings, Redoble also described a recruitment pattern where predators target vulnerable minors, build trust, isolate them and gradually push them toward self-harm or violence.

He also identified online games, mental health support chats and certain social media subcultures as possible “hunting grounds” for groomers.

“It’s not the online game itself but the perpetrators or predators in the game that’s really changing our children,” he said.

Interventions

Amid the investigation, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called for stronger safeguards against what he described as a growing “violent online ecosystem,” warning that exposure to harmful digital content may affect youth mental health and behavior.

He urged authorities to consider the broader online environment, including cyberbullying and violent content, rather than focusing solely on gaming platforms.

Sen. Bong Go, meanwhile, cautioned against a blanket ban on online gaming, stressing the need for responsible gaming practices, parental guidance, stronger mental health programs and improved school safety measures to prevent another school shooting incident.

Child psychologist Liane Alampay said online platforms are only one factor in youth violence, alongside family environment, school conditions and community relationships.

“Young people, because they are impressionable and still do not have full capacity for impulse control, for regulating their emotions or even the ability to fully consider long-term consequences, become more susceptible and vulnerable to these influences,” she said during the hearing.

“It is not a one-time, one-cause issue. There is a backdrop, history, developmental issues and context before it reaches the point where they commit violent action,” Alampay added.

The psychologist also supported targeted regulation such as age restrictions but stressed that parental engagement is crucial.

“We have to observe our children, engage with them, know, be familiar with what they’re doing online versus blanket limiting it. We can ban at some level or regulate games but this is a part of everyone’s lives; we have to do a better job to engage with the children in what they do online. It’s the best way for us to know what’s going on and how to protect them,” she said. n

Former public works chief Bonoan may turn...

prosecution’s motions.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed motions signed June 29 asking the Sandiganbayan’s Second and Fifth divisions to amend the criminal informations by excluding Bonoan. Both divisions directed the parties to submit comments before ruling on the requests.

The Second Division postponed a July 1 pretrial conference in a graft case until July 14. The Fifth Division moved proceedings in the related plunder case to July 28.

Bonoan has not entered a plea in the cases.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced June 29 that prosecutors had entered into a cooperation agreement with the former Cabinet official. Remulla said Bonoan had offered to provide information about how the alleged transactions operated and to identify officials and private individuals who may have participated.

The agreement does not by itself remove Bonoan from the cases. It is also not a confession, guilty plea or judicial finding that the allegations against him or the other defendants are true.

Bonoan is charged with Sen.

Jinggoy Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways officials Denryl Caesar Cortuna, Manuel Bulusan and Arturo Gonzales Jr. in a plunder case involving more than P573 million in alleged unlawful payments. They also face related graft charges.

Prosecutors allege that funds allocated to selected infrastructure projects under the 2025 national budget were tied to predetermined commissions. They accuse Estrada of receiving more than P573 million through the alleged arrangement.

Estrada has denied receiving kickbacks and has challenged the cases against him. The three former public works officials have entered not-guilty pleas. No court has determined that the alleged arrangement occurred as prosecutors describe it. Bonoan’s cooperation agreement does not establish the guilt of any defendant.

The Sandiganbayan must decide whether Bonoan may be removed from the criminal informations and permitted to testify for the government. Under the Rules of Criminal Procedure, a court considering such a request must examine the prosecution’s evidence and the

INC rallies thrust Marcoleta case...

proposed witness’s sworn statement. Prosecutors must establish, among other requirements, that the testimony is necessary, can be substantially corroborated and comes from a person who does not appear to be the most guilty. The final decision rests with the court, not the Ombudsman. If the Sandiganbayan grants the request, Bonoan’s discharge would generally operate as an acquittal and prevent another prosecution for the same offense. That protection could be lost if he refuses or fails to testify in accordance with the sworn statement supporting his discharge.

If the court denies the request, Bonoan would remain an accused.

Bonoan remains confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame under a hospital-detention arrangement approved on medical grounds. Prosecutors have cited his age and health in explaining the need to preserve his testimony. The Sandiganbayan’s rulings will determine whether Bonoan remains among the defendants and whether prosecutors may proceed with their plan to use him as a witness. n PAGE 1

The distinction is significant. A recommendation by Ombudsman investigators or an announcement that charges will be filed does not amount to a judicial finding of probable cause. If a case is filed, the Sandiganbayan must independently evaluate the information and supporting evidence before deciding whether to issue an arrest warrant.

The controversy originated partly from Marcoleta’s campaign-finance declarations. The Commission on Elections previously dismissed an election-offense complaint against him, finding insufficient grounds to prosecute him for failing to identify the contributors in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia has explained that amendments to election law removed criminal liability for a candidate’s failure to disclose donors, although contributors may still face separate proceedings if they failed to submit reports required by election law. The Comelec ruling and the Ombudsman investigation address different statutes and do not necessarily dictate the outcome of one another.

The INC began what it called an “emergency rally” before dawn Tuesday without a permit from the Quezon City government. Police estimated that the first-day crowd reached about 15,000. Four participants were taken into custody following confrontations in which police reported that several officers were injured. The detainees were subsequently released as authorities reviewed the incidents.

The city later issued a permit allowing the gathering to continue Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. along White Plains Avenue and Temple Drive. Authorities required participants to remain within the authorized area and keep EDSA open.

Marcoleta appeared before supporters Wednesday evening. Defensor and Sen. Imee Marcos were also present, placing prominent political figures at the center of a gathering that organizers portrayed as a protest against what they called selective justice.

The INC maintained that it was not attempting to prevent the enforcement of the law. Its representatives said the organization opposed what it considered the unequal or politically influenced application of legal standards.

The demonstrations nevertheless raised questions about whether a large public mobilization could place pressure on prosecutors and courts. The Ombudsman maintained that its decisions would be based on the evidence rather than the size of the gathering.

Quezon City initially issued authorization that would have allowed the protest to continue Thursday. The city withdrew that permit Wednesday night after receiving complaints about severe traffic disruption and what officials described as violations of the agreement requiring participants to stay off EDSA.

City officials said thousands of people had been delayed or prevented from reaching schools and workplaces and that businesses had been affected. The Wednesday program ended at about 8 p.m., with organizers announcing that the next gather-

ing would be moved to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. Malacañang sought to separate the administration from the prosecution. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government respected the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly but maintained that demonstrations should not unduly interfere with the rights and safety of the wider public.

Castro also said rallies could not determine whether a person would be cleared or convicted. Any criminal case, she said, must be resolved through the Ombudsman, prosecutors and the courts. The Palace said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had instructed law-enforcement authorities to exercise maximum tolerance.

Police placed forces on heightened alert and deployed personnel to control traffic and secure the gathering. Transportation officials also inspected MRT-3 stations and directed personnel to assist passengers as commuters sought alternatives to congested roads.

The demonstrations ended their Quezon City phase without resolving the underlying dispute. The INC showed its capacity to mobilize thousands on short notice, while the Ombudsman publicly signaled that the display of support would not alter its course. What follows will be determined not along EDSA or at a rally stage, but through the filing and review of the proposed charges. Marcoleta, Defensor, Espiritu and Viray remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court. n

Justice Department prioritizes alleged birth...

PAGE 1

does not make pregnancy, childbirth or lawful travel for medical treatment a crime. Any prosecution would require evidence establishing a federal offense.

The State Department says travel undertaken primarily to give birth in the United States so a child may obtain citizenship is not a permissible basis for a visitor visa. Separate rules allow travel for legitimate medical treatment, subject to visa requirements and proof that related expenses can be paid.

The directive followed the Court’s decision in Trump v. Barbara, which blocked Executive

Order 14160. Trump signed the order in January 2025, directing federal agencies not to recognize citizenship for certain U.S.-born children whose mothers were unlawfully present or held temporary status and whose fathers were neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents. The justices affirmed the lower court’s injunction by a 6-3 judgment but divided over the legal basis. Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson, held that the affected children are citizens at birth under the Four-

teenth Amendment.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh supplied the sixth vote against the order, concluding that it conflicted with the federal citizenship statute while disagreeing with the majority’s constitutional analysis. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented.

The majority relied in part on United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Court’s 1898 birthright-citizenship precedent. The Justice Department policy leaves that ruling intact while shifting enforcement toward suspected fraud involving visas, travel and birth-tourism operations. n

FeAtures OPiniOn

The birthright citizenship debate continues, but Trump’s order cannot take effect

The Supreme Court did not end disagreement over citizenship policy. Five justices found the president’s restrictions unconstitutional, while a sixth concluded that they violated existing federal law.

THE Supreme Court’s ruling on birthright citizenship separates a continuing policy debate from an executive order that may not be enforced.

Americans may still debate whether citizenship by birth should remain the constitutional rule, whether a parent’s immigration status or permanent ties should matter, and how the United States should address unlawful immigration, temporary visas and travel undertaken for childbirth. The ruling does not end those discussions. It establishes what the law presently requires.

Editorial

United States and subjection to its laws were not enough. In its interpretation, the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction” required complete political jurisdiction, sufficient allegiance and a more permanent connection to the country.

In Trump v. Barbara, the justices considered whether Executive Order 14160 complied with the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment and the federal citizenship statute.

President Donald Trump issued the order on Jan. 20, 2025. It directed federal agencies not to recognize citizenship when a child’s mother was unlawfully present and the father was neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident, or when the mother was lawfully but temporarily present and the father was neither a citizen nor a permanent resident.

The administration argued that birth within the

babe’s eye view

Babe Romualdez

OMBUDSMAN Crispin “Boy-

ing” Remulla was in Washington, D.C. for important meetings with the US Department of Justice.

Significantly, his team requested the Philippine embassy to arrange a dialogue with leaders and representatives of Filipino American organizations, community groups and professional associations to discuss issues that involve accountability and governance.

One major topic that dominated the conversations was the massive corruption scandal involving flood control projects that Filipino Americans have been closely following. Everyone – not only those present during the special dialogue with Ombudsman Remulla – from Washington to Manila and countries across the globe, are all asking: why is the biggest fish – who should be held accountable – still not being charged?

This issue cuts deep because Fil-Ams are the biggest contributors to remittances and charitable projects to the Philippines. To many of them, this is about protecting homes, businesses, communities and the very lives

Demand and supply

Boo Chanco

MANY of us have been wondering why our country is now an economic basket case in a region of tiger economies. I came across a paper by Dr. Jesus Felipe and his team of economists at La Salle that analyzed what went wrong and what we should do next. The paper is on economic transformation and growth in the Philippines, focusing on how our politics and rent-seeking economic elites doomed us to where we are now. It is a highly technical paper but it contains good insights that should be shared with a wider audience.

Most (but not all) of the words in this column are taken from the La Salle study with some editing to convey a story that flows, fits my space limitations and considers the attention span of a mass audience.

Dr. Felipe and company started by identifying the dramatis perso-

The government maintained that temporary visitors retained their principal attachment elsewhere and that people unlawfully present lacked the U.S. domicile it considered necessary. It also urged a narrower reading of the Supreme Court’s 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark.

Wong was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents who lived permanently in the United States but were barred from naturalization. The administration argued that the case protected children of permanently domiciled immigrants but did not settle the status of children born to temporary visitors or people unlawfully present.

Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson, rejected that interpre-

of Filipinos from the increasingly destructive and fatal consequences of floods due to climate change/natural disasters, aggravated by insufficient protection due to substandard and inexistent or “ghost” flood control projects.

Every year, countless Filipinos endure the same cycle – heavy rains, clogged canals and creeks, rising floodwaters, damaged homes, paralyzed business activities and tragic loss of life. Entire communities are displaced. Children are traumatized. Families lose everything.

That is why allegations that trillions of pesos allocated for flood mitigation may have been lost to corruption have triggered nationwide anger, with social media also sparking online rage because of posts that depict the plight of ordinary Filipinos wading in knee deep and dirty floodwaters, their homes submerged – in contrast with the Facebook photos and TikTok videos of the wives and “nepo babies” of politicians and contractors accused of corruption flying in private jets, wearing expensive jewelry and designer outfits, flaunting their lavish lifestyles and obscene wealth. Public anger is not simply about stolen money – it is

about stolen protection. Funds that were intended to save lives may have instead been siphoned into the pockets of a few.

Ombudsman Remulla gave updates about the high-profile investigations that their office is conducting, knowing fully well that the issue involves “serious concerns on public accountability, transparency and the protection of public resources.”

He also had confidential meetings with officials of the US Department of Justice and the World Bank whose Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) unit conducts investigations on alleged fraud, corruption, collusion and coercion to ensure that the bank’s financial resources are used to alleviate poverty and not used for illicit activities.

The World Bank also partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) that seeks to end safe havens for corrupt funds and help developing nations recover stolen public assets to help fight corruption and end impunity. The UNODC estimates that “hundreds of billions of dollars are paid in bribes and hundreds of billions ‘laundered’ around the u PAGE 7

Magicians and workhorses

nae in our development drama. First off are the rentiers or rent seekers. These are firms that live off regulatory rents provided by the government. They mostly export natural resources to global markets. These firms only invest heavily in machinery that extracts and packages resources already provided by nature.

Then there are the magicians. These are the firms that compete in the global market through businesses operating in a competitive environment. They produce complex products worthy of demand from other countries.

Developing countries usually have firms that export garments, agricultural products, tourism and processed items.

Then come the powerbrokers or firms that live off regulatory rents provided by the government but only sell to the domestic market. Most of these firms are regulated by the government and entry is limited. Companies that require franchises, port operations and gambling are good examples. Powerbrokers place a premium on forming re-

tation. The five-justice majority held that the children covered by the order are citizens under the 14th Amendment.

The majority interpreted jurisdiction as the United States’ authority to govern people within its territory. Foreign nationals, including temporary visitors and people unlawfully present, remain subject to that authority. Their children, when born in the

I have been searching for some topic that would be good news for the Philippines instead of the current spate of bad news. It is enough to make one feel that this nation’s future can only be viewed as full of pessimism. Our government institutions are in disarray, especially with the current struggle in the Senate. An impeachment trial for the Vice President is already bogged down by accusations from both sides, the prosecution and the defense. Our economic news is highlighted with inflation figures that are seemingly on the rise and the peso-dollar rate at an all-time low. The looming 2028 election should provide some hope for the future. However, at this point, it does not look like this is going to happen. Finally, there are the endless corruption scandals where it seems we know who is at fault but most of them are still freely walking around. As if all these were not enough, I just heard the announcement that criminal cases might be filed against the officials of the Ateneo de Manila

University under the Anti-Hazing Law for the deaths of two basketball players.

I have been looking for some good news that will promise employment and economic growth for our country. Under President Noynoy Aquino, who was president from 2010-2016, the Philippines was being written about by economists all over the world as an economic “rising tiger.” Economists and geopolitical observers around the world had stopped calling us the “sick man of Asia.”

I thought that we were on the verge of the golden age of the Philippine economy. Then in 2016, a new president came in and we were back to being again the “sick man of Asia.”

However, a few weeks ago, I read two interrelated stories that could be the impetus that the Philippines needs to become again the rising tiger. These are the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica, a multinational initiative that aims to establish trusted supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing and critical minerals among allied nations.

In April 2026, the Philippines formally became a member of the Pax Silica Coalition.

The name Pax Silica comes from the Latin “Pax” meaning peace or stability and “Silica” referring to silicon, the primary material used in semiconductor chips. This coalition seeks to create a stable international network capable of producing and transporting advance technologies without relying heavily on a single country. Although the coalition did not specifically name that country, it is obvious to most geopolitical observers that the country being referred to is China. The good thing about this initiative for the Philippines is that the member-countries will encourage governments and private companies to invest in facilities that can manufacture, process and transport technologies essential for the future global economy. The Philippines was welcomed to join Pax Silica because of its strategic geographical location on the South China Sea. Our other assets are that we already have an electronic manufacturing sector, a skilled English speaking workforce and abundant mineral resources. We have significant reserves of nickel, copper, chomite and cobalt. These are minerals essential for AI hardware, batteries and adu PAGE 7

lationships with politicians and regulators (they lobby for political favors) to keep their licenses. One powerbroker today runs a political party.

Finally, workhorses are firms that only sell within the domestic market but operate competitively. They are largely the sources of goods and services in the market available to the public, such as food, beverages and beauty services. Workhorses mainly comprise farmers, builders, restaurant owners and some small entrepreneurs.

Powerbrokers favor barriers to entry instead of regulated competition due to the advantages they receive from the confusion of bureaucratic procedures and inconsistent enforcement.

Magicians and workhorses require better infrastructure and clarity in regulations. Magicians and rentiers also advocate for specialized infrastructure, such as special economic zones and port facilities.

Additionally, magicians and rentiers call for subsidies or lower u PAGE 7

THE impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte has revived yet another constitutional numbers game. But numbers and debates aside, I firmly believe that a major turning point in this political saga lies in the pretrial that concluded on June 25 and laid the cornerstones before the trial proper begins on July 6 and the votes to be cast at the end of the trial.

AT THE OUTSET, LET ME POINT OUT THE CONSTITUTIONAL GUIDANCE: “No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.” (Article XI, Section 3[6]). In the 24-member Senate (acting as the Impeachment Court), this translates academically to the magic number of 16. On this threshold number, let me share two eminent views from my fellow Supreme Court retirees.

Retired Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Antonio T. Carpio con-

tends that the votes required to convict are based on “all members of the Senate” who remain legally qualified to perform their sworn duties. In his view, the preventive suspension of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada removes him from the computation because, per Trillanes v. Pimentel (June 27, 2008, per J. Carpio Morales, en banc), a suspended official cannot hold public office; therefore, he cannot act as a senator-judge.

The impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte has revived yet another constitutional numbers game. But numbers and debates aside, I firmly believe that a major turning point in this political saga lies in the pretrial that concluded on June 25 and laid the cornerstones before the trial proper begins on July 6 and the votes to be cast at the end of the trial.

AT THE OUTSET, LET ME POINT OUT THE CONSTITU-

TIONAL GUIDANCE: “No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.”

(Article XI, Section 3[6]). In the 24-member Senate (acting as the Impeachment Court), this translates academically to the magic number of 16. On this threshold number, let me share two eminent views from my fellow Supreme Court retirees.

Retired Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Antonio T. Carpio contends that the votes required to convict are based on “all members of the Senate” who remain legally qualified to perform their sworn duties. In his view, the preventive suspension of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada removes him from the computation because, per Trillanes v. Pimentel (June 27, 2008, per J. Carpio Morales, en banc), a suspended official cannot hold public office; therefore, he cannot act as a senator-judge.

Article continues after this advertisement SAJ Carpio also maintains that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who has been hiding and evading an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, u PAGE 8

State, official or working visit? Here’s the difference

by Kurt Dela Peña Inquirer.net

MANILA — Not all overseas trips by world leaders are the same. State, official, and working visits each serve different diplomatic purposes and follow different protocols.

State visit

A state visit is the highest form of diplomatic engagement between countries. Reserved exclusively for heads of state, it is marked by the highest level of ceremony, including full military honors, the playing of both countries’ national anthems, and a state banquet.

Beyond the ceremonies, a state visit is intended to strengthen bilateral relations at the highest political level. It often includes meetings between leaders, the signing of agreements, and engagements aimed at deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, investment, education, and culture.

Official visit

An official visit is typically undertaken by a head of government or, in some cases, a cabinet-level official at the invitation of the host government.

While it may include military honors—particularly for a visiting head of government—it generally does not feature the full ceremonial program or state banquet associated with a state visit. Instead, the focus is on advancing bilateral relations through meetings, policy discussions, and the signing of agreements.

For both state and official visits, the host

country generally covers the official delegation’s expenses, including accommodations and transportation, although arrangements may vary depending on the host country’s protocol.

Working visit

A working visit is the least ceremonial type of diplomatic engagement. It does not require a formal invitation and may be undertaken by a high-ranking government official.

It is primarily focused on official business, such as bilateral meetings, international conferences, ministerial discussions, or sectoral negotiations. Unlike a state or official visit, a working visit does not include military honors or a state banquet, and the visiting delegation generally shoulders its own expenses.

Marcos’ Canada visit

From July 1 to 4, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, will visit Canada for an official visit at the invitation of the Canadian government.

The trip will be Marcos’ 44th international visit since assuming office on June 30, 2022. It will also mark the first official visit by a Philippine president to Canada in more than a decade.

The Canada trip follows a series of overseas engagements this year, including visits to the United Arab Emirates in January, the United States in March, Japan in May, and Russia from June 17 to 18.

On June 16, Marcos welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Malacañang during Steinmeier’s state visit to the Philippines from June 15 to 17. n

National heroes or national villains?...

PAGE 6 world each year.”

According to the Office of the Ombudsman, 209 complaints involving flood control projects are undergoing fact-finding investigations in the first six months of this year alone, with four cases already filed before the courts –more than double the 124 complaints last year that underwent fact-finding investigations, with 36 proceeding to preliminary investigation and/or administrative adjudication.

Ombudsman Boying knows the work is enormous and would require cooperation with regional groups such as the Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum or SEAOF, a regional platform composed of independent government watchdogs and anti-corruption agencies across Southeast Asia. As part of case building, member-countries exchange best practices on intelligence-gathering, digital forensics and asset-recovery protocols to track down illicit funds across borders.

We were pleased to hear from Ombudsman Boying that there are so many young idealistic lawyers coming from top schools such as UP, Ateneo, La Salle and several other schools who have

come forward and contribute to the good of the country, like Assistant Ombudsman and spokesman Mico Clavano and Assistant Ombudsman for Internal Affairs Luigi Bonoan, whom I was pleased to meet at our Philippine embassy event. One can’t really blame Filipinos for feeling suspicious and cynical, having seen the same story countless times:  scandal erupts. Headlines explode all over. Public outrage intensifies. Investigations begin. Hearings are televised nationwide. But then nothing happens. The ombudsman’s office carries a heavy burden. It must prove that the rule of law still matters and that public office remains a public trust. Boying told me about the medical issues he went through and truly believes he has this calling in life as ombudsman. He said, “Our office stands at the forefront of addressing one of the most significant governance challenges confronting our country. I will do my job without fear or favor.”

If credible evidence points to wrongdoing, charges will be filed swiftly, fairly and without fear or favor. No sacred cows. No political exemptions. No selective justice.

If institutions act decisively, the message will be powerful: corruption has consequences. That message can restore confidence in governance, encourage honest public servants and reassure citizens that justice remains possible.

Even the strongest democracies face scandals and corruption, but what separates strong institutions from weak ones is accountability. If this flood control scandal fades into silence, public cynicism will deepen – and that is dangerous. When people stop believing institutions can work, they disengage. Dysfunction becomes normalized. Corruption becomes harder to uproot.

The question now foremost in the minds of Filipinos is this: will those entrusted with public service rise to the occasion as national heroes – or will they be remembered as national villains who betrayed public trust? The answer lies with the Office of the Ombudsman. (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: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Pax Silica: Too good to be true?...

Filipino history gains a public home in Las Vegas

The Filipino American Museum opens in a cultural district shaped by the community’s businesses and efforts to preserve its story

by AJPress

LAS VEGAS — Inside the Bou-

levard Mall, carved figures, woven textiles, baskets, ritual objects and household tools introduce visitors to a history that began long before the modern Philippines took shape.

The objects form the centerpiece of “Ifugao: People of the Cordilleras,” the opening exhibit at the Filipino American Museum. Drawn from the Therese Hermosisima Finnegan Collection, the presentation examines the artistry, spiritual traditions and daily life of the Indigenous people of the Cordillera region in northern Luzon.

The museum formally opened June 12, Philippine Independence Day, linking the institution to history it seeks to present.

Located at Suite 320, 3680 S. Maryland Parkway, the museum stands inside the Filipino Town Cultural District established by Clark County in 2025. Its location joins two developments in Southern Nevada’s Filipino American community: recognition of a commercial and cultural center, and the creation of an institution devoted to preserving history.

For decades, Filipino-owned restaurants, markets, offices, churches and community organizations developed across the Las Vegas Valley without an official district. Maryland Parkway gradually became a center for commerce and cultural activity.

Clark County received an application to designate the area as Filipino Town in September 2024. After public notice and local review, the district was formally established April 15, 2025.

The county resolution described it as a means of preserving and celebrating Filipino culture, commerce, food, celebrations and religious traditions. An official district sign was unveiled at the Boulevard Mall in October 2025. The museum now gives the area a permanent educational component.

Museum founder and President Rozita Villanueva Lee has spent decades working with Filipino American and Asian American organizations in Nevada. She previously served on President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

The institution is intended to collect material, organize exhibitions and give younger Filipino Americans and other visitors a place to encounter Philippine and Filipino American history.

PAGE 6

vanced electronics.

One development accompanying the Philippines’ membership in Pax Silica is the establishment of the first “AI-native industrial acceleration hub” within the Luzon Economic Corridor. This project will cover approximately 4,000 acres or around 1,619 hectares and will operate an Economic Security Zone designed specifically for industries supporting artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, logistics and critical mineral processing.

Rather than being a single industrial park, the Luzon Economic Corridor is a network connecting Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas through upgraded transportation infrastructure, ports, airports, railways, digital connectivity and industrial zones. The Pax Silica Industrial Hub will be located within this corridor.

These two mammoth projects could provide substantial bene-

fits to the Philippines if properly implemented. Pax Silica is expected to attract billions of pesos in foreign direct investments as multinational companies establish manufacturing plants, research facilities, logistics centers and data infrastructure. These foreign investments will stimulate local businesses, improve infrastructure and generate additional tax revenues that can support education, health care and public services. Employment generation will be another substantial benefit. This AI industrial hub is expected to create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs over several years. Employment opportunities that will be generated will be quality jobs like engineers, software developers, AI specialists, semiconductor technicians, construction workers, logistics personnel, researchers, cyber security experts, manufacturing operators, equipment maintenance specialists and administrative professionals. According to Philippine go-

vernment officials, more than 20 companies have already expressed interest in investing. Undersecretary of State Helberg says that more than a dozen American companies have expressed interest. One company has publicly stated their plan to participate. This is Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer. This Taiwan-based company has hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide.

Many people say these plans are too good to be true. I sincerely hope that the government will focus on this development plan instead of paying more attention to political maneuvering. This is what our people need badly and deserve – good paying jobs. (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

The birthright citizenship debate continues...

6

jority also concluded that Wong

Kim Ark did not make parental domicile a condition of citizenship. The voting requires explanation because the justices agreed on the result by a different margin than they agreed on the constitutional reasoning.

Six justices voted to block Executive Order 14160, producing a 6-3 judgment. Three voted to allow it to take effect.

On the constitutional question, however, the division was 5-4.

Five justices held that the children covered by the order are citizens under the 14th Amendment. Justice Brett Kavanaugh disagreed with that interpretation, placing him with the three dissenting justices on that issue, although he did not join their opinions.

Kavanaugh nevertheless supplied the sixth vote against the order. He concluded that it conflicted with Section 1401(a), the federal citizenship law enacted by Congress. In his view, Congress could create additional exceptions, but the president could not establish them by executive

order when they did not appear in existing law.

Five justices therefore found the restrictions unconstitutional, while Kavanaugh found them unlawful under federal statute. His broader view of congressional authority did not command a majority.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented, although their reasoning differed. Thomas, joined by Gorsuch, emphasized domicile, or a permanent legal home. Gorsuch also questioned the breadth of the challenge. Alito focused on complete allegiance and whether a person remained subject to another country.

Those divisions explain why the policy debate will continue. Supporters of a narrower rule may argue that citizenship should require parental domicile, lawful residence or a more permanent national connection. Supporters of the existing rule may argue that citizenship based on birthplace provides a clear standard and avoids different legal classifications among children born in the country. The ruling concerns the child’s

citizenship. It does not grant lawful status to the parents of a U.S.born child, prevent immigration enforcement against them or create an immediate right to permanent residence. Congress may continue to legislate on immigration enforcement, visas and fraud. But a law imposing substantially the same citizenship exclusions would confront the five-justice majority’s constitutional holding. Kavanaugh believed Congress possessed broader authority, but that view did not receive five votes. The constitutional rule could be changed by amendment, and a future Supreme Court could reconsider the decision. Neither possibility alters the present result. Some may agree with the administration’s proposed restrictions, while others may support the rule adopted by the majority. That disagreement remains part of the country’s political and legal debate.

Executive Order 14160 stands on different ground. Under the Supreme Court’s ruling, it may not be enforced as written. (AJPress)

The Ifugao presentation directs attention to a part of Philippine history often overshadowed by accounts centered on Spanish colonization, American administration and migration to the United States.

The display includes bulol figures associated with rice and agricultural life, along with textiles, baskets, tools and ceremonial objects. Together, the pieces offer a view of a community shaped by ancestral lands, religious beliefs, agriculture and craftsmanship.

The museum does not present the exhibit as a complete history of the Philippines. Organizers instead envision rotating displays examining Indigenous cultures, migration, art, photography, personal accounts and contemporary creative work. The model reflects both the breadth of the subject and the limits of the current space.

PAGE 6

The museum also plans educational programs for children, families and adults. Its outline includes traditional crafts, dance, cuisine, Filipino history, storytelling and kulintang music. A full calendar remains in development.

Lee serves as president, with Carl Magno as vice president.

David Tupaz is chief curator and executive director; Ron Cabildo is director of global marketing and strategic alliances; Vissia Calderon is secretary; and N. Raquel Bridges is treasurer.

The museum begins with a modest footprint and limited schedule. It must build its collection, refine its programming and sustain public interest.

Its setting may help. Unlike a large institution in a formal cultural complex, the museum sits inside an active shopping center.

Visitors may arrive specifically to see an exhibit or discover it while

visiting a restaurant, store or community event nearby.

For immigrants, the collections may recall places and traditions known from the Philippines. For their children and grandchildren, the displays may provide context for customs encountered at home but rarely examined in school. For visitors, they offer an introduction to a community with a longstanding presence in Southern Nevada. The museum’s first exhibit begins in the Cordillera mountains. Future presentations are expected to move through other regions, periods and forms of expression.

For now, the Filipino American Museum has created a place to begin.

The museum is open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. General admission is $10. Students and seniors pay $5, and children younger than 12 are admitted free. n

Magicians and workhorses...

taxes but for different reasons. Rentiers seek subsidies for increased profits, whereas magicians aim for improved competitiveness and greater market presence overseas. Understanding these demands is essential for analyzing the interest of the elites in promoting growth.

The Philippine economy is dominated by rentiers and powerbrokers. The landed elite, usually family-centric oligarchs endowed with generational wealth, dominated the rent space in the Philippines (something that remains up to the present).

During the post-colonial era, the country witnessed the growth of an “elite democracy” where a small group of influential families held sway over both the economy and politics.

The prevalence of elite families implies a lack of a clear distinction between those who control the government and those who control businesses.

Workhorses and magicians, who operate in low-complex goods like small and medium-sized enterprises and retail, constitute 99.51 percent of businesses in the country and provide the majority of employment and income, particularly for vulnerable workers.

Economic transformation is the key to the nation’s future. The question is, once again: who will lead this process? The history and politics of the Philippines have created a system such that the

future of the nation will remain in the hands of the economic-turned-political elites.

The majority of conglomerates’ subsidiaries feed on regulatory rents. No wonder they favored non tradable goods for the domestic market. This created a boom in non-tradables such as property, malls, public transportation and renewable energy. They are not export oriented.

Our government needs a better plan to induce the jump from non-tradable goods and simple products toward more complex products, most of which should be exported in global markets.

Overall, the problem of the Philippines is not that it has too many powerbrokers and rentiers. The problem, ultimately, is the lack of magicians. This has been detrimental to the state of the country and its lack of competitiveness in the world economy.

The integration of the interests of the political and economic elite led to a lack of export-oriented firms because businesses thrive on regulatory rents. There is a constant negative feedback loop that benefits powerbrokers and takes away the competitive sectors’ opportunities for growth.

In order to start a process of much-needed structural transformation of the Philippine economy, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive roadmap that guides the country’s major conglomerates toward producing and exporting tradable goods. Only the nation’s large companies have

the capacity to lead this process. There should be a clear program for linking multinationals to domestic suppliers that includes technology acquisition. Otherwise, the country will remain doing low-value activities such as assembly.

For the last 30 years, we have been asking the same questions regarding how the country can grow, but it has not led to results.

If the economy does not open up to competitive sectors, the Philippines will either face boom-bust periods of growth or stagnation. A significant share of its workers will still be employed in the agricultural sector, or most output will be generated by regulatory rents prone to corruption and monopolization.

Unless we can break away from the historical curse caused by our power elites, our country seems hopeless.

I was thinking, how many malls and luxury condominiums do we really need? Couldn’t the Zobels, the Sy-blings and other elite families start thinking about export industries now? They owe it to the nation to lead in saving its economy from which they already profited much. (Philstar.com)

VP defense team to present ‘surprise witnesses’

by Bella Cariaso Philstar.com

MANILA

— For security reasons, the defense team of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte has opted to keep secret the identities of some of its 90 witnesses, but would be ready to present them as “surprise witnesses” if necessary during her trial.

This was according to defense spokesman Michael Poa in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel.

Poa also rejected insinuations that Duterte’s legal team was just copying the witnesses of the House of Representatives prosecution panel.

“I took exception to that because we’re not copying their witnesses. We submitted a pre-trial brief at the same time. So it’s not as if we copied it. But most are similar to their witnesses,” Poa said.

“We did not include certain witnesses, especially their names, for security reasons. So maybe that’s where our witnesses differ. But I cannot share their names for security purposes. And that’s part and parcel of the guidelines we gave at the pre-trial conference. That we cannot name the witnesses for as long as we state the purpose, what their purpose is,” Poa added.

The House prosecution has said it would present at least 57 witnesses during the impeachment trial. The Senate impeachment court has approved a 92-day trial for Duterte.

“We just say five witnesses from, for example, the Office of the President, or five witnesses from the Department of Education, for example, to prove certain allegations, or to disprove certain allegations of the prosecution. That’s what we’re doing. Now, that’s allowed,” he explained.

The approved trial period – contained in the 14page Pre-Trial Order signed by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on June 29 – is much shorter than the previous estimate of seven to eight months.

Based on the order, 62 trial dates have been set for House prosecutors and 30 for the Vice President’s defense team.

“On the part of the defense, we’ve been preparing for this for over a year now. In fact, we had our first impeachment complaint last year and we were ready to go to trial then, and we’re ready to go to trial now. But the first to present their evidence would be the prosecution. So, for us, we’re hoping that the public would be patient enough to also wait for the evidence of the defense,” Poa explained.

He added the defense team may decide not to present all 90 witnesses. “It will still depend on the case that the prosecution will make. It will depend on how the prosecution presents their evidence and we will have to react accordingly,” he pointed out.

Poa also denied that the points raised by the defense team were just technicalities.

“Number one, the issues we are raising are constitutional by nature. It goes, it delves into due process. For example... a lot of the alleged or purported evidence that they are bringing up to the impeachment court are things that were not even attached to the impeachment complaints filed,” he said.

“And for the defense, depending on what they present, that’s the time we actually determine what we need to bring out, and what we don’t need,” Poa said. n

Isko seeks arrest of ex-city officials

by aNDrew roNquillo Philstar.com

MANILA —  Manila Mayor

Isko Moreno is seeking the arrest of former city officials for their alleged involvement in the mismanagement of the local government’s funds.

According to Moreno, three former city officials are facing graft cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“There are affidavits and sworn statements against these people. Hopefully, warrants of arrest will be issued against them because some of them have plunder cases,” Moreno said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum yesterday.

Among those with pending cases, according to Moreno, are former assistant city administra-

PH passport moves up in global index with 65 visa-free destinations

by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net

THE Philippine passport has posted a modest improvement in global mobility, ranking 72nd in the latest Henley Passport Index and giving Filipino travelers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 65 destinations worldwide.

The Philippines shares the 72nd spot with Mongolia and Sierra Leone, reflecting gradual progress after previously slipping into the high-70s in recent editions of the global ranking.

For many Filipinos planning international trips, the passport continues to provide relatively convenient access to several popular destinations, particularly across Asia.

Visa-free destinations

Within Southeast Asia, Philippine passport holders can travel to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei and Myanmar without going through lengthy visa application processes or by securing visas upon arrival, depending on each country’s entry policies.

In East Asia, travelers also enjoy easier access to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao. Beyond the region, a number of Latin American countries, including Bra-

Crafting a Niche in the American Food and Furniture Landscape

THE Philippines is strengthening its presence in the American market by showcasing its agricultural heritage, design expertise and sustainable products at major U.S. trade shows.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the effort uses the FOODPhilippines and DESIGNPhilippines banners to position the country as a sourcing destination for specialty foods and high-value home furnishings. The broader goal is to expand exports while supporting local producers, designers and micro, small and medium enterprises.

CITEM joined two major American events in 2025: the 49th Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas in January and the High Point Market in North Carolina in April. Participation in the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show

The United States is a major destination for Philippine food exports. Coconut oil, pineapple products and processed foods are among the leading categories, while processed tropical fruits and dairy products also contribute to trade.

Overall, the United States was the Philippines’ top export market in 2024, receiving about $12.14 billion in food and nonfood goods.

CITEM organized the Philippine delegation to the Winter Fancy Food Show as the country returned to the event after the pandemic. The show was one of the largest U.S. trade events devoted to specialty foods and beverages, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, importers and buyers from around the world.

The Philippine presentation focused on gourmet and specialty foods, beverages and ingredients suited to the North American market. Products included coconut water, coconut sugar and other natural, organic and functional food items aimed at health-con-

scious consumers.

The Philippines occupied 108 square meters of exhibition space. Fifteen Philippine MSMEs participated under the FOODPhilippines banner, with targeted export sales of US$27.04 million. The delegation sought to strengthen market visibility and take advantage of demand for healthy, convenient products and authentic international flavors.

The event also promoted IFEX Philippines, the country’s largest business-to-business and export-oriented trade show for food, beverages and ingredients. Its 19th edition was held from May 21 to 23, 2026. According to CITEM, Philippine exhibitors generated business discussions and promising leads, including interest from distributors seeking to place products in major U.S. retail chains such as Costco and Walmart.

The participation also reinforced the Philippines’ position as a supplier of distinctive, high-quality ingredients aligned with consumer demand for culinary diversity and natural products.

The Winter Fancy Food Show began in 1959 as an expansion of the original Fancy Food Show, which started in New York City in 1954. The Specialty Food Association held the Las Vegas event annually until 2025, when it staged the final edition under that name. The event was later rebranded as Winter FancyFaire, which debuted in San Diego in January 2026. Participation in the High Point Market

CITEM’s participation in the April 2025 High Point Market marked the Philippines’ return to the event after a 17-year absence.

The mission, presented under the DESIGNPhilippines banner, was part of the agency’s effort to expand the country’s share in key

zil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador, also welcome Filipino visitors through visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements.

Other destinations accessible under similar conditions include Israel, Fiji, Morocco and Vanuatu.

Although the Philippines has improved its standing, it remains behind several of its Southeast Asian neighbors. Singapore continues to hold one of the world’s strongest passports, allowing its citizens access to more than 190 destinations without requiring a traditional visa before departure.

Meanwhile, the United States has also seen changes in its passport’s global standing, remaining outside the world’s top 10 most powerful passports.

According to the annual Global Passport Report released by Global Citizen Solutions, the US passport now ranks 12th overall. Unlike rankings that focus solely on visa-free travel, the report evaluates passport strength using a broader set of factors. The assessment considers international mobility alongside investment attractiveness and the overall quality of life available to residents, offering a more comprehensive measure of a country’s global appeal.

The latest findings indicate that while the U.S. passport remains among the strongest globally, its overall position has slipped compared to previous years, preventing it from returning to the top 10 in the report’s latest edition.

For now, look at the means...

PAGE 6 cannot yet be excluded from the count because he has not been formally arrested or placed under preventive detention.

In contrast, retired Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, a distinguished framer of the 1987 Constitution, argues that should Sen. Dela Rosa be judicially declared a fugitive from justice and disentitled to his seat, his status would amount to a “constructive resignation.”

fair and expeditious trial.

international markets.

High Point Market is widely regarded as the world’s largest home-furnishings trade show. It draws buyers, manufacturers, designers and industry professionals and features residential and commercial furniture, rugs, carpets, lighting, textiles, bedding, decorative accessories and outdoor furnishings.

CITEM organized an outbound business mission and benchmarking activities to promote Philippine design and craftsmanship. The delegation showcased furniture, home accessories and lighting while seeking to connect local producers with international buyers.

Ten Philippine companies participated, presenting products made from sustainable and indigenous materials, including rattan, abaca and reconstituted stone. Business-matching activities helped Philippine manufacturers and designers build relationships in the U.S. home décor and furnishings market, where Filipino products are recognized for craftsmanship, durability and detailed design.

CITEM returned to the High Point Market in 2026, giving participating companies another opportunity to study new design directions, material innovations and consumer preferences and to refine products for the global market.

The United States remains an important market for Philippine furniture and furnishings because of steady demand and favorable trade opportunities. Opportunities in the American market

CITEM’s continued participation in major U.S. trade shows offers several advantages for Phil-

ippine companies. These include stronger export demand, wider market access, direct contact with buyers and distributors and deeper insight into consumer and design trends.

The events also provide Philippine MSMEs with platforms to present natural food products made from coconut, mango and calamansi, as well as furniture and home accessories that highlight local materials and design capabilities.

By maintaining a presence at the Winter Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire and High Point Market, the Philippines can strengthen recognition of its products in North America and build longer-term commercial relationships.

The initiatives have produced business leads and supported efforts to position the country as a source of authentic, high-value and design-forward goods. They also connect local enterprises with international partners and reinforce the Philippines’ reputation as a dependable sourcing destination for quality specialty products.

Sustained participation will be essential to converting initial contacts into durable export contracts.

CITEM’s trade-show strategy reflects the government’s broader aim of building an innovation-driven economy, expanding exports and creating more opportunities for Philippine producers and creative industries.

WITH DUE RESPECT, THE THRESHOLD TO CONVICT WOULD BECOME VITAL ONLY after the trial is finished and after the votes are cast. If the votes to convict are 16 or more, then any discussion of the threshold would be academic. However, if this figure is less than 16, then the required denominator would become crucial. At the present though, what infinitely matter more are the pretrial and later, the trial proper.

Tiu v. Middleton (July 19, 1999, Third Division, a decision I had the honor of writing for the Court) referred to “pre-trial [a]s an essential device for the speedy disposition of disputes.”

During this period, both the prosecution and the defense lay their cards on the table to avoid surprises and delays during the trial proper.

Note, however, that an impeachment case is sui generis—a class of its own kind. For example, the impeachment pretrial does not permit amicable settlements, as in civil cases, or plea bargaining, as in criminal cases. A more jugular question than the voting threshold is what would happen should VP Sara resign amid the pretrial and trial. Well, that issue deserves a full column. For now, let us look at the means, not yet the end. The “Notice of Pre-Trial Conference,” issued on June 9 by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, sought—among others—to secure: (1) a stipulation of facts and a simplification of issues; (2) the marking of documentary or real evidence and waiver of objections or admissions to evidence; (3) the number and identities of witnesses of both the defense and the prosecution (including “Mary Grace Piattos”); and (4) such other matters as will promote a

FAITHFULLY ADHERING TO THE PRETRIAL GUIDELINES, the prosecution and the defense revealed their witnesses and exhibits and established the paper trail of their respective positions. A well-executed pretrial ensures that when the senator-judges finally sit, they will judge based on clear, unvarnished facts rather than on useless debates on technicalities or evidentiary loopholes. Therefore, why was there so much ado about the marking of the so-called “BIR Green Box” that necessitated written comments from the opposing parties? After all, the purpose of marking is simply to identify it as a piece of prosecution evidence–a clerical job that does not involve the exercise of judicial discretion. Of course, its opening, admissibility, relevance, credibility, and weight would be addressed to the sound discretion of the SIC.

Per Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, who acts as the SIC’s clerk of court, the prosecution asked for 62 trial days, and the defense, 30 days or a total of 92 days. If held three days a week (the Senate needs also to legislate and to conduct committee hearings), the trial, Bantug estimated, would take at least seven months to finish. Looks like a long journey before the SIC would reach its final judgment. Unless some unusual events happen, the prosecutors walk out, or VP Sara resigns. In sum, the true strength of a nation lies not in the perceived infallibility of its leaders, but in the integrity of the institutions ready to correct the frailties of those in power. Whether the Senate can summon that integrity when it convenes on July 6 will be revealed in due time. Until then, both the prosecution and the defense bear the shared responsibility of laying the procedural foundations to end the saga. (Inquirer.net)

ASIAN

Billy Crawford wins Season 9 of France’s ‘Mask Singer’

Filipino singer and television host was revealed as L’Âne after performing Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” in the finale

by AJPress

Filipino singer, dancer and television host Billy Crawford won the ninth season of France’s Mask Singer, adding another French television title to a career that has moved between European pop music and Philippine broadcasting. Crawford was revealed as L’Âne, or The Donkey, during the TF1 finale on June 27. He performed Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” before being named the season winner and removing the character’s mask.

French singer Carla Lazzari, who competed as Le Poussin, finished second, while singer Anisha Jo, appearing as Le Bouquet, placed third. The program, hosted by Camille Combal, follows the international Masked Singer format in which celebrities perform in costume while panelists and viewers try to identify them.

After the finale, Crawford thanked the production and costume teams, the audience and his family. He said the donkey char-

acter carried personal meaning because he chose it with his son, Amari, in mind.

The victory was Crawford’s second on a French television competition. In 2022, he and professional dancer Fauve Hautot won the 12th season of Danse avec les stars, France’s version of Dancing with the Stars.

His success on French television extends a relationship with the country that began during his recording career in the early 2000s. Songs including “Trackin’,” “When You Think About Me,” “You Didn’t Expect That” and “Me passer de toi” helped establish him with French audiences. In 2003, the NRJ Music Awards named him international male artist of the year.

Crawford later became a familiar television presence in the Philippines as a host and performer. He also had prior experience with the franchise, having hosted Masked Singer Pilipinas when the Philippine adaptation premiered on TV5 in 2020.

His appearance in France placed

him in a different role. Rather than guiding viewers through the identities of masked performers, he spent the season competing anonymously inside one of the show’s elaborate costumes.

The result brought together two phases of Crawford’s career: his early success as a recording artist in France and his later work as a television performer in both France and the Philippines.

Christian Bables says LGBTQ+ roles have not limited his choices

The award-winning actor, who portrays twin brothers in “Drags to Riches,” says he is no longer troubled by typecasting or recurring questions about his sexuality.

by AJPress

MANILA — Christian Bables said he is no longer troubled by concerns that portraying LGBTQ+ characters could typecast him as he takes on another drag role in the comedy “Drags to Riches.”

During a promotional event for the film in Quezon City, Bables said one reason he continues to accept such characters is the opportunity to make audiences laugh. He also said he has become less affected by questions about his sexuality arising from the roles he plays.

Bables became widely known for playing Barbs, the loyal friend of Paolo Ballesteros’ character, in the 2016 film “Die Beautiful.” The performance earned him the Metro Manila Film Festival award for best supporting actor. He later won best actor at the Hanoi International Film Festival for “Signal Rock” and at the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival for “Big Night!” His other projects involving LGBTQ+ characters include “The Panti Sisters,” “Mahal Kita, Beksman,” “Drag You and Me” and “Broken Hearts Trip.” His work outside those roles includes “Signal Rock,” “Dirty Linen” and “Saving Grace.”

In interviews, Bables has identified himself as straight and described himself as an LGBTQ+ ally. That description rests on his public statements; fictional characters do not establish anything about an actor’s private life.

Bables has also addressed questions about heterosexual actors portraying LGBTQ+ characters. He has said he approaches such roles as an actor and ally seeking to help tell stories involving the community. In “Drags to Riches,” Bables portrays twin brothers with sharply different lives: Jarold, from a corporate family, and Jonas, a drag performer recruited to take his missing brother’s place.

plays Troye and Elijah Canlas portrays Andre, who help transform Jonas into a convincing stand-in for Jarold. K Brosas and Benjie Paras are also in the cast. Directed by Victor Villanueva and produced by Cornerstone Studios, “Drags to Riches” opened June 24 at SM Cinemas. The film is rated R-13 and runs about one hour and 50 minutes.

Bables has presented the role as another acting choice shaped by the character, the material and the chance to connect with audiences, rather than a limitation.

Anne Curtis looks to Cannes as she enters a more selective career phase

After 29 years in entertainment, the actress is pursuing projects with greater creative range while keeping a long-term ambition in view

by AJPress

MANILA — After nearly three decades in Philippine entertainment, Anne Curtis says she is approaching her next chapter with greater selectivity—and with one enduring ambition: to attend the Cannes Film Festival because of a film she helped bring to the screen.

Curtis discussed the goal during a recent media gathering marking her 29th year in show business. She said she would be willing to wait for the right project, even if the opportunity came much later in life. Her remarks were aspirational.

Curtis did not announce a Cannes submission, invitation or festival selection, nor did she identify any current project as being considered for the event.

At this stage of her career, Curtis said she has become more deliberate about accepting roles. She

prefers to review complete scripts before committing and is seeking material that allows her to explore different genres and characters. Her most firmly announced film is Remote, a Manila-set paranoia thriller directed by Mikhail Red. Curtis is attached to play a journalist investigating killings that may be linked to an international outsourcing company. Evolve Studios and Viva Films are producing the project; no release date has been announced.

Curtis has also discussed a possible reunion with No Other Woman director Ruel S. Bayani, though the project remains untitled. Another possible collaboration with Irene Villamor is still in the early discussion stage. She is also set to return as former police officer Nina Manigan in Netflix’s BuyBust: The Undesirables, co-starring Gerald Anderson. Netflix has listed the series for 2026 but has not announced a

Benjie

Paras says son Kobe is stepping away from basketball

The former PBA star disclosed his son’s decision in an interview with columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal. Kobe Paras has not issued a public retirement announcement.

by AJPress

MANILA — Kobe Paras no longer wants to continue playing basketball, according to his father, former Philippine Basketball Association star Benjie Paras. Benjie disclosed his son’s decision during an interview with entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal for her Dollywood PH YouTube channel.

“Pahinga na. Ayaw na niyang mag-basketball,” Benjie said, explaining that Kobe was taking a break and no longer wanted to play.

Benjie said he felt some regret that his son would not follow him into the PBA but would not pressure his children to pursue careers they did not want. He said Kobe had already tried professional basketball and that he supported his decision.

The remarks are the clearest public account to date that Kobe, 28, has stepped away from competitive basketball. Kobe himself, however, has not issued a public

statement formally announcing his retirement. The development is therefore attributed to his father rather than presented as a retirement declaration by Kobe.

Kobe last played professionally for Altiri Chiba in Japan’s second-division B.League during the 2022-23 season. The club announced on March 3, 2023, that it had ended his contract by mutual agreement after discussions between the two sides.

The 6-foot-6 forward previously played for Niigata Albirex BB in Japan’s top division. Before turning professional, he spent the 2016-17 season at Creighton University and later played for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons during the 2019 UAAP season.

Paras also represented the Philippines in international competition. FIBA records show that he played in the 2014 Asian under-18 championship and appeared in two senior national-team games during the 2021 Asia Cup qualifiers.

Speculation about a possible return continued after his departure from Japan. Paras did not join the list of applicants for the PBA Season 50 draft in August 2025.

Benjie said Kobe had shifted his attention toward business. Kobe’s decision to step away from basketball rests on his father’s account, as he has not publicly addressed his playing future.

James Blanco says son’s disclosure of marital separation caused him pain

The actor said he had tried to keep family matters private. Iñigo Jose earlier said relatives should address their differences among themselves.

by AJPress

MANILA — Actor James Blanco said he was hurt when his son, Iñigo Jose, discussed his parents’ separation on “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.” Blanco addressed the disclosure during the June 26 episode of GMA’s “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda.”

“Masakit para sa akin,” Blanco said, explaining that people outside the family might not understand its circumstances. He said he had kept personal life separate from his work and had asked Iñigo to do the same.

Blanco said he and Iñigo had not discussed the disclosure.

During a December 2025 episode of “Pinoy Big Brother,” Iñigo spoke about how his parents’ separation affected him and the difficulty of accepting the change after viewing his family as stable.

Neither father nor son has explained what led to the separation.

In March, Blanco said he had not communicated with his children for several months and described the loss of contact as painful.

Iñigo said he did not want to discuss the situation before the family had spoken privately.

“I want to keep it a private matter,” he said, citing respect for his mother and relatives.

Blanco and his wife, Tania

Creighton-Castillo, have three children: Iñigo, Sebastian and Natalia. Iñigo is represented by Star Magic.

DOT turns to P-pop for tourism campaign

BINI is expected to be one of two ambassador groups; local media have identified SB19 as the second, although the department has not publicly confirmed the name

MANILA — The Department of Tourism plans

to enlist two P-pop groups as Philippine tourism ambassadors, turning to the growing international reach of Filipino music as part of its effort to promote the country to travelers at home and abroad.

BINI is expected to be one of the two groups. Local Philippine media reports have identified SB19 as the second, but the DOT had not publicly confirmed that name as of Monday, June 29.

Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernadita “Dita” Angara-Mathay said the department wants to combine music and imagery to create what she described as a feeling that stays with audiences.

“Music is very important,” Angara-Mathay said, explaining that sound can strengthen the emotional effect of visual material.

The department has not yet issued a complete announcement identifying both groups or setting out their responsibilities, the duration of their appointments and the activities they would undertake.

The plan follows earlier discussions between the DOT and BINI’s representatives. In early June, the department said it had reached out to the group’s camp about a possible tourism ambassador role but that no formal appointment had been announced.

BINI’s international profile grew further in April when the eight-member group performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. The appearance drew renewed calls in the Philippines for the group to be given an official role in promoting the country.

The group is composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena.

SB19, composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin, has also expanded its international presence through overseas concerts and festival appearances.

The group is scheduled to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago, which will be held from July 30 through Aug. 2 at Grant Park.

The planned appointments would give the tourism department access to the groups’ large and ac-

tive fan communities, including audiences outside the Philippines. Their music, performances and digital platforms could provide the government with another way to draw attention to Philippine destinations, food, cultural traditions and local experiences. The approach reflects the increasing use of popular entertainment in tourism promotion. Music and other forms of contemporary culture can introduce audiences to a country before they encounter conventional advertising about its destinations.

BINI and SB19 have also helped raise the international visibility of P-pop, a term broadly used for contemporary Filipino popular music influenced by local and global styles. The DOT has not released projections showing what effect the proposed partnerships could have on visitor arrivals or tourism spending. Any measurable impact would depend on the campaign’s content, reach and ability to direct public interest toward destinations and tourism-related businesses.

Further details are expected when the department formally announces the ambassadors and their assignments. Until then, BINI’s anticipated participation is the clearest element of the plan, while the identification of SB19 remains based on local media reporting rather than public confirmation from the DOT.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS

THE Ebola virus, especially the Bundibugyo strain, the current variant in the active outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in Central Africa, is a serious killer. As of June 21, 2026, there were almost a thousand cases and at least 250 deaths from this Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. This rare strain has a fatality rate between 25 percent and 90 percent, compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus of COVID-19 fatality rate of 0.5 percent to 1 percent.

While Ebola is vastly more deadly than COVID, which is more rapidly transmitted than Ebola, this outbreak is primarily contained in sub-Saharan Africa, while the highly infectious COVID-19 has devastated 229 countries and territories around the globe. There were 704.7 million cases of confirmed COVID-19 and 7.1 million deaths, but the WHO estimated the actual toll to be between 15 and 30 million worldwide due to “indirect and unrecorded excess

mortality.”

Ebola versus COVID

Ebola instills a greater fear among people because of its high fatality rate, and the fact that there is currently no vaccine against the Bundibugyo virus.

This, once again, highlights the life-saving value of vaccines, which three anti-vax radio hosts in the United States had minimized and declared useless and dangerous during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, until they themselves were all infected and died of COVID-19. On their deathbed, they were apologizing to the millions of their audience, admonishing them to get vaccinated. Their misguided anti-vax stand and pronouncements had surely caused countless COVID infections and deaths. Misinformation could, indeed, be deadly, deadlier than the virus itself.

While there is no confirmed Ebola within the United States and in the Philippines as of this writing, we have to be well-informed and vigilant nonetheless, especially about travel to those cities affected by the outbreak.

RPT: “Federal health agencies have established proactive monitoring and travel restrictions. For

example, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the CDC have restricted the entry of non-citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in areas with active outbreaks—such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or Uganda—within the last 21 days.”

The current globally available vaccines like Ervebo (Merck) and Zabdeno/Mvabea (Johnson & Johnson) are uniquely designed for the more common Zaire ebolavirus species, responsible for the Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016, the largest in history, where 11,325 died among the 28,646 cases, a case fatality rate of 39.5 percent.

RPT: ‘Health authorities and scientists are fast-tracking new tools to combat the Bundibugyo outbreak:

rVSV Platform Candidate: The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a new single-dose shot using the same platform as Ervebo to be the most promising candidate.

Moderna mRNA Vaccine: Development is underway on an mRNA-based candidate targeting the surface proteins of the Bundibugyo virus.

Timeline: The Africa CDC es-

timates that a targeted vaccine could be ready for human clinical trials in the affected regions toward the end of 2026.

There is no question that vaccines will help contain this outbreak and save lives.

Because there is no vaccine or specific antiviral cure for this strain, medical teams on the ground are relying strictly on aggressive supportive care—such as fluid replacement—to lower mortality rates, alongside standard isolation and contact-tracing protocols.”

Hopefully, the Ebola virus could be contained where it is endemic right now and not become another pandemic.

If Ebola invades our shores, God forbid, I pray that we (our government and our people) would not sacrifice medical science in favor of civil rights and behave as unwisely and irresponsibly as many of us did during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the devastating death rates.

Creatine: safe?

Use of the creatine supplement appears to be trending. Creatine is a natural compound made from amino acids (building blocks of protein) that supplies energy to body cells. About 95 percent of the

body’s creatine is stored in skeletal muscles to fuel high-intensity physical activities. The rest is in the brain, liver, kidneys, and other tissues.

The body naturally produces about half of the daily creatine needs in the liver and kidneys, and the other half comes from animal-based foods like red meat and fish. Creatine enhances athletic performance, improves muscle recovery, reduces muscle damage, provides bone support, increases anabolic hormones, and also benefits cognitive function.

Creatine is considered generally safe and is sold as an over-thecounter drug. It comes in powder, chewables, and pills. The popular Collagen Peptides (Amino acid) supplement does not contain creatine.

Since creatine supplements have potential adverse side effects, do not take them without first consulting your physician.

Caution: Dental implant

Dental implants are highly advertised, confusingly suggesting it is the best solution for missing or damaged teeth. In this era of tissue preservation in all forms of surgical management, preserving teeth as long as possible is naturally best. Removing teeth and doing dental implants without considering other simpler and safer solutions is reckless, because dental implants have potentially severe, even life-threatening, complications.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically drilled into the jawbone. Since our mouth is full of bacteria, the potential complications include infection of the gums and the bones, nerve injury with numbness and tingling, maxillary sinus (behind the nose) perforation for upper jaw implants, causing cavernous sinus thrombosis in the brain area, and mechanical issues like loose or fractured screws.

The cost of a dental implant per tooth is about $1100 to $2300 in the Philippines and ranges between $3,000 and $6000 in the

United States, prompting Americans to travel to Cebu or Manila for dental implants, especially for multiple teeth. The savings more than cover the expenses for airfare, hotel, food, Grab (Uber, Lyft, inDrive), and, plus a bonus, a

tion in pristine beach resorts. The rate of infection in

implants ranges between 5 and 10 percent, which is medically too high. Severe bone degradation affects 10 to 20 percent of patients in the long term. Death from

Ian and Matet de Leon reopen communication after public family dispute

The siblings’ exchange follows disagreements involving Nora Aunor’s estate and projects established in her name, although neither has confirmed a full reconciliation.

by

MANILA

reopened communication after weeks of public disagreement involving their late mother, National Artist Nora Aunor.

Ian publicly thanked Matet for what he described as a “wonderful conversation” in a Facebook post on Tuesday, June 30.

“Thank you so much for the wonderful conversation! God bless us and our family!” he wrote on the IDL Arts and Paintings page, tagging his sister. He did not disclose what they discussed.

A day earlier, Matet shared a childhood photograph showing her with Ian, their sister Lotlot de Leon and Aunor.

“We miss you Ma,” she wrote. The posts raised hopes that the siblings may be moving toward reconciliation. Neither Ian nor Matet, however, has publicly said that they have fully reconciled or that their differences have been resolved.

Their exchange followed a series of statements concerning Aunor’s estate and initiatives created in her name.

In a June 19 interview on “Fast

Talk With Boy Abunda,” Ian said he had established a one-person corporation to provide a structure for the Nora Aunor Enterprise and the Nora Aunor Foundation. He said he wanted his siblings involved and believed their disagreements could eventually be settled.

Matet later disputed portions of Ian’s account. In a Facebook post, she said his statements reflected his version of events and rejected the suggestion that she and her siblings were trying to take their mother’s property. She also challenged his description of discussions involving the family.

Lotlot separately said she was not seeking an inheritance and disputed parts of Ian’s public account. The siblings have offered differing accounts of whether they were consulted and how organizations bearing Aunor’s name were established.

The siblings’ differing accounts leave questions about the estate and the organizations bearing Aunor’s name unresolved.

Aunor died on April 16, 2025, at age 71. She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022 after a career spanning film, television and music.

TensorWave secures $350 million, reaches $1.55 billion valuation

CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development has congratulated Las Vegas-based TensorWave after the artificial intelligence cloud infrastructure company closed a $350 million Series B funding round, giving it a post-money valuation of $1.55 billion.

Officials said the financing represents a major milestone for Nevada’s technology sector and highlights the role of Battle Born Growth, the state’s venture capital program under the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative.

TensorWave, which operates an all-AMD AI cloud platform, is among the most prominent companies in Battle Born Growth’s portfolio. The program was an early investor in the company and is overseen by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

“Battle Born Growth has been

an early investor in TensorWave,” said Karsten Heise, the office’s senior director of strategic programs and innovation. He said the company’s rise to a valuation exceeding $1 billion strengthens Nevada’s standing as a destination for scalable technology investments and could help attract additional venture capital firms and seed funds.

The funding also underscores Nevada’s effort to expand access to capital for high-growth companies through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, a nearly $10 billion federal program intended to support small businesses and entrepreneurship nationwide.

Heise said venture capital returns are often driven by a small number of exceptional investments. About 5% of investments may generate outlier returns, while write-offs can approach 60%, he said. Successes such as TensorWave are therefore im-

portant to public and nonprofit investment programs. Battle Born Growth has invested alongside Nevada seed funds, including StartUpNV and Desert Forge Ventures, as well as venture capital firms operating nationally. State officials said these partnerships help connect Nevada startups with broader capital networks and increase awareness of the state among investors.

Kyle Ferguson, chief venture capital program officer at Battle Born Growth, said the program aims to identify high-return opportunities that can replenish investment capital while supporting Nevada’s economic diversification.

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development said TensorWave’s expansion demonstrates the importance of risk capital in helping Nevada entrepreneurs launch and grow technology companies across the state.

Clark County urges ‘safe and sane’ fireworks use for July 4

Mead and Red Rock Canyon.

hose handy.

Diamond Arena group assembles south Strip site for NBA venue

Developers

LAS VEGAS — The group proposing a basketball arena on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip says it has acquired the parcel needed as the NBA

No fireworks are allowed at Clark County Wetlands Park, other local parks or public lands including Mount Charleston, Lake

Residents should not call 911 to report illegal fireworks. Complaints may be made through 311. Violators face a minimum $500 fine, while large quantities may bring fines of up to $10,000.

Officials also caution that all fireworks can be dangerous, even those labeled “safe and sane.” The following safety tips are recommended for those who plan to celebrate with fireworks:

• Closely supervise children and pets; maintaining a distance away from the fireworks that are being ignited minimizes the possibility of injury. Do not let children ignite fireworks.

• Be prepared in case of fire. Have a pre-connected garden

• Use fireworks on flat, hard surfaces such as parking lots and cul-de-sacs away from buildings, vehicles, dry brush and bystanders.

• Place discharged fireworks into a bucket of water overnight to make certain they do not re-ignite.

• Beware of sparklers. These can be popular items to give to young children, but they can cause clothes to catch fire and serious burns.

• Coordinate lighting the items so that everyone in the group anticipates when they will be set off and won’t be surprised.

• Be courteous: Clean up litter left behind by fireworks.

Las Vegas Strip gaming win rises 13.2% in May

Statewide casinos reported nearly $1.39 billion in gaming win as visitor volume, convention attendance and hotel rates increased, while airport passenger traffic declined.

billion, an increase of 7.4%, with Clark County properties accounting for $1.203 billion. Gaming win measures

receipts after player payouts and specified deductions; it is not the same as

profit. On the Strip, table, counter and card-game win rose 19.4% to $397.1 million. Baccarat increased 58.6% to $174.3 million, blackjack rose 12.4% to $100.5 million, and slot-machine win climbed 7.8% to $410.8 million. Results were mixed elsewhere in Southern Nevada. Downtown Las Vegas gaming win fell 4.2% to $63.9 million, while Laughlin declined 5.2% to about $41 million. The Boulder Strip rose

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas is seeking a share of World Cup tourism through resort watch parties and promotions, even though none of the tournament’s 104 matches is being played in Nevada. The competition, which began June 11 and runs through July 19, is being staged in 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Las Vegas was not selected as a host, but hotels, sportsbooks and entertainment venues are using large screens, reserved seating and packages to attract fans throughout the event. At Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Clark County, Las Vegas police, the city of Las Vegas and agencies are reminding residents that only “safe and sane” fireworks are legal from June 28 through July 4. Officials recommend buying them only from permitted TNT or Phantom Fireworks stands operated by nonprofit groups. Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, Roman candles, skyrockets and devices that explode or launch into the air. Fireworks purchased outside Clark County may be illegal even if labeled “safe and sane.”

3.5% to $80.5 million, and North Las Vegas increased 2% to $26.8 million. For the first 11 months of Nevada’s fiscal year, statewide gaming win totaled $14.7 billion, up 2.8%. The Strip generated nearly $8.2 billion, an increase of 2.3%. Nevada collected $89.5 million in percentage fees in June based on taxable gaming revenue generated in May, up 19.1% from June 2025. The figures remain subject to revision. The Las Vegas Convention

and Visitors Authority estimated 3.49 million visitors in May, up 2%. Convention attendance rose 14.7% to 586,300. Hotel occupancy reached 84.7%. The average daily room rate increased 6.3% to $210.63, while revenue per available room rose 8.5% to $178.40. Harry Reid International Airport handled 4.57 million arriving and departing passengers, down 8.4% from May 2025. Domestic traffic fell 8.6%, and international traffic declined 5.7% overall.

Las Vegas courts World Cup fans without hosting a match

The Tavern is holding match-day viewing events through July 18. Similar programming is underway across the Strip and downtown, where matches are being shown in sportsbooks, bars, restaurants and pool complexes.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is promoting the destination as a place to watch the tournament, highlighting viewing options at properties including Circa, MGM Resorts and Fontainebleau.

The campaign reflects a broader tourism strategy that pairs major sporting events with hotel stays, dining and entertainment.

Las Vegas has expanded its sports profile in recent years through professional football, hockey and basketball, Formula One racing and championship events.

Because Las Vegas is not hosting matches, the city’s campaign is centered on viewing and hospitality rather than stadium operations. Whether the events produce measurable gains in visitation, occupancy or guest spending across the wider tourism economy will depend on data released during or after the competition.

The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 in the New YorkNew Jersey area.

Regents approve agreements for Vegas Loop station at UNLV

Las Vegas Diamond Arena announced that it purchased 3.03 acres at the northeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Four Seasons Drive, across from Mandalay Bay. The group said the acquisition completes the land planned for the venue.

Chetak Development Inc. separately

property south of Four Seasons Drive for a proposed private aviation terminal, according to the announcement. Plans call for an underground connection between the terminal and arena for teams, performers and guests. The terminal and tunnel remain proposals, and no construction schedule or approv-

The proposal calls for a 21,212seat arena designed for basketball, concerts, conventions and events. Tom Letizia, a project spokesman, said closing on the parcel completed the proposed arena site. The land purchase does not represent an NBA commitment. The league is examining possible expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle but has not awarded either city a franchise or selected an ownership group, arena or construction site.

al was announced. The arena group has cited the site’s proximity to Interstate 15, the Las Vegas Beltway, Harry Reid International Airport and Strip hotels. Key financial and organizational details remain undisclosed. The group has not publicly identified its principal ownership, total project cost or

High winds delay America 250 fireworks show on Las Vegas Strip

The north Strip display was moved from Saturday to Sunday after forecasts called for sustained winds exceeding 30 mph.

LAS VEGAS — An America 250 fireworks display on the Las Vegas Strip was postponed after forecasts called for high winds that organizers said could endanger pyrotechnics crews and spectators.

The synchronized show had been scheduled for 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27, with fireworks launching from Resorts World Las Vegas, Fontainebleau Las Vegas and The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority moved the display to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 28,

subject to weather conditions.

The agency said sustained winds were forecast to exceed 30 mph and that proceeding under those conditions could place workers and members of the public at risk.

The National Weather Service had issued a wind advisory covering the Las Vegas Valley and much of Southern Nevada from Saturday morning through early Sunday. The advisory warned that strong winds could create hazardous conditions for drivers and boaters.

The fireworks display was part

of Las Vegas’ summer observance of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The published schedule calls for approximately eight-minute synchronized shows on Saturdays from June 6 through July 25, with launch locations rotating among Strip and downtown properties.

A larger July 4 display is scheduled to launch simultaneously from nine resort rooftops alo COUNTng the Strip. The show is expected to be coordinated with music on local radio stations and red, white and blue lighting on resort marquees.

Nevada directs $42 million to conservation projects

Funding will support restoration, trails, wildfire mitigation, education and public access across Nevada.

CARSON CITY, NV — Nevada is directing $42 million toward conservation and recreation projects statewide, including habitat restoration, trail improvements and a science center at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.

The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said more than $12 million will be awarded through the Conserve Nevada grant program. The projects are expected to protect 34,816 acres of recreation land and wildlife habitat and provide public recreation access to nearly 48,906 acres.

Planned work includes habitat restoration and recreation improvements along the Humboldt, Muddy, Carson, Truckee and Walker rivers. Funding also will support projects at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, Tahoe Meadows and McCullough Hills.

Other allocations include wildfire mitigation in the Ruby Mountains and Warm Springs Natural Area, post-fire restoration in the Bureau of Land Management’s Carson City district and wetland improvements in Smith Valley.

Springs Preserve’s OriGen

seum. Another $3

will support the Vegas Valley Rim Trail, Wetlands Loop Trail and Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail. More than $7.5 million will support projects administered by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Nevada Division of State Parks. Nevada voters authorized $200 million in conservation bonds in 2002. The Legislature approved up to $217.5