071026 - Las Vegas Edition

Trump Accounts launch nationwide, giving eligible newborns a $1,000 investment start

WASHINGTON — Millions of American families now have access to a new federal investment account for children, with eligible newborns receiving a one-time $1,000 contribution from the U.S. Treasury.

The program, known as Trump Accounts, officially opened for contributions on July 4, introducing a new long-term savings vehicle intended to help children begin building financial assets from an early age.

Under the program, qualifying U.S. citizen children born from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2028, may receive the $1,000 federal deposit after an authorized adult completes the required election.

The Internal Revenue Service describes

Fil-Am ex-cop sentenced to prison for excessive force, cover-up

LOS ANGELES – A former San Diego Coun-

ty sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for using excessive force against a handcuffed inmate, failing to obtain medical care for the injured man and falsifying a report to cover up the incident.

Former San Diego County Sheriff‘s Deputy Jeremiah Manuyag Flores, 45, of La Jolla, Calif., received a 57-month prison sentence, the U.S. Department of Justice for the Southern District of California announced Tuesday.

During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez said she was haunted by a surveillance image showing the deputy smiling as he walked away while the victim lay beside a pool of blood in his holding cell.

“I don’t know how many years it’s going to be before I get that photo out of my mind. Your conduct was egregious,” she told Flores.

Excessive force

A federal jury convicted Flores in December 2025 of violating the civil rights of a pretrial detainee by using excessive force that caused a spinal injury and then submitting a false report to conceal his actions.

According to prosecutors, the jury deliberated for about two hours before finding Flores guilty on both counts after a weeklong trial.

Evidence showed Flores shoved the detain-

LAS VEGAS

Sara Duterte impeachment trial opens, putting her office and presidential future at stake

Senators begin weighing allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, corruption and threats against President Marcos and members of his family

by AJPress

Philippines pushes back on Chinese academics’ Batanes assertion

Beijing has not formally endorsed the position advanced at a university symposium, while treaties and administrative laws document Batanes’ place within the Philippines.

by AJPress

rejected an assertion by Chinese academics that Batanes belongs to China through Taiwan, calling it “baseless,” “nonsense” and “ludicrous.”

New arrest warrants issued vs Marcoleta, Defensor

by Ghio onG Philstar.com

MANILA — While both are currently being held by authorities, the Sandiganbayan has issued new arrest warrants against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and his campaign donor former congressman Michael Defensor.

The anti-graft court’s Fourth Division issued arrest warrants and prescribed bail of P30,000 for each of the defendants. The court also released hold-departure orders against them.

Based on the court’s orders publicized by the Philippine National Police, the Fourth Division has directed its sheriff to serve the arrest warrants and commitment

orders against Marcoleta – who remains confined at the PNP General Hospital for pneumonia – and Defensor, who is held at the New Quezon City Jail.

The commitment orders directed the “continued confinement” of Defensor, as well as the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to “temporarily hold (Marcoleta) in their custody.”

The Fourth Division is handling the case against Marcoleta, Defensor, and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray for violating Presidential Decree 46 that bans government officials from receiving gifts, and for private individuals to give such gifts.

The assertion emerged from a June 30 symposium hosted by Jinan University in Guangzhou. A university account said more than 10 scholars examined the sovereignty of the Batanes Islands in the context of maritime-boundary negotiations between the Phil-

Jinggoy Estrada withdraws request to attend Duterte impeachment trial

Lawyers said the motion was mistakenly filed with the Sandiganbayan division hearing a separate graft case rather than the division handling the plunder case tied to his detention

by AJPress

MANILA — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has withdrawn his request for court permission to attend the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after his lawyers acknowledged submitting the motion to the wrong division of the Sandiganbayan. The anti-graft court’s Second Division accepted the withdrawal and recalled an earlier order directing government prosecu-

tors to respond. It did not decide whether Estrada should be allowed to leave detention to participate in the Senate proceedings.

Estrada’s lawyers said the request was intended for the Fifth Division, which is handling the plunder case connected to his detention. The motion was instead filed with the Second Division, where a separate graft case involving alleged flood-control irregularities is pending.

Iran conflict renews pressure on oil, inflation and global markets

Fighting between the United States and Iran has restored geopolitical risk to an economic outlook already strained by higher energy costs and uncertain interest-rate policy

by AJPress

back part of those gains as fears of a wider war eased. The volatility underscored a broader economic risk. Even without a complete interruption of exports, instability around the Strait of Hormuz can raise fuel prices,

Escudero sets 16-vote threshold in Duterte impeachment trial

by AJPress

MANILA — The presiding officer in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial has ruled that at least 16 senators must vote to convict her on any article, settling for now a procedural question that could determine the outcome of the case.

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds vote applies to all 24 members of the Senate, not only those present or participating when the chamber renders its judgment.

Under the ruling, absences, recusals or the inability of individual senator-judges to vote would not reduce the number needed for conviction.

Escudero clarified the matter after Sen. Panfilo Lacson asked whether the 16-vote requirement was merely the presiding officer’s legal opinion or an official ruling of the impeachment court.

Escudero said it was a ruling of the chair and remained in force because no senator-judge objected or appealed when it was issued. He acknowledged that the interpretation could still be challenged through available legal remedies, including possible review by the Supreme Court.

The Constitution provides that no official may be convicted in

an impeachment trial without the concurrence of two-thirds of all Senate members. Escudero’s ruling applies that language to the full membership of the chamber.

The decision does not address the merits of the four articles against Duterte, all of which remain allegations. It establishes only the number of votes House prosecutors must secure after both sides complete their presentation of evidence.

The trial’s opening sessions have focused on recorded statements Duterte made in November 2024 concerning President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House speaker Martin Romualdez. Prosecutors argue that the remarks constituted serious threats and conduct incompatible with the vice presidency. Duterte has denied wrongdoing and has said the statements were made in the context of threats against her.

A National Bureau of Investigation witness testified about the collection and examination of digital recordings presented by the prosecution. Duterte’s lawyers questioned the authentication process and argued that prosecutors had not shown that she had hired or entered into an agreement with anyone to carry out an attack.

The witness’s testimony represents the prosecution’s evi-

Tulfo files defamation raps vs Defensor, others

by Mark ErnEst VillEza Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Erwin Tulfo

filed criminal complaints on Wednesday, July 9 for grave oral defamation in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 against detained former lawmaker Mike Defensor, lawyer Levito Baligod and several others over allegations linking him to the alleged flood control fund scam.

Tulfo personally filed the complaint before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office against Defensor, Baligod, self-proclaimed former bodyguards Jeron Valderama and Bernard Gumban, Quezon City Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, lawyer Virgilio Garcia and other respondents.

The complaint stemmed from statements made during a June 16 gathering at the Doublegem EDSA Garden Events Place in Mandaluyong that was originally branded as a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing but proceeded as a press conference after no senator attended.

In his complaint-affidavit, Tulfo alleged that the respondents publicly accused him of involvement in alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

He said the statements were livestreamed and widely circulated on social media, damaging his reputation.

Tab Baldwin worked as consultant, not employee for Ateneo: Lawyers

by ayiE licsi Philstar.com

LAWYERS representing Ateneo de Manila University clarified that there was no employer-employee relationship between former Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin and the university.

During a clarificatory hearing on July 9, Atty. Krisha Santos said that Baldwin, who was absent from the Thursday proceedings, only worked as a consultant. This comes following the drowning incident that claimed the lives of two Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building trip on June 8.

“A consultant, like Coach Baldwin, is a specialist and he has discretion to perform the work in a manner that he sees fit[.] The university's agreement with Coach Baldwin is a consultancy agreement and not an employment contract," she said.

"The university contracted him because of his well-regarded coaching expertise, having previously been the national coach of New Zealand, Jordan, and even the Philippine national team itself,"

she added. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino questioned this, as the contract stated a monthly compensation for Baldwin, which was redacted. "There is a housing allowance, there is a transportation allowance. There is a monthly base compensation." Santos said that there's a "consideration in an independent contractorship agreement."

The university's other lawyer, Atty. Philippe Quimbo added that the consideration in the contract is "normal." "I'm not sure Coach Tab would've done it for free," he said.

Ateneo was also asked about the listed Do's and Don'ts in the contract, which, according to DOLE Usec. Gerard Mosquera, "reflect substantial control" over Baldwin's duties and obligations.

Among these were conducting basketball clinics, participating in talks in university programs, participating in the university's and MVP Group of Companies' sports-related activities, and attending all official games, tournaments, conferences, and leagues.

Meanwhile, the restrictions in-

clude limitations on TV and social media appearances.

Quimbo maintained that these do not control how Baldwin performs his duties. "As long as he is able to control the means and methods of the performance of his duties, then there is no employer-employee relationship," he said.

In a previous DOLE hearing on June 29, Baldwin said that Atty. Dong Feliciano told him his permanent residency, which he gained in 2016, would suffice in place of an alien employment permit.

Feliciano appeared before the hearing on Thursday and admitted that he helped Baldwin secure a Philippine Quota Immigrant Visa, which is offered to nationals of countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines.

"When we secured the Quota Immigrant Visa for Coach Tab back in 2015, we did not apply for an [AEP] because it is our position that as a permanent resident, he's exempted from the [AEP]," he said. Baldwin, an American-Kiwi coach, resigned from his position at Ateneo a week after the tragedy.

Trump Accounts launch nationwide...

1

a Trump Account as a type of traditional individual retirement account established exclusively for a child. A parent, guardian or other authorized person may open an account by submitting IRS Form 4547 or completing the agency’s online election process.

eral limits. The IRS also permits certain qualified general contributions, employer deposits and rollovers under the program’s rules.

He maintained that his name did not appear in the General Appropriations Act or the National Expenditure Program for infrastructure projects either during his term as congressman or after he was elected senator.

“I have no infrastructure projects, no flood control projects, no farm-to-market roads. None at all. I didn’t get even a single centavo from government projects. So why would I receive this huge amount of money from Zaldy Co? I received nothing,” Tulfo said.

Denying the accusation, Tulfo said: “Why would I receive a suitcase of cash when I don’t even have any flood control projects? If that were true, my name should have already surfaced during the first flood control hearing.”

He asked prosecutors to find probable cause and file charges against the respondents for violating Article 358 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Last month, the senator filed a separate oral defamation complaint against the same group before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.

Defensor and three others were arrested for plunder on Monday.

Defensor is among the campaign donors of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta in the 2025 midterm elections.

Based on Marcoleta’s public admission, the three contributed P75 million for his senatorial bid.

The $1,000 Treasury contribution is limited to children who meet the program’s citizenship, Social Security number and birth-date requirements. The federal deposit is not automatic; the appropriate election must first be filed.

Children born outside the fouryear eligibility period may still qualify to have Trump Accounts opened for them, but they will not receive the federal seed contribution. IRS guidance generally requires the child to be under 18 at the end of the election year, have a valid Social Security number and have no previous Trump Account election filed on the child’s behalf.

Once established, the account may receive contributions from parents, grandparents, relatives, employers and other eligible contributors, subject to annual fed-

Funds are invested in approved market-based options, generally involving broadly diversified, lowcost stock index funds. The structure is intended to give children long-term exposure to financial markets, although returns are not guaranteed and account values may rise or fall.

Withdrawals are generally restricted during the child’s early years, allowing the assets to remain invested through what federal guidance calls the account’s growth period.

Treasury and the IRS have also issued a safe harbor for certain individual contributions, allowing qualifying donors to avoid gift-tax reporting requirements for those deposits in the applicable year.

Supporters say the program could expand access to longterm investing and give children an early financial foundation. Critics have questioned whether the greatest benefits will go to families with enough disposable income to make substantial additional contributions.

Trump Accounts add a new option to the range of long-term savings vehicles available to families, alongside 529 education plans and custodial Roth IRAs. The accounts differ in contribution rules, tax treatment, investment structure and access to funds, making careful comparison important before families choose where to place long-term savings. The program’s significance will be measured over time, as families decide whether to participate and the accounts begin to accumulate investment returns. If widely used and sustained, Trump Accounts could give more children an early introduction to saving, compounding and longterm asset ownership. (AJPress)

The program has quickly drawn attention from families, employers and financial institutions. Reuters reported that President Donald Trump said more than 500,000 children had received the initial $1,000 deposit by early July. Several companies have also announced plans to contribute to accounts for their employees’ children.

From the Front Page

Sara Duterte impeachment trial...

PAGE 1

tation of evidence. The Senate convened as an impeachment court in an earlier case against Duterte on June 10, 2025, but returned the articles to the House before the scheduled presentation. The Supreme Court later declared those articles unconstitutional.

Four articles allege misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and corruption, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

Duterte denies wrongdoing and calls the case politically motivated. Her lawyers argue that impeachment should not overturn the choice of more than 32 million voters who elected her in 2022. House prosecutors say the case concerns whether she violated the Constitution and betrayed the public trust.

Duterte did not attend the opening session and was represented by counsel. She appeared briefly at the Senate complex the following day but did not enter the trial chamber, telling reporters she expected to emerge “bloodied but unbowed.”

The opening exposed a procedural divide. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called the impeachment court to order, after which senator-judges elected Francis “Chiz” Escudero as presiding officer, 12-8.

Escudero later ruled that conviction would require at least 16 votes, or two-thirds of the Senate’s full 24-member composition.

Lawyers allied with Duterte have asked the Supreme Court to stop the proceedings, challenging the Senate’s rules and Escudero’s authority. No court order had halted the trial that week.

The House voted 257-25, with nine abstentions, on May 11 to

impeach Duterte.

Article I accuses her of misusing or irregularly liquidating P612.5 million in confidential funds — P500 million released to the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million allocated to the Department of Education while she served as education secretary.

Article II alleges unexplained wealth, incomplete financial disclosures and continued business interests while in office. Article III alleges bribery and corruption involving payments to education officials. Duterte disputes the accusations, and the Senate has made no finding on them.

Prosecutors began with Article IV, which centers on Duterte’s recorded statements in 2024. During an online news conference in November, she said she had instructed someone to kill Marcos, the first lady and Romualdez if she herself were killed. The House characterizes the remarks as grave threats and conduct that could amount to a culpable constitutional violation, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust. Duterte says the statements were conditional and made in anger over the treatment of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, during a House inquiry.

Her lawyers argue that prosecutors have not established that an assassin existed, that a payment was made or that any concrete step was taken toward an attack.

The prosecution’s first witness, National Bureau of Investigation Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, testified about the bureau’s examination of recordings containing Duterte’s remarks. He said investigators found no indication that the video had been generated through artificial intelligence and described the statements as a serious threat.

Those were the witness’s con-

clusions, not findings by the impeachment court.

During cross-examination, defense lawyers questioned the source and handling of the recordings, Calilung’s methods and the investigation’s scope. They also played footage showing Lopez in distress while detained at the House, presenting it as context for Duterte’s words.

The Senate has not decided whether the recordings establish an impeachable offense. Authentication alone does not settle questions of intent, context and constitutional gravity.

The current trial follows the Supreme Court’s July 25, 2025, decision invalidating the earlier articles. The court ruled that the complaint violated the Constitution’s one-year prohibition against initiating more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official and failed to meet due-process requirements.

The court did not decide the merits. It said its ruling did not absolve Duterte and allowed another complaint after the oneyear period expired. The House approved new articles in May.

An impeachment judgment may include removal and disqualification from public office. It is not a criminal judgment; any criminal case arising from the same conduct would proceed separately.

The trial comes after the collapse of the Marcos-Duterte alliance that won the 2022 election. That rupture defines the political setting but does not prove or disprove any charge.

The opening week addressed only part of one article, leaving the central allegations unresolved. The Senate’s verdict will turn on whether prosecutors can establish an impeachable offense after the defense has tested the evidence and presented its case. (AJPress)

Escudero sets 16-vote threshold...

dence, not a finding by the Senate. The impeachment court has not determined whether the recordings establish an impeachable offense. The proceedings are also facing

a Supreme Court challenge questioning the Senate rules used to elect Escudero as presiding officer. The claims remain pending, and no court order had stopped the trial.

The Senate is expected to con-

tinue receiving evidence when proceedings resume. Duterte’s lawyers will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, contest the prosecution’s exhibits and present a defense before senator-judges vote on each article. n

IFB INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

SNRHA CONTACT PERSON(S) ONLY:

Note: Contact with any other SNRHA staff other than the named within this document is prohibited and will result in your Proposal being rejected. This also includes contact with SNRHA’s Residents and Board of Commissioners. HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOLICITATION

NOTE: Copies of bid documents received from sources other than the SNRHA will cause your bid to be deemed invalid.

Ryan Perry Telephone (702) 477-3142

TDD: (702) 387-1898

Email: https://nevada.ionwave.net/HomePage.aspx or

Linda Simpson Telephone (702) 477-3146 Email: https://nevada.ionwave.net/HomePage.aspx

1.

To Only Download the Solicitation: www.snvrha.org click on Procurement tab, click on “Current Bid Invitations” Downloading Questions: (702) 477-3160.

2.

To Respond, Q&A and Receive Addenda regarding this Solicitation: https://nevada.ionwave.net/HomePage.aspx and please note: you must first register your company in order to access this Solicitation.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 8:30AM (PST), 1750 Marion Dr, LV, NV 89115

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10:00AM (PST)

All questions and answers must be submitted in writing to https://nevada.ionwave.net/HomePage. aspx . Questions and/or requests for clarification will not be responded to after the Q & A deadline date and time.

Monday, August 10, 2026, 10:00AM

2 sealed, hard-copy bids must be submitted by the stated deadline to: Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Procurement Department 340 N. 11th Street, Suite 180 Las Vegas, NV 89101

Electronic bids must be submitted by the deadline date and time as well at https://nevada.ionwave. net/HomePage.aspx . One without the other wil deem your bid non-responsive.

No Public Bid Opening: Results will be posted on the noted websites. Sealed Bids must be received by SNRHA by the deadline date and time. Mailed bids must be post-marked prior to submission deadline to be considered. Unsealed or late bids will be rejected.

New arrest warrants issued vs Marcoleta...

1

Warrant served

The warrant of arrest for violation of Presidential Decree 46 was served to Marcoleta and Defensor.

“It was already served by the sheriff of Sandiganbayan,” according to CIDG-National Capital Region field office chief Col. John Guiagui.

The official has no information if Marcoleta and Defensor already posted P30,000 each in bail for the case.

The PNP said that the Sandiganbayan has issued a commitment order placing Marcoleta under the CIDG’s custody pending trial and until further orders from the court.

“Sen. Marcoleta is still undergoing medical evaluation and treatment at the PNP GH and there is no other commitment order for him to be placed in a detention facility,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan Third Division handling the plunder case against Marcoleta and others over the undisclosed P75-million campaign donations will hear today the status of the lawmaker’s health.

It has received reports from the PNP General Hospital on the medical condition of Marcoleta, which could be tackled during the hearing. Padilla visits MarcoletaSen.

Robinhood Padilla yesterday visited his ally Marcoleta at the PNP General Hospital at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Padilla arrived at the PNP’s premier hospital at around 2:27 p.m. He did not grant an interview with reporters and immediately proceeded to the hospital.

At around 3:57 p.m., Padilla’s vehicle was seen leaving the hospital’s premises.

Security has been tight at the hospital since Monday after Marcoleta was brought to the medical facility due to chest pains and headaches.

Guiagui said Padilla first requested clearance from CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II for his visit.

Since Marcoleta is under their custody, Guiagui said visitors should first coordinate with the CIDG. “Whoever wants to visit must first pass through us because he is under our security watch,” he said.

Marcoleta has dyslipidemia or high cholesterol, based on the latest update that the PNP General Hospital released on Thursday, July 10. Meanwhile, Sen. Robin- hood Padilla on Thursday, July 10 visited Marcoleta. – with reports from Emmanuel Tupas n

Fil-Am ex-cop sentenced to prison for excessive...

1

ee from behind while the man’s legs were shackled and his hands were restrained at his waist. The force sent the victim headfirst into a wall, fracturing his spine before he collapsed to the floor.

Court documents show the victim remained on the floor of his holding cell beside a pool of his own blood for more than two hours before another deputy discovered him.

Abuse of authority

Prosecutors said Flores failed to obtain medical care for the injured detainee and report the use of force to a supervisor, both of which were required under department policy.

“When a law enforcement officer abuses his authority and violates someone’s constitutional rights, there will be serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.

or esbprogram@diversifynevada.com

Flores, who has remained free on bond, was ordered to surrender to prison by Aug. 18, 2026.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office terminated Flores last month following an internal administrative investigation. Because of his conviction, he is permanently barred from serving as a law enforcement officer at any level of government. (Inquirer.net)

The court also found that Flores falsified the inmate status report by including several false statements, including that “no force was used.”

SC issues show-cause order vs Bong Suntay, Ferdinand Topacio over sexist remarks vs Anne Curtis

by cEcilE Baltasar Philstar.com

THE Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order against Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus "Bong" Suntay and Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, asking them to explain why they should not be disbarred over the misogynistic comments they made against Anne Curtis in March.

According to a report by Pilipino STAR Ngayon, an order showed that Suntay and Topacio were given 10 days from July 8 to submit their explanation in person.

On March 3, Suntay publicly made sexist remarks against Curtis during the House of Representatives Committee on Justice hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Defending Duterte's past statement where she said she "imagined" herself "cutting" off President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s head, Suntay said, "Alam mo, minsan, nasa Shangri-La ako, nakita ko si Anne Curtis, ang ganda-ganda pala niya. You know, may desire sa loob ko na nag-init talaga. Na-imagine ko na lang kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari. Pero siyempre, hanggang imagination na lang 'yon. Hindi naman siguro ako puwedeng kasuhan dahil kung anu-ano 'yong na-imagine ko."

Later, by way of an apology, Suntay said his comment was meant to be an analogy, which

Curtis should take as a compliment. Curtis, in a statement, said she did not accept his "non-apology."

Two days later, in his radio program Yes...Yes...Yo! Topacio streamed on DWIZ 882.4, Topacio defended Suntay before taking a similar approach to criticize Curtis' sister, who took to social media to condemn Suntay's remarks, and Gabriela Party-list Representative Sarah Elago.

"Ikaw Jasmine, bakit ka nagpo-post ng mga bikini pictures mo sa social media? Sa mga pahayagan? Hindi ba para ikaw [ay] pagnasahan? Para ikaw ay sumikat?...Bakit sila tintingnan? Magandang babae, sexy. Pagnanasahan ng mga lalaki..." Topacio addressed Jasmine.  He then shared about his desire for Elago.

Ako dati, pinagnasahan ko rin si Sarah Elago, e. Naamoy ko noong hearing namin sa DOJ," Topacio said.  There were numerous calls for the SC to discipline the two men, who are both members of the Philippine Bar, including from Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, and members of the UP Women Lawyers' Circle, Inc.  In its resolution promulgated on June 3, but made public only on July 8, the SC wrote, "A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on one's

fitness to practice law, nor behave in a scandalous manner, whether in public or private life, to the discredit of the legal profession. After all, the practice of law is a privilege given only to a few, and it is granted only to those of good moral character."

Additionally, the Court wrote that it is treating the consolidated complaints against Suntay and Topacio as "a formal administrative complaint for disbarment" and has re-docketed, or reclassified, it as a regular disbarment case.

“Representative Suntay and Atty. Topacio are ordered to show cause why they should not be meted the ultimate penalty of disbarment by filing with the Court their respective comments within a non-extendable period of 10 days from receipt of this resolution," the SC wrote.

This is not the only disciplinary action lodged against Suntay. On June 3, the House of Representatives ordered him to complete a gender sensitivity seminar, perform voluntary community service, and give a televised apology to Curtis and all women over his sexist remarks. Further, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges found Suntay guilty of disorderly behavior for his "improper statements" and was given a disciplinary action of reprimand.

As of writing, neither Suntay nor Topacio have given comments regarding the show-cause order.  n

292 Filipino-Americans to join Very Important Pinoy Tour

by andrEw ronquillo Philstar.com

MANILA — Up to 292 Filipino-Americans will join government-guided tours in Manila, Dumaguete and Cebu from July 12 to 21 as part of the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, a flagship program that reconnects participants with their Filipino heritage through culture, history and tourism.

Organized by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, the 10-day program allows participants to experience Filipino culture and hospitality while exploring some of the country’s top aand emerging tourist destinations.

Upon arrival in Manila, participants will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument before choosing from tours to Tagaytay, Pagsanjan Falls or Hidden Valley. They may also opt for a community immersion with Project PEARLS in Tondo, a heritage tour of Intramuros and Binondo or visits to Antipolo Cathedral and Pinto Art Museum.

The itinerary then shifts to the Visayas, where participants will visit Dumaguete City and tour its

museums, cathedral and the Dumaguete Belfry. Optional day trips to Siquijor and Apo Islands will also be offered, featuring swimming activities.

Travel and tourism company Rajah Tours Philippines chairman Alejandra Clemente said this year’s itinerary highlights unique destinations in the Visayas. The Cebu leg offers participants a choice of adventure and cultural experiences, including the Oslob whale shark encoun-

ter, Kawasan Falls canyoneering, the Moalboal sardine run and a Southern Cebu pilgrimage, culinary and heritage tour. Participants may enjoy island-hopping activities, wellness treatments and an optional day tour of Bohol.

Launched 25 years ago as a joint initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism, the VIP Tour has brought thousands of Filipino-Americans to the Philippines to rediscover their roots and reunite with their heritage. n

Iran conflict renews pressure on oil...

PAGE 1

shipping costs and insurance premiums worldwide.

Before the conflict, roughly onefifth of global petroleum supplies moved through the strait, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Any sustained disruption could increase the cost of gasoline, air travel, freight, manufacturing and electricity, placing additional pressure on households and businesses.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, moved above $80 a barrel during the week before retreating. U.S. oil followed a similar pattern. The swings were significant but did not indicate that markets were pricing in a prolonged shutdown of Gulf exports.

Stocks were also volatile rather than uniformly lower. Airlines, cruise operators, homebuilders

and industrial companies came under pressure because of their exposure to fuel expenses and borrowing costs. Technology and semiconductor shares performed more strongly, at times offsetting broader declines.

The conflict adds to the Federal Reserve’s policy challenge. Minutes from its June meeting showed officials concerned that higher energy and production costs could keep inflation above the central bank’s target.

The Fed maintained its benchmark rate at 3.5 percent to 3.75 percent. Continued energy-price pressure could make officials more hesitant to cut rates, prolonging elevated borrowing costs for mortgages, consumer loans and business investment.

The International Monetary Fund has projected global growth

of 3 percent in 2026 and 3.4 percent in 2027. It also raised its estimate for global headline inflation this year to 4.7 percent, saying the decline in inflation underway since early 2024 had stalled.

Oil-importing economies in Asia and Europe face particular exposure. Higher prices can weaken trade balances, increase government fuel subsidies and raise household expenses. Energy exporters may benefit from stronger revenues, although those gains could be offset by weaker demand and regional instability.

The week’s market swings offered no clear economic direction. They showed instead that oil prices, inflation expectations and interest-rate forecasts remain closely tied to military developments, diplomatic signals and the security of Gulf shipping routes. n

Jinggoy Estrada withdraws request...

“Finding the withdrawal to be in order,” the Second Division deemed the motion withdrawn and declared its directive requiring a prosecution response moot. The order did not indicate whether Estrada’s lawyers intended to refile the request with the Fifth Division. Sandiganbayan records show that the Fifth Division is overseeing one case alleging a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and another alleging plunder. The court earlier found sufficient grounds to issue arrest and hold-departure orders against Estrada and his co-accused.

A probable-cause determination allows a criminal prosecution to proceed but does not establish the guilt of the accused. The Office of the Ombudsman has accused Estrada, former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan and other former public works officials of participating in an alleged scheme involving about P573 million in illicit payouts linked to flood-control projects. Estrada has denied wrongdoing and said he would defend himself through the judicial process. The allegations have not been proved at trial. Estrada surrendered on June 1 and remains detained at the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas. Because plunder is punishable by reclusion perpetua, bail is subject to judicial determination. A court must hold a hearing and deny bail if the prosecution demonstrates that the evidence of guilt is strong. Separately, Estrada is serving

a 90-day preventive suspension from the Senate that took effect June 22 in connection with the graft case before the Second Division. Senate officials said the order temporarily bars him from performing his legislative duties and receiving his salary and benefits.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has said the suspension also covers Estrada’s functions as a senator-judge in the impeachment trial. Preventive suspension is a pretrial measure and does not constitute a finding of criminal liability. The withdrawal leaves unclear whether Estrada’s lawyers will submit the request to the Fifth Division and, if they do, whether the court will permit him to attend any part of the impeachment proceedings. n

Cebu court grants P1 million bail to Sarah Discaya over Davao Occidental ghost project raps

by GidEon tinsay Philstar.com

CONTRACTOR Sarah Dis-

caya has been allowed to post P1 million bail after a court in Lapu-Lapu City granted her petition while she faces trial over the alleged P96.5 million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental. Despite the ruling, she remains detained due to a separate non-bailable malversation case filed by the Ombudsman.

As reported by The Freeman, Judge Nelson G. Leyco of RTC Branch 27, in a July 7 resolution, ruled that the prosecution had not presented strong evidence showing that Discaya actively participated in the alleged crime.

The court said no prosecution witness testified about Discaya's involvement in implementing the project.

“As far as Discaya is concerned, the evidence is not strong in showing her active participation in the crime,” the 15-page resolution read.

“At this point in time, the pieces of evidence highlighted by the prosecution are not yet enough to prove Discaya's instrumen-

tal participation in committing the criminal act of falsifying the documents, or in conspiring with the other accused. As such, this Court has to afford her the Constitutional right to post bail during the pendency of the main trial in this case,” the resolution continued.

Leyco also cited Supreme Court decisions stating that company officers cannot be held criminally liable solely because of their position. He added that there must be proof that the officer joined the offense or had the authority to stop it.

The court also granted bail to DPWH Davao Occidental Acting Finance Section Chief Czar Ryan S. Ubungen, setting it at P300,000, while the eight remaining accused were denied bail after the court found strong evidence against them.

The charges are linked to the alleged ghost flood control project worth P96.5 million along the Culaman River in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. Prosecutors claimed St. Timothy Construction Corp. reported the project as completed in 2022 and received full payment

despite allegations that the project was never completed. Reportedly, a DPWH Central Office inspection found several irregularities and discrepancies in the project documents.

The prosecution also alleged that Discaya was the beneficial owner of the company and took part in the scheme.

The contractor and her husband, Curlee, have been embroiled in the flood control issue since 2025, when it was discovered that several of their construction firms were connected to numerous "ghost" flood control projects across the country.  In December, Discaya was arrested and detained in connection with the alleged ghost flood control project. Discaya will likely remain in detention due to a separate, non-bailable malversation warrant from the Malolos City RTC. The Ombudsman filed the charges after finding that payments for a P53.9-million flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan, were released without an approved disbursement voucher. n

Philippines pushes back on Chinese...

PAGE 1

ippines and Japan.

According to that account, participants argued that Batanes is a natural geographic extension of Taiwan, that the Ivatan people share cultural and linguistic links with Indigenous communities there, and that the islands fall outside the boundary described in the 1898 Treaty of Paris. Those remain the assertions of the symposium participants, not independently established findings.

Reuters reported that Beijing had not formally endorsed the position. The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to the news agency’s request for comment on Teodoro’s remarks. The distinction matters: The argument was advanced at an academic gathering and carried by Chinese state-run media, but had not been announced as Chinese government policy.

The documentary record ex-

tends beyond the 1898 treaty cited by the scholars. Under the Treaty of Washington signed in 1900, Spain relinquished to the United States its title and claims to islands belonging to the Philippine archipelago outside the earlier treaty’s geographic lines. Batanes was not identified by name, but the agreement is part of the record relevant to islands excluded from the 1898 boundaries.

Administrative laws provide documentation. Act No. 1693 established Batanes as a subprovince of Cagayan in 1907. Act No. 1952 created the Province of Batanes in 1909, covering islands north of the Balingtang Channel, now commonly spelled Balintang, and naming Santo Domingo de Basco as its capital.

The 1946 Treaty of General Relations recognized Philippine independence and provided that the Philippines would assume continuing obligations under the 1898

and 1900 treaties. Together, the treaties and statutes document the administration of Batanes within the Philippines.

Teodoro said the symposium might signal a broader Chinese strategic intention and should be challenged. His comments were an assessment by the defense secretary; Beijing had not formally adopted the scholars’ conclusions. Batanes lies about 160 kilometers south of Taiwan along the Luzon Strait, a key passage between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The province has become important in security planning and has hosted joint Philippine-U.S. military exercises. The symposium followed the Philippines and Japan’s May decision to begin negotiations on the boundary of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves. China objected, saying the talks would affect maritime rights it claims east of Taiwan. n

FeAtures OPiniOn

Beyond centre court: What we were really cheering for

EVERY generation inherits its own defining figures.

Some emerge from public office, science, the arts or business. Every so often, one appears on a playing field and reminds an entire people that excellence has no fixed address.

This summer, that person was Alex Eala.

Editorial

Her Wimbledon journey ended before championship weekend. In the language of sports, she lost. But the scoreboard could not measure everything that had already taken place.

The Philippine flags in the stands, the cheers from the crowd and the millions following from different parts of the world reflected more than support for one athlete. They expressed a deeper desire: to see a Filipino enter one of the world’s most demanding arenas not as a curiosity or an inspirational side story, but as a serious contender.

We were cheering for Alex Eala. We were also cheering for something in ourselves.

Filipinos everywhere know what it means to enter unfamiliar rooms, adapt to new systems and prove themselves in places that may not immediately recognize their abilities. Many have built lives far from where they began, carrying responsibilities for families in more than one country. Their names may never appear on a scoreboard, but they understand the discipline required to keep going when recognition is slow and the outcome uncertain.

That is why Eala’s Wimbledon run resonated be-

is abundantly clear: there is strong and growing interest in the Philippines from global investors, business leaders and strategic partners who continue to see our country as one of Asia’s most promising emerging economies.

The Philippines remains attractive for many reasons. Our demographics are favorable. Our consumer market is vibrant. Our workforce is young, highly skilled, English-speaking and globally competitive. Our geographic location is strategic, which is a distinct advantage as global supply chains continue shifting across the Indo-Pacific.

A few days ago, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development or DEPDev (formerly the National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA) announced that the Philippines has officially entered the World Bank’s Upper-Middle Income Country (UMIC) status – a “historic milestone that is driven by sustained growth, sound macroeconomic management and long-term structural re-

AMAZING, the cynicism that greeted the World Bank’s July 1, 2026 upgrade of the Philippines into an upper-middle income country (UMIC), with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $4,850 – $214 more than the $4,636 threshold in 2025. In this year’s update to the World Bank Group Country Income Classifications, five countries became upper-middle income class: Jordan, Micronesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Each has a different story to tell. A country emerging from economic crisis, an export powerhouse outpacing its peers and an economy that turned out to be 10 percent larger than previously thought are just three of them.

“The Philippines achieved its reclassification through broad-based expansion. GDP grew at an average of 5.8 per-

yond tennis. She entered one of the sport’s most demanding courts with composure, preparation and purpose. She did not treat the occasion as a place she was merely fortunate to reach. She entered it as a competitor.

Too often, Filipinos are taught to regard access itself as an achievement, to be grateful simply for being included. Gratitude has its place, but entry is only the beginning. The real measure is what one does once inside: contribute, challenge and, when the opportunity comes, prevail.

Eala’s journey also reminds us that confidence need not be arrogance and humility need not require self-erasure. The patience, adaptability and hard work for which Filipinos are known have helped generations survive and advance. But patience should not become passivity, humility should not become silence, and gratitude should not prevent us from asking for fairness or demanding higher standards.

Across countries and time zones, Filipinos followed the same match, carried by the same hope and invested in every point. We know how to show up for our own.

Yet support should not begin only when success becomes visible. We are often most generous after the breakthrough, when the world has already taken notice.

investments are waiting in the wings

Every July 1, the World Bank’s Development Data Group updates the classifications according to gross national income (GNI) per capita estimates from the previous year. And in the new country income classifications released by the World Bank last Wednesday, the Philippines’ GNI per capita was at $4,850, exceeding the UMIC threshold of $4,636. According to the global financial institution, “The Philippines achieved its reclassification through broad-based expansion. GDP grew at an average of 5.8 percent per year over five years, reflecting gains across all major industries, not a single sector boom, but an economy-wide shift.”

Over the past several months, I have been in communication with numerous business leaders and investors from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Europe and our ASEAN neighbors. Many are seriously looking at the Philippines for major investments in infrastructure, digital technology, energy, manufacturing, logistics, agribusiness and even defense-related indus-

tries.

The interest is real, and the capital is available. The opportunities are definitely enormous. But there is one major concern repeatedly raised in discussions with investors: political instability.

Investors do not like uncertainty. Capital is cautious, and money moves where there is confidence, stability and predictability. Understandably, no serious investor wants to commit billions of dollars in longterm projects if political noise dominates the national conversation. When headlines are filled with endless political wrangling, investigations driven by political agendas, personal attacks and institutional conflict, investors naturally ask difficult questions. Will policies remain stable? Will projects survive political transitions? Will economic priorities remain protected? Can institutions function efficiently? These are legitimate concerns. But the unfortunate reality, however, is that excessive political noise can create hesitation. It can slow decision-maku PAGE 7

upper-middle income means

cent per year over five years, reflecting gains across all major industries, not a single sector boom, but an economy-wide shift,” said the World Bank. The Philippines had emerged from its worst economic crisis in a century, the 9.5 percent GDP growth decline in 2020 due to COVID. Under Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the economy grew by a 5.8 percent average in the first four years of his presidency – 7.6 percent in 2022, 5.8 percent in 2023 and 2024 and 4.4 percent in 2025. In GNI value, growth was even more remarkable – 9.9 percent in 2022, 10.4 percent in 2023, 7.7 percent in 2024 and 6.1 percent in 2025, an average of 8.6 percent in four years. Subtract yearly population growth of 1.4 percent, you get net per capita GNI growth of 7.2 percent per year. Your income, here and abroad combined, has been growing by 7.2 percent, yearly, despite the population expanding

We celebrate the finished performance without asking who financed the training, found the mentor or sustained the person through the years when recognition was absent.

How many gifted Filipinos abandon their ambitions because education is too expensive, opportunities are too limited or connections matter more than ability? A country cannot depend forever on excep-

TO be strict and factual, we commemorate every June 12, the proclamation of independence that took place in 1898, but not independence itself. Independence in terms of belonging to the family of nations is reckoned as July 4, 1946, enshrined by law as Philippine Republic Day. We are a people for whom any consensus is so hard to achieve, so that, in hoping to achieve a consensus, we are willing to paper over many inconvenient truths. Instead, appearances are everything, as it is easier to find form satisfying instead of substance; we prefer June 12 not because it was the start (the revolution against Spain began in August 1896) or the end (accepted by the world as a fact, in July 1946), but because it had all the feel-good pomp of what we feel an independence day should feature: a band playing an anthem, a flag presented to the people, a president—indeed, a generalissimo—to take the salute.

At his inaugural in 1943, then President Jose P. Laurel orated that, “I consider as rallying cen-

tional individuals overcoming exceptional obstacles.

Eala’s rise was not produced by talent alone. It required discipline, family sacrifice, professional training and an environment capable of turning promise into sustained performance. The proper response is not merely to

ters of our national unity: the Flag, the Constitution, the National Anthem, and the President of the Republic. The Flag, because it symbolizes the sacrifices of our heroes and synthesizes our common imperishable tradition. The Constitution, because it expresses our collective and sovereign will and embodies the sum of our political philosophy and experience. The National Anthem, because it epitomizes the trials and tribulations, and crystallizes the longings and aspirations of our race, the President, because he is the chosen leader of our people, the directing and coordinating center of our government, and the visible personification of the State.” He wasn’t merely being self-serving; he was proposing a definition that was already widely accepted and remains so. Here the incarnation of the nation in the person of the President—originally, Emilio Aguinaldo—is significant and points to the feebleness of taking an institutional approach, because our institutions are precisely quite often window-dressing for personal regimes. We count our present republic as the fifth: our first being Malolos, the second under Laurel, the third beginning with Roxas, the fourth with Marcos alone, and the fifth from Cory

Aquino to the present. But why should we?

But these are arbitrary distinctions, supposedly based on Constitutions that bookend our various regimes, with no room for the Katipunan, or the “Biakna-Bato Republic,” and where Malolos itself is a place—a name overshadowed by Aguinaldo at his mansion in Kawit, or even, as Nick Joaquin once pointed out, the Philippine Executive Commission under Jorge Vargas (since you count Laurel anyway): and only made possible, besides, by a conspiracy to ignore the rulings of the Supreme Court, which declared (G.R. No. L-5, Sept. 17, 1945) the so-called “Second Republic” illegal and therefore, null and void. But you couldn’t very well ignore those who’d served in that impostor government, and as they rose in the ranks, they accomplished their ex post facto historical rehabilitation. This is the window dressing. A more reasonable case could be made for our present republic being the second. The first, stretching (as not only intended, but made explicit by the framers of the 1935 Constitution) from the Commonwealth to the judicial assassination of that republic in January 1973; and the second, u PAGE 8

by 1.4 percent yearly, to the present 117 million people.

In 2025, the GNI per capita was $4,850. In the World Bank, once you earn $4,636 GNI per capita, you are automatically upgraded to upper-middle income, from lower-middle income category (LMIC).

Since 1987, or for 38 years, or nearly four decades, the Philippines had languished at being an LMIC – medyo rich pero hindi naman.

The difference between GDP and GNI is where production happens. GDP measures local production; GNI measures both national (or domestic) and international production or money coming in or earned abroad.

Under BBM, GDP growth averaged 5.8 percent per year; GNI growth averaged 7.2 percent. Deduct 5.8 from 7.2, you get 1.4 percent. The 1.4 percentage points are the contribution mainly of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or expats who u PAGE 7

WHEN President Marcos called Congress to a special session last June 17 through Proclamation No. 1318, the administration listed the following bills that lawmakers should urgently act on:

1. Amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act

2. Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act

3. Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDA) Schools Act

4. Presidential Merit Scholarship Program

5. Anti-Political Dynasty law

6. Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act

7. Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act

However, it is important to ask whether these bills directly ad-

dress the most urgent concerns of Filipinos. Based on Pulse Asia’s March 2026 survey, the most urgent concerns of Filipinos have not changed much from last year. Controlling inflation, or the continued increase in the prices of goods and services, remains the country’s top concern. It was cited by 59 percent of respondents.

This is followed by: Fighting graft and corruption in government (47 percent), reducing poverty (21 percent), and creating more jobs (21 percent).

The results show that many Filipinos are mainly worried about the rising cost of daily needs, corruption, jobs, and the quality of wages. From this point of view, the priorities under Proclamation No. 1318 only partly match what the public considers most urgent.

However, inflation, which is the country’s most pressing concern, is not directly addressed. None of the bills directly tackles the main causes of high prices, such as expensive electricity, rising food prices, problems in transport and logistics, or weaknesses in the supply chain. Job creation and quality of wages also receive limited attention.

On governance, the Anti-Political Dynasty bill appears to be the measure most closely related to public accountability and corruption. However, House Bill No. 8389, which passed third reading in the House of Representatives, has been criticized as being too mild. The bill will only prohibit relatives within the second degree by blood or marriage from holding office at the same time in the same political unit. This means political families can still mainu PAGE 8

The strongest connection is poverty reduction. Measures such as the amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act and the GIDA Schools Act aim to improve access to proper nutrition and education, especially for poor and disadvantaged communities.

PAL raises $300 million ahead of plane order

MANILA — Flag carrier Phil-

ippine Airlines (PAL) has raised $300 million from the issuance of senior notes, boosting its war chest ahead of a reported purchase of a new batch of widebody aircraft.

PAL’s subsidiary Primero Agila Ltd. yesterday confirmed that it had priced its landmark offering of $300 million in five-year senior notes.

The notes carry a coupon of 7.75 percent and are guaran-

teed by PAL and Air Philippines Corp. PAL said the notes, with a yield of eight percent, will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. The issuance will be settled on July 16, with maturity on July 16, 2031.

PAL’s bond sale received a BB rating from Fitch Ratings, with the airline continuing to strengthen its financial position following its pandemic-era restructuring.

The carrier is also rebuilding its fleet and requires fresh funds for aircraft acquisitions.

In a report, Bloomberg said PAL is likely to place a firm order for 10 Boeing 787s and 10 Airbus A350s, a move that would further strengthen the airline’s dominance in the longhaul market.

However, PAL chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez said the airline is still weighing its options regarding the reported order, declining to provide details on its current plans.

“Nothing final yet in our plans. We are in a process,” Fernandez told The STAR. n

Political chaos must stop; major investments...

PAGE 6

ing, raise risk perception and cause investors to pause and even delay commitments. Or worse – they can just redirect capital elsewhere.

And in today’s competitive environment, investors have many choices. Vietnam is moving very aggressively, Indonesia continues attracting major industrial investments and India remains a powerful magnet for global manufacturing. Other economies are also competing fiercely for every available dollar. We cannot expect, much less assume, that investors will wait forever.

For the Philippines, this is a critical moment. Global economic realignment presents a rare opportunity. Companies are diversifying supply chains. Strategic industries are relocating. Governments are encouraging trusted economic partnerships.

This is our moment. But moments can be lost. I have said this before, and I will say this again: economic security is national security. Jobs creation, industrial growth, infrastructure expansion, energy resilience and technology development all depend heavily on investments. These investments create thousands of employment opportunities, improve incomes and quality of life, strengthen the middle class and reduce poverty. In any democracy, political rivalry and competition is par

for the course. While debate is healthy, accountability is also essential. But more importantly, there must be a very clear distinction between constructive governance and destructive chaos. We all know very well that every delayed project means delayed jobs. Every postponed investment means lost opportunities for Filipino workers and their families. And this is why political maturity matters.

The good news though is that the Philippines still has strong fundamentals. Growth prospects remain solid, and international confidence in our long-term potential remains intact. But confidence must be protected. Government must stay focused on the fundamentals: economic growth, inflation control, infrastructure development, energy security, food security, digital modernization and jobs generation. These priorities must not be overshadowed by political noise and distraction. This is not the time for self-inflicted wounds – this is the time for discipline, maturity and national focus. The public wants solutions – not endless political theater. Businesses want policy consistency – not noise. Investors want confidence and assurance of stability – not confusion.

Be that as it may, I remain optimistic because I have seen firsthand that many foreign investors continue to express

strong interest in the Philippines and are keen to explore opportunities. Most of all, they continue to believe in the Filipino.

But they are watching and waiting – for clearer signals, for greater stability and for reassurance that politics will not derail economic progress. The opportunity before us is extraordinary. Major investments are indeed waiting in the wings.

In a recent conversation with a veteran international investor who has spent decades studying emerging markets, he shared an observation that stayed with me. He said, “Countries rarely lose opportunities because they lack potential. They lose opportunities because they fail to inspire confidence.”

That statement struck me because it perfectly captures where we are today. The Philippines has tremendous potential, but political noise can distract from the country’s economic prosperity agenda. What we need now is confidence, stability and unity of purpose. Political chaos must stop – because the future of our economy may well depend on it. We’re begging…  tama na please! (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

What upper-middle income means...

PAGE 6 number 12 million scattered in more than 130 countries.

In 2025, our GDP was P28.010 trillion; GNI was P32.198.8 trillion. The P4.188-trillion difference (P31.19 trillion less P28.01 trillion) is the income earned by the Philippines from production abroad. That’s the work mostly of our OFWs.

So when you denigrate the Philippines’ upgrade to upper middle income country (UMIC) status, you in effect denigrate the hard work, compassion, professionalism and excellence of our 12 million Filipino expats who contribute P13 of every P100 produced by the total economy yearly.

There are 25 million Filipino families. If each of the 12 million Filipino expats has a family, it means nearly half, 48 percent, of total Filipino families, have an OFW.

“The milestone (to UMIC) affirms the effectiveness of the government’s economic policies implemented over the four years,” said Marcos Jr.

“After nearly four decades as a lower-middle income country since 1987, this milestone affirms that the economic policies we have pursued over the past four years have been effective,” the President said in a video message.

“Our steady economic growth, broadly stable currency and long-term reforms have strengthened our economy even amid global uncertainties. It validates the progress we have

made and the resilience of the Filipino people,” gushed the Chief Executive with considerable pride. Also, the feat is a vote of confidence in the country’s future, as greater confidence means more investment, which in turn leads to more businesses, better-quality jobs and more opportunities for Filipinos.

Economic progress is not meant to stay on paper, the President stressed, “it means opening doors, putting food on the table and giving every Filipino the chance to build a better life.”

PBBM vows to continue working “until every family feels the benefits of our country’s progress.”

The country’s UMIC status was driven by sustained growth, sound macroeconomic management and long-term structural reforms, said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. The new classification should strengthen the country’s credit profile, boost investor confidence and expand access to financing and higher-quality investments that generate better jobs for Filipinos, predicts the Department of Economy, Planning and Development. However, Balisacan cautioned, the new classification does not diminish ongoing challenges, noting the priority is “to ensure that growth becomes more inclusive and that it benefits all Filipinos.”

“The Philippines’ move to upper-middle income status is an important milestone that reflects

From first lady to family matriarch, Imelda Marcos turns 97

Nearly a century after her birth, the former first lady remains a familiar figure in Philippine public life, her story encompassing government service, cultural institutions, exile, litigation and a political family now spanning three generations.

by AJPress

MANILA — The photographs released for Imelda Romualdez Marcos’s 97th birthday place several versions of her life beside one another.

There is the young woman in a formal terno, the first lady beside President Ferdinand Marcos and, in later images, the family matriarch surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marked his mother’s July 2 birthday with a personal tribute.

“Few are blessed with the gift of celebrating 97 years,” he wrote, describing her as the heart of a family that now reaches across four generations.

The message was a son’s portrait of his mother. Her public biography is considerably broader.

For more than six decades, Imelda Marcos has occupied a distinctive place in Philippine life. She has been first lady, governor of Metropolitan Manila, minister of human settlements, legislator, presidential candidate and member of the House of Representatives. Her name became associated with cultural institutions, specialized hospitals and large public buildings. Her life also encompassed the fall of her husband’s government, exile, court proceedings and the family’s political return.

Born in Manila on July 2, 1929, Imelda Remedios Visitacion Romualdez spent much of her youth in Tacloban, Leyte. She became known through singing engagements and beauty competitions before entering Manila’s social and political circles.

In 1954, she married Ferdinand Marcos, then a congressman from Ilocos Norte. He later became a senator, Senate president and, in 1965, president of the Philippines. At 36, she entered Malacañang as first lady.

Her butterfly-sleeved ternos became internationally recognizable, while her appearances abroad made her one of the administration’s most visible representatives. Her role soon extended beyond ceremony.

In 1975, Marcos became governor of the Metropolitan Manila Commission. She later served as minister of human settlements and as a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa, holding formal authority in metropolitan administration, housing, community development and related infrastructure.

Her public record remains linked to institutions still operating today. The Cultural Center of the Philippines identifies her as the first chair of its board of trustees. The Philippine Heart Center recognizes her as its founding chair, while the Philippine International Convention Center records that she commissioned the complex in the 1970s.

These institutions are among the most visible products of her years in government. Their cul-

tural and medical roles have endured, while their scale, cost and place within national priorities remain part of historical discussion about the period.

Ferdinand Marcos placed the country under martial law in 1972, citing insurgency, separatist conflict and threats to public order. Congress ceased functioning, political opponents were detained and major news organizations were closed or placed under government restrictions. Imelda Marcos continued to hold senior government positions during much of that era.

The Philippine government later enacted Republic Act No. 10368, recognizing and providing reparations for victims of killings, torture, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and other human-rights violations committed during the Marcos regime. The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board recognized 11,103 victims. That official record is essential historical context, although it does not by itself constitute a criminal judgment against Imelda Marcos personally.

The Marcos government ended in February 1986 after a disputed election, military defections and the People Power uprising. The family left Malacañang for Hawaii, where Ferdinand Marcos died in 1989.

Imelda Marcos returned to the Philippines in 1991, beginning a political and legal second act. Civil and criminal proceedings involving her produced differing outcomes, including acquittals, dismissals, forfeiture judgments involving specified assets and a 2018 graft conviction that she appealed.

In June 2026, the Sandiganbayan separately dismissed the

unresolved claims in a long-running civil forfeiture case after the government declined to present further evidence concerning the remaining properties. Court records show that the ruling did not reverse four earlier partial judgments in the case.

Her return also led back to elective office. Marcos ran for president in 1992, won a House seat from Leyte in 1995 and later served three terms representing Ilocos Norte’s second district. Her children extended the family’s political presence. Imee Marcos represented Ilocos Norte in the House, served three terms as provincial governor and was elected to the Senate in 2019. She won a second Senate term in 2025. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. served as governor, congressman and senator before winning the presidency in 2022, returning the family to Malacañang 36 years after its departure.

A third generation now holds office. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, the president’s eldest son, represents Ilocos Norte’s first district and serves as House majority leader. Imee Marcos’s son Matthew Marcos Manotoc, who served as Ilocos Norte governor from 2019 to 2025, is now the province’s vice governor. At 97, Imelda Marcos appears less frequently in public. Recent photographs present her primarily as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, seated at the center of a family whose place in Philippine politics has endured across generations.

Her birthday is first a family milestone. It is also an occasion to look back on a public life that has unfolded alongside many of the Philippines’ defining political and cultural changes. n

years of steady economic progress. It signals that the country’s productive capacity and incomes have improved over time,” chimed in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona, adding:

“The move underscores the importance of the efforts to preserve macroeconomic stability and sustain structural reforms by the national government. On the part of the BSP, it underlines the importance of managing inflation to encourage investment and protect the purchasing power of Filipino households; maintaining adequate international reserves to ensure confidence; ensuring banks are solid and able to support economic growth and payment systems are modernized to provide businesses and consumers fast and safe transfers.”

For his part, Finance Secretary Frederick Go sees the Philippines’ UMIC status as “an affirmation of the reforms and policies that the government has consistently pursued to strengthen our economic fundamentals and create more opportunities for our people. Now, we must continue to build on these gains so that the benefits of economic development reach more Filipinos.”

(Philstar.com)

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: biznewsasia@gmail.com

Back to Palace: Benhur Abalos appointed Cabinet secretary

by Renalyn RamiRez Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday, July 8, named President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s longtime ally and former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. as Cabinet secretary.

Abalos is set to take his oath this afternoon, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro.

PAGE 6

Abalos is expected to give strategic advice to Marcos on national, local and international political issues and serve as an intermediary between the president and local and national government agencies, organizations and sectoral groups.

Abalos served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government from 2022 to 2024 before he ran for senator on Marcos' slate in 2025 but lost the race. n

Beyond Centre Court...

ciety helps more people develop their gifts before the world notices them.

That means stronger schools, accessible programs, qualified mentors, scholarships and transparent systems of advancement. It means giving girls the same opportunities as boys, valuing excellence outside the capital and recognizing potential before it produces trophies or international attention.

Heroes can enlarge a nation’s sense of possibility, but they should not become substitutes for functioning systems. Their achievements should compel governments, schools, businesses and communities to widen opportunity for those who come after them.

The best tribute is not applause alone. It is preparation.

Will we build the courts, strengthen the schools, mentor the young and support talent before they become famous? Will Filipinos who have succeeded abroad create pathways for oth-

ers? Will those in positions of influence widen access rather than preserve advantage?

Her defeat does not diminish the lesson. Sport is unsentimental. There is always another opponent, another weakness to confront and another day when preparation may not be enough. Progress is not erased because it stops short of a championship. The same is true in life. Not every risk will end in victory or every sacrifice be rewarded immediately. But there is dignity in preparation, courage in attempting what once seemed distant and power in refusing to let inherited limitations dictate the future.

What were we really cheering for?

We were cheering for a young Filipina who met pressure with discipline and possibility with courage.

We were cheering for every Filipino who has entered an unfamiliar place and refused to be intimidated: the nurse on the night shift, the teacher in an overcrowded classroom, the seafarer far from

home, the caregiver separated from her children, the student working two jobs, the small-business owner risking savings and the parent whose sacrifices may never be publicly known.

We were cheering for the hope that Filipino excellence can be cultivated from the beginning, not merely praised after years of struggle.

Most of all, we were cheering for the conviction that the circumstances from which we begin should not determine how far we are permitted to go. Alex Eala gave Filipinos a moment of shared pride. What we do with that moment is now up to us. We can admire her and move on. Or we can accept the harder lesson: national pride carries responsibility.

It asks us to support one another before success is assured, to build institutions worthy of our talent and to create opportunities broad enough to reach Filipinos wherever they may be.

That would be the victory beyond the scoreboard. (AJPress)

Reli German, campaign strategist and opposition organizer, dies at 86

A public relations executive who worked across rival political camps, he helped establish the August Twenty-One Movement after the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.

by AJPress

MANILA — Alex Eala will return briefly to the Philippines before beginning the North American hard-court portion of her season, with the Mubadala DC Open in Washington listed as her next tournament.

Her stay will include a fan gathering on July 15 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. The appearance falls between her career-best Grand Slam run at Wimbledon and the start of the Washington main draw on July 27.

The 21-year-old reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, becoming the first player representing the Philippines to advance to the second week of a Grand Slam singles tournament.

Seeded 29th, Eala opened with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa. She then rallied past Australia’s Maya Joint, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, before defeating defending champion and third seed Iga Świątek, 7-6 (9), 6-2, on Centre Court. Her run ended against 13th-seeded Jasmine Paolini,

the 2024 Wimbledon finalist, who won their fourth-round match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Wimbledon completed a productive grass-court stretch for Eala. In June, she won the WTA 125 tournament in Birmingham, recovering from a set down to defeat Nikola Bartůňková, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, in the final.

The move to hard courts begins the next phase of the calendar and leads toward the US Open in New York.

Eala is scheduled to compete in Washington alongside Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, Paolini and Venus Williams. Entries remain subject to change before the draw.

Also entered is defending champion Leylah Fernandez, the Canadian player whose mother is Filipino Canadian and whose father is from Ecuador.

The WTA has described Fernandez and Eala as two leading tour players of Filipino heritage. Fernandez won the 2025 Washington title with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Anna Kalinskaya. The result made her the first Canadian woman to win the tour-

nament and gave her a fourth career WTA singles title at the time.

Fernandez and Eala first met on tour in Stuttgart in April, with Fernandez winning in straight sets. Another meeting in Washington would depend on the draw and their results.

The Mubadala DC Open will hold qualifying July 25 and 26, followed by the main draw from July 27 through Aug. 2 at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.

The tournament is part of Eala’s preparation for the US Open, which runs from Aug. 23 through Sept. 13. Main-draw singles competition begins Aug. 30.

Eala reached the second round in New York last year after defeating Clara Tauson in three sets, becoming the first Filipino player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles main-draw match.

Washington will begin the next phase of a season that has already produced Eala’s deepest Grand Slam result to date and first professional singles title on grass. n

The Republic at 80...

6

from 1987 (the ratification of Edsa in the plebiscite that approved our present Constitution) up to now.

This properly places in context all the other regimes. First, under Filipinos, of which there were three: 1. the various ad hoc governments organized under Aguinaldo from 1897 to 1901 as he alone, including his authority and the institutions he caused to be made (and often ignored) was the lynchpin of all authority; 2. under Marcos from January 1973 to February 1986; 3. under Aquino from 1986 to 1987, when she ruled by decree. And second, under foreign military occupation, under the Americans from 1901 to 1935, and the Japanese from 1942 to 1945. What all had in common was the absence of a direct electoral mandate from the Filipino people (to be sure, Aqui-

no would be in a gray area since the outcome of the snap election was contested, but this was ratified in a free and not controlled plebiscite unlike the Marcos years).

But for most of us, it’s just a blurred sequence of National Bookstore postcards of presidential portraits flashed quickly so as to prevent any inconvenient questions about the chronology. We have been independent for 80 years, what happened? The first was what everyone expected would happen, didn’t, unlike among our neighbors, where it did. By which I mean the trajectory of the colonies aspiring to become nations was the emergence of dominant independence movements, which then became monolithic political parties lasting through the first two generations of independence. Ours was the reverse, we were

advanced in having a dominant party before World War II, but it didn’t survive the social and political fracture of the Japanese Occupation and led to an artificial, because ultimately factional, divide clawing at each other from 1946 to 1973, while increasingly incapable of facing down internal challenges. In contrast, Indonesia had the PNI from 1950-59, and authoritarianism under Sukarno and Suharto to 1998; Malaysia had UMNO from 1957 to 2018; Singapore, the PAP from 1959 to the present. (Inquirer.net) (To be continued.)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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

Alex Eala shifts focus to North American hard courts after Wimbledon run

After a brief return to the Philippines, the Filipina is scheduled to resume competition in Washington, where defending champion Leylah Fernandez will be among a field featuring two players of Filipino heritage.

by AJPress

MANILA — Alex Eala will return briefly to the Philippines before beginning the North American hard-court portion of her season, with the Mubadala DC Open in Washington listed as her next tournament.

Her stay will include a fan gathering on July 15 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. The appearance falls between her career-best Grand Slam run at Wimbledon and the start of the Washington main draw on July 27.

The 21-year-old reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, becoming the first player representing the Philippines to advance to the second week of a Grand Slam singles tournament.

Seeded 29th, Eala opened with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa. She then rallied past Australia’s Maya Joint, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, before defeating defending champion and third seed Iga Świątek, 7-6 (9), 6-2, on Centre Court.

Her run ended against 13th-seeded Jasmine Paolini,

the 2024 Wimbledon finalist, who won their fourth-round match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Wimbledon completed a productive grass-court stretch for Eala. In June, she won the WTA 125 tournament in Birmingham, recovering from a set down to defeat Nikola Bartůňková, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, in the final. The move to hard courts begins the next phase of the calendar and leads toward the US Open in New York. Eala is scheduled to compete in Washington alongside Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, Paolini and Venus Williams. Entries remain subject to change before the draw.

Also entered is defending champion Leylah Fernandez, the Canadian player whose mother is Filipino Canadian and whose father is from Ecuador. The WTA has described Fernandez and Eala as two leading tour players of Filipino heritage.

Fernandez won the 2025 Washington title with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Anna Kalinskaya. The result made her the first Canadian woman to win the tour-

nament and gave her a fourth career WTA singles title at the time. Fernandez and Eala first met on tour in Stuttgart in April, with Fernandez winning in straight sets. Another meeting in Washington would depend on the draw and their results.

The Mubadala DC Open will hold qualifying July 25 and 26, followed by the main draw from July 27 through Aug. 2 at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.

The tournament is part of Eala’s preparation for the US Open, which runs from Aug. 23 through Sept. 13. Main-draw singles competition begins Aug. 30.

Eala reached the second round in New York last year after defeating Clara Tauson in three sets, becoming the first Filipino player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles main-draw match.

Washington will begin the next phase of a season that has already produced Eala’s deepest Grand Slam result to date and first professional singles title on grass. n

The Filipinos’ most urgent concerns...

tain their influence by holding different positions in other areas or at different levels of government.

Recommendations: We believe the following proposed measures, which were already included in the administration’s broader Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) agenda, would have a stronger impact on the most urgent concerns of Filipinos:

1. Amendments to the bank deposit secrecy law would allow authorized government agencies, with proper legal safeguards, to access bank records in investigations involving tax evasion, corruption, money laundering, and other illegal activities. This would greatly improve transparency,

Filipino craftsmanship, sustainability and culinary heritage are redefining the European market

ROOTED in cultural heritage and resourcefulness, the Philippines is transforming sustainable innovation into products with global appeal.

From fashion made with natural fibers to food products drawn from local biodiversity, Philippine-made goods carry stories of skilled communities, environmental responsibility and cultural continuity. Across home furnishings, fashion and food, they are helping position the country as a source of distinctive, responsibly made goods for Europe.

The Philippines’ presence at Ambiente in Frankfurt, Maison&Objet in Paris and Anuga in Cologne, together with the FASHIONPhilippines program in Milan, reflects a coordinated effort to bring Filipino creativity before international buyers.

Connecting with Europe’s leading trade fairs Through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, or CITEM, the export-promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippines joins fairs serving the home, lifestyle, fashion and food sectors.

Together, these appearances create a visible Philippine presence across Europe’s major commercial centers. Ambiente in Frankfurt Ambiente is one of the world’s leading consumer-goods trade fairs. Under the DESIGNPhilippines banner, Filipino companies present home, fashion and lifestyle products combining contemporary design with indigenous and natural materials.

CITEM first joined Ambiente in 1990. In 2025, the country sent its largest delegation to the fair at that time: 52 enterprises, including companies and artisan groups from Quirino and the Western Visayas provinces of Aklan, Antique, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

The pavilion featured furniture, lighting, décor and accessories made from rattan, bamboo, wood, corn husk, piña, cotton

and capiz. According to CITEM, the delegation generated $4.5 million in sales during the fiveday fair.

The results reflected buyer interest in natural materials, credible sustainability practices, strong craftsmanship and cultural identity. These are areas in which Philippine producers can compete on design and quality rather than volume alone.

The Philippines returned to Ambiente in February 2026, continuing its participation and studying design trends and buyer preferences.

Maison & Objet in Paris

The Philippines has also maintained a presence at Maison&Objet, the international fair for interior design, home décor and lifestyle products in Paris.

In 2024, the country returned with a pavilion for the first time since 2019. Called “Artipelago,” the presentation brought together 14 Philippine companies and works by 14 visual artists. Curated by designer Anton R. Mendoza, it placed furniture, lighting and decorative objects alongside contemporary art.

The exhibit emphasized rattan, abaca, buri, banana fiber, wood carving and solihiya weaving, showing how traditional skills could be adapted for modern interiors.

In January 2025, “Artipelago II” became the country’s largest Maison&Objet delegation, with 32 participants: 16 home and furniture manufacturers and 16 visual artists. The Philippines returned in January 2026 with “Artipelago III,” featuring 14 homegrown brands and one art gallery.

The series has allowed Philippine companies to seek orders, study European design standards, meet buyers and strengthen their international presentation. Anuga in Cologne

The Philippine food industry has pursued a similar strategy through Anuga, one of the world’s largest food and bever-

age trade fairs.

CITEM participated in the October 2025 edition under the FOODPhilippines banner, presenting the country as a source of natural, organic, halal-certified and specialty food products.

The 17-member Philippine delegation offered milkfish, tuna, dried fish, shrimp paste, calamansi and coconut concentrates, fruit preserves, pili nuts, banana chips, corn snacks and preparations made from fruits, seafood and vegetables.

These products combine familiar export strengths with a culinary identity rooted in regional ingredients and traditions. The presentation also emphasized food-safety standards and certifications required for wider access to European markets.

European consumers are showing greater interest in traceable ingredients, healthier choices, sustainable sourcing and authentic cuisines. Philippine companies that meet certification, packaging, consistency and production requirements are better positioned to build commercial relationships.

FASHIONPhilippines in Milan

The launch of FASHIONPhilippines Milan marked another step in the country’s effort to enter Europe through creative development and commercial exposure.

The program combined mentorship with an exhibition during Milan Fashion Week in September 2025. Selected Filipino designers received guidance in creative direction, buying, marketing, showroom management and brand development. It culminated in a three-day exhibition at Fondazione Sozzani.

The presentation also highlighted Filipino Innovation Textiles developed by the Philippine Textile Research Institute, including handloom-woven fabrics, KAWAYARN, bamboo lyocell and piña-cotton blends.

These materials connect Philippine agricultural resources and weaving traditions with the fashion industry’s interest in lower-impact textiles. The program’s value lies not only in displaying Filipino collections in Milan, but also in exposing designers to the commercial systems behind international fashion.

A Philippine advantage Across these fairs, a common theme emerges. The Philippines’ strongest products are grounded in materials, skills and stories tied to the communities that produce them.

Solihiya weaving, hand carving, embroidery, basketry and fiber processing are being reworked for contemporary interiors and fashion. In food, regional ingredients and traditional flavors are being developed into products that meet international standards.

Europe’s demand for responsibly sourced, well-made and culturally authentic goods gives the Philippines a meaningful opening. Success, however, will depend on consistent quality, reliable production, certification, competitive pricing and longterm relationships with buyers.

The European market is helping position the Philippines not simply as a supplier, but as a creative and commercial partner offering sustainable, culturally rich products for consumers.

* Email: rogelio.medina@asianjournalinc.com

strengthen accountability, and help create a more credible and investor-friendly business environment.

2. Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act could help address one of the country’s biggest contributors to inflation: high electricity costs, which are a major burden for households and businesses.

3. Amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Act seek to strengthen the existing program by using a needsbased graduation system. This would allow beneficiaries to remain in the program beyond the current seven-year limit if they are still poor and still need support. The proposed amendments would also increase health, nutrition, and rice subsidies to help families cope with inflation.

4. Amendments to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act also have the potential to create meaningful economic benefits. By making assistance easier to access and supporting modernization, the measure could improve productivity and increase the income of millions of coconut farmers. This could also help reduce poverty in rural areas.

5. The Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act addresses one of the country’s

long-term development challenges: the quality of education and the learning environment. By speeding up classroom construction and reducing overcrowding in public schools, the measure could help improve education.

In summary, a special session of Congress is meant to focus on matters that are very urgent. If legislative priorities are measured against the top concerns of Filipinos, the five Ledac measures discussed above would have a more direct and meaningful impact.

The challenge for policymakers is not choosing between social welfare and economic reform. The country needs both. However, if inflation, corruption, quality of wages, jobs, and poverty are the most important and urgent concerns of Filipinos, then priority legislation should focus on reforms that clearly and effectively address these concerns. (Inquirer.net)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * Gary B. Teves is

BY July, many of us are taking inventory. The excitement of our New Year’s goals has faded, and some dreams are taking longer than we expected. If that is where you are, you are not alone. One thing I have learned is that I do not like teaching principles I have not personally tested. It is easy to talk about perseverance after you have crossed the finish line. It is much harder when you are still in the race. And today, I am still running. As I have been building my skincare business, there have been moments when progress felt slower than I had hoped. Whenever I am tempted to question the process, I remind myself that I have lived this story before.

More than 30 years ago, I entered the mortgage industry with little more than determination. I knocked on the doors of real estate offices, dropped off pastries, attended networking events and invested thousands of dollars in sales training long before I saw meaningful results. People see the career. They did not see the tears. They did not see the rejection, the loans that fell apart or the “impossible” files no one else wanted. Looking back, I realize that those difficult loans became my greatest education. Every challenge sharpened my skills and prepared me for the career I have been blessed to enjoy today.

I have experienced the same lesson on the dance floor. People see the competitions, but they do not see the countless hours of practice, the injured knee, the fractured toe or the determination it took to return each time my doctors cleared me.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us:

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I love that Paul does not say we might grow weary. He assumes that we will.

God already knew there would be seasons when we would feel tired and discouraged and wonder whether our efforts were making any difference. This is not a rebuke; it is a reminder that weariness is part of the journey. Weariness is not failure. Often, it is evidence that you have been faithfully planting seeds.

As we begin the second half of the year, do not measure your progress only by what you can see. Some of God’s greatest work happens underground, where roots are growing long before fruit appears. Keep planting. Keep trusting. Keep showing up. Sometimes the greatest victory is not reaching the finish line. Sometimes it is simply refusing to quit.

ASIAN

Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda film joins MMFF 2026 lineup

by AJPress

MANILA — Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda will bring

their first movie together to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival after “The Greatest Showdown” was named among the first four official entries in the festival’s 52nd edition.

The selection was announced July 7 at GH Mall in San Juan, two days after the stars formally unveiled the project at Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City.

Jun Robles Lana will direct the film, a joint production of ABS-CBN Studios, Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company, M-Zet Productions and APT Entertainment. Its story, supporting cast and production schedule have not been disclosed.

The project brings together two performers long associated with competing noontime programs. Sotto is one of the principal hosts of “Eat Bulaga,” while Vice is a longtime host of “It’s Showtime.”

Their programs compete for viewers in the same time period, but Sotto said the arrangement should not be mistaken for a personal rivalry. He described the two as entertainers whose shows happened to air opposite each other.

The collaboration had been under discussion since last year, according to Sotto. Vice said both performers agreed to the project when the possibility was raised.

At the MMFF announcement, each star greeted the audience associated with the other’s program, underscoring the cooperative tone surrounding the film. They also expressed openness to appearing on

each other’s noontime shows while promoting the movie, although no guest appearances have been formally scheduled. Lana previously directed Vice in “And the Breadwinner Is...” and “Call Me Mother.” The new project will be his first feature film directing Sotto and Vice as co-stars.

“The Greatest Showdown” joins “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” “Amir” and “Haunted Carnival” in the festival’s initial lineup. Four additional entries are expected to complete the eight-film field.

The MMFF is scheduled to open on Christmas Day. Further details about “The Greatest Showdown,” including its characters and additional cast members, are expected as production moves forward.

Nadine Lustre's malicious online attacker sentenced

by Gideon Tinsay Philstar.com

NADINE Lustre revealed that the social media user she sued last year for harassing her online is now convicted. Lustre made the revelation on Wednesday, June 9, during the press conference of her Viu series Love, Siargao, at a cafe in Quezon City.

“He was obviously given a sentence and of course rehabilitation as well. He was going to go through seminars for gender sensitivity," she said.

Recalling the incident, she noted that her legal counsel advised her to take action against the commenter.

“Nag-comment siya and then noong nag-advise yung legal counsel [ko] to take action, pinahanap nila," she said. "And then noong nahanap na siya, we served [him the] legal documents.”

She detailed that the user's Instagram account contained only limited content and did not appear

to be fake, but authorities were still able to identify the poster. She added that the online user was identified, and she met the person around April.

"Around end of April before flying to Siargao, that's the time when I actually met the person. Even if you look at it in different ways, parang hindi talaga kasi okay 'yung sinabi niya."

Lustre said that the person apologized to her, but she admitted that while she is used to facing harsh criticism, she chose to file the case after hearing from real victims and individuals who found the malicious comments deeply triggering.

She is hopeful that the result of the case would teach people to be more responsible with their words online, "I want it to at least let the people know that you can’t just say those things on social media and there’s no way for you to not be traced. There’s always a way to find you."

"I really wanted to push through for social media to be a safe space for everyone," she said. In May 2025, Lustre filed the complaint against the social media user in 2025 citing "relentless and malicious attacks she has endured," and a possible violation of the Safe Spaces Act. She was accompanied by ML party-list and Gabriela Women’s Party during her filing.

Martin Nievera laments lost cash, cards after leaving bag on flight from Las Vegas

by melanie Uson Philstar.com

MARTIN Nievera recalled the time he left his bag on a flight, saying the airline staff did not immediately notify him that it had been found and that his cash and credit cards were missing when he eventually got it back. In an Instagram Reel, the singer shared that the incident occurred while he was on a JetBlue flight from Las Vegas to Florida.

Excited to catch the rest of Alex Eala's match at Wimbledon, Nievera said he hurried off the plane, only to later realize he had left his bag under the seat in front of him.

"The flight was a JetBlue flight to Ft. Lauderdale out of Las Vegas, and when I realized I left my bag only a few minutes after going through the security glass doors, I went straight to the baggage counter to report my loss," he wrote in his caption.

"My bag with my money, credit cards, my passport. Everything's left in the plane," he lamented. "I'm so glad that you won, Alex, but I just want you to know what I had to go through to get this bag back and this Labubu," he quipped.

In the caption, Nievera recounted that the JetBlue ground crew did not let him go back to get his bag. Instead, they told him to file a report and that they would call him if the bag, which had a Tile tracker, was found.

"What they don’t know is we put a Tile in my wallet that does exactly what an AirTag does, and later that day we saw my bag had not moved all night.

But the next morning we saw it on [the] move to a security area in the airport, so we drove back to get it," he said. Nievera added that the airline never informed him that the bag had been found.

He recalled returning to the airport less than a day later to retrieve it.

"They remembered my panicked face and made me describe my bag. I told them it’s a black bag with a black Labubu toy on it," he shared. According to him, the staff initially denied seeing the bag. One of the staff members went to the back to check for Nievera's item.

"As he was looking for it in the back, we pressed an alarm from our phone that activated the Tile in my wallet, and now they all can hear that my bag was right there all along. Or did they already know all this time?" the singer shared. He went on to lament that some of his belongings were missing when the bag was returned.

"I really can’t accuse and I won’t, but when I got the bag, all my credit cards were taken and all the cash in my wallet, too. Under $3,000 (~P184,000) cash. When I asked why these things were missing, they told me it’s policy to shred all credit cards and take all cash, which will be returned to me in a check later on," he added.

Nievera also questioned why he was not informed of the airline's policy and said he has yet to receive the reimbursement. He also shared that he checked the airline's policy online and found that if a lost item

is not claimed within 30 days, any credit cards are shredded while the cash is kept. The singer noted that he had reported the missing bag in less than 24 hours. In the post's comments section, Nievera maintained that he was not making an accusation but raised concerns over how his bag was handled.

"I don’t want to accuse, but they are not supposed to go through the bag without some sort of report," he wrote. "Many in the business say my cash was stolen by the airline people," he added.

In one of the replies, Nievera said the airline told him they were "on top" of his case. He added that he believed the situation could have been explained when he returned to check for his bag less than 24 hours later.

“I guess they didn’t check to see for that, and when it rang after everyone said they never saw it, boy, were they surprised," he wrote.

Catherine Laga‘aia gives Disney’s familiar ocean adventure a grounded human center

by AJPress

LOS ANGELES — Disney’s live-action “Moana” ar-

rived at the Hollywood Bowl on July 7 as both a world premiere and a large-scale summer celebration.

Before the screening, guests moved through an activation area built around the film’s island setting. Moana’s voyaging canoe, a figure of Heihei and a life-size LEGO Moana provided photo opportunities. Dole Whip pineapple soft serve was distributed alongside Coppertone sunscreen, limited-edition Zoa energy drinks and other partner giveaways. Hawaiian Airlines hosted a plumeria keychain-making station, while blankets were placed on seats for the outdoor presentation.

The festivities shifted to the stage as Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga‘aia joined the Nonosina dancers in a Pacific cultural welcome. Director Thomas Kail and producer-songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda addressed the audience before conductor Sarah Hicks led the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a live performance of Mark Mancina’s score during the film.

Fireworks lit the sky during the finale, bringing the evening to a close in true Hollywood Bowl fashion.

The film is Disney’s live-action reimagining of its 2016 animated feature. Kail directs Laga‘aia as Moana, with Johnson returning as Maui, the demigod he voiced in the animated films. The principal cast also includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, serves as an executive producer.

The story remains centered on Moana’s first voyage beyond the reef of Motunui. When hardship threatens her island, she seeks Maui and undertakes a dangerous journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti and bring prosperity back to her people.

Laga‘aia gives the remake its clearest reason for returning to the story. She plays Moana with composure and restraint, allowing courage to develop alongside uncertainty. Her singing is assured, particularly in “How Far I’ll Go,” while the quieter scenes with Moana’s family give the performance its emo-

tional weight.

Johnson brings physical presence and familiar comic timing to Maui, especially in “You’re Welcome.” Yet the transition from animation to live action is not always seamless. Maui’s transformations and oversized physical comedy remain naturally suited to animation, and some effects-heavy sequences emphasize technical execution more than discovery.

The music continues to carry much of the film’s appeal. Songs by Miranda, Opetaia Foa‘i and Mancina return, while the new “Along the Way,” performed by Laga‘aia, Johnson and Cravalho, provides a link between the animated and live-action productions. At the Bowl, the orchestra gave the score a dimension audiences will not encounter in a conventional screening.

As a remake, “Moana” is polished, respectful and closely tied to its predecessor. It does not substantially alter the story, but Laga‘aia brings warmth and credibility without relying on imitation. The premiere supplied festival energy, cultural ceremony, orchestral scale and fireworks; its young lead gave the familiar voyage a distinct human presence.

“Moana” is rated PG and now showing in U.S. theaters.

HEALTH @HEART

Philip

S. Chua,

MD, FACS, FPCS

DOES diabetes affect sexual function?

Yes. In men, diabetes mellitus can cause a varying degree of erectile dysfunction (inability to attain or sustain an erection satisfactory for intercourse) as the diabetes progresses. Most of the time, however, the exaggerated and unfair condemnation of diabetes as causing severe erectile dysfunction leads to a psychological deterrent and a self-fulfilling prophecy in most men. Many well-adjusted and well-treated diabetics enjoy sex without problems. In women, loss of vaginal lubrication is a major sexual effect of diabetes. It is also theorized that there could be some erectile dysfunction of the clitoris (female anatomical counterpart of the penis) among women with diabetes. ED pills (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra), which are effective for male erectile dysfunction, have not been of help among females

Sexual maladies

What are the other complications of diabetes?

Diabetes has a lot of potential complications. Among them are the effects on the small arteries and big arteries in the body, causing blockages in the circulation, leading to damages (poor supply of blood, oxygen and nutrition) to the various organs of the body: the eyes (retinopathy that results in blindness), kidneys (nephropathy resulting in kidney failure), legs (resulting in leg an feet ulcers, gangrene and amputation), nerves (neuropathy that causes numbness and pains in the feet), and cellular immunity (weakens the immune system leading to infections). This is why all diabetic patients must be under the care of a physician and why blood sugar must be well controlled at all times. How common is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects about 322 million men around the world and an estimated 10 to 20 million men aged 19 and older in the United States. The prevalence is 52% in men aged 40 to 70 and increases with age.

What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is rare in diabetic men until their mid-30s. Erectile dysfunction is very common in the general male population, especially in these modern times. Contributing to cause this condition are psychologic factors (severe anxiety, fear of intimacy, fear of unwanted pregnancy, sexual guilt, depression), drugs (most medications for high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, psychotropic drugs, CNS depressants-tanquilizers, etc. do affect erection), arteriosclerosis/ vascular (blocking arteries that supply blood to the male organ), and, rarely, biogenic (associated with low testosterone levels and reflecting disorders of the hyphothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis).

Does alcohol affect erection?

Alcohol definitely affects erection, either in diabetics or non-diabetics. As Shakespeare wrote, “Alcohol increases the desire but diminishes the performance.”

What is the treatment for these side effects?

Once the diagnosis of erec-

tile dysfunction is confirmed, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra (ED pills) are often the first choice. Erection is achieved about one hour to one and a half hours following ingestion of the pill, which comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Persons on nitroglycerine (medications for coronary heart disease) are strictly warned against taking these ED pills, the combination of which could cause intractable shock and death. If taken properly under a physician’s supervision, these ED pills are a safe and very effective wonder drug. Diabetes must be well controlled at all times for this to work. Quitting smoking, exercising at least 3 times a day, and having a conducive environment will help tremendously in improving sexual performance.

If ED pills do not help, what next? ED pills help alleviate erectile dysfunction in about 90% of diabetics and more in non-diabetics. Other assistance may come from sex therapy, other medications (penile erection suppository; yohimbine, which is still controversial; prostaglandin E1), vacuum constricting devices, male hormone testosterone, which is rarely needed,

and which increases the chances of cancer of the prostate; and, surgery (aorto-iliac procedures for blocked arteries in the pelvis that partly supply the male organ, and implantation of penile shaft prosthesis, but this keeps penis rigid at all times and not too comfortable. With the advent of ED pills, most of these “other aids” have been relegated to the background and used only in dire cases that do not respond to the drug.

How about in diabetic women?

Among diabetic women, the major sexual side-effect is loss of the natural vaginal lubrication, which makes sexual encounters most uncomfortable and even painful. Masters and Johnson, pioneering sex researchers in the 1960s, stressed the importance of vaginal lubrication during the initial sexual arousal in women and throughout the sex act. The wet cavity allows the male organ to slide in and out more easily, increasing both partners' sense of ecstasy. The lubrication also increases the sensitivity of the vaginal lip and clitoris to touch, increasing the responsiveness and pleasure to digital caress.

With proper vaginal lubrication, proper “ambiance,” and well-controlled blood sugar (and other medical conditions, if any), diabetic women can enjoy pleasurable sex at any age.

What are the other causes?

Other causes of loss in vaginal lubrication are: stress or psychological factors, undesired partner, drugs (Tricyclic Antidepressants, like Elavil, Anafranil, Tofranil, Sinequan, birth control pills, antihistamines, cold formulas, etc.), alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. Other conditions

LOGO Cargo continues its mission to help abandoned shipments reach home

FOR many Filipino families, every balikbayan box carries more than just items. It carries love,sacrifice, memories, and the hope of staying connected with loved ones across the world.

That is why LOGO Cargo continues its mission to help recover, process, and deliver abandoned shipments. Over the years, many balikbayan boxes have been left behind due to issues involving other cargo providers. These undelivered boxes left families worried, disappointed, and uncertai whether the packages sent to them would ever arrive.

Instead of turning away, LOGO Cargo stepped forward. Through dedicated manpower, warehouse support, transportation, and continuous coordination, LOGO Cargo has worked to process abandoned shipments and bring them closer to the families waiting for them. Each shipment identified, recorded, sorted, and prepared for delivery represents another family given hope and another story brought closer to completion.

The effort is not easy. It requires time, resources, commitment, and care. But for LOGO Cargo, service is not only about business. It is about malasakit. It is about helping Filipinos, especially when they need it most. While LOGO Cargo continues to support the delivery of abandoned shipments, the company is also expanding its services for Filipino communities in the United States.

In May 2026, LOGO Cargo opened a new branch in Vacaville, California, called LOGO Asian Mart Vacaville, located at: 123 Peabody Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687, United States

The new branch is more than a cargo service location. LOGO Asian Mart also offers money remittance services, making it easier for customers to send financial support to their loved ones in the Philippines. In addition to cargo and remittance, customers can purchase Filipino products, everyday essentials, Barong, and other proudly Filipino items.

With cargo, remittance, Filipino products, and Barong available in one place, LOGO Asian Mart brings convenience, service, and a touch of home closer to the Filipino community in Vacaville. LOGO Cargo also opened an-

91950

In addition, LOGO Cargo has opened a new warehouse in Ontario, California, located at: 2260 S. Archibald Ave., Ste. B, Ontario, CA 91761

These new locations are part of LOGO Cargo’s continued commitment to bringing services closer to Filipino families. With more branches, Filipino products, Barong, remittance services, and expanded warehouse operations, LOGO Cargo aims to provide faster, more reliable, and more convenient service to customers across different communities. From helping abandoned shipments reach their rightful recipients to opening more branches, offering Filipino products, providing remittance services, and expanding warehouse operations, LOGO Cargo continues to show that its mission goes beyond delivery. It is a mission of service, trust, and compassion. For more than three decades, LOGO Cargo has stood with Filipino families worldwide. Today, the company remains committed to one promise: To serve with care, deliver with purpose, and help every balikbayan box find its way home.

Nevada voters to decide two statewide ballot questions

Abortion rights and voter identification amendments return in November for the second approval required to change the state Constitution.

— Nevada voters

LAS VEGAS

will decide only two statewide ballot questions in the Nov. 3 general election, the smallest number presented statewide since 2012. Both measures appeared on the ballot in 2024 and received majority support. Because they are citizen-initiated constitutional amendments, each must be approved at two successive general elections before becoming part of the Nevada Constitution.

Question 6 would establish a fundamental constitutional right to abortion when the procedure is performed or administered by a qualified health care practitioner.

The protection would apply until fetal viability, or later when necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.

The proposal defines viability as the point when, in the professional judgment of the treating practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of sustained survival outside the uterus without extraordinary medical measures.

State and local governments generally could not deny, burden or infringe upon the right unless the restriction served a compelling state interest through the least restrictive means and followed accepted clinical standards.

Nevada law currently permits abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. A physician may perform one later when reasonably necessary to preserve the patient’s life or health, although procedures after 24 weeks must take place in a state-licensed hospital.

A rejection of Question 6 would leave that statutory framework in place rather than prohibit abortion.

Question 7 would require voters casting ballots in person to present an approved photo identification. Accepted documents would include certain driver’s licenses, government identification cards, passports, military or tribal identification and student identifi-

cation issued by a Nevada public college, university or technical school.

Voters using mail ballots would not submit a photograph. They would provide the last four digits of a Nevada driver’s license number or, if they do not have one, the last four digits of a Social Security number. A voter with neither could use an identifying number assigned by the county clerk.

Question 6 received 64.36% of the statewide vote in 2024. Question 7 received 73.23%.

If approved again, both amendments would become effective when the Nevada Supreme Court canvasses the election results on Nov. 24. Election procedures and system changes required by Question 7 would be developed before the 2028 election cycle.

Other proposed initiatives did not qualify or were withdrawn before the filing deadline, leaving Questions 6 and 7 as Nevada’s only statewide ballot measures this year.

Nevada launches campaign highlighting entrepreneurs statewide

LAS VEGAS — The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has launched Nevada the Entrepreneurial, a yearlong campaign spotlighting the people, businesses and organizations shaping Nevada’s statewide entrepreneurial economy. Created through GOED’s Office of Entrepreneurship, the campaign began July 4 and will release one video each week. The 52-part series will feature entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, educators, community leaders and others whose work is contributing to business growth, job creation and economic opportunity across Nevada.

“Entrepreneurs are at the

heart of Nevada’s economic success,” Gov. Lombardo said, adding that the campaign recognizes people who are turning ideas into businesses, creating jobs and strengthening communities throughout the state.

Nevada the Entrepreneurial is part of America the Entrepreneurial, a national initiative led by Right to Start ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Nevada is participating as a founding state and will showcase people and ideas helping shape its future. Melissa Saavedra, director of the Office of Entrepreneurship, said the campaign is intended to share stories that can inspire future business owners and innovators while highlighting the

talent, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit supporting Nevada’s economy. It aims to reflect Nevada’s full geographic reach.

The weekly videos will appear on GOED’s website and social media channels. They will focus on the experiences, challenges and successes of entrepreneurs from communities throughout the state. GOED, established by the Nevada Legislature in 2011, promotes economic diversification, business expansion and retention, entrepreneurship, business recruitment and community development.

More information and registration are available at goed. nv.gov/nte.

H Mart Recognized on Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level 2026”

LYNDHURST, NJ – H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States, is proud to announce its recognition on Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level 2026,” highlighting the company’s continued commitment to supporting and developing early-career talent across its organization.

This recognition is based on a nationwide study conducted by Plant-A Insights Group, which analyzed interviews from more than 113,000 entry-level employees across the United States. The study also included extensive desk research evaluating key workplace indicators such as professional development opportunities, training quality, and overall employee experience for individuals aged 18–28.

The ranking reflects organizations that demonstrate strong performance in creating supportive environments for entry-level employees, with a focus on career growth, skill development, and workplace engagement.

H Mart stated, “We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Entry-Level Employees. Our entry-level associates bring energy and fresh perspective to the company, and we are committed to investing in their development and long-

term success.”

Also added, “As a leading Asian supermarket retailer in the United States, we continue to expand nationwide while prioritizing employee development and fostering a workplace culture that supports career growth at every stage.”

About H Mart

H Mart is the largest Asian supermarket chain in America and a pioneer of Asian food culture in the United States. Since opening its first store in Woodside, Queens, in 1982.

H Mart currently operates 110 locations across 20 U.S. states, supported by 18 state-of-theart warehouse and processing facilities. As America’s premier food destination, H Mart offers a full assortment of Asian groceries alongside a broad range of everyday essentials, providing a comprehensive “one-stop”

experience that rivals traditional supermarkets.

H Mart is dedicated to serving both its immediate local neighborhoods and a

Nevada senators seek limits on CFTC lawsuits over prediction markets

Rosen and Cortez Masto joined a Senate effort to preserve state and tribal gambling enforcement as regulators dispute who may oversee event contracts.

WASHINGTON — Nevada Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto have joined 15 Senate Democrats in asking Congress to prevent the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from using federal funds to challenge state and tribal enforcement of gambling laws over prediction markets.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Jeff Merkley of Oregon led the June 24 letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. The senators want language in the fiscal 2027 spending bill barring the CFTC from financing lawsuits against states or tribes enforcing gambling statutes or gaming compacts. Prediction markets allow customers to trade contracts tied to elections, sports and economic developments. The CFTC considers contracts traded on federally registered exchanges to be derivatives governed by the Commodity Exchange Act. State regulators argue that sports contracts function as wagers and should remain subject to state licensing, age limits, taxation and consumer protections.

The dispute is significant in Nevada. The Nevada Gaming Control Board ordered Kalshi in March 2025 to stop offering contracts without a state gaming license. Nevada filed enforcement

actions against Polymarket in January 2026 and Kalshi in February. A judge issued preliminary injunctions against Kalshi in April and Polymarket in May. In its complaint, the board alleges that sports contracts represented more than 90% of Kalshi’s trading volume. It alleges that Kalshi operated without a Nevada gaming license, did not pay state gaming taxes and allowed customers ages 18 to 20 to participate despite Nevada’s minimum sports-wagering age of 21. Those claims remain allegations. Kalshi argues that federal commodities law places its contracts under exclusive CFTC jurisdiction and preempts state gaming regulation. Courts have not reached a uniform answer in recent cases. A divided federal appeals court granted Kalshi preliminary protection against New Jersey enforcement, while a federal judge rejected its request to block New York from applying state gambling laws. Kalshi appealed the New York ruling. The proposal would not resolve whether event contracts are derivatives, gambling products or both. It would restrict the CFTC’s use of appropriated funds while courts and policymakers determine the boundaries of federal, state and tribal authority.

2027. The campus, under construction at Skye Canyon Park Drive and Shaumber Road, will serve up to 850 students. It is being funded through the district’s 2015 Capital Improvement Program. Under CCSD Policy 7223, eligible nominees include outstanding former district employees and former School Board trustees who demonstrated exceptional

educational leadership and character. The district will also consider non-educators who served as positive role models and advanced education or humanity in Clark County. Names of previously closed schools will automatically be considered.

“We welcome nominations from all members of the community,” said Trustee Tameka Henry, chair of the School Name Committee.

Nominations from the public may be submitted through the

CCSD School Name Committee portal and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Aug. 17, 2026. The committee will review finalists at a public meeting in September and submit its recommendations to the Board of School Trustees for approval later that month.

Former CCSD employees must have left the district at least two years earlier. Elected officials, including former trustees, must have been out of office for at least three years.

Condominium and townhome prices declined from a year earlier, while more properties remained listed without offers.

homes during June. Single-family home sales increased 18.3% from June 2025, while condominium and townhome sales rose 1.2%.

2025.

and

completed sales of existing homes, condominiums and town-

Despite the year-over-year gains, the organization said the overall sales pace during the first half of 2026 remained similar to 2025, when it recorded its lowest annual transaction total since 2007. The number of properties listed without offers also increased. At the end of June, 7,147 single-family homes were in that category, up 2.2% from a year earlier. Listings without offers totaled 2,690 for condominiums and townhomes, an increase of 4.9%.

The June sales pace amounted to approximately three and a half

months of housing supply, slightly less than a year earlier. Properties generally took longer to sell. About 78.5% of single-family homes sold within 60 days, compared with 82.8% in June 2025. Among condominiums and townhomes, the share declined to 67.7% from 72.8%. Cash purchases represented 23.2% of transactions, virtually unchanged from 23.1% a year earlier. Short sales and foreclosures accounted for 1.4% of sales, compared with 0.8% in June 2025.

The report covers existing properties recorded through the Las Vegas Realtors MLS. It does not include all new homes sold by builders or properties sold directly by owners.

The seasonal program includes dining savings, parking validation, gaming incentives and selected entertainment offers

LAS VEGAS — Park MGM has introduced a seasonal promotion offering local residents dining, parking, gaming and entertainment incentives through Sept. 30. The resort said “Summer for Locals” is available to local guests who present valid Nevada identification. Participating offers may vary by week.

From Sunday through Thursday, eligible guests may receive 20% off food and beverage purchases at participating Park MGM restaurants and bars. The discount applies to a single check of up to $500 per outlet; split checks are not permitted.

Dolby Live, Starbucks and Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar are excluded.

The program also provides self-parking validation from Sunday through Thursday with an eligible food, beverage or retail purchase of at least $75. During certain event-parking periods, the minimum purchase rises to $100.

Guests must take the qualifying receipt and parking ticket to the MGM Rewards desk before leaving. MGM Rewards membership is not required for the parking benefit.

A separate gaming offer is available daily to local MGM Re-

wards members who do not have an active hotel reservation. Participants who meet a personalized Tier Credit threshold during a designated earning period can receive bonus FREEPLAY redeemable only at Park MGM. Through Sept. 7, the resort is also offering special savings on selected Dolby Live performances by New Kids on the Block, Mary J. Blige and Sammy Hagar. Park MGM said the program’s conditions and available offers may change during the promotional period. Additional details and reservations are available through the resort’s website.