071726 - New York and New Jersey Edition

20 - No.29 • 16 Pages We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

17 - JULY 23, 2026 611 North Brand Blvd., Suite 1300, Glendale, CA 91203 • Tel: (818) 9379981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797 • info@asianjournalinc.com

Federal bank regulators tell lenders to weigh immigration-related employment risks in loan decisions

New guidance directs supervised banks and credit unions to consider whether uncertainty over a borrower’s work authorization could affect income, repayment capacity and collateral recovery. cryptocurrency allegedly tied to transnational fraud operations targeting American victims

by AJPress

WASHINGTON — Federal banking regulators have instructed the institutions they supervise to account for immigration-related employment risks when evaluating loans, saying uncertainty over a borrower’s ability to work legally in the United States may affect income and repayment.

The guidance, issued July 13 by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal u PAGE 3

Sara Duterte trial shifts to dispute over financial records

by AJPress

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial shifted from scrutiny of her recorded statements against senior government officials to a dispute over financial records involving her, her husband and businesses identified by prosecutors.

On July 13 and 14, the Senate impeachment court heard testimony from Jeremy Lotoc, the former head of the National Bureau of Investigation’s Cybercrime Division and current NBI regional director for the Bangsamoro region.

The court ended the three-day sitting without ruling on the financial-records mo-

WITNESS. National Bureau of Investigation-Bangsamoro Region Director Jeremy Lotoc, former chief of the cybercrime division, testifies for the second straight day at the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday (July 14, 2026). The prosecution dropped Duterte’s chief of staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, and House Legislative Security Bureau Executive Director Capt. Belinda Bello from the witness list, saying their testimonies on the alleged threats contained in the Vice President's November 2024 "kill video" were either no longer necessary or merely corroborative. PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

10 years after Philippines' arbitral win, 14 nations back award as 'final, binding'

by iAn lAqui Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Fourteen governments marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award by reaffirming it as "final, legally binding, and definitive" between the Philippines and China, while foreign envoys in Manila called for stronger defense and technical cooperation to help the country protect its maritime rights.

In a rare joint statement, the Philippines, United States, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia and the United

Kingdom said they remained committed to "a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and rules-based."

The governments said maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

They also reaffirmed that there is no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including those based on "historic rights."

The countries opposed "any destabilizing or unilateral actions including by force or coercion" that

4

AMLC seeks power to halt suspicious transactions before court review

Proposed amendments would permit short administrative freezes while retaining Court of Appeals oversight

by AJPress

MANILA — The Anti-Money Laundering Council is seeking authority to temporarily stop suspicious financial transactions and preserve property before obtaining a Court of Appeals order, a proposed change intended to prevent funds from being transferred or concealed while a court petition is prepared.

The request is part of a continuing effort in Congress to re-

vise the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 to strengthen responses to financial crimes involving digital assets, cross-border transfers and layered corporate arrangements.

Under current law, the AMLC generally must file a verified ex parte petition with the Court of Appeals in money-laundering cases. The court may issue a freeze order after finding probable cause

tions. After a closed caucus, Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the senator-judges would decide the matter when the trial resumes Monday, July 20.

The prosecution also reduced its witness list for the article involving Duterte’s alleged threats and obtained subpoenas tied to the separate allegation that she misused confi-

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration will study the implications of the US campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is set to begin its trial on the crimes against humanity case of former president Rodrigo Duterte this year.

US State Secretary Marco Rubio unveiled last Monday what has been described as a “sweeping campaign” that aims to disable the ICC’s ability to “operate, target American servicemen or officials.”

Describing the ICC as a “threat to US sovereignty,” Rubio said the campaign involves

by AJPress

turned home to national recognition following the most successful Grand Slam campaign of her career, receiving a Presidential Citation at Malacañang and later attending a homecoming reception hosted by longtime supporter Bank of the Philippine Islands after climbing to a career-high No. 28 in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the 21-year-old to Malacañang on July 13, commending her for becoming the first player representing the Philippines to reach the fourth round of the Wimbledon singles tournau PAGE 4

Sara Duterte trial shifts to...

dential funds.

Duterte has denied wrongdoing and described the case as politically motivated. The allegations remain unproven and have not been adjudicated by the senator-judges.

Lotoc discussed the investigation of Duterte’s Nov. 23, 2024, online news conference, when she said she had instructed a person to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-House speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed.

The defense maintains that the statement was conditional and did not establish an actionable threat or actual plan.

Lotoc said investigators considered the remarks serious based on their wording, delivery and context. That was the NBI’s assessment, not a finding by the impeachment court.

He acknowledged that investigators had not verified the identity of the person Duterte said she had contacted.

The hearing exposed errors and apparent inconsistencies in NBI documents. One affidavit incorrectly identified Duterte as justice secretary rather than education secretary. A subpoena addressed to ABS-CBN bore a Nov. 6, 2024, date, before the briefing under investigation.

Lotoc attributed some discrepancies to typographical errors and said he could not explain the filing sequence of a document he had not handled. As of July 16, the court had not ruled on how the discrepancies affected the records’ reliability or admissibility.

During cross-examination July 14, defense lawyer Mark Vinluan sought to establish that Lotoc lacked personal knowledge of whether Dute-

rte had contacted anyone prepared to carry out her conditional instruction.

Escudero said Lotoc could testify that Duterte made the recorded statements but could not establish the truth of the matters she described because he was not present during any alleged arrangement. Lotoc also said he did not know whether Duterte’s other accusations against Marcos, the first lady and Romualdez were true.

No witness testified July 15. The court instead heard arguments on prosecution requests for bank, tax and AMLC records involving Duterte, her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, and businesses identified in the motions.

House prosecutor Chel Diokno argued that the records could help evaluate the article alleging that Duterte accumulated wealth not adequately explained by declared income and assets. He cited the 2012 impeachment trial of former chief justice Renato Corona. Defense lawyer Michael Poa urged the court to deny the requests, calling them an overly broad search for evidence and arguing that disclosure could violate due process and confidentiality laws.

Republic Act No. 1405 generally protects bank deposits from examination but expressly lists impeachment as an exception. Tax and AMLC records are governed by separate laws, leaving the senator-judges to consider relevance, specificity and the court’s authority to compel disclosure.

After more than an hour in caucus, the court deferred its ruling until July 20. Each senator-judge will receive up to 10 minutes to question the lawyers before the court acts.

The court separately au-

F rom the F ront P age

thorized subpoenas involving the allegation that Duterte misused P612.5 million in confidential funds — P500 million allocated to the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million released to the Department of Education while she headed the agency.

House archives director Marivic Pareja and former Land Bank branch managers Violeta Constantino and Nenita Camposano were directed to testify. Land Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette Ortiz was ordered to produce records.

The subpoenas compel testimony or documents for the court’s consideration. They do not establish that public funds were misused or that Duterte committed an impeachable offense.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag is scheduled to testify July 21 as the prosecution’s final witness on the threat article.

The July 15 session also included concerns from senators Robin Padilla, Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano about the timing of a separate NBI investigation into alleged irregularities connected with the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The bureau said it acted after receiving new information and documents. The court made no finding that the inquiry was intended to intimidate a senator or influence the trial.

With the court out of session July 16, spokesperson Reginald Tongol said procedures used during the Corona trial could guide the Senate if it decides to obtain Duterte’s tax records. His statement described a possible process, not a ruling.

The trial is scheduled to resume July 20 at 2 p.m., when the court is expected to take up the financial-records requests.n

AMLC seeks power to halt...

1

that property is connected to unlawful activity or money laundering. The initial order takes effect for 20 days, and may last up to six months.

Pending bills would move the first, temporary step to the AMLC while preserving

judicial review. The measures remain proposals and could change in Congress.

House Bill 8435, filed by Bataan Rep. Antonino Roman III, would authorize the AMLC to issue a transaction suspension order when there is reasonable suspicion that a transaction or fund is un-

Government to study implications...

usual, lacks a clear economic purpose, comes from an unknown or illegal source, or is related to unlawful activity or money laundering. The order would apply only to the transaction or fund, not all accounts belonging to the person. It would last 15 working days

PAGE 1 is scheduled to begin in November.

diplomatic calls to foreign nations highlighting the “abuses” of the international tribunal and urging them to withdraw from the court.

It also entails increased scrutiny of nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s authority while relying on American aid and diplomatic calls, urging other nations that are not party to the Rome Statute – the treaty that formed the court – to leverage their diplomatic networks to take similar actions alongside the US.

The Philippines, a traditional ally and treaty partner of the US, ceased to be a member of the ICC in 2019 following the Duterte administration’s decision to withdraw the country from the Rome Statute.

“Its effect on the implementation of our laws is being studied,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said at a media briefing yesterday.

unless extended to no more than 30 working days. It would lapse if the AMLC did not issue an administrative freeze order or petition the Court of Appeals.

An affected party could submit an explanation and supporting records within five working days after notice and seek revocation under council rules.

The bill would also authorize a 20-day administrative freeze after the council finds probable cause that property is connected to unlawful activity. The order would have to state supporting facts and cover only assets for which probable cause had been established.

The AMLC would then have to seek a judicial freeze from the Court of Appeals. Under House Bill 8435, the court would set a summary hearing within five working days, notify the affected party and provide an opportunity to be heard. It could lift or modify the order or issue a judicial freeze lasting no more than six months.

Other pending measures contain similar proposals but differ on procedure. Senate Bill 1557, filed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, would also authorize transaction suspensions while expanding

Asked whether the Philippines would support the US stance on the ICC, Castro said: “For now, I cannot give any comment. Let us wait for the insights of our President.”

“I talked to (Foreign Affairs) Secretary Tess Lazaro and they have a message on this, but they will talk to the President first with regard to our possible stance on this,” she added.

Although the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, the Marcos administration surrendered Duterte to the court last year, a move that officials said was in line with the country’s commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol.

Duterte was arrested on an ICC warrant on March 11, 2025 for crimes against humanity linked to his bloody drug war.

The former president is now detained in The Hague while awaiting trial, which

the council’s supervisory, investigative and enforcement powers.

The proposed legislation would permit the freezing of other property of equivalent value when the original assets could not be located after due diligence, had been destroyed or diminished, moved abroad, concealed, converted or mixed with other property in a way that made them difficult to identify.

That provision would not transfer ownership to the government. A freeze temporarily restricts the movement or disposal of property; permanent forfeiture requires a separate judicial proceeding. House Bill 8435 would also allow reasonable withdrawals for family support, legal representation and medical needs.

The measures would update the institutions and professions covered by anti-money-laundering requirements. Changes include covering virtual asset service providers and online gambling operators, while clarifying the treatment of trust and company service providers and lawyers or accountants handling specified financial or business transactions. Information protect-

Castro said pursuing justice for the alleged victims of the drug war is important, but officials would wait for Marcos’ pronouncement on the issue.

“Whatever will be the outcome of the ICC case, the President thinks it will yield justice not just for the alleged victims but also the respondents or defendants or the accused,” she added.

There have been calls for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC, but Castro said Marcos’ stance that the country is not yet returning to the court has not changed.

The current administration’s continued cooperation with the ICC could expose the Philippines to diplomatic, visa and possible economic repercussions, following recent US moves against the international tribunal, Sen. Imee Marcos warned. – with reports Mark Ernest Villeza. n

ed by legal privilege would remain outside ordinary reporting requirements.

Other provisions would strengthen inspection and subpoena authority, expand administrative sanctions and require annual reports to Congress on transaction suspensions, administrative freezes, court action, forfeiture cases and penalties. Administrative decisions would remain reviewable by the Court of Appeals.

The legislative push follows the Financial Action Task Force’s removal of the Philippines in February 2025 from its gray list. FATF said the country had made significant progress but should continue working with the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering. Lawmakers have cited the Philippines’ next mutual evaluation, expected in 2027, as a reason to update the law.

Congress must decide whether the risk of assets disappearing justifies allowing an administrative agency to restrict access to property before a judge acts. The bills seek to address that concern through short time limits, stated evidentiary standards, opportunities to contest orders and continuing Court of Appeals review.. n

Federal bank regulators tell lenders...

Deposit Insurance Corporation and the National Credit Union Administration, applies existing credit-risk standards to borrowers who are not legally authorized to work in the country.

It does not impose a blanket lending ban or direct institutions to reject applicants solely because of immigration status. Instead, the agencies said lenders should determine whether uncertainty surrounding employment authorization could affect the stability of income, repayment capacity, collateral recovery or other relevant credit factors.

Lenders may examine whether employment income is current, verifiable, stable and likely to continue. Depending on the loan and the borrower’s circumstances, institutions may review pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, employer verification, bank statements or evidence of continuing work authorization.

The agencies said repayment risk may increase if a borrower loses a job because of a lack or expiration of work

authorization, cannot obtain lawful reemployment or is removed from the United States. Institutions were advised to consider whether repayment would remain adequate during an interruption in employment or income.

For secured loans, regulators said institutions may encounter added difficulty contacting borrowers or locating and repossessing movable collateral, including automobiles. They also advised lenders to monitor concentrations of borrowers in industries, employers or regions that could be disproportionately affected by changes in immigration enforcement, employment-verification practices or labor availability.

The action follows a May 19 executive order by President Donald Trump directing federal financial regulators to address risks associated with extending credit or financial services to people who may be inadmissible to or removable from the United States and who lack legal authorization to work.

The guidance also cites a June 8 statement from the Consumer Financial Protec-

tion Bureau on ability-to-repay requirements and immigration status. Under federal rules, creditors making covered home loans must make a reasonable, good-faith determination that a consumer can repay according to the loan’s terms. Credit card issuers must consider a consumer’s ability to make required minimum payments.

The CFPB said creditors relying on U.S.-based employment income may consider information bearing on a borrower’s continuing ability to earn that income when remaining in the country is necessary for the work. It also said federal credit regulations permit consideration of immigration status and related information needed to determine a creditor’s rights and remedies regarding repayment.

The interagency document reminds financial institutions of existing obligations rather than creating a new lending rule. Its practical effect will depend on how banks and credit unions incorporate work-authorization risk into underwriting, account management, loan classification and portfolio oversight. n

Marcos expands cash aid to 7.5 million households amid high inflation

by AJPress

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expanded government cash assistance to an estimated 7.5 million households as rising food, fuel and transportation costs continue to pressure low-income families.

The assistance will be distributed under the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport, or UPLIFT, the government’s coordinated response to energy and economic disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

About 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, and the Walang Gutom Program will receive a one-time additional payment of up to P2,000, Malacañang said.

Another 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the government’s 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System will receive P2,000 a

month from July through December. The same monthly assistance will be provided to about 1.5 million low-income workers and their families whose records have been verified by the Social Security System. Taken together, the three groups represent about 37.5 million Filipinos, based on the government’s estimate of five people per household.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Budget and Management had released P12.375 billion for the expanded program.

Officials did not provide a detailed funding breakdown or say whether the amount represented the full cost of the assistance or an initial release.

Payments are expected to be made through digital channels to speed distribution and reduce the need for beneficiaries to travel to government offices or designated payout centers.

Detailed guidelines covering payment dates, notification procedures, documentation and the handling

Cyclospora cases rise as officials investigate possible produce links

Health authorities are examining several clusters of the intestinal illness. Lettuce or salad greens are among the possible sources, but no specific product, restaurant, grower or supplier has been publicly identified as the source.

by AJPress

A sharp increase in cyclosporiasis cases is drawing new attention to questions surrounding raw produce and prompting health officials to advise consumers on how to reduce their exposure at restaurants and at home.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines, typically after a person consumes contaminated food or water. The infection can cause prolonged watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 843 laboratory-confirmed cases acquired in the United States across 31 states as of July 9. Eighty-six people had been hospitalized, and no deaths had been reported.

Federal officials cautioned that those figures are preliminary. Some patients are never tested, and several weeks can pass between the onset of symptoms and the reporting of a confirmed case.

of beneficiaries appearing in more than one government database had not been publicly released at the time of the announcement.

The Community-Based Monitoring System gathers household-level information used by national and local governments to identify vulnerable communities and plan social-protection programs. The 2024 data collection included information on household income, employment, food security, transportation, financial access and participation in government assistance programs.

UPLIFT was authorized under Executive Order No. 110, which Marcos signed on March 24 after declaring a national energy emergency. The order established a government-wide response covering fuel and food supplies, public transportation, livelihoods and assistance for vulnerable sectors.

It also directed agencies to provide support to affected transport workers, farmers and fisherfolk, maintain essential services and act

ens may be involved, according to state health officials. Other foods remain under consideration, and investigators have not identified a specific variety, brand, packaged salad, farm, processor, distributor or supplier.

The Food and Drug Administration had not listed a recall tied to its active Cyclospora investigations as of July 14.

Federal guidance does not call for consumers to avoid restaurants. Those who are concerned may choose dishes that are thoroughly cooked and served hot or ask that raw lettuce, fresh herbs and uncooked garnishes be left off their meals.

Produce labeled “prewashed” or “ready to eat” generally does not require additional washing. Michigan has issued stricter temporary guidance in affected counties, recommending whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged greens, removal of the outer two or three layers and individual washing of the remaining leaves.

Cooking provides greater protection than washing. Michigan officials say heating food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, or 70 degrees Celsius, kills the parasite.

The illnesses also do not represent a single nationwide outbreak traced to one food. Investigators are examining several clusters, along with cases that have not been connected to a common source.

Michigan has reported a large concentration of cases, with 3,309 illnesses as of July 14 and 44 reported hospitalizations as of July 9. The Michigan and federal totals are not directly comparable because they cover different reporting periods and use different surveillance and case-classification systems.

Interviews with more than 1,000 Michigan patients suggest that lettuce or salad gre-

against hoarding, profiteering and other practices that could disrupt supplies or drive prices higher. The emergency declaration is effective for one year unless extended or lifted earlier by the president.

The expanded assistance comes as inflation remains elevated. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that headline inflation eased

At home, washing fruits and vegetables remains an important safeguard, but health officials say it cannot guarantee that Cyclospora has been removed. The parasite may remain in the folds and crevices of leafy greens and other produce. Consumers should wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing food. Produce should be rinsed under clean running water before it is eaten, cut, peeled or cooked.

Dish soap, detergent, bleach and household disinfectants should not be used on food.

The FDA does not recommend commercial produce washes, which should not be relied upon to eliminate Cyclospora.

Firm produce such as melons, cucumbers, potatoes and carrots should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush. Bruised areas should be removed, and rotten produce should be discarded. Cutting boards, knives and counters should be cleaned between uses, particularly when preparing raw meat, poultry or seafood.

to 6.4 percent in June from 6.8 percent in May but remained sharply higher than the 1.4 percent recorded in June 2025.

Food and nonalcoholic beverages, housing and utilities, and transportation were the largest contributors to the June inflation rate. Transport prices rose 12.8 percent from a year earlier, while the index covering housing, wa-

Symptoms most commonly begin about a week after exposure but may appear earlier or more than two weeks later. Watery diarrhea is the primary symptom, often accompanied by cramping, nausea, fatigue, low-grade fever or weight loss. The illness may persist for weeks or appear to improve before returning.

People with persistent or recurring diarrhea should contact a health-care provider, especially if they develop dizziness, unusual thirst, weakness or reduced urination. Patients should mention Cyclospora because testing for the parasite may not be included in routine stool examinations.

The CDC identifies the prescription antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as the preferred treatment, although a clinician should determine whether it is appropriate.

Health officials say the investigation remains open. Until a source is identified, consumers are advised to follow local alerts, handle produce carefully and seek medical care for persistent diarrhea, while avoiding assumptions about any restaurant, grower or brand not linked by investigators. n

ter, electricity, gas and other fuels increased 8 percent. The program relies primarily on existing government beneficiary and employment databases rather than a new application process. Its rollout will depend on how quickly agencies verify records, identify overlapping entries and provide clear instructions to qualified households. n

Alex Eala welcomed home after...

ment and for giving Philippine tennis its strongest showing at the event.

During the ceremony, the President presented Eala with a Presidential Citation recognizing her achievements in international tennis and thanked her for bringing pride to the country through her performance.

The recognition came as the WTA released its latest rankings, placing Eala at a career-high World No. 28 with 1,666 ranking points. The move elevated her four places from her previous ranking and extended her record as the highest-ranked Filipino in WTA singles history.

Eala’s breakthrough at the All England Club marked another milestone in a season that has established her among the sport’s rising players. Seeded No. 29, she advanced to the fourth round after victories over Mexico’s Renata Zarazua and Australia’s Maya Joint before upsetting defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets, 7-6(9), 6-2, on Centre Court.

Her run ended in the Round

of 16 against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, but the result represented the deepest Grand Slam singles finish by a player representing the Philippines.

Among the organizations welcoming Eala home was BPI, which has supported her professional career in recent years. The bank hosted a reception attended by BPI Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, President and Chief Executive Officer TG Limcaoco, ACMobility Chief Executive Officer Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala and JG Summit Holdings President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Gokongwei. Congratulating Eala during the gathering, Limcaoco praised both her Wimbledon results and the resilience she displayed throughout the tournament.

“On behalf of everyone at

BPI, congratulations on your amazing and historic run at Wimbledon,” Limcaoco said. “What makes us proudest is not just how far you’ve come, but how you handle every match — with grit, grace and guts.”

Eala also spent time with BPI employees, discussing her Wimbledon experience and answering questions before meeting with members of the media.

Eala’s rise to No. 28 followed a series of strong results over the past two seasons, including her semifinal appearance at the 2025 Miami Open and her deepest Grand Slam run at Wimbledon.

She is listed in the field for the Mubadala DC Open, part of the North American hardcourt season leading to the U.S. Open. n

10 years after Philippines' arbitral win...

PAGE 1

threaten regional peace and stability. They also opposed the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia forces to "harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations by other States at sea or in the air."

Calls for practical support

The statement came as foreign ambassadors in Manila used the anniversary to call for stronger defense, maritime and technical cooperation with the Philippines.

At a Stratbase Institute conference marking the award's 10th anniversary, representatives from more than 30 foreign missions attended what the think tank described as an unprecedented gathering of foreign missions.

Ambassadors from Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom stressed support for UNCLOS, which underpins the arbitral ruling.

They framed the award not only as a legal victory, but as a standard that must be defended through capability-building.

ed States.

United Kingdom Ambassador Sara Hulton said London was in formal negotiations with Manila for its own status of visiting forces agreement. She said the UK was pursuing joint military exercises and hoped to move from observer to participant in future drills.

"We were particularly pleased to be a part of Exercise Balikatan '26 as an observer nation, with aspirations to be a participating nation in the future, and are planning to participate in Exercise Sama-Sama '26 later this year, deepening our interoperability with the Philippines and our allies," Hulton said.

Citing Canada's recently signed visiting forces agreement with the Philippines, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said Ottawa looked forward to co-chairing practical initiatives with ASEAN partners, including workshops on UNCLOS, climate security, cybersecurity and defense cooperation.

Sea, often leading to confrontations with Philippine vessels.

New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh said Wellington was using its Starboard Maritime Intelligence Program to help regional partners reduce the risk of miscalculation through better data.

European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro highlighted the EU's IORIS platform, a real-time information-sharing tool for maritime authorities, and said "additional instruments" could soon translate shared objectives into more tangible support.

Stratbase Institute president Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit said, meanwhile, the initiatives reinforce the findings of an institute-commissioned survey showing that 86% of Filipinos want the government to continue defending the West Philippine Sea with like-minded nations.

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said defending international law requires more than statements of principle.

"Legal principles alone are not enough. Whenever rules are challenged, like when nations speak up, words must be backed by practical cooperation," Fontanel said, as quoted in a news release.

"Defending international law requires power. Power requires ships, aircraft, joint drills, agreements. It requires that like-minded partners can operate together quickly, credibly, lawfully," she added.

Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown said Canberra looked forward to signing a new defense cooperation arrangement with Manila in 2026, building on Australia's 10-year, $160 million investment in maritime cooperation with Southeast Asian partners, including the Philippines.

He said Australia had doubled its bilateral maritime assistance to the Philippines through a new $18 million investment to strengthen maritime domain awareness, legal and policy development, operational capabilities, cyber resilience, professional education and law of the sea training.

Several envoys also pointed to new or pending defense arrangements that would make joint training and operations with the Philippines easier. Manila seeks to build a wider network of security partners beyond its treaty ally, the Unit-

India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand also cited practical initiatives, such as disaster response exercises and maritime intelligence systems to ship transfers, offshore patrol vessels and local shipbuilding support.

Indian Ambassador Sri Harsh Kumar Jain said the Philippines had joined the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Center. He also said the first India-Philippines disaster management exercise would be held in Manila next month to strengthen preparedness and joint capabilities in disaster response, crisis management and resilience.

Manila and Tokyo are advancing discussions on the transfer of Abukuma-class vessels, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said. Recent engagement between the two government also involve TC-90 training aircraft as a demonstration of their "concrete resolve to build a future-oriented security partnership."

Pointing to features of a partnership beyond defense, South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa said the two countries have shifted focus toward shipbuilding, including Korean-built offshore patrol vessels and support for local vessel construction at the HD Hyundai Subic Shipyard. Technology, data and deterrence The ambassadors stressed the need for greater maritime domain awareness as Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels continue to operate in parts of the West Philippine

"As China's gray zone activity persists, and as the contest extends into cyber and information domains, defending the gains of the award requires modern, integrated, multi-domain defense posture," Manhit said.

"Every port call, every joint patrol, every diplomatic statement citing the award carries the same message. The defense of the West Philippine Sea is no longer the Philippines' burden to carry by itself," he added.

Award as legal anchor

The July 12, 2016 award invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea that exceeded maritime entitlements under UNCLOS.

The 14 governments described the ruling as a milestone and reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other lawful uses of the sea. They also urged parties to abide by the award and settle disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms consistent with international law.

German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said stability in the West Philippine Sea is a "litmus test for the global rule of law."

"We are convinced that the strength of the law must always prevail over the law of the strong. Right makes might, not might makes right," Pfaffernoschke said.

"The 2016 Arbitral Award is final, and it is legally binding on all parties to the dispute. It is not a disputable opinion, it is an authoritative clarification of maritime entitlements," he added. — with Ian Laqui and a report from Adrian Parungao.n

FeAtures OPiniOn

The Arbitral Ruling must shape policy, not just speeches

Ten years after an arbitral tribunal issued its decision in the South China Sea case brought by the Philippines, 14 governments reaffirmed that the award is final and legally binding between Manila and Beijing on the maritime questions it decided. The European Union issued a separate statement supporting the ruling. China again said it does not accept or recognize it.

The declarations were important. Yet the more useful question is not what governments said on July 12, but what the Philippines does during the rest of the year.

What does the arbitral ruling mean?

The 2016 award was issued by a five-member tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. The case began in 2013. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague

The long view

Manuel L. Quezon III

SO instead of independence being the culmination of a period of national solidarity, in our case it was one that came as a kind of anticlimax. Nowhere else in our part of the world (not even in India, where the leaders of the independence movement spent the war years in jail) was national loyalty confused with loyalty to the colonial power—a dubious distinction, clear in its absurdity to the prewar polit-

served as registry, but the UNCLOS tribunal decided the dispute.

The tribunal did not determine ownership of disputed islands, reefs or shoals. It neither drew a maritime boundary nor awarded the entire sea to the Philippines. Instead, it clarified the maritime rights countries may claim under UNCLOS and examined whether specified activities complied with the convention.

Its central finding was that China’s claims to historic rights within the relevant part of its nine-dash line had no lawful effect where they exceeded the maritime entitlements allowed by UNCLOS.

The tribunal also found that none of the naturally formed high-tide features in the Spratly Islands could generate a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. It determined that

Forty and forty

ical leadership but not to the broader public or the previously sidelined, who saw the war as an opportunity to supplant the monolithic political structure of the prewar years. The destruction of the country as the price of liberation, and the conditions imposed to secure rehabilitation, not only further soured public opinion, but also made the rhetoric surrounding independence seem hollow. Divided, discredited, and destitute, the political class could not and would not find ways to accommodate any

challenges to it; all this meant that the first decade of independence was spent fighting a civil war in Central Luzon, and it wasn’t until the mid- to late ’50s, and briefly, that national solidarity returned. Manuel Roxas and Ramon Magsaysay could likely have achieved the reunification of the prewar factions, but their deaths in both cases closed off the opportunity. Recent scholarship by Lisandro Claudio also suggests that the entire economic project of the period was anchored on

At Scarborough Shoal, it did not decide sovereignty, but recognized traditional fishing

babe’s eye view

EARLIER this week, the Philippine embassy in Washington commemorated the 10th anniversary of one of the most consequential legal milestones in Philippine history – the landmark Arbitral Award rendered under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Commemorating this important anniversary with us were fellow ambassadors in Washington, members of the

Arbitral Award: A path to peace, not conflict

diplomatic circle, senior US officials, scholars and friends from many countries.

The ruling was handed down by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016 – and 10 years later, its importance has reached far beyond the West Philippine Sea, standing as a shining beacon for the rule of law and peaceful dispute settlement. Most significantly, it serves as enduring proof that international disputes can be resolved through law rather than force, through reason

rather than intimidation.

As the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario stated when he faced the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2015, the Philippines has “respected and implemented its rights and obligations under the Convention in good faith.” The filing of the case in January 2013 was a message to the global community that the Philippines has chosen to take the path of law to protect its maritime territory in a

Arbitral Award: A path to peace...

PAGE 6

peaceful manner.

Looking around the room during the commemorative occasion, I was reminded that it was not simply a Philippine event. It was an affirmation by the international community that respect for international law remains the cornerstone of peace and stability. Certainly, the gathering reflected a shared belief that rules – not power alone – must guide relations among nations.

At a commemorative conference led by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City the other day, Secretary Tess Lazaro told guests that the gathering was “not merely to look back at a page in history” but to “look forward, bound by a fundamental, enduring truth: that the rule of law is, and must always remain, the ultimate guarantor of global peace.”

To be clear, the 2016 Arbitral Award was never about humiliating another country or declaring winners and losers. The ruling demonstrated that even the most difficult disputes can be brought before an impartial tribunal within the framework of UNCLOS. It reinforced the principle that competing maritime claims and disagreements of member-states over the interpretation of maritime laws should be addressed peacefully through established legal mechanisms.

That lesson has become even more relevant today. Around the world, vital waterways continue to be affected by geopolitical tensions. The war in the Middle East and the consequent situation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, is a vivid example of this reality. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow corridor. And whenever tensions rise, energy prices react instantaneously, shipping costs increase, inflation follows, causing global

markets to become uncertain and unsettled. The consequences are felt not only in the Middle East but all across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The same principle applies in the Indo-Pacific. Freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes are essential to global commerce. Every nation, whether large or small, ultimately benefits when maritime disputes are managed peacefully and in accordance with international law.

The Arbitral Award therefore offers a broader template. While each dispute has unique facts, the underlying principle is universal: dialogue, diplomacy and impartial legal processes provide a far better path than confrontation. The Philippines has consistently maintained that adherence to UNCLOS strengthens stability, encourages responsible conduct and reduces the danger of miscalculation.

As ASEAN chair, the Philippines is well positioned to champion these principles. ASEAN has long supported peaceful settlement of disputes and a rules-based regional order, and the Arbitral Award complements these aspirations by demonstrating that law can be an effective instrument for managing complex maritime issues.

Let’s not also forget the compelling economic dimension – investors seek stability, and businesses expand where the rule of law prevails. Manufacturers, insurers and shipping companies depend on open sea lanes. Every unnecessary confrontation therefore imposes additional costs that ultimately fall on ordinary citizens due to higher prices, disrupted supply chains and slower growth. As I have often said, economic security and national security are inseparable.

The award is also a reminder to smaller and middle powers that international law

gives every nation a voice. There may be great disparity between nations in terms of military strength or economic influence, but legal principles establish standards that apply equally to all.

Here in Washington, conversations after our embassy commemoration reflected quiet optimism. Many guests are of the opinion that while disagreements among nations are inevitable, conflict is not. They also expressed hope that the discipline of diplomacy and the authority of international law will continue to prevail over coercion. History has shown us that wars are costly, but history also teaches that wise diplomacy can prevent conflict. The global community has every reason to support peaceful legal mechanisms that reduce tensions before they escalate into crises. The Arbitral Award reminds us that justice and stability are mutually reinforcing, not mutually exclusive.

The Strait of Hormuz offers a timely reminder of what is at stake. When strategic waterways become flashpoints, the entire world pays the price. When nations choose dialogue over confrontation, everyone benefits.

Ten years after the Arbitral Award, its greatest legacy is not merely what it resolved for the Philippines. Its greater contribution is the example it offers humanity – that even the most difficult disputes need not be settled by intimidation or conflict. The rule of law remains far less costly than the price of war, and peace still remains the strongest foundation for prosperity. (Philstar.com)

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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.

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Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com n

smaller catch and the family waiting for someone to come home safely.

The Philippines has taken meaningful steps. The Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, enacted in 2024, strengthened the domestic legal framework under UNCLOS. Executive Order No. 57 reorganized maritime coordination under the National Maritime Council and assigned the National Maritime Center responsibilities for information-sharing, surveillance coordination and documentation. The government has also launched fuel, ice and at-sea purchasing assistance for participating fishermen.

These measures matter, but they should be judged by results.

The Arbitral Ruling must shape...

PAGE 6

rights enjoyed by Filipino and other fishermen.

It further found that China had breached specified obligations under UNCLOS by interfering with Philippine sovereign rights, failing to prevent harmful harvesting and causing coral reef dam-

age through land reclamation and construction. China did not formally participate and continues to reject the award. Under UNCLOS, however, the decision is final and binding on the parties. Its practical value depends on diplomacy, national capacity and consis-

tent policy. For Filipinos, the sea is not abstract. It is food in public markets, income for coastal families and work for crews, traders and vendors. When access becomes uncertain, the consequences reach the boat owner repaying a loan, the crew returning with a

The first obligation is a sustained, professional civilian presence. Coast Guard and fisheries operations should not expand only after confrontations or anniversaries. Vessels require maintenance, fuel, trained crews, secure communications and predictable funding. Personnel need rules that protect life, preserve evidence and reduce miscalculation.

Restraint is not surrender. Professional seamanship and disciplined communication can defend Philippine rights more effectively than heated language unsupported by capability.

Fishing communities must be treated as citizens with economic and safety needs,

not merely as symbols of national resolve. Beyond fuel and ice, fishermen need weather information, communications, tracking, insurance, rescue capacity and stable markets. They should not carry national policy in small boats while decisions are made safely on land.

Environmental protection deserves equal attention. Coral reefs, spawning grounds and fish stocks are living resources, not merely evidence in a territorial argument. Defending jurisdiction while allowing the marine environment to deteriorate would leave future generations with a legal victory over depleted waters.

Documentation must be systematic and credible.

Photographs and videos can explain incidents, but official disclosure should inform rather than inflame. Records should include verified coordinates, time stamps, vessel identification and secure preservation of original material.

International partnerships can provide vessels, radar, training and expertise. Such cooperation should strengthen Philippine capacity rather than substitute for it. Maritime policy must remain Philippine-led and guided by the country’s security and economic interests.

None of this requires hostility toward China. The dispute concerns maritime rights and official conduct, not Chinese people or Fili-

pino Chinese communities. Diplomatic channels, crisis communications, fisheries discussions and ASEAN negotiations should remain open.

Dialogue is not the opposite of firmness. Philippine policy becomes more credible when it is stable, lawful and able to survive changes of administration. The award is not the property of one president or political faction. It is a legal asset of the Republic.

The government should publish a measurable annual account of implementation: capabilities added, missions completed, fishermen assisted, incidents documented, environmental assessments conducted and public funds spent. Sensitive operational details can remain protected, but performance should be open to scrutiny.

The Philippines does not have to choose between protecting its rights and maintaining a workable relationship with China. A mature policy should do both: uphold the law without bravado, sustain dialogue without erasing legitimate differences and translate a courtroom victory into safer waters, stronger institutions and greater security for Filipinos who depend on the sea.

That is the proper measure of the arbitral award after ten years, not how forcefully it is praised each July, but whether it shapes national policy every day. (AJPress) n

Fil-Am found guilty of wife’s murder 5

years after she vanished

by inquiReR.net

CHULA VISTA – Filipino

American Larry Millete was convicted of first-degree murder Thursday for the killing of his wife, who vanished without a trace more than five years ago.

Following about six weeks of testimony, a Chula Vista jury deliberated for less than a day before convicting Millete, 44, of murdering his wife of 20 years, May “Maya” Millete, who has not been seen or heard from since Jan. 7, 2021.

A sentencing hearing was not set, as another unresolved assault weapon possession charge will be dealt with first. Millete will be back in court next month for a status conference.

25 years to life in prison

He faces up to 25 years to life in state prison for May’s murder.

Deputy District Attorney Christy Bowles, who prosecuted the case, and May’s sister, Maricris Drouaillet, expressed gratitude for the

jury’s verdict, but said their work would not be finished until May’s body was found.

“While today’s verdict is significant, May is still missing,” Bowles said. “We continue to hope that one day, she will be found so her family can lay her to rest with the dignity she deserves.”

Maya still missing Drouaillet, who for years organized searches for her younger sister, said, “Justice will have been served today, but we still have my sister out there. We still have the second step to go through.

We still have to bring my sister home, to bring her to her three children.”

Prosecutors allege Larry killed his wife in their home because she sought a divorce, then loaded her body into an SUV and disposed of her on Jan. 8, during a period of about 12 hours in which his whereabouts remain unknown.

Her body has never been found, but police and prosecutors say there is no evidence to suggest she was alive after that date.

PAGE 9

Ejercito pushes long-term infra master plan to stimulate growth

by Jan Escosio Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito renewed on Thursday his call for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2— the proposed Master Plan on Infrastructure and National Development Act (MIND) Act.

“This will hit two birds with one stone. I think this will be the key. This will really stimulate economic growth all over the country,” Ejercito, an advocate for a national infrastructure masterplan since the 17th Congress, said in a mix of English and Filipino during the public hearing of the Senate committee on economic affairs and the committee on public works and finance.

“The centers of growth are not only in Metro Manila, not only in Cebu, not only in Davao. It needs to be spread, like, for example, in other areas in Mindanao,” he went on.

“Railways and mass transit

are the keys to faster movement of people, business, and the economy. Infrastructure development is not only for the current administration. This is for future generations of Filipinos,” he added.

Ejercito’s bill seeks to institutionalize a long-term Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Masterplan and create the MIND Council to ensure that major infra projects are coordinated, data-driven, transparent, and continue beyond changes in political leadership.

The lawmaker from San Juan said the government must prioritize projects that create sustainable jobs and livelihood opportunities instead of making people rely solely on cash assistance programs.

“Let’s not rely solely on aid programs. We all need decent jobs and livelihoods that will be sustainable in the long run. Aid is just shortterm and not sustainable. What we want are real jobs and livelihoods so we can raise the quality of life of our

Forty and forty...

PAGE 6

the wrong assumptions—of having to prove to the old colonial masters that Filipinos could be thrifty and loyal to Washington’s policy formulations, which were skeptical of industrialization—when our neighbors did the exact opposite in defiance of the “experts,” with Park Chung-hee being a famous example.

It hasn’t helped that since a premium is put on appearances, understanding that the substance is different isn’t acknowledged even by our fellow Filipinos. The democracy that had emerged prior to World War II would be more familiar to many of our neighbors then and now than to Filipinos today, who only look, if they look back, to surface similarities with the West. It had become ingrained enough that its instincts—to belong to a monolithic party with little independence from a coalition leader—have remained, even as these instincts repeatedly collide with a public conditioned into believing its understanding of democracy is shared by the leaders it elects.

Hence what I have come to call the “Three Old” and the “Three New.” The Three Old are our political inheritance from the Long Republic from 1935 to 1973 and are a bandwagon democracy, a plebiscitary democracy, and a partyless democracy. A mandate is contested and earned by a coalition whose success is measured not just in votes but in the breadth of the coalition; a mandate is retained, and periodically re-

freshed, through a combination of actual elections (at the start, to choose an administration, and in midterms, to determine its continuing viability) and symbolic referenda, whether through public opinion or public rituals; and this is where the instincts of the political class dating to the colonial era are to belong to the majority regardless of who constitutes it.

The Three New are the fruit of our having become a middle-class Republic in the 1950s, with the reentry of the Catholic Church into political life and its cultivation of civil society. These are that since 1987 (and foreshadowed in 1957), we have a minority presidency, an unchangeable Constitution, and the substitution of families and fandoms for political parties. We continue to have vast expectations of presidents but deny them the foundation of their power, a majority mandate; we are increasingly disappointed with, and even despairing of the system achieving any lasting change, when we cannot even change the rules of the game despite the clear shortcomings of the system; and we are moving backward in terms of political organization when the times call for modernity and not a return to premodern ways of organizing.

The fruit of 1986 was the 1987 Constitution, which anchored itself on a threefold vision: to channel people power into reinvigorated institutions; to make accountability more accessible, in large part by

limiting the executive’s prerogatives; and to institute an activist judiciary to uphold rights. The first failed, the second has created a gulf between the traditional expectations of responsibility, which cannot be fulfilled for lack of authority, and the last has made the first happen and continued to undermine the second (for example on rulings on budgetary processes making governance even more difficult).

Forty years, then, were spent seeing the collapse of a system unable to be itself, where we adopted a national attitude of victimhood to excuse ourselves from having to look too closely at ourselves. This was followed by 40 years of insisting on magical thinking to paper over the almost immediately exposed shortcomings of our experiment in a newly restored democracy. The republic at 80 is one where, at last, the period of decay and decline where something has to take its place, just as the 40 years from the ’30s to the ’70s led to a dictatorial experiment. We must ask ourselves what kind of experiment comes next, at the end of our current 40-year fall of the Fifth Republic. (Inquirer.net)

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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

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

Ejercito pushes long-term infra...

countrymen,” Ejercito said. Ejercito acknowledged that the government already laid down the policy groundwork through the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Law (Republic Act No. 1214) and Executive Order No. 72. But he pointed out that it is crucial to institutionalize the system through the passage of the proposed MIND Act, one of his priority measures in the 20th Congress.

During the deliberations on the DepDev Law, Ejercito also proposed Section 15 to be included in the country’s long-term vision, goals, and strategy for infrastructure development in the Longterm Development Framework.

“If we look at our neighbors in the Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations], we’ll see how far we have been left behind in infrastructure development. This is not rocket science. They chose a clear direction and had long-term plans. It’s time we also do these,” he said.

No more last-minute budget insertions

As the current Senate finance chief, Ejercito said the Senate would put an end to the practice of last-minute insertions during the bicameral conference committee and strengthen the participation of local governments in determining priority infrastructure projects.

“We will no longer accept insertions in the bicam. We’ll make sure to give voice to

Fil-Am found guilty of wife’s...

While Bowles conceded to jurors that she could not specifically say how May Millete died, she argued Larry was the only person with the means and motive to kill her.

‘Spell casters’

The prosecution’s case focused largely on what Bowles described as Larry’s possessive and controlling behavior, which allegedly included regularly tracking May’s whereabouts, controlling her finances and ultimately soliciting the assistance of “spell casters” he believed could magically influence May to give up her plans for divorce.

which he was trying to confirm whether May was cheating.

Sabatini argued Larry was being psychologically abused and “gaslit” by May, whom she said was denying the affair to family and friends while at the same time portraying Larry as “crazy” and “the villain” for suspecting it.

While she said jurors might not agree with how Larry handled the situation, Sabatini said, “There is no playbook for heartbreak.”

‘Well-planned’

our regional development councils and local governments in choosing projects to be implemented. We will no longer allow projects we don’t know about or are not priorities of the community,” he said.

He stressed that the recently exposed flood control anomalies reflected the consequences of fragmented planning, weak project monitoring, and poor accountability.

According to him, this makes the passage of the MIND Act more urgent than ever.

“Let’s start fixing the system. Let’s hold accountable those who must be held accountable. But let’s continue the projects that our countrymen really need,” he said.

The requests to spell casters evolved over the months leading to May’s disappearance from seeking to make her fall in love with him again to making her obey him to causing her to become sick or incapacitated so she would be dependent on him. Bowles argued those messages illustrated his capability to cause his wife physical harm and noted his spell requests abruptly ended following May’s disappearance.

The prosecutor also sought to dispel the notion that May voluntarily vanished, noting May’s plans for the coming year and her devotion to her three children.

Affair with co-worker Defense attorney Liann Sabatini said in her closing arguments that Larry’s behavior was colored by May’s ongoing affair with a co-worker and that his conduct that was being classified as stalking was actually Larry conducting a “tragic investigation” in

Regarding the alleged murder, Sabatini told jurors they were being asked to speculate rather than rely on facts in a case that lacked a body, crime scene, murder weapon or eyewitnesses.

Bowles argued the lack of a body was even more compelling evidence that May’s disappearance was criminal and “so well-planned that it is nothing other than premeditation.”

Though Bowles said she could not articulate the exact method of death, the presence of poison hemlock in the home has been referenced as a potential method. The contents of a vial found inside the Millete home following his arrest tested positive for coniine — a poisonous compound found in poison hemlock — and Larry had searched numerous times for poison hemlock online, as well as other methods for killing or incapacitating someone.

Poison

But Sabatini dismissed the poison theory as “silly,” arguing there was no reason for Larry to keep the plant

inside his home nearly a year after May’s disappearance if he was guilty and that it was more likely one of his children picked the plant, as poison hemlock is commonly found throughout San Diego County.

She also argued that Larry searched for the plant as a means to commit suicide due to his despair over his deteriorating marriage.

Surveillance footage captured May entering the family’s home at around 4:45 p.m. Jan. 7, but no video footage has captured her leaving.

According to trial testimony, her last known contact with anyone was in a text message with one of her sisters at around 8:15 p.m. Jan. 7, then her cell phone terminated all cellular connections at about 1:25 a.m. Jan. 8. Larry — whose phone also terminated cell connections on the morning of Jan. 8 — allegedly left the family’s home in an SUV at about 6:45 a.m. and did not return until about 6 that evening.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement released shortly after the verdict, “Finally, justice has been served for Maya and for everyone who has carried the weight of her absence for more than five years. Our hearts are with Maya’s family, friends and especially her three children, who have endured an unimaginable loss. Justice delayed can never erase years of grief, but today’s verdict affirms that no victim is forgotten and no family is abandoned in our pursuit of the truth.” (With CNS report) n

SC dismisses petition vs Escudero, Comelec

unit over campaign donations

by diAnne sAmpAng Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed a petition filed against Sen. Francis Escudero and the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) over campaign donations he received for his 2022 senatorial bid.

Comelec chairperson

George Erwin Garcia shared the notice of the resolution to reporters on Friday. The document was received by the PFAD on the same day.

“The Court resolved to DISMISS the Petition for Review dated December 23, 2025, filed by the petitioner, for being the wrong remedy,” the resolution issued by SC En Banc dated June 3, 2026, read.

The petition by private citizen John Barry Tayam stemmed from the resolution of PFAD to terminate its investigation into the case of Escudero, citing a lack of evidence to support a complaint that the senator and Lawrene Lubiano,

president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. violated the Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). PFAD is responsible for reviewing and assessing the statements of contribution and expenditures of poll candidates.

Escudero earlier confirmed that he received a P30 million donation from Lubiano for his senatorial bid, however, he clarified that he did not help the firm secure major flood control projects. The firm was one of the 15 contractors revealed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be awarded most of the flood control projects in the country.

Section 95(c) of the OEC states that “[n]o contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any of the following: (c) natural and juridical persons who hold contracts or subcontracts to supply the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions, or instrumentalities with goods or services, or to

perform construction or other works.”

The last part of the Section 95 also states that “[i]t shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or receive any contribution from any of the persons or entities enumerated herein.”

PFAD ruled that stock or non-stock corporations are “treated as separate and distinct legal entities from the natural persons composing them.” It added that Lubiano is a “separate legal personality” of his own despite being the firm’s president.

“There is no evidence establishing that the funds used in the contribution originated from Centerways, or that its corporate money crept into campaign funds of respondent Escudero through the contribution made by respondent Lubiano,” the PFAD said in its decision.

With this, Tayam said that he believes that “Lubiano is Centerways, Centerways is Lubiano.”

“Hindi pwedeng sabihing personal capacity, ang tagal na

Ombudsman: 2019 SEA Games raps vs. Dizon junked for lack of evidence

by John eRic mendozA Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines — The graft complaint filed against Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has been dismissed due to “insufficient evidence,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Thursday.

Clavano made the pronouncement as the National Bureau of Investigation announced it intends to probe alleged irregularities surrounding the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Dizon, who chaired the Bases Conversion and Development Authority at the time, oversaw much of the infrastructure for the 2019 SEA Games Complex in New Clark City.

“Upon checking the records of this case, it appears

nyang contractor. It’s a matter of technicalities kaya kailangan ng tulong ng Korte Suprema,” he said in an ambush interview upon filing the petition.

that the case filed against Sec. Vince Dizon, etc., regarding the construction of the sports facilities for the 2019 SEA Games has been dismissed for insufficiency of evidence,” Clavano said in a statement.

Clavano said the dismissal was contained in an Ombudsman joint resolution issued in

December 2021.

Matibag earlier said the NBI intends to examine alleged anomalies in the country’s hosting of the SEA Games, including about P10 billion in unliquidated funds, the lack of competitive bidding for some projects, and the controversial P50-million cauldron. n

(We can’t say that it’s personal capacity; he’s been a contractor for a long time. It’s a matter of technicalities; that’s why Supreme Court’s help is needed.) When sought for a reaction to the SC resolution, Escudero’s camp said: “No comment.” n

Bea Alonzo, Vincent Co wed in private Makati civil ceremony

by AJPress

MANILA — Actress Bea Alonzo and businessman Ferdinand Vincent Co were married July 13 in a private civil ceremony at Makati City Hall, with Makati Mayor Nancy Binay officiating.

The marriage became public the following day after Binay shared a photograph with the couple and offered her congratulations. Alonzo confirmed the wedding on July 15, posting a series of black-and-white images from the ceremony with the oneword caption, “Home.”

The photographs showed the newlyweds signing documents, exchanging rings and posing beside a small cake marked “Just Married.” Alonzo wore a structured white ensemble and carried a bouquet of white flowers, while Co wore a white Barong Tagalog.

Alonzo later said she did her own makeup and that a close friend took the photographs. The pared-down arrangements kept the ceremony largely outside public view.

Joey V. Garcia of GERA Law, Alonzo’s lawyer, said the wedding took place at about 7 p.m. He also confirmed that Alonzo and Co had signed a

prenuptial agreement before the ceremony.

Garcia said the agreement was entered into freely and voluntarily and did not create any legal impediment to the marriage. Its terms remain private, and neither Alonzo nor Co has discussed them publicly.

The civil wedding followed months of public interest in the couple’s plans. In March, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Manila published marriage banns bearing their le-

gal names, formally signaling their intention to marry. The notice did not state when or where the ceremony would take place.

Alonzo publicly acknowledged her relationship with Co in August 2025, saying she was happy while making clear that she wanted to keep much of her personal life private. The couple made only occasional public appearances and did not announce an engagement before the wedding.

Singer Banig Roberto’s son joins ‘Avatar:

by: Gavin MartinEz

NETFLIX’S “Avatar: The Last Airbender” introduced a new face to fans, with Filipino Taiwanese child actor Jordan Roberto Chien portraying Young Zuko in the series’ second season.

He is the son of Filipina singer and International Star Search champion Josephine “Banig” Roberto.

Chien makes his first appearance in Episode 2, “A Fight, Once Begun,” where viewers are taken back to the Fire Nation prince’s childhood.

His portrayal centers on one of the most defining moments in Zuko’s early life as he witnesses the painful separation from his mother, Ursa – an event that helps explain the emotional scars and inner conflict that shape the chara-

Co, whose full name is Ferdinand Vincent P. Co, is president and a director of Puregold Price Club Inc., a publicly listed supermarket operator.

Alonzo is among the Philippines’ most established film and television actresses. Her credits include One More Chance, The Mistress and Four Sisters and a Wedding.

The couple has not announced whether the civil ceremony will be followed by religious rites or a larger reception. n

The Last Airbender’

cter’s story. Although the role marks Chien’s biggest acting project to date, the young performer is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Before joining the live-action adaptation, he had already appeared in campaigns for the Los Angeles Lakers, Disneyland and Mattel. For Chien, however, the journey to becoming Young Zuko was every bit as memo-

rable as appearing on screen.

Reflecting on the experience through Instagram, the child actor described months of auditions, callbacks and anxious waiting before finally receiving the news that changed everything.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how incredible this journey was for me to be able to

by: EvanGElinE valdErraMa Inquirer.net

HEART Evangelista’s longtime personal assistant Resty Rosell came under fire on social media for calling out celebrity content creator Mimiyuuuh after the later made a remark about wanting to be a “nepo baby” who come from “clean money.”

Rosell left a comment on the Instagram page of Mimiyuuuh announcing her new vlog collaboration with fellow content artist Esnyr, apparently feeling that Evangelista was being alluded to in the vlog as someone whose wealth did not come from legitimate means.

In that vlog which was posted on Mimiyuuuh’s YouTube channel, she and Esnyr discussed how they could now afford to eat the pricey king crab before them when they used to only dream about it before they hit it big on the internet.

Mimiyuuuh said it is her dream to be the nepo baby of businesswoman-influencer Small Laude, or anyone from the business industry, just not of politicians.

“Pero ayoko yung mga galing sa politicians. Gusto ko nepo baby na galing sa mga businesses,” she quipped.

Esnyr then said, “Nepo baby na clean money.”

Their conversation then switched to how the two content creators loved Anne Curtis’ beauty, with Mimiyuuuh saying she found the “It’s Showtime” host to be one of the nicest in the industry.

“Adding to Ms Anne Curtis, isa sya sa pinakamabait din teh. Parang di mo mapi feel sa kanya yung ‘I can buy you,’ di sya ganung energy,” said Mimiyuuuh. “We love you, Ms Anne. We only love Anne in this household, kasi sya talaga ang clean money girl.”

Esnyr seconded Mimiyuuuh saying Curtis’ wealth clearly came from her own hard work. It appears to be in this context that Rosell found offensive for her principal Evangelista, despite that there was no mention of the latter in the vlog.

In a series of comments which have now been deleted, Rosell called out Mimiyuuuh.

“Anong pinaglalaban natin mi? Sikat kana, hindi mo need magpasikat,” she said in one of her posts, as reuploaded by a fan page.

“At galing pa talaga sa kanya? Eee ang galing ng mag shade-shade @mimiyuuuh

Jeremiah Abraham Named to Campaign

US’s 2026 40 Over 40

by AJPress

NEW YORK, NY — Jeremiah Abraham, Founder and CEO of Tremendous Communications, has been named one of Campaign US’s 2026 40 Over 40, recognizing marketing leaders who are shaping the future of advertising, communications, and brand strategy.

Over more than two decades, Abraham has built a career at the intersection of global marketing, audience strategy, and cultural intelligence. His leadership spans

Warner Bros., The Walt Disney Company, Condé Nast Entertainment, and Tremendous Communications, where he has helped shape global campaigns and audience strategies for Disney, Universal, Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount, Netflix, Sony, Apple, HBO, and other leading entertainment companies.

Throughout his career, Abraham has led marketing across some of the world’s most recognized franchises and brands, including Harry Potter, LEGO, Star Wars, DC Entertainment, Mortal Kombat, The Lord of the Rings, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Joy Ride, Dìdi, Moana, and Marvel, helping brands expand into new markets and build deeper relationships with audiences around the world.

A recognized pioneer in multicultural marketing, Abraham has spent his career helping transform how Hollywood engages multicultural, AANHPI, LGBTQ+, and international audiences, demonstrating that audience intelligence is a driver of innovation, commer-

cial growth, and long-term brand value. He has led more than 200 integrated marketing initiatives across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, influencing how studios and global brands approach audience development, creator ecosystems, and inclusive marketing.

As one of the entertainment industry’s most prominent Filipino American marketing executives, Abraham has been a strong advocate for elevating Filipino talent, creators, and stories on the global stage. Through his work in Hollywood, Broadway, and independent film, he has championed greater visibility for Filipino artists while helping build stronger creative and business partnerships between the United States and the Philippines. His producing credits include the fourtime Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical Here Lies Love, as well as the acclaimed films Yellow Rose and Lingua Franca.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside such an accomplished group of leaders,” said Abraham. “Throughout my career, I’ve believed that marketing is ultimately about understanding people. When organizations invest in understanding evolving audiences,

they create stronger brands, unlock new opportunities for growth, and build deeper, more meaningful connections with the communities they serve.”

In addition to Campaign US 40 Over 40, Abraham has been recognized as one of Variety’s 8 APIs Up Next in Entertainment, received the Asians in Advertising Impact Award, and has earned honors from the Shorty Awards, Telly Awards, and ADCOLOR Awards for his contributions to marketing innovation, audience strategy, and representation.

About Jeremiah Abraham Jeremiah Abraham is a global marketing and communications executive with more than 20 years of experience leading brand strategy, audience development, and integrated marketing for entertainment, media, technology, and consumer brands. He is widely recognized for helping organizations transform audience insight into business growth while advancing multicultural marketing as a core business strategy. His work has played a significant role in expanding opportunities for AANHPI communities and increasing the global visibility of Filipino talent, storytelling, and creative leadership.n

Aiko Melendez opens up about thyroid battle: ‘Getting sick is really expensive’

by JEssica ann EvanGElista Inquirer.net

AIKO Melendez has opened up about her ongoing battle with a thyroid condition, urging the public to prioritize regular checkups, as “getting sick is really expensive.”

Melendez revealed in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 16, that she has been dealing with thyroid problems since she was a teenager but had discontinued her medication after some time.

“I’ve actually been dealing with thyroid problems since my teenage years. Back then, I was treated and took my medications, but like many people, I made the mistake of thinking that once I felt better and the symptoms were gone, I could stop taking them on my own,” she wrote.

The Quezon City councilor noted that thyroid disorders do not always present obvious symptoms so it’s important to not skip doctor’s advice.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s this: listen to your body, don’t

skip your checkups, and never stop your medication without your doctor’s advice,” she said.

“Sharing my experience in the hope that it encourages others to take their thyroid health seriously. If my story helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then this journey has a greater purpose,” the actress concluded the post.

Melendez earlier documented the second day of what she called her “thyroid journey,” revealing that she underwent a thyroid scan after having a biopsy performed by an endocrinologist.

“Based on Dr. Allan’s initial assessment, my thyroid

nodules appear to be benign. While that’s very reassuring, I’m still praying that the official biopsy results will confirm that everything is indeed okay,” she captioned her photos at the hospital.

The actress-politician explained that medical procedures cost a fortune, so it’s important to take care of one’s health.

“Thank You Lord Jesus for my health card that I didn’t have to spend any single penny. Getting sick is really expensive. So take care of our health,” she said.

Melendez recently made headlines after her daughter, Marthena Jickain, officially joined show business. n

Katrina Halili gets emotional recalling her struggles as single mother

by Jan Milo sEvEro Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Katrina Halili was moved to tears when she and fellow "StarStruck" alum Sheena Halili talked about her struggles as a single mother.

Katrina also opened up about the current state of her relationship with ex-partner Kris Lawrence, the father of her only child, Katie.

play Young Zuko. From the very first audition, to the callbacks, to the director’s session and the nerve racking anticipation…but to finally receive the news that afternoon from my agent, it was hands-down one of the best days of my life.”

His mother, Josephine Roberto, echoed that excitement in a social media post, saying their family’s involvement in the Avatar universe was something they never imagined would happen.

“My excitement level is beyond words right now!” she wrote, describing the project as an experience that

from jordanrobertochien/Instagram

“my whole family and me as a mom is something we will forever cherish.”

As a mother, she shared that watching from the sidelines and allowing him to thrive in his passion has been deeply rewarding, noting that while beginning a career at a young age is never easy, “when you love what you do, it becomes your playground!” n

“Kumusta ka? Blooming ka,” Sheena told Katrina, which she answered, "Oh talaga?"

“Siguro kasi na-forgive mo na,” Sheena replied.

Despite sharing the same surname, the two actresses are not related by blood.

“Ay, oo. The fact na kinakausap ko na siya, na-forgive na siya,” Katrina answered.

Katrina became emotional when she admitted that there were times when she felt guilty because she did not spend enough time with her daughter.

“Marami akong napapanaginipan last year. Nagso-sorry ako kay Katie. Wala akong time, ganyan,” Katrina said.

"Okay lang ‘yun. Ngayon lang tayo nagkita. Magkuwento ka na,” Sheena replied.

Katrina continued: “Kaya ko in-open na okay na kasi dati kapag nagkikita kami, nod lang ganu’n oh. Umaalis na ako. Hindi ko siya pinapansin.”

"Minsan nga umaalis pa tayo kapag parating na siya.

‘Tara na, tara na. Umalis na tayo,’” Sheena said.

Kris recently admitted that he is now courting Katrina again and is hoping for a second chance.

In an interview, Kris said that he will not waste the "second chance" that Katrina gave him, especially being Katie's father.

“I’m very, very grateful that she kept me in the decision that we’re co-parenting a hundred percent and everything is so beautiful right now. Napansin namin 'yung smile ni Katie, a big shift. Katie’s smile is so much better, it’s so genuine. It almost feels like she does not have autism. I believe it’s because the energy is all back and it’s all whole now," he said.

“Now she feels love from both parents. I’m there every single day. She sees that me and Kat are happy. The fact that me and Kat are happy, it trickles down to her and it makes her feel secured and loved. The magnitude is just phenomenal,” he added.”n

Actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes lands role in West End revival of ‘Rent’

by: Gavin MartinEz

FILIPINO theater actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes is adding another major international production to his growing resume after being cast in the upcoming West End revival of “Rent,” where he will perform alongside “Stranger Things” star Gaten Matarazzo.

Valdes has been tapped to play Benny in the new staging of Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical, while Matarazzo will take on the lead role of filmmaker Mark.

The production confirmed the cast through a social media announcement on Wednesday, marking Valdes’ return to London’s renowned theater district.

For the Filipino performer, the revival represents more than just another role. Speaking in a video released after the announcement, Valdes shared that the musical’s message remains just as meaningful today as when it first premiered.

Valdes said the revival stays true to the musical’s enduring message while making it feel fresh for younger audiences.

“The themes of choosing

love over fear, choosing community, choosing creation over war, it still resonates right now… he’s bringing it to new generation, so that younger people who have no idea what ‘Rent’ is, will watch them say, that feels so new, and that’s so exciting,” he said.

He also praised director Luke Sheppard’s vision for the production, saying the revival preserves the heart of the original while making it accessible to audiences discovering Rent for the first time.

The actor’s talent agency, BBA Management, celebrated the casting on social media, highlighting both Valdes’ return to the West End and the involvement of associate musical supervisor and musical director Katy Richardson.

“We are so thrilled that our amazing JOAQUIN PEDRO VALDES (@joaquin.pedro.valdes) will be joining the cast of RENT as Benny, returning to the West End. With the brilliant KATY RICHARDSON (@ katyrrichardson) on the creative team as Associate Musical Supervisor and Musical Director.

This is going to be something special!” the agency wrote.

Valdes joins an ensemble cast that includes Travis Ross as Roger, Bella Brown as Mimi, Billy Nevers as Collins, Lazy Violet as Maureen, Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne and Jeevan Braich as Angel. Widely regarded as one of musical theater’s defining works, “Rent” follows a group of young artists navigating friendship, love, ambition, and loss while living in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Its themes of hope, resistance and chosen family have continued to resonate with audiences around the world since its Broadway debut in 1996. n

Olivia Rodrigo sets new career milestone

as ‘The Cure’ stays No. 1

Filipino American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo adds another milestone to her growing list of chart achievements as “The Cure” continues its remarkable run on Billboard, while her latest album shows no signs of slowing down just weeks after its release.

The track has secured a sixth consecutive week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Streaming Songs chart, making it the longest-running leader of her career on the ranking.

With the feat, “The Cure” overtakes the performance of her previous chart-topper, “Bad Idea Right?” giving her a new personal best on the streaming-focused tally.

The song’s momentum extends far beyond a single chart. “The Cure” continues to rank among the top 10 on nearly every Billboard list

where it appears, including the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, Hot Alternative Songs, Streaming Songs and Billboard Global 200 charts. Rodrigo’s latest album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” has also become a dominant force across Billboard’s streaming rankings. Eight songs from the project currently appear on the Alternative Streaming Songs chart, with five of them occupying spots inside the top 10.

The sound that made Manila sing

by BEtti BErnaBE Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The members of HOTDOG never set out to create a movement — they simply wanted to make music they themselves would enjoy playing.

Nearly five decades later, that music has become part of the Filipino vocabulary.

Songs like Manila, Annie Batungbakal, Bongga Ka ‘Day, Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko and Pers Lab have long outgrown the radio charts that first introduced them. Today, they serve as cultural shorthand that can transport generations of Filipinos back to moments of joy, youth, and everyday life.

Photos from oliviarodrigo/Instagram

The record, which arrived just a month ago, has enjoyed an impressive launch. It debuted at No. 1 upon release and has continued to post strong streaming gains in the weeks that followed. Every one of its 13 tracks also entered the Billboard Hot 100.

Rodrigo began introducing fans to the project before its release through the singles “Drop Dead” and “The Cure,” both of which helped build anticipation for her third studio album.”n

For original members Jess Garcia, Ella del Rosario and Mon Toralba, however, those songs began much more simply: inside rehearsal rooms, recording studios and long conversations among friends who never imagined they were helping shape the future of Filipino music — or create what would later be known as Manila Sound.

Why HOTDOG?

(emoji) saan mo natutunan yan? Ingat, baka bigla ka tapikin,” Roselle further said in her reply to a comment.

Rosell further asked who Mimiyuuuh was working for, saying the latter could attend

Before the music came the name.

As fondly remembered by Ella del Rosario, the band’s first female vocalist, HOTDOG was always meant to be written in all caps, with no “s, just the way founding member and principal songwriter, the late Dennis Garcia, originally conceptualized.

The inspiration came after Dennis and his brother Rene returned from a musical stint with the Red Fox band in Hawaii during the early 1970s. But the expression itself wasn’t uniquely Hawaiian.

“Hot dog!” was already a widely used American slang exclamation throughout much of the 20th century, expressing excitement, delight, or celebration, like another way of saying “Awesome!”, “Cool!” or “Yippee!” whenever something exciting happened.

Dennis loved the expression and adopted it as the band’s name. He simply saw in it the same youthful energy he wanted the band to embody.

That spirit — playful spontaneous, and unmistakably contemporary — would even-

tually define both HOTDOG and the sound that forever changed Filipino popular music.

Before Manila Sound had a name Long before they became icons of Original Pilipino Music, the members of HOTDOG were simply students from some of Manila’s biggest schools.

Jess Garcia was an Atenean drummer. Ella del Rosario was an Assumptionista who laughs that she barely spoke Tagalog at the time. Mon Toralba had just entered De La Salle as part of its first co-educational batch when he joined the group at only 18 years old.

“We were just kids who wanted to have fun,” Ella recalled to The STAR.

That youthful perspective would become one of HOTDOG’s greatest strengths.

While much of Filipino popular music remained rooted in kundiman traditions or Western covers, the band began writing songs that sounded like the way Filipinos actually talked — playful Taglish, ev-

PAGE 14

fashion week events, like Evangelista if she so desires since the influencer seemed to be earning well from her content.

Mimiyuuuh and Esnyr, have yet to comment on Rosell’s callout. Evangelista also have not released a statement on the matter.

Evangelista and Mimiyuuuh have previously collaborated in 2019. They have reportedly unfollowed each other on Instagram after the alleged shade. n

Health @Heart Killing us “softly”

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

The silent killer of the 1970s, high blood pressure, is now replaced by Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of three or more risk factors like abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, abnormal lipids, and insulin resistance (pre-diabetes T2), which is actually a “pandemic” today, robbing us of our health and potential longevity.

“The syndrome feeds into the spread of diseases like type 2 diabetes, coronary diseases, stroke, and other disabilities. The total cost of the malady, including the cost of health care and loss of potential economic activity, is in trillions,” according to the US National Institute of Health.

Metabolic syndrome kills millions of people annually around the world by way of complications of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and other metabolic illnesses. Metabolic Syndrome kills more people globally than all casualties from all wars in human history.

The expanding waistlines of Americans (and Filipinos) over the past several decades have been alarming, not only from the cosmetic/physical point of view but, more importantly, from their adverse impact on health and morbidity. and mortality.

The researchers from Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, in an article posted in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, stated that “being overweight and obesity contribute to metabolic syndrome, which affects 1 in 3 adults and about 40 percent of adults aged 40 and older…that the risk factors are more than just the sum of their parts.” Obesity is indeed surpassing tobacco as the pre-eminent preventable cause of early morbidity and premature deaths in the United States and globally.

The rule of thumb is that optimizing health requires a waistline of less than 40 in men and less than 35 in women, along with a healthy lifestyle: diet (foremost!), then exercise, abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, and stress management.

The authors of the study explain “that the visceral fat component of abdominal obesity leads not only to insulin resistance but also to

the release of non-esterified free fatty acids from adipose tissues or body fat…the lipids then accumulate in other sites such as the liver and muscles, further predisposing individuals to greater insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, and adipose tissue may produce various adipokines that may separately impact insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk factors.”

Persons with metabolic syndrome are generally without symptoms and severely underdiagnosed and untreated, but have a 10-year risk of a first heart attack, according to the Framingham Risk score of 16 to 18 percent, which puts them in a higher risk category similar to those who already had a previous heart attack.

Various clinical studies have shown that even with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), individuals with an expanding waistline from visceral fat could still have metabolic syndrome. Those who consume soft drinks of any kind, cola or uncola, diet or regular, caffeinated or not, have a higher risk for the development of metabolic syndrome, especially children. Indeed, soft drinks are toxic to our bodies, to our DNA

As I have highlighted in the book Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children, a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, to be fully effective, must start in the womb, and dieting and discipline must begin in the crib to protect the children’s DNA. This pre-emptive and proactive strategy at the cellular/molecular level would exempt them from having the so-called “expected and normal diseases of aging,” like arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes T2, heart diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Indeed, these are preventable.

The pandemic of obesity, which began in childhood, has been increasing over the past century (1 billion worldwide today). The current generation of children (1 in 10 are obese, 1 in 5 are overweight) and adolescents (who eat more calories and unhealthy foods and who exercise less) will reach middle age with higher morbidity and mortality from metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer, worse than their parents’.

While colon cancer rates have been going down among the elderly (55 and older) since the 1980s, they are increasing among those in their

20s and 30s. This was the recent alarming finding of a US cancer registry, which reviewed nearly half a million colorectal cancers diagnosed between 1974 and 2013, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and in the March 1, 2017 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The research shows that for colon cancer, a rate increase of 2.4 percent annually was noted for those in their 20s and 1.0 percent among those in their 30s. For rectal cancers, the yearly increase was even higher, 3.2 percent. This report revealed an alarming retrogression in our battle against colorectal cancers: “that young adults' colorectal cancer risk is now similar to that of adults born around 1890.”

The investigators pointed out that high obesity rates over the past several decades “may play a role in this generation. Obesity increases the risk for all types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases, like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Diet and calories are major culprits.

Our lifestyle, which includes what and how much food we eat, where we exercise or not, and all our self-indulgences/ abuses, contributes a lot to our state of health. Metabolic syndrome, especially obesity, and red meat and processed meat consumption all increase the risk for cancer. Neglecting regular medical/ dental check-up and recommended tests also increases our health risk.

Shedding off at least 5 pounds of our excess weight through disciplined caloric counting and walking exercise for about 20 minutes a day will reduce our risk for metabolic syndrome and cancer by more than 33 percent. This is a practical and wise strategy we can painlessly do, for free!

Glaringly obvious are the evidence-based roles and impact of diet (we are what we eat), exercise, tobacco, and alcohol on our individual health and longevity. To a great extent, our health and our life are in our hands, and what to do about them is our choice.

* * *

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

* * *

The sound that made manila sing...

PAGE 12

eryday humor and stories lifted straight from ordinary life.

“I didn’t even know what tagyawat or dumudungaw meant,” Ella laughed, recalling her first encounters with Dennis Garcia’s lyrics.

Yet that very mix of English and Filipino became revolutionary.

“When we sang in Taglish, we connected the gap,” she said. “It was like there was no divide anymore.”

The songs nobody wanted Ironically, HOTDOG’s breakthrough almost never happened. According to Mon Toralba, record companies initially had little interest in the band’s original compositions.

“No one wanted to take us,” he recalled.

Their first recording, Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, struggled to find a label until Villar Records decided to take a chance on the group — a decision that would ultimately help change the course of Filipino popular music.

Once the song found its way onto radio however, everything changed.

Television guestings became a regular fixture. Albums followed almost yearly. Concert invitations arrived from around the country and overseas. The band even starred in its own feature film, “Hotdog: Unang Kagat.”

“We never imagined people would embrace our original songs,” Mon said.

Looking back, he spoke not with nostalgia, but gratitude.

More than a band

Ask the former members what HOTDOG meant to them, and none of them begin by talking about fame.

“It was really all for fun,” said Jess, the band’s drummer. “We just enjoyed ourselves to the max.”

He fondly remembered the band’s spontaneity, where no two live performances were exactly alike. Songs evolved onstage, driven by improvisation and the chemistry between musicians.

Mon, however, sees HOTDOG’s legacy through a wider lens.

“We introduced Manila

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 hu-

Sound,” he said.

“We weren’t the seed of OPM because OPM already existed. But we became one of its roots.”

Today, he believes those roots have branched into every corner of Filipino popular music — from rock and alternative to pop, indie and everything in between.

The creative force behind the songs

Behind many of HOTDOG’s biggest hits were brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia, whose contrasting personalities became one of the band’s greatest creative strengths.

Dennis, a copywriter by profession, was the quiet observer. Friends remember him as someone constantly searching for the perfect hook: a memorable phrase, a clever twist or an everyday conversation that could become a song.

“He was always looking for the hook,” Ella said.

His advertising background sharpened his instinct for concise, conversational storytelling, giving HOTDOG lyrics that sounded witty, relatable and unmistakably Filipino.

For Mon, Dennis’s greatest gift wasn’t simply writing songs — it was encouraging others to discover they could write, too.

“He challenged me to create songs. He made me discover my own creativity.”

That encouragement eventually led Mon to compose Pers Lab, and later pursue successful careers in advertising and jingle writing. “I’ll always be indebted to him for opening me up to all that I can create.”

Rene, by contrast, was the band’s natural motivator.

“Maski minsan akala mo binobola ka na,” Jess laughed, “he always had a way of making you feel good.”

Together, the late great Garcia brothers created more than hit records.

They created an environment where creativity could flourish, which has led them to create more music, and even a movement and a genre of music such as Manila Sound.

Why Manila Sound still matters

The members believe the

music has endured because it captured something timeless.

“Our songs were light and happy,” Ella explained. “They connected everyone — from the bougie to the balut vendor.”

But more than catchy melodies, the songs became snapshots of Filipino life during the 1970s and 1980s.

It reflected what fashion, disco, teenage crushes, city life and everyday conversations were like during that time, owned the experience and defined it for the Filipino gaze.

Rather than imitate Western music, HOTDOG localized pop music into something unmistakably Filipino.

Looking back, Jess believes part of the appeal came from the songs’ simplicity.

“The melodies were simple and the lyrics were simple, but they were relatable.”

Mon added another reason. “If you’re the first,” he said, “you’ll always be remembered.”

Advice to the next generation

When asked what today’s artists can learn from HOTDOG’s journey, none of the answers focused on fame.

Ella encouraged young performers to understand the soul behind Manila Sound. “Do your research,” she said. “Capture the mood and the magic.”

Jess offered something even simpler. “Sing your Sing your heart out in the way you’re comfortable with. Be your own version of who you aspire to be!”

Mon’s advice is perhaps the most enduring. “Never think you’re the best. Be humble. You’ve got wings, so believe you can fly, but don’t clip them,” he said. And above all, he added, never forget to thank the people and the higher power that helped you get there.

Because if HOTDOG’s story proves anything, it’s that history isn’t always made by people trying to become legends. Sometimes, it’s simply made by friends who got together to have fun and accidentally gave a nation its soundtrack. n

manitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, renowned scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com n

Roundtable with U.S. Trade and Development Agency Head Tom Hardy

Thomas “Tom” R. Hardy, acting head of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), recently held a roundtable with foreign press members in Washington, D.C., moderated by Zafar Hashemi.

Hardy leads USTDA’s efforts to advance high-quality infrastructure projects that strengthen U.S. national security, create export opportunities for American goods and services, and support U.S. jobs.

He outlined the agency’s “America First” approach to infrastructure development and foreign assistance in emerging markets.

“USTDA is foreign assistance with a purpose,” Hardy said. Its mission, he explained, is to support development in partner countries while advancing U.S. national security, strategic and trade interests.

USTDA’s early-stage project assistance helps partner countries implement major infrastructure projects while positioning American companies to supply trusted technologies and solutions.

Hardy said the Luzon Economic Corridor is driving USTDA’s current program in the Philippines.

“USTDA is financing the design for the Subic-ClarkBatangas Railway,” he said. The agency is also examining investments at Subic Bay and in port infrastructure upgrades.

He said these efforts support Philippine economic security while advancing U.S. national security and broader regional stability.

USTDA has worked closely with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii to identify commercial infrastructure investments that could strengthen the Philippine economy. Possible projects include the energy and port sectors, with USTDA providing seed capital to attract private funding.

the U.S. government considers potential security risks.

He described the agency’s work in Subic Bay as an economic and national security priority in the region.

Hardy also cited digital-sector projects with PLDT on network expansion and with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Philippine government on broadband coverage.

He said the Philippines is seeking trusted digital vendors and that USTDA supports American companies such as Cisco and Microsoft over Huawei, ZTE and other providers

Eat Bulaga’s “Age Is Right” Staffer Earns Praise

I got to know Rovi Bernardino Padilla through beauty queen Catherine Muguerza, who appeared on the TV5 noontime show Eat Bulaga in its “Age Is Right” segment.

When Catherine called me in May 2026, I was attending a film and theater workshop conducted by the PhilStagers in Manila. I could not leave to attend an afternoon taping at TV5. I informed Rovi, and he readily understood.

Rovi contacted me again in July 2026. I have heard many good things about this Eat Bulaga staffer.

Jayson Tan thanked Rovi, writing that he was “the main reason why I was chosen to be a part of this show. Thank you so much for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Others who thanked him included indie actor Benjie Belena; Ilonggo singer-songwriter Aleck Calata; Cebuano dancer-choreographer Abigail Abion Padilla; veteran radio talent Tina Loy; character actor and stuntman Charlie Panopio; TV host Zeyzey Bolima; signboard maker Nelson Infante Pano; and beauty queen Angelica Mae Diez.

10th Anniversary of the Philippines’ Arbitral Victory in the West Philippine Sea

Members of fisherfolk communities joined supporters who gathered July 12 at the tomb of former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ landmark arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea.

Those present included Kiko Aquino Dee, Lorenzo Tañada, Kim Henares, Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Teresita Deles, Volt Bohol, fisherfolk leader Restituto del Rosario, fishermen Rey Miranda and Tirso Atiga, Ramon Balang and Brainard “Jojo” Roxas.

Members of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, the August Twenty One Movement and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation also attended. They paid tribute to Aquino’s leadership in pursuing the arbitration administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration and defending the country’s sovereign rights under international law.

The Mass was presided over by the Rev. Fr. Joseph Patrick Rogelio

Echevarria, SJ, who had been assigned to Loyola College of Culion in Palawan and lived among fishing communities affected by China’s activities in Philippine waters.

“Violet” Selected for International Tagore Film Awards

The short film “Violet” has been officially selected for the 2026 International Tagore Film Awards in Kolkata, India.

“We are grateful that our story continues to reach audiences beyond borders, sparking conversations on issues that matter and giving voice to stories that deserve to be heard,” said writer-director PX Ilano.

The film stars Elia Ilano, Ataska, Kian Co, Randy T. Dela Cruz, Malou Naredo Canzana and JJ Cillo. It was written and directed by Paulo Xavier Ilano, with Nelson Villamayor serving as editor and director of photography.

It was produced by Wereldwijd voor Kinderen, State of Youth Manila and KidsRights Foundation, an NGO accredited by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

“Violet” is an official grantee of the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 Project Theme Fund, whose theme is “Peace and Education.”

Boy Gozum Pays Tribute to His Parents

Photographer and artist Rafael “Boy” Gozum recently paid tribute to his parents, Rafael Sr. and Marciana.

On July 24, he will hold a group exhibition featuring 80 artists in honor of his late father, former Mayor Rafael Gozum Sr., at the family mansion’s museum in Cabatuan, Isabela. For more information, email rafaelgozumjr22@gmail.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.

* * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com n