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Volume 25 - No. 32 • 12 Pages
AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026
Also published in Los Angeles, Orange County/Inland Empire, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York/New Jersey
DATELINE
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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
California Legislature recognizes Filipino American history, honors community leaders
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Philippines presses U.S. to reduce additional tariff to 10% Manila says a new import-control mechanism addresses Washington’s forced-labor concern, but U.S. trade officials have not announced a change from the 12.5 percent rate
Assembly and Senate resolutions mark the October observance as five honorees are recognized at the Capitol
by AJPress
MANILA — The Philippines is seeking a reduction in an additional U.S. tariff on Philippine goods after establishing a government mechanism intended to
Audit records take focus in Sara Duterte impeachment trial
SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly and Senate adopted separate resolutions Monday recognizing October 2026 as Filipino American History Month, while a Capitol program honored five individuals and organizations for contributions to technology, literature, historical preservation, community service and film. Assemblymember Jessica Caloza presented House Resolution 102, which the Assembly adopted by voice vote after 64 lawmakers joined as coauthors. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 120, introduced by state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, on a 36-0 vote. Cabaldon introduced the measure June 18, and it was ordered to a third reading June 24. Caloza is the first Filipina elected to the California Legislature. Cabaldon, elected in 2024 after serving for two decades as mayor of West Sacramento, is the first Filipino American to u PAGE 3
Los Angeles paralegal sentenced to time served in immigration fraud case
Federal prosecution involved petitions based on arranged marriages intended to secure favorable U.S. immigration status LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles paralegal who admitted preparing fraudulent immigration petitions involving members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ has been sentenced to time served and ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment. Maria De Leon, 77, pleaded guilty to participating in a marriage- and visa-fraud conspiracy connected to members of the Philippine-based church founded by Apollo Quiboloy. According to the U.S. Justice Department, u PAGE 3
COA witnesses described documentation gaps involving confidential funds released to the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education, while defense lawyers challenged the prosecution’s conclusions and sought a receipt-by-receipt review. by AJPress
Breaking barriers and making history—Alex Eala clinches her first WTA title, a proud moment for Philippine tennis. Photo courtesy of WTA Facebook
American hard-court season moves through Toronto and Cincinnati toward the US Open by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Alexandra “Alex” Eala completed a rain-delayed comeback against top-seeded Jessica Pegula on Monday, Aug. 3, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to become the first player representing the Philippines
Formal bid begins Philippine review as detained pastor continues to face domestic prosecutions. MANILA – The United States has asked the Philippines to extradite Apollo Quiboloy, beginning a treaty review that could lead to court proceedings over whether the detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder should be surrendered to face federal charges in California. The case carries diplomatic weight because Quiboloy was a longtime friend and spiritual adviser of former President Rodrigo
MANILA – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte turned to the documentary trail behind confidential funds released to two government offices she headed, as state auditors testified about acknowledgment receipts, spending plans and records they said were insufficient to verify portions of the reported expenditures. Hearings from Aug. 3 through Aug. 5 focused on Article I of the impeachment case, which accuses Duterte of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds. The amount consists of P500 million released to the u PAGE 2
Eala defeats Pegula in Washington, delivers JPMorganChase chief calls for business-government action as Philippines’ first WTA Tour singles title The 21-year-old rises to a career-high No. 20 as the North bank sets $750 billion housing goal to capture a WTA Tour singles title. The victory at the Mubadala DC Open gave Eala her first championship on the main women’s tour and her first at the WTA 500 level. It also moved the 21-year-old eight places to a career-high No. 20 in the world rankings, u PAGE 2
Duterte. It also requires Manila to balance treaty obligations to Washington with the authority of Philippine courts trying him. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday, Aug. 6, that it had received the U.S. request and endorsed it to the Department of Justice. The DOJ said earlier that it had not yet received the document, leaving the interagency handoff unclear. Extradition is not immediate. Philippine law requires a request u PAGE 2
Jamie Dimon outlines policy priorities on housing, artificial intelligence and workforce development during a San Francisco forum by AJPress
SAN FRANCISCO – Jamie Dimon called for closer cooperation between business and government on housing, education, public safety and job training Monday, arguing that economic growth should be matched by policies that widen access to opportunity. The JPMorganChase chairman and chief executive spoke at Chase Center during the opening stop of the bank’s 16th annual bus tour. Asian Journal was one of the media organizations attending “San Francisco: Capital of Opporby AJPress tunity,” where Dimon joined Kevin Delaney, editor-in-chief of The San MANILA - Artificial intelligence from using AI to assist workers Francisco Standard, for a fireside could help Philippine companies than from replacing them. It es- chat on the economy, technology raise productivity and expand ac- timated that generative AI could and public policy. cess to specialized services, but it place 4.5 percent of jobs in lowNoah Wintroub, Global Chair, also threatens to reshape the busi- and middle-income countries at J.P. Morgan, was among the ness-process outsourcing industry risk of automation while mean- bank’s senior executives at the by reducing the value of some rou- ingfully increasing productivity in event. As JPMorganChase’s top tine, rules-based work, according 16.2 percent. Bay Area executive, Wintroub to recent World Bank and governThose global estimates are not discussed the firm’s regional ment studies. forecasts of Philippine layoffs. presence and its plans to increase The World Bank’s World Devel- They measure whether job tasks housing investment through the opment Report 2026 said develop- can be automated or improved American Dream Initiative. He ing economies stand to gain more u PAGE 4 said additional private capital
U.S. extradition request for Quiboloy AI could lift productivity but pressure puts treaty process, local cases in focus routine BPO work, World Bank says by AJPress
prevent products made with forced labor from entering the country. u PAGE 2
Philippines faces a workforce transition as companies automate repetitive tasks and seek more advanced digital skills
could support housing production if accompanied by public policies that reduce development barriers and expand supply. The tour brings Dimon and other senior executives to branches, operations centers and local events across the country to meet employees, customers, business owners, public officials and community organizations. It also allows the bank to review regional operations and assess where it could expand services or direct capital. This year’s discussions parallel the six focus areas of the JPMorganChase American Dream Initiative: business growth and entrepreneurship; housing access and affordability; financial health and wealth creation; careers and skills; health care; and support for local institutions such as schools, hospitals, nonprofit organizations and local governments. Dimon described what economists call a K-shaped economy, in which different groups move in opposite directions. Higher-income households, investors and u PAGE 3
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AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page
Audit records take focus in Sara Duterte... PAGE 1 Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million allocated to the Department of Education while Duterte served as education secretary. Duterte has denied wrongdoing. Her lawyers maintain that audit observations, disputed records and liquidation questions do not establish an impeachable offense. No evidentiary hearing was conducted Aug. 6. Developments that day consisted primarily of official statements, reactions to a Supreme Court ruling and preparations for the next witnesses. Former Commission on Audit official Roderick Wamil, who worked in the agency’s Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office, testified that the OVP’s physical and financial plan for its P125 million allocation in December 2022 did not identify the specific confidential activities for which the money would be used. Wamil said the liquidation files relied on acknowledgment receipts rather than sales invoices or official receipts for listed purchases. The expenditures included P500,000 for tables and chairs and P3 million for computers, printers and related equipment. According to Wamil, the submitted records did not explain how the purchases were connected to confidential operations. His testimony was based on Joint Circular No. 2015-01, which governs the release, use, reporting and audit of confidential and intelligence funds. The defense declined to accept a prosecution stipulation that the P125 million had been spent within 11 days. Defense lawyer Michael Poa said the timing could be explained and should be examined through testimony and supporting documents. Poa agreed that the allocation had been released with presidential approval. The concession concerned authorization for the release, not whether each subsequent expenditure complied with audit requirements. The impeachment court also reported receiving tax records involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio,
after the Bureau of Internal Revenue obtained the presidential authorization required to release protected taxpayer information. The court made no public finding about the records’ contents. During cross-examination on Aug. 4, the defense questioned the scope of Wamil’s audit experience. Wamil had said Duterte’s offices were the only OVP and Education Department offices whose confidential funds he personally audited. The defense presented a 2014 Department of Budget and Management document showing that confidential funds had been released to the OVP when Jejomar Binay was vice president. The document did not contradict Wamil’s account of his assignments, but it prevented the broader conclusion that Duterte was the first vice president whose office received confidential funds. Wamil testified that at least P129 million from the OVP’s confidential-fund allocation during the first two quarters of 2023 lacked documents needed to verify reported payments. He also said the Education Department did not submit adequate supporting records for P112.5 million released in three quarterly tranches in 2023. The expenditures reportedly covered food, medicine, rewards and incentives related to confidential operations. Wamil said accomplishment reports did not contain the attachments auditors needed to confirm that the listed transactions occurred as reported. He also testified that representatives of the OVP and Education Department sought an exemption in September 2023 from portions of the joint circular. The defense disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of the request. On Aug. 5, senator-judges questioned Wamil about aliases or operational names appearing on acknowledgment receipts. He said the joint circular neither expressly permits nor prohibits aliases and that auditors could not determine from a receipt alone whether a name was an alias or a legal identity. The proceedings included receipts bearing names such as “Mary Grace Piattos.” The court
did not rule that the name was fictitious, that a listed recipient did not exist or that any receipt was fabricated. Wamil also discussed a COA notice disallowing approximately P73 million from the OVP’s 2022 confidential-fund expenditures. The notice is an administrative audit action and does not constitute a criminal conviction or impeachment finding. The court directed prosecutors and defense lawyers to compare 845 acknowledgment receipts connected to the P125 million allocation. The comparison was intended to determine whether both sides had matching copies. It did not establish the authenticity, accuracy or admissibility of the documents. Presiding Officer Francis Escudero also allowed part of an affidavit by retired police officer Arturo Lascañas to be marked as a prosecution exhibit despite a defense objection. Escudero emphasized that marking a document does not mean it has been admitted into evidence or accepted as true. The court took judicial notice of the existence and official character of specified House hearings and records but did not accept their substantive contents as proven facts. COA supervising auditor Xylene Mae del Campo began testifying after Wamil completed his appearance. The court also subpoenaed former OVP disbursing officer Gina Acosta and former Education Department disbursing officer Eduard Fajarda. Their expected testimony does not establish wrongdoing. The Supreme Court on Aug. 5 dismissed consolidated petitions challenging the House impeachment proceedings, ruling that the cases had become moot because the House had approved and transmitted the articles to the Senate. The ruling did not determine whether the allegations against Duterte were true or whether she was liable under any article of impeachment. As of Aug. 6, the prosecution was still presenting evidence under Article I. The defense had not begun its full evidentiary presentation, and the Senate impeachment court had reached no verdict. n
Philippines presses U.S. to... PAGE 1 Malacañang said Thursday, Aug. 6, that consultations with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative were continuing. Philippine officials are seeking to lower the additional duty from 12.5 percent to 10 percent, but the Palace said no timetable had been given for the negotiations. The 12.5 percent duty took effect July 24 under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. It applies to most covered Philippine products in addition to ordinary customs duties, although Washington exempted a range of goods based on supply, economic and enforcement considerations. The U.S. action does not constitute a finding that Philippine exports were made with forced labor. Instead, the dispute centers on the Philippines’ system for blocking imports produced wholly or partly under forced-labor conditions. USTR concluded in June that the Philippines had not imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition against such imports. It later assigned a 10 percent duty to economies that had adopted qualifying prohibitions, undertaken related commitments in trade
agreements or established partial import-control systems. The Philippines and other economies that did not meet those criteria at the time received the 12.5 percent rate. The Philippine government has since submitted a joint administrative order signed July 23 by the departments of Trade and Industry, Finance, and Labor and Employment. The order establishes an interagency process for receiving information, investigating shipments suspected of containing forced-labor goods and recommending action to prevent their entry. Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque has said the measure demonstrates the country’s policy against forced labor and provides an institutional mechanism for addressing questionable imports. Philippine officials also plan to cite national labor protections and the country’s commitments under International Labour Organization conventions during their discussions with Washington. Those domestic protections, however, are distinct from the central question in the U.S. proceeding: whether the Philippines
has an operative and effectively enforced restriction on imported goods made with forced labor. USTR has not publicly said whether the new Philippine order meets the requirements for the lower rate. Its final notice indicated that merely developing or proposing a measure would be insufficient, but it allowed the 10 percent treatment for economies that had adopted prohibitions, made binding commitments or established qualifying partial regimes. The outcome carries significant commercial consequences. U.S. imports of Philippine goods totaled about $17.8 billion in 2025, while American exports to the Philippines reached about $9.1 billion. Philippine officials have highlighted electronics, semiconductors and agricultural products as important components of bilateral supply chains. Until USTR issues a modification, the additional 12.5 percent duty remains in effect for covered Philippine goods. The negotiations will determine whether Washington considers the newly adopted Philippine mechanism sufficient to warrant the lower rate. (AJPress)
Eala defeats Pegula in Washington...
PAGE 1 making her the first Filipina to enter the WTA top 20. The final began Sunday after an extended weather delay but was suspended with Pegula leading 6-4 and Eala ahead 2-1 in the second set. When play resumed Monday at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, Pegula moved ahead 4-3 in the second set. Eala responded by winning the final nine games of the match. She claimed three consecutive games to secure the second set, then broke Pegula in each of the American’s three service games in the decider. Eala completed the third set without dropping a game and surrendered only eight points during the set. The match lasted one hour and 45 minutes of playing time, excluding the overnight suspension. Eala’s championship completed a five-match run through a draw that included an Olympic gold medalist, a defending tournament champion, several top-10 players and a four-time Grand Slam singles winner. She opened with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen, the 2024 Olympic singles champion. Eala then defeated defending Washington champion Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (1) before advancing past second-seeded Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, she beat third-seeded Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2. Osaka has won four Grand Slam singles championships. The final against Pegula completed Eala’s sweep of Washington’s three highest seeds. She became the first player since Barbora Krejcikova in Dubai in 2023
to defeat a tournament’s top three seeds on the way to a WTA title. Pegula entered Washington ranked No. 3 in the world and was seeking her 12th career singles championship. She won her first WTA title at the same tournament in 2019. Monday’s result also reversed the outcome of the players’ previous meeting. Pegula defeated Eala 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3 in the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open, where Eala made her first deep run at a WTA 1000 tournament. The victories over Zheng and Pegula raised Eala’s 2026 total to seven wins against top-10 opponents through the Washington tournament. Washington marked Eala’s second appearance in a maintour championship match. She reached the Eastbourne final in 2025 but lost to Australia’s Maya Joint in a deciding-set tiebreak after holding four championship points. Eala had also won WTA 125 tournaments in Guadalajara in 2025 and Birmingham in June 2026. Those events are classified separately from the main WTA Tour, making Washington her first tour-level championship. Road to the US Open The Washington victory came at the beginning of the North American hard-court swing, a closely scheduled series of tournaments that leads to the US Open in New York. The next major stops on the women’s calendar include the National Bank Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Open in Mason, Ohio. Both are WTA 1000 tournaments, the highest classification on the regular women’s tour. The designation refers to the 1,000 ranking points awarded to
the singles champion. By comparison, Eala earned 500 points for winning the WTA 500 tournament in Washington. The larger draws in Toronto and Cincinnati generally include most of the leading players in the women’s rankings. The events also provide repeated competition on outdoor hard courts before the season’s final Grand Slam tournament. Playing conditions are not identical. Court speed, temperature, humidity and ball behavior can vary from one city to another. The sequence nevertheless gives players an opportunity to adjust their games and manage their schedules before New York. The Cincinnati Open runs through Aug. 23, with main-draw competition beginning after two days of qualifying. The US Open women’s singles tournament begins Aug. 30 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens and concludes Sept. 12. The women’s champion receives 2,000 ranking points. Eala has direct entry into the 128-player women’s singles field. New York already holds a significant place in her career. Eala won the US Open junior girls’ singles championship in 2022, becoming the first Filipino to capture a junior Grand Slam singles title. She returned in 2025 and defeated Clara Tauson in the opening round, becoming the first player representing the Philippines to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match in the Open era. Eala approaches the 2026 tournament with a new distinction: a champion on the main WTA Tour and the first Filipina ranked among the world’s top 20. n
U.S. extradition request for Quiboloy... PAGE 1 to pass through diplomatic channels with authenticated records identifying the person sought, the charges, arrest warrant, alleged conduct and applicable laws. If the submission is sufficient, the Justice Department may file an extradition petition before a Regional Trial Court. The court would not decide Quiboloy’s guilt. It would determine whether the request complies with Philippine law and the treaty, whether he is the person named in the U.S. case and whether the alleged offenses are extraditable. The Philippines-U.S. Extradition Treaty covers conduct punishable in both countries by more than one year in prison. Extradition cannot be refused solely because the person sought is a Philippine citizen. Quiboloy’s local cases could affect the timing of any transfer. He has pleaded not guilty to a qual-
ified human trafficking charge in Pasig and child abuse-related charges in Quezon City. He has denied wrongdoing in the Philippine and U.S. cases. The local prosecutions do not automatically stop extradition. The treaty allows the Philippines to defer surrender until domestic proceedings and sentences are completed. It also permits temporary surrender to the United States under agreed conditions, including his return to the Philippines. Washington seeks Quiboloy in connection with a 42-count indictment issued by a grand jury in California in November 2021. The indictment names Quiboloy and eight others and alleges sex trafficking, labor trafficking, immigration fraud, money laundering and bulk cash smuggling connected to church operations. Federal prosecutors allege that girls and young women recruited as Quiboloy’s personal assistants
were coerced into sexual activity through threats of abuse and spiritual punishment. They also allege that church members entered the United States using fraudulently obtained visas and were compelled to solicit donations for a purported charity. The allegations have not been tested at trial, and Quiboloy is presumed innocent unless convicted. Defense counsel Israelito Torreon said the legal team could not comment fully because it had not yet received formal notice of the extradition request. The FBI has placed Quiboloy on its human trafficking wanted list in connection with the U.S. charges. Quiboloy was taken into government custody in September 2024 after a police operation at the church compound in Davao City. No timetable has been announced. He remains in Philippine custody while his local cases continue. n
IRR SIGNING. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and Early Childhood Care and Development Council Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Dr. Teresita Inciong (left to right) sign the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12199, or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, at the Quezon City Reception House on Wednesday (Aug. 5, 2026). The IRR strengthens the implementation of programs and services that support the holistic growth and development of young children. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
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From the Front Page
ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026
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Los Angeles paralegal sentenced to time... PAGE 1 De Leon admitted taking part in the scheme for about eight years. She acknowledged preparing and filing immigration petitions while knowing that the marriages supporting them had been arranged to help church members obtain favorable immigration status in the United States. De Leon owned Liberty Legal Document Services in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood. Court records showed that she filed at least nine fraudulent I-130 petitions, formally known as Petitions for Alien Relative, and notarized at least three divorce petitions without the individuals appearing before her as required. Federal prosecutors recom-
mended a reduced sentence based on what they described as De Leon’s substantial cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of other defendants. They said she met with investigators several times, provided useful information and agreed to testify. The U.S. Probation Office initially calculated an advisory sentencing range of 10 to 16 months and recommended one year of probation. Prosecutors argued that a range of zero to six months was more appropriate because her plea agreement covered nine fraudulent petitions, fewer than the number required for a higher sentencing enhancement. The government ultimately sought time served without post-release
supervision. De Leon was among nine defendants named in a 42-count superseding indictment unsealed in November 2021. She was not charged in the indictment’s sex-trafficking counts, which named Quiboloy and church administrators Teresita Dandan and Felina Salinas. Her conviction was limited to her admitted participation in the marriage- and visa-fraud scheme. Quiboloy’s representatives previously said De Leon was not a member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and had no official or personal affiliation with the church founder. They described her as an independent provider of paralegal services. (AJPress)
California Legislature recognizes Filipino... PAGE 1 serve in the state Senate. Caloza said the observance carried personal meaning as the daughter of Filipino immigrants. Her parents, Gigi and Jesse Caloza, joined her on the Assembly floor. The resolutions trace Filipino American history in California to Oct. 18, 1587, when Filipino members of a Spanish galleon expedition came ashore near present-day Morro Bay, marking the first recorded Filipino presence in what is now the continental United States. Caloza also cited Filipino American contributions to agriculture, health care, education, the military, business, public service, sports and the arts. Her remarks highlighted labor leaders Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, who helped organize more than 1,500 workers during the 1965 Delano grape strike. The Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee later joined with the National Farm Workers Association led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta, helping form the United Farm Workers. She also recalled the struggle to save San Francisco’s International Hotel, where mostly elderly Filipino and Chinese tenants resisted eviction for nearly a decade. Police removed the remaining tenants on Aug. 4, 1977, after breaking through a large barricade of supporters. Caloza further recognized the Third World Liberation Front movements. The 1968-69 strike at San Francisco State led to the nation’s first College of Ethnic Studies, while a related campaign at the University of California, Berkeley, helped establish its Department of Ethnic Studies. The Capitol observance included “Champions of Change” recognitions for technology entrepreneur Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, honored posthumously; Los Angeles community advocate Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal; International Hotel activist Emil A. De Guzman; the nonprofit SoCal Filipinos; and the Manila International Film Festival. The honorees were not named in the texts of HR 102 or SR 120 but were recognized during the accompanying program. Banatao, who died in December 2025 at 79, was an engineer, semiconductor entrepreneur and investor credited by Berkeley Engineering with developing the personal-computer chipset and graphics-accel-
Assemblymember Jessica Caloza joins the 2026 Filipino American History Month “Champions of Change” honorees and their representatives at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 3, 2026. Recognized were Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal, Emil A. De Guzman, SoCal Filipinos, the Manila International Film Festival and the late technology pioneer Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, represented by his wife, Maria Banatao. Photo courtesy of Assemblymember Jessica Caloza social media account
eration architecture. He also supported engineering education and scientific research. His wife, Maria Banatao, attended the ceremony. Geaga-Rosenthal has held leadership roles with the Friends of the Echo Park Library and supported programs connected to the Philippine Heritage Collection and Carlos Bulosan Book Club. The collection preserves books and materials on Philippine and Filipino American history and culture, while the book club promotes Filipino American literature. De Guzman served as president of the International Hotel Tenants Association during the campaign against the tenants’ eviction. He later worked through the Manilatown Heritage Foundation to preserve the history of the I-Hotel struggle and the cultural legacy of the neighborhood. Founded in June 2020, SoCal Filipinos grew from an online network into a nonprofit serving Filipino communities across Southern California. Its activities include cultural programs, support for emerging businesses and scholarships. Founder Jason Lustina represented the organization at the Capitol. The Manila International Film Festival promotes Philippine cinema in Hollywood through screenings, filmmaker discussions and industry events. Its third annual edition is scheduled for Sept. 3 to 6 at the TCL Chinese Theatre, followed by an awards gala at the Beverly Hilton. Caloza also cited contemporary Filipino and Filipino American figures, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Cabinet Secretary Nani Coloretti, performer Lea Salonga and tennis player Alex Eala. “Filipino American history is California’s history,” Caloza said. “It is America’s history.” (AJPress)
JPMorganChase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon speaks during a fireside chat at “San Francisco: Capital of Opportunity” at Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. The discussion covered housing affordability, artificial intelligence, workforce development and businessgovernment cooperation.
JPMorganChase chief calls for... PAGE 1 growing industries may continue to gain wealth and opportunity, while lower-income families and struggling businesses face rising costs, stagnant wages or fewer jobs. He attributed much of that divide to weaknesses in housing, education and workforce policy under both major political parties, while saying companies could contribute financing, expertise and partnerships. “You don’t fix problems when you deny them,” Dimon said. He listed lower crime, better schools and more housing as priorities. Housing occupied much of the discussion and provided the policy context for JPMorganChase’s announcement that it intends to deploy more than $750 billion in housing capital through 2035. Dimon said high-cost cities need more housing to retain teachers, nurses and other workers. He characterized affordability primarily as a supply problem and argued that governments should reduce barriers to construction. JPMorganChase said it will support faster permitting, updated zoning and building codes, expanded tax incentives and public-private partnerships. The bank will also chair the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Housing Advisory Council. The bank aims to help finance the construction or preservation of 1 million affordable housing units and assist 500,000 customers in purchasing homes, including 200,000 first-time buyers. It also plans to increase mortgage lending by more than 40 percent and hire 850 home-lending advisers. The $750 billion is a capital-deployment target, not a charitable
fund or pool of direct payments. JPMorganChase said it includes mortgages, construction and development loans, equity investments and grants. The bank defines units counted toward the target as serving households earning less than 120 percent of area median income. The goals remain subject to interest rates, construction costs, market demand and government approvals. The broader initiative also seeks to support 10 million small businesses and provide nearly $80 billion in small-business lending over 10 years. Delaney also questioned Dimon about artificial intelligence and concerns that its expansion could displace workers and widen inequality. Dimon said some AI investments would probably lose value as the market develops, but rejected the view that the technology itself is merely speculative. He called for shorter certification programs through community colleges to prepare workers for fields such as cybersecurity and construction, and said AI requires appropriately designed regulation. Dimon also criticized a proposed California wealth tax, saying it could discourage investment and prompt wealthy residents to leave the state. His comments represented one side of an active policy debate. Several Bay Area announcements illustrated how the national program could be applied locally. JPMorganChase is providing nearly $200 million in financing for a 342-unit residential building at the Power Station redevelopment in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood. It is also considering an
equity investment of up to $15 million in Fifth Space’s Essential Housing Fund and announced $6 million in grants to California housing organizations. Dimon praised San Fracisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s leadership, saying the mayor was “doing all the right stuff” and that San Francisco had “definitely turned” from the conditions that followed the pandemic. He presented the city’s recent progress as an example of what focused, competent leadership can accomplish when public officials establish priorities and act on them. Dimon cited falling crime, improved street conditions and efforts to permit more housing, while acknowledging that affordability and economic inequality remain significant challenges. Near the end of the conversation, Delaney asked Dimon about recurring speculation that he could seek the presidency and about his plans after JPMorganChase. Dimon said he was not preparing a presidential campaign and indicated that family considerations and his current responsibilities made a run unlikely. He said he was more interested in potentially establishing a policy-focused media or educational organization that could research and promote proposals on education, homelessness, taxation and other national issues. He did not announce plans to buy an existing media company or provide details about the ownership, funding or timing of such an organization. The forum linked JPMorganChase’s financial commitments to Dimon’s broader argument that private capital, government policy and workforce preparation should operate together. n
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AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797
School-industry push puts focus on oversight of job skills An interagency body and a 10-year national plan seek to connect education, training and employment through shared data and measurable results by AJPress MANILA — A renewed call for schools, employers and government agencies to work more closely has placed attention on how the Philippines oversees education and workforce development. Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow Michael Ralph M. Abrigo said in a government broadcast interview Thursday, Aug. 6, that closer coordination was needed to prepare Filipinos for changing workplace demands. He cited reforms in basic education and the role employers can play in helping schools identify skills required in workplaces. Responsibility for education remains divided principally among the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. In August 2025, President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created the Education and Workforce Development Group through Administrative Order No. 36. Chaired by the president, the body was designated to coordinate education and workforce programs, reduce overlapping functions, improve labor-market information and submit performance reports. The government has also committed to implementing the National Education and Workforce Development Plan for 2026 to 2035. Its priorities include aligning senior high school and technical-vocational programs with employment needs, improving teacher education and establishing a unified labor-market information system. Previous government reviews found that labor and skills data were dispersed across agencies. EDCOM 2 said separate systems operated by labor, training and trade agencies did not ad-
equately intersect, limiting the government’s ability to guide scholarships, curricula and training programs. A 2024 PIDS discussion paper found no statistically significant evidence that the country’s trifocalized education structure had independently improved outcomes. The study did not conclude that trifocalization caused weak performance, but identified coordination and accountability as areas requiring reform. Congress is considering House Bill No. 9006, which would create a permanent National Coordinating Council for Education. The measure remains pending. Abrigo’s call adds urgency to the oversight effort. Industry can help identify skills, but government remains responsible for standards, learner protection and proof that public spending produces measurable educational and employment results.
Lufthansa Technik begins Clark expansion, targets 1,200 skilled jobs Aircraft maintenance complex is targeted to begin operations in 2028 by AJPress
CLARK, Pampanga — Lufthansa Technik Philippines broke ground Thursday, Aug. 6, on a widebody aircraft maintenance complex at Clark International Airport, advancing an expansion expected to create about 1,200 skilled jobs over the coming years. The company described the project as a three-digit-million-dollar investment but did not disclose an updated exact amount. The Philippine government had valued the expansion at $150 million, or about P8 billion, when the plan was announced in 2024. The facility will occupy rough-
ly 157,000 square meters and is designed to accommodate as many as nine widebody aircraft bays. Initial operations are targeted for 2028, subject to construction, regulatory approvals and other project requirements. The employment projection covers technical work in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. Government officials said the project could create opportunities for engineers, technicians and other aviation professionals while supporting skills development and technology transfer. Lufthansa Technik Philippines President and CEO Holger Beck said about 500 people from the Clark area had already received training ahead of the expansion.
The company also takes about 400 students annually through an 18-month aircraft-maintenance training program. The complex will include an aircraft paint shop and nondestructive-testing workshops. It is being developed to service selected Airbus and Boeing widebody aircraft, including planned capabilities for the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. Clark will become the company’s second major base-maintenance location in the Philippines, complementing its operation at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Lufthansa Technik Philippines is a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and MacroAsia Corp.
Enrique Razon Jr.
STAR / File
Razon tops Forbes richest in Philippines list by Richmond Mercurio Philstar.com
MANILA — Ports and casino tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. has unseated the Sy siblings in the Forbes list of the Philippines’ 50 richest. Razon took top spot for the first time in the Philippines’ 50 richest list for 2026 by Forbes with a record net worth of $21.8 billion. He ranked No. 2 last year with a net worth of $11.5 billion. Razon chairs listed companies including International Container Terminal Services Inc., Manila Water Co. and Solaire casino operator Bloomberry Resorts. Sliding into the second spot this year are the Sy siblings, heirs to the SM group built by the late Henry Sy Sr., whose fortune stood at $9.2 billion, down from last year’s $11.8 billion. At No. 3 is tycoon Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp. whose net worth stood at $3.5 billion, slightly lower from last year’s $3.75 billion wherein he placed fourth. This year’s fourth and fifth spots were occupied by the hus-
band-and-wife tandem of Lucio and Susan Co of Puregold with $3.3 billion and Isidro Consunji and siblings of diversified engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings with $3 billion. Cracking the sixth spot in this year’s rankings is taipan Lucio Tan, chairman of the LT Group, with a net worth of $2.9 billion. Jaime Zobel de Ayala and family retained their position at No. 7 with a net worth of $2.8 billion, followed by the Que Azcona family of Mercury Drug at No. 8 with a net worth of $2.5 billion. Rounding out the top 10 are real estate magnate Manuel Villar Jr. with $2.4 billion and the Ty siblings with $2.3 billion. This year, Forbes said the biggest gainer in percentage terms is Robert Coyiuto Jr., who more than doubled his fortune to $925 million, propelling him to No. 17 in the list. Forbes said Coyiuto’s shares in one of his key holdings, Synergy Grid & Development Philippines, the controlling shareholder of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, rallied on favorable regula-
tory changes. Meanwhile, among the returnees is Jose Ma. Concepcion III, president and CEO of food and beverage company RFM, who ranked at No. 49 with $200 million. Overall, Forbes said the fortunes of 33 members in the list are lower and only 14 are better off than a year ago. “The energy shock from the Iran conflict took its toll, stoking inflation while the peso fell. As a result, the collective wealth of the country’s 50 richest tycoons dropped to $79 billion from $86 billion last year,” the report said. The Forbes list used shareholding and financial information obtained from the families and individuals as well as stock exchanges, analysts and other sources. Net worth is based on stock prices and exchange rates as of the close of markets on July 17. Forbes said that unlike its billionaire rankings, the list includes family fortunes, such as those shared among extended families.
Sara to Gibo: Name pro-China officials in government and stand by the country’s laws on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. MANILA — Vice President In a statement, the Association Sara Duterte challenged Defense of Generals and Flag Officers Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to (AGFO) said the group “shares the identify the government officials unyielding position of the Departdefending China on the West ment of National Defense on the Philippine Sea issue, saying even West Philippine Sea, emphasizing President Marcos might be sus- that allegiance to the Constitution, pected to be among those being adherence to the rule of law, and alluded to. the defense of national sovereignIn an interview yesterday in ty remain non-negotiable duties of Davao City, the Vice President every public servant.” was asked to comment on TeAGFO is headed by retired poodoro’s call for pro-China govern- lice Maj. Gen. German Doria. ment officials to resign. “Public office is a sacred public She said to make it clear to all trust. Every public official is bound Filipinos, such officials should be by a solemn oath to bear true faith named. and allegiance to the flag and the “You can’t just release a state- Republic, and to strictly obey and ment and not name the officials. execute the laws of the land – inAnd of course even the Presi- cluding Administrative Order No. dent might be suspect as long as 29, series of 2012, which formally there’s no list,” Duterte said. defines the West Philippine Sea,” In a forum, Teodoro said elect- it stressed. ed government officials siding As former military leaders who with China should consider re- have dedicated their lives to prosigning from their posts because tecting the nation’s territorial those in government swore to integrity, AGFO said it stands by uphold the Constitution and the three core imperatives: adherence country’s laws. to legal obligations, solidarity with He said if the elected and sworn troops and maritime communigovernment officials cannot stand ties, and responsible and contexby the country’s stance, they tual reporting should either resign or question AGFO reaffirmed its committhis before the Supreme Court. ment to a peaceful, secure, and Malacañang has expressed sovereign Philippines, calling on support for Teodoro’s call. all public servants to bear true Meanwhile, an organization faith and allegiance to the nation. of both retired and active top ofEducate Pinoys on WPS ficials of the military, police, and At the House of Representaother uniformed services joined tives, five allies of President Marcalls yesterday for public officials cos yesterday filed a measure that to uphold their oaths of allegiance aims to institutionalize in educaby Evelyn Macairan Philstar.com
tional institutions the importance of the Philippines’ legitimate maritime ownership over the West Philippine Sea. House Bill 10587 (West Philippine Sea Education Act) counts among its authors House Deputy Speakers Francisco Paolo Ortega and Jefferson Khonghun, and Reps. Zia Alonto Adiong, Rodge Gutierrez and Ernesto Dionisio Jr. “Filipino students must learn the facts – that we are advocating for a rules-based international order, and that the West Philippine Sea is rightfully ours,” the House’s so-called Young Guns declared in a joint statement. “Our young people are vulnerable to fake news and propaganda flooding social media. We have a duty to teach them the truth so they grow up armed with accurate, evidence-based knowledge of our sovereign rights and entitlements,” they said. The measure institutionalizes a comprehensive WPS Education and Awareness Program, mandates the integration of age-appropriate WPS education into basic and higher education curricula, and promotes national understanding of the Philippines’ maritime rights under the 1987 Constitution. Also included in the educational materials should be the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064), the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as the Philippines’ July 2016 victory, or the South China Sea Arbitral Award. (With reports from Michael Punongbayan, Delon Porcall)
AI could lift productivity but pressure routine... PAGE 1 with AI and do not establish how many positions employers will eliminate, retain or redesign. A separate World Bank assessment of the Philippine economy found that most employment has relatively low exposure to AI. About 19 percent of jobs, however, were classified as highly exposed with limited potential for the technology to complement workers, a combination associated with greater displacement risk. The country is more exposed than several East Asian peers because of its concentration in cognitive-service industries, including contact centers, the bank said. Sales, telemarketing and customer-service occupations were among the front-facing jobs it identified as vulnerable. The warning carries particular weight in the Philippines, where the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines describes the information technology and business-process management industry as a roughly 1.9-million-worker sector generating about $40 billion in annual revenue. The exposure does not mean the industry is disappearing. AI
can perform portions of a job while leaving employees responsible for judgment, problem-solving, customer relationships, regulatory compliance and quality control. Companies may also use the technology to increase the volume and complexity of work handled by each employee. The Department of Labor and Employment’s Institute for Labor Studies found only limited displacement among the companies covered by its research on information technology and business-process management, banking, finance and manufacturing. The study said employers were adopting AI primarily to improve productivity, cost efficiency and quality assurance. A July 2026 labor institute update said 51 percent of surveyed employers had integrated AI tools, mainly through office-productivity software. Employers also reported increased demand for AI and machine-learning specialists, while 64 percent of surveyed workers expressed interest in gaining AI-related skills. The findings suggest that the more immediate risk is a widening skills divide. Workers performing standardized transactions
may face weaker demand, while employees able to supervise AI systems, interpret complex information and provide specialized expertise may become more valuable. The World Bank recommended that the Philippines move further into higher-value services such as telemedicine, finance and professional services. It also called for expanded science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, broader digital-skills training and closer alignment between training programs and industry needs. The transition will require employers to retrain workers before positions disappear, not after. Government agencies will also need credible labor-market data, stronger employment services and safeguards covering privacy, cybersecurity and responsible workplace use of AI. The central policy question is not whether companies will adopt AI. Many already have. It is whether the Philippines can upgrade its workforce quickly enough to preserve employment while moving an industry built on labor-intensive services toward more specialized, technology-assisted work. n
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Palace urges public to ‘bring back House under Dy OKs bill for more land decency’ after Marcos heckling funding for housing – Sandro Marcos by Luisa Cabato
by Jan Escosio
MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday urged the public to “bring back decency” in the country following a video showing several students in Davao City heckling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his recent visit. In the video circulating on social media, Marcos was walking toward the presidential chopper after his visit to Davao City on July 28. Among the Bisaya insults directed at Marcos in the more than one-minute video were: “I’d love to f**k him in the *ss,” “I hope it [the helicopter] explodes,” “He’s rushing because he’s afraid of getting shot,” and “He’s high on drugs.” “Young people will not learn proper behavior if the leaders they admire or the people around them also lack manners, constantly use foul language, and pray for the misfortune of others,” said Palace press officer Claire Castro in a Viber message to reporters. She added, “It’s truly saddening that this happened in a school — a place that should
MANILA — The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III approved on third and final reading on Wednesday House Bill (HB) No. 9697, which expands the land, financing, and partnership options available for socialized housing projects. The House members voted 205 for the bill, with only three against it and zero abstentions. According to House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, the measure seeks to improve the delivery of socialized housing programs by amending Sections 10, 18, and 20 of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 (Republic Act No. 7279) as amended by the Balanced Housing Development Program Amendments (Republic Act No. 10884). Marcos said the measure would help the government turn more idle, foreclosed, and underused properties into secure communities for Filipinos who need housing the most. “President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. has made housing a central part of his development agenda, and Speaker Bojie Dy has ensured that the House responds with legislation that can actually move projects from paper to construction. HB 9697 gives government and the private sector more workable routes to provide ordinary families with safe, dignified, and affordable homes,” the majority leader stressed. “Under the leadership of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Speaker Bojie Dy, we are making housing policy more responsive to the realities faced by our communities. Hindi sapat ang housing target kung mabagal ang permits, kulang ang lupa at walang malinaw na paraan para magtulungan ang national government, LGUs at private developers,” he added. The bill expands the methods for acquiring land and creating housing projects to include the following: • community mortgages • land swapping • land consolidation • land banking • donations • joint ventures • negotiated purchases • direct purchases
Inquirer.net
Inquirer.net
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit in Davao City on July 28, 2026. Photo by Joselle R. Badilla/INQUIRER
reflect the values and lessons students have learned from their education, their families, and the people around them. Let us bring back decency to our country. Let us not neglect our youth.” The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Davao City has already issued a statement apologizing for the students’ “inappropriate behavior.”
It said the administration of Calinan National High School and its School Child Protection Committee immediately conducted an investigation on July 30. The students are undergoing “appropriate disciplinary measures, guidance and counseling, and values formation interventions focusing on responsible behavior, digital citizenship, and respect for others.” n
Bato arrest: PCO probes fake news peddlers by Alexis Romero Philstar.com
MANILA — President Marcos’ directive to arrest fugitive Sen. Ronald dela Rosa still stands, Malacañang said yesterday as the administration announced a plan to look into online posts that spread false information about the senator’s supposed arrest. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the manhunt for Dela Rosa continues. According to Castro, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez ordered the government’s anti-fake news desk to probe online posts claiming that Dela Rosa has been arrested. “We will determine if these online posts are malicious,” the Palace press officer said. ‘Diversionary tactic’ On Wednesday, Castro linked the allies of Vice President Sara Duterte to rumors about the
arrest of Dela Rosa, describing it as an effort to divert attention away from her impeachment trial. Two of Duterte’s allies posted statements on social media that were viewed as related to Dela Rosa’s case. Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said someone had betrayed Dela Rosa. Dela Rosa’s lawyer Jimmy Bondoc claimed that “bad news is coming” and urged the public to pray that it is not true “for the good of the nation.” “They are resorting to timing to drown the revelations of the COA (Commission on Audit) about the hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds of VP Sara that were spent without receipts,” Castro said. “You will see the motive in the diversionary tactic of her allies.” PNP: Manhunt continues Tracker teams of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have
intensified operations to locate Dela Rosa, who is believed to be hiding in Mindanao. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they continue to receive information daily on where Dela Rosa might be hiding. Nartatez said among their options are relatives and associates of Dela Rosa who might be coddling the senator. Dela Rosa has been named as a co-perpetrator of alleged crimes against humanity during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the senator’s arrest. In May, Dela Rosa returned to the Senate after a six-month absence to vote on the chamber’s leadership. He slipped out of the Senate building hours after a shooting incident and has since been in hiding. (With reports from Emmanuel Tupas)
DPWH projects: House bill seeks mandatory regular inspections by Gabriel Pabico Lalu Inquirer.net
MANILA — As the country remains among the world’s most disaster-prone areas, a lawmaker has proposed requiring regular inspections of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects after completion to ensure public safety. Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said he filed House Bill (HB) No. 9780, or the proposed National Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance Act, to keep infrastructure projects safe and ensure they remain sound public investments. Under HB No. 9780, DPWH projects would undergo inspections every five to 10 years after completion. “We need to ensure that each project remains safe and of high quality so that government funds are not wasted. The true value of an infrastructure project is not in the construction itself, but in its longevity, safety and usability,” Yamsuan said. “While these digital portals help monitor the implementation of national government infrastructure projects, periodic physical inspections remain necessary to determine whether these projects still meet engineering safety standards after years of exposure to severe weather, overloading, and other factors affecting their structural integrity,” he added. HB No. 9780 tasks the DPWH with inspecting projects and preparing reports for public release. “Based on the inspection findings, the DPWH shall undertake the necessary maintenance, repair, or rehabilitation measures
The Department of Public Works and Highways Office in Port Area, Manila. Inquirer photo / Nino Jesus Orbeta
for these projects,” Section 3 of the bill states. The proposed measure also requires the “owner or lawful possessor of the site or location of the national government infrastructure projects” to allow inspectors and maintenance teams access to conduct inspections, maintenance, repairs, and rehabilitation. Refusing access or obstructing inspections and maintenance would be punishable by a fine of up to P50,000. Yamsuan said the measure would complement the Transparency Portal and Integrity Chain established by the current administration to track DPWH projects and fund releases. “Ultimately, what we want is to safeguard billions in public investments so that taxpayers get their full money’s worth out of these projects for years to come,” he said. “This problem is usually seen in older public works implemented years ago. Over time, proper-
ties may have changed hands or authority over these sites may have become muddled by the involvement of private developers, homeowners’ associations or other private entities,” he added. In his fifth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government would begin constructing disaster-resilient Ligtas Pinoy Centers while pushing for stronger building standards to withstand increasingly severe natural disasters. The president’s statement prompted lawmakers to call for prioritizing infrastructure-related measures, including the proposed New Philippine Building Act. Several lawmakers, including Surigao del Sur Rep. Romeo Momo, thanked Marcos for mentioning the bill in his Sona. Similarly, Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto said the president’s remarks should spur Congress to ensure structures are resilient to calamities. n
Ombudsman to appeal Bong’s bail by Daphne Galvez Philstar.com
MANILA — Ombudsman prosecutors are asking the Sandiganbayan to reconsider the bail granted to former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. in his malversation case. Revilla’s lawyer Reody Anthony Balisi said they will file their opposition to the motion. Revilla was released last week after posting bail of P1 million. Two of Revilla’s co-accused earlier appealed the court’s denial of their bail petitions. Revilla is accused of receiving a 25 percent commitment fee for an alleged ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan worth P92.8 million. n
Members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology surround former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and co-accused as they arrive for their hearing in connection to the multi-million flood control mess at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Feb. 9, 2026. The Philippine STAR / Miguel de Guzman
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III (left) and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos lll —INQUIRER file photos by Marianne Bermudez and Niño Jesus Orbeta
• unsolicited proposals under the Public-Private Partnership Code. Under the proposal, government-owned and foreclosed properties may be acquired primarily through negotiated purchase by local governments, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and national housing agencies. Properties forfeited because of unpaid real property taxes would be prioritized for socialized housing, while qualified beneficiaries already occupying the land would have the right of first refusal. Subdivision developers would be required to provide socialized housing equivalent to at least 15 percent of the total project area or project cost, while condominium and vertical housing developers would comply at a rate of at least 5 percent. Developers may satisfy the requirement through new settlements, joint ventures, community mortgage projects or payments dedicated to housing programs in the city or municipality where the private project is located. The resulting housing projects would prioritize informal settler families, underprivileged and homeless citizens and residents displaced by major infrastructure projects. Local governments would receive a two-year exclusive period to use payments made by developers for their own socialized housing programs, subject to extensions during disasters, calamities, and other extraordinary circumstances. HB 9697 also provides for onestop shops, simplified accreditation and the issuance of complete permits, licenses and clearances within 90 days, while extending qualified tax incentives to participating socialized housing projects. The measure increases penalties for violations, directs collected
fines to socialized housing in the affected locality, and requires the DHSUD to issue implementing rules within 90 days and submit an evaluation and accomplishment report to Congress every two years. The following are the bill’s authors, besides the Dy and the majority leader: • Roy M. Loyola • Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar • Lani Mercado-Revilla • Bryan B. Revilla • Ramon Jolo Revilla III • Eric L. Olivarez • Leila M. De Lima • Howard A. Guintu • Jan “Atty. JP” Padiernos • Roman Romulo • Kenneth Paolo Tereng • Henry “Indy” Oaminal Jr. • Antolin Oreta III • Irene G. Labadlabad • Gerald Cloyd Alexis V. Galang • Antonio A. Ferrer • Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando • Terry L. Ridon • Roy M. Gonzales • Sonny “SL” S. Lagon • Steve Chiongbian Solon • John Tracy C. Cagas • Ronaldo Puno • Edwin L. Gardiola • Miro S. Quimbo • Ernesto M. Dionisio Jr. • Eleandro Jesus Madrona • Rolando M. Valeriano • Jennifer “Karen” A. Lagbas • Rennee Co • Roger Gaviola Mercado • Munir G. Arbison Jr. • Ferdinand “B1” L. Beltran • Sergio C. Dagooc • Maria Cristina C. Angeles • Zaldy S. Villa • Rufus Rodriguez • Amado Carlos A. Bolilia IV • Mark Anthony G. Santos • Kenneth T. Gatchalian • Waldredo Arman R. Dimaguila Jr. • Audrey Kay T. Zubiri • Carl Nicolas C. Cari • Nelson S. Legacion
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Opinion
Features
AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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The AI boom is global. So is its bill The United States and the Philippines occupy different positions in the AI economy, but both must ensure that its gains are not built on unstable power systems, displaced workers and costs transferred to the public. ARTIFICIAL intelligence is often presented as a competition among companies and nations. It is also a global reallocation of electricity, capital, skills and economic power. The systems may appear weightless on a screen, but they depend on data centers, power plants, transmission lines, semiconductor supply chains and human labor spread across continents. The United States and the Philippines illustrate how closely connected this transformation has become. The United States is a leading source of AI investment, advanced chips, cloud infrastructure and large computing models. The Philippines is a major services economy, a supplier of skilled English-speaking labor and an emerging destination for digital infrastructure. Decisions made by American companies can reshape Philippine employment, while growing data-center demand in both countries can affect electricity reliability and consumer costs. The potential benefits are substantial. AI can accelerate scientific research, support medical analysis, strengthen disaster forecasting, improve public services and help businesses perform routine work more efficiently. Utilities can use it to forecast demand, detect equipment failures and integrate renewable energy. Smaller organizations may gain
capabilities that once required large technical teams. These gains justify investment, but not a blank check. The central question is whether the benefits will be broadly shared and whether those profiting most will pay the full cost of the infrastructure and workforce changes they require. That cost begins with electricity. The International Energy Agency projects global data-center power consumption to rise from about 485 terawatt-hours in 2025 to roughly 950 terawatt-hours by 2030. AI-focused facilities are expected to grow faster than the data-center sector as a whole. A single large facility can require hundreds of megawatts of continuous power and can be completed much faster than new generating plants, transmission lines and substations. In the United States, federal researchers estimate that data centers could account for about 11.8 per-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
cent of national electricity use by the end of the decade under a central scenario, with estimates ranging from 9.5 percent to 15.3 percent. North American reliability planners say AI and digital-economy data centers account for most of the projected increase in peak electricity demand during the coming decade. Data centers do not automatically make electricity less reliable or more expensive. Large customers can finance new generation, support grid investment
The Long A constituency of resentment View public lives Randy David
WE often hear educated Filipinos blame the kind of government we have on the kind of public officials that the “bobotantes” choose during elections. The derisive term is a clever blending of two words: “bobo,” meaning stupid, and “botante,” meaning voter. It is applied to voters whose electoral choices are presumably uninformed by any understanding of the functions of public office, or of the qualifications of the candidates they vote for. The clear implication is that such voters are irrational. To the extent that the term points to the existence of a sizable premodern voter formation that decides political outcomes, I believe it is quite accurate. That was the point I made in last week’s column, where I tried to interpret the latest Pulse Asia findings on presidential preferences for 2028. But its use as a pejorative also betrays an elitist and simplistic understanding of Philippine society and politics. The “bobotante” way of voting has its own rationality. It is rooted in a worldview that sees government as a predatory institution that exists mainly to serve the interests of the rich and powerful. Conven-
VIRTUAL REALITY Tony Lopez
FERDINAND R. Marcos Jr.’s presidency has been an odyssey, one that rivals the adventures, misadventures, exploits, conquests and triumphs of any warrior king in the fantasyland called the Philippines, or anywhere else. As a country, the Philippines is an Olympus in its own right. With 117 million people, it is the 12th largest consumer market on earth. As an economy, it is valued at $512 billion in nominal GDP dollars, and easily $1.7 trillion in purchasing power parity 2024 dollars. The Philippines is the 30th largest economy on earth, out of more than 200 countries, far bigger (richer) than Colombia, South Africa, Singapore, UAE, Kazakhstan, Switzerland (the original home of unexplained wealth), Romania, Algeria, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Chile, Ukraine (which is about to beat Russia), Austria and 150 other countries.
tional politicians, according to this view, are uniformly corrupt. They operate mainly to raid the public coffers and plunder the nation’s resources, the better to enrich themselves and their patrons. Their notion of public service is to deliver the occasional “ayuda” during disasters and emergencies. But what they hand out as assistance they recover in taxes and the high price of necessities. Instead of building an economy that provides stable jobs and secure incomes, they let people fend for themselves in the informal sector or in the overseas employment market. There is nothing ignorant about this view of government. It thrives in highly unequal societies like ours, where the levers of government are captured by the oligarchy. But instead of giving rise to a constituency of reform, what it breeds is a constituency of resentment, which particular kinds of politicians, like the Dutertes, are able to tap. In July 2011, Sara Duterte, then mayor of Davao, walked into the middle of an ongoing demolition of squatter shanties, and punched a court sheriff in the face. I watched the footage several times, and wrote here that for all the criminal liability to which she exposed herself, “from hereon, it will be difficult to defeat her in any election for any public position in Davao,” that “her feistiness and
readiness to stake her personal authority on behalf of the poor will become part of political legend,” and that “this is how folk heroes in a pre-modern society are made.” (Public Lives, 7/3/11) Where society is deeply unequal, I wrote then, “the rule of law cannot be impartial. Its blind implementation will always appear harsh. Thus, instead of serving the ends of justice, law is perceived as one more tool of oppression. This uneven landscape creates ample room for the intervention of heroic equalizers.” The mauling of a sheriff by a lady mayor, in that landscape, is perceived not as an assault on a person of authority, but as the credential of a folk hero. That legend traveled swiftly from the remote city of Davao to the national stage. Eleven years later, Sara Duterte was elected vice president in the 2022 elections as the running mate of Bongbong Marcos in the short-lived “UniTeam” alliance, drawing one of the largest vote totals in our electoral history. Her father, Rodrigo, later claimed that she could have won the presidency itself had she not agreed to step down and give way to Marcos. More recently, Pulse Asia measured her chances should she run in 2028. They stand at 49 percent of the country, the bulk of it from Mindanao, then the Visayas, u PAGE 7
BBM’s odyssey In land area (300,000 square kilometers), the Philippines is the world’s fifth largest island nation. Its coastline of 36,289 kms is the fifth longest in the world, 50 percent longer than MAGA’s 19,000 kms which is guarded by 11 100,000-ton aircraft carriers, the world’s largest. In typical Ilocano fashion, our coastline is guarded by just one 3,200-ton BRP Miguel Malvar, a missile-guided corvette. As an archipelago of 7,607 islands, the Philippines is the second largest in Asia (after Indonesia) and seventh, globally, in number of islands. As a landmass, it is bigger than many countries in Europe, bigger than the United Kingdom, South Korea, New Zealand and yes, bigger than Greece (which has only 132,000 sq kms), the home of the Olympus and the Greek gods led by Zeus. Warrior-king Odysseus Marcos has been wanting to return to the kingdom called the Philippines which his father ruled for 20 years, restore its magic, its wonder and its greatness so that the Middle Kingdom will stop maligning it (“We will not waiver,” Marcos Jr.
vowed) and even attempt to conquer it (“We will not yield,” the President declared). In serving his presidency, BBM has encountered all kinds of enemies and challenges, the political and economic equivalent of mythical monsters, cyclops, cannibals and sirens. The flood control syndicate embedded in the kingdom called House of Representatives is composed of cyclops of corruption, with a single eye focused on barrels and bags of money, money, money. “From whom are you stealing the money?” the ombudsman asks. Their answer: nobody, nobody, nobody! There are witches too. Impakta, to use Imee Marcos’s lingua franca. They are dressed in seemingly recycled dresses and sport seemingly recycled bags. Their favorite color is black, to disguise their penchant for blue – the color of the highest denomination peso money. The impaktas also like another color – green, the color of envy. Of course, we have our very u PAGE 7
Manuel L. Quezon III IGNORED in the debate over Pax Silica is that it is the latest scheme hoping to find purpose and value for competing plans that have repeatedly failed to take off: turning the former Clark Air Base into something economically viable for the country. The competing plans have been either to turn the former base into a thriving industrial or commercial facility or into the next capital of the Philippines. Stephen CuUnjieng once patiently tried to explain to me how Singapore used the former British naval base as the source for what grew into its sovereign wealth fund (a fascinating lesson in combining national vision with sustained execution), but needless to say, native racketeering has always defeated the possibility of something similar happening on our end. Two administrations, those of former Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III, converged on this attempt: Arroyo’s by developing plans or infrastructure necessary to turn the special econo-
GOTCHA
Jarius Bondoc MERE slight rains flood up our communities and highways. Employees and students can’t get to work and school. Homes and shops are muddied. Roads disintegrate. Rivers rise, bridges collapse. Traffic jams. Tap water turns murky. Electricity conks out, and with it cellular service too. Feigning concern, officials suspend school and government work. They publicize themselves leading rescue and relief work. They distribute food, medicines, cash aid. All from taxes, not their pockets. Yet tarpaulins picture them as do-gooders. Stricken folk become dependent on the local officials. They begin to owe them debts of gratitude, electing them and their kinsmen forever. In truth, it’s political dynasties that are causing the breakdown of the Philippines. Eighty-two percent of lawmakers are dynasts. They enact annual budgets from which to plunder and self-pro-
and produce tax revenue. The risk arises when projects are approved without firm power-supply plans, speculative proposals reserve scarce grid capacity or infrastructure costs are shifted to households and existing businesses. The Philippines has less room for such mistakes. Its transmission plan projects national peak demand to rise from about 20.7 gigawatts in 2025 to 28.6 u PAGE 7
A lack of capital mic zone and freeport in Clark into a viable prospect, and Aquino’s by introducing the concept of a new metropolis that would serve as the de facto administrative capital of the country. Former President Rodrigo Duterte typically took a myopic view of things, appointing Arroyo to preside over Clark programs and projects as a presidential adviser, while muddling things by instituting the Bonifacio Capital District as a magnet for attracting government institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Senate, while members of his Cabinet pushed forward with moving national government agencies to Clark. Duterte’s confusion is nothing new. In 1975, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who borrowed so many things from the era of the Japanese occupation, decreed the creation of Metro Manila, itself the revival of a wartime measure, the creation of the City of Greater Manila to expand the area covered by a declaration of an Open City on the eve of the Japanese occupation. Paulo Alcazaren, in 2014, painstakingly traced the ebb and flow of this idea from the time it was first proposed before the Commonwealth, to its becoming a temporary wartime measure, to its potential revival
had Ramon Magsaysay lived to serve a second term, to Marcos creating Metropolitan Manila in 1975, to his transforming it into an administrative region and later the National Capital Region from 1976 to 1978. Along the way he abolished Quezon City as the national capital in 1976 (the new cult of personality would not tolerate reminders of the past otherwise), but made the restoration of Manila’s capital status meaningless by his creation of a Metro Manila Commission: famously oppositionist always, the restored “capital” would be forever denied actual influence, and no other local government would enjoy concentrated power either (the realities of dictatorship would not tolerate things otherwise). Thirteen years of dictatorship did not fail to create a new capital; it insisted on never even bothering, dangling pocket developments instead. The creation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority resulted in the worst of all possible outcomes for the public: spreading things out prevents institutions from acting coherently and this weakness increases executive power. It weakens the public’s power too, u PAGE 8
Philippines breaking down due to political dynasties mote. Favorite pork barrels are roadworks, flood controls, health care and cash ayuda. Kinsmen control provincial capitols, and city and municipal halls. Seventy-one of 82 governors, or 87 percent are dynasts. So are 113 of 149, or 75 percent of city mayors. Also, 910 of 1,493, or 61 percent of municipal mayors. Vice governors, vice mayors, provincial board members and city and municipal councilors are also dynasts. The President and Vice President are dynasts. Non-dynasts aren’t necessarily angels. But there’s bigger temptation for dynasts to steal. Spouses, parents and offspring, siblings and cousins are able to control public funds. Cashiers, accountants and auditors are their appointees and recommendees. Easy to keep secret their thievery. The Supreme Court outlawed pork barrels in 2013. Still, political dynasts awarded themselves “budget insertions.” Fake, faulty, overpriced flood works have been exposed as the
biggest scam ever. It began as ghost dredging of lakes and rivers in the mid-2000s to 2015. In 2016-2025 budget and public works officials expanded to river and seawall construction, resulting in P1.7-trillion kickbacks for dynasts and bureaucrats. Sleaziest flood projects were in Bulacan’s first district. Investigators uncovered P5-billion ghost dike constructions in Calumpit, Hagonoy, Malolos and Baliuag towns from which four senators pocketed 40 percent commissions. Oriental Mindoro’s first district came in second. The ombudsman filed malversation and graft raps for P289.5-million substandard road dikes in Naujan town. In Davao Occidental, a P179.5-million ghost flood work led to indictment of DPWH officials and contractor Sarah Discaya’s St. Timothy Construction Corp. Declared substandard in La Union was a P89.7-million canal dug by Silverwolves Construction of congressmen brothers Eric and u PAGE 7
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Opinion & Features
ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026
7
Digital repatriation of history
LOOKING BACK
Ambeth R. Ocampo ASIDE from Buwan ng Wika, August is also History Month in the Philippines. This month, schoolchildren all over the Philippines commemorate the late President Manuel Quezon’s birthday (Aug. 19) and his hand in laying the legal basis for our “Wikang Pambansa,” our national language. This month, the Bentley Historical Library of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor has made the “Quezon Papers” available online for free. While these papers are not complete, they are an important primary source to begin any research into the life and times of Quezon. Decades ago, the University of Michigan preserved in microfilm a selection from the physical “Quezon Papers” in the National Library of the Philippines, and since then it has been the easiest archive to use because the papers were expertly arranged and catalogued. Furthermore, the shelf list comes with insightful notes on individual documents or record groups by the historian Michael Cullinane. The “Quezon Papers,” both in microfilm and the physical documents, which cover the years from 1909 to 1944, were inscribed into the Unesco Memory of the World Register in 2011. On my last visit to the Bentley Library, I was invited to give a short talk to the archivists on the valuable Philippine materials in their care. At one point I showed them a degraded document from the “Quezon Papers” in the National Library in Manila, side by side with a clearer, more legible image of the same document from the Bentley microfilm that had been enhanced using their state-of-the-art microfilm readers. When Bentley Library Director Alexis Antracoli visited Manila in 2024, she saw the physical state of the “Quezon Papers” and of-
fered to digitize their microfilm rolls. A year later, she turned over a copy of the digitized material to National Library Director Cesar Gilbert Adriano. I am still amazed that a mass of physical documents to fill a room could be carried in the palm of my hand on a 2-terabyte drive. This year, the Bentley has made the “Quezon Papers” available online as part of a larger “Recollect-Reconnect” initiative that aims to digitally repatriate Filipiniana materials that have been in their care since the beginning of the 20th century. Before the “Quezon Papers,” the “Recollect-Reconnect” project under Dr. Ricky Punzalan of the University of Michigan School of Information had digitized thousands of photographs taken by Dean C. Worcester and provided copies to libraries in the Philippines. Now the next question is: What archive will they digitize and repatriate next? While most Filipino historians and researchers swarm on the Bentley like bees to honey, there is much more to be had in other repositories within the University of Michigan because of the long association of Michigan Graduates and Faculty or “Michigan Men” with the Philippines. University of Michigan professor Joseph Beal Steere made two scientific expeditions to the Philippines in 1874 and again in 1887. Carl E. Guthe headed an archaeological expedition from 1922 to 1925 that explored over 500 sites in the Visayas and unearthed over 15,000 artifacts that became the nucleus of the University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology. This museum also has glass slides, photographs, papers, and other materials including a flag probably captured during the Philippine-American War. I am neither a naturalist nor an archaeologist, but the materials brought back by these two men can help us understand the past in order to make sense of the present. During a semester in Ann Arbor as a visiting professor in the
University of Michigan Center for Southeast Asian Studies, I found other repositories waiting for Filipino researchers. In the Clements Library, which houses the university’s rare books and “Americana,” I stumbled on papers on Douglas MacArthur’s early years in the Philippines before he earned his stars and made the “I shall return” promise at the beginning of the World War II. This library had various photographic and archival material that cover the Philippine-American War and the Japanese occupation. At the Clements Library, I leafed through a small book “De Moluccis Insulis” by Maximilianus Transylvanus published in 1523 that was based on material gathered from the survivors of the Magellan expedition. This is the first European book on the Philippines. The main university library is named after Harland Hatcher, who, as university president in 1966, conferred then visiting President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. with an honorary degree. In return, Marcos presented the university with a valuable set of the 19th-century “Birds of America” by John James Audubon. The Hatcher Library has a Special Collections Division, which contains a lot of rare Filipiniana. I won’t bore the reader with all the other things that get historians excited, but let’s return to the question the Bentley Library asked, “What do we digitize and repatriate next?” It is so hard to choose, but if the Recollect-Reconnect initiative continues and grows over the next few years, so much history once physically inaccessible to researchers in Manila will be readily available to someone with the interest and a stable internet connection. (Inquirer.net) ***
der by political dynasts worsened during that period. Filipino fourth-graders, aged 9-10, were lowest of 58 countries in the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. In ASEAN, Filipino fifth and eight graders fared worse than counterparts in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam – ahead only of Cambodia. PISA examinees in 2022 and 2018 are now aged 19 and 23. One can just imagine how they are lagging in free college, or if they’re gainfully employed at all. And what of their offspring, if any? TIMSS takers in 2019 are now in Grade 11. They were promoted because the public school system is a conveyor belt that leaves no one behind. They must give way to the next batch of classroom seat occupants. Child malnutrition pervades.
seen, her appeal to the masa voter has endured not because she has become a modern leader, but because she has kept replicating the outsider leadership her father made famous: the decisive, foulmouthed, personal equalizer who stands between the elites and the uneducated masses. The demand for the leader as equalizer, it turns out, is not a stage a society passes through. It is a durable formation of voters
that a society keeps reproducing, for as long as government goes on arriving in the lives of the poor as a predator rather than a benefactor. PAGE 6 (Inquirer.net) gigawatts in 2030. The same plan *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints ex- identifies right-of-way acquisition, pressed by the author do not necessarily regulatory approvals, local permits reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of and mismatched generation and the Asian Journal, its management, editorial transmission schedules as persistent obstacles. board and staff. New data centers can strength*** en local cloud services, data storEmail: public.lives@gmail.com age and digital investment. They should not, however, receive preferential access to limited power capacity or leave ordinary incessant and malicious thunder- consumers paying for network storms from the Davao kingdom upgrades built primarily to serve them. under Empress Green Circe. The labor consequences are Odysseus M has already sacrificed his favorite cousin, the Polyp- equally significant. The Internahemous of Corruption, before the tional Labour Organization estialtar of anti-corruption to satisfy mates that one in four workers Themis and Eunomia – the deities worldwide is employed in an occuof good governance, lawful order pation with some exposure to generative AI. Only a smaller share and civic duty. To discipline Green Circe, he falls into the highest exposure has brought her before the impe- category, and the organization achment court of the Senate, po- considers job transformation more pulated by supreme gods in their likely than wholesale replacement. That distinction is important, own right, although half of them are probably plunderers while re- but it should not be used to minciting Bible passages and the Con- imize the disruption. Job losses may occur through layoffs, restitution. To his people, Odysseus Marcos duced hiring or the disappearance now appeals. He said in his SONA: of entry-level positions that once Let us continue the work that we allowed workers to build experience. Routine administrative, clerhave started. To make the Philippines the ical, customer-service and junior professional work is particularly country that Filipinos deserve. There is no nobler cause than vulnerable. The United States may create this. We do this for our children. more jobs for data scientists, cyWe do this for our future. We cannot but do this, because bersecurity specialists, software we love our country and we love developers, electricians and construction workers. Yet those opour people. (Philstar.com) portunities will not automatically *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints reach workers displaced from expressed by the author do not necessarily other occupations. A growing reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of technology sector does not by itthe Asian Journal, its management, editorial self guarantee an equitable labor transition. board and staff. The Philippines faces a more *** concentrated risk because its busiEmail: biznewsasia@gmail.com
ness-process outsourcing industry is closely tied to decisions made by North American corporations. An International Monetary Fund study found that roughly one-third of Philippine workers are highly exposed to AI, although many of those jobs may also benefit from the technology. The study identified business-process outsourcing as the sector with the highest proportion of jobs at risk of displacement. A separate ILO analysis estimated that 12.7 million Philippine jobs have some exposure to generative AI. Exposure does not mean inevitable unemployment. The Philippine digital economy contributed 9.8 percent of gross domestic product in 2025 and employed more than 10 million people. AI could help the country move from repetitive transactions toward analytics, cybersecurity, health services, engineering support, financial technology and higher-value customer operations. That transition will require more than optimistic forecasts. It will require reliable electricity, stronger education, continuous training and employers willing to invest in workers rather than use automation only to reduce payroll. The broader global imbalance is clear. Wealthy economies and a small number of technology companies are positioned to capture much of the profit, intellectual property and computing power. Developing countries may supply labor, energy, data and critical materials while receiving fewer lasting gains. Without deliberate policy, AI could raise productivity while widening inequality within and among nations. Governments should therefore apply three basic standards. First, large data centers should
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.
*** Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail.com
One in four kids aged five and below is stunted or bansot. One in seven is underweight, payatot. One in 18 is wasting, putot. The situation is haven for political dynasts. The duller the voters, the longer the dynasties stay. Bongbong Marcos made no mention of dynasties in his State of the Nation Address the other Monday. Perhaps he knows that his congressman-son Sandro Marcos’ biggest project since 2025 is a fake anti-dynasty bill. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Catch Sapol radio show, Saturdays, 8 to 10 a.m., dwIZ (882-AM). Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/Jarius-Bondoc
BBM’s odyssey...
PAGE 6 own Circe, the goddess and sorceress from Davao who turns otherwise decent, peace-loving people into animals. Animals with violent tendencies. So they can be hired to kill the President, the First Lady, a certain now notorious former leader of the House. Our Green Circe likes chichiryas so much she names confidential funds/cash receipts after Mary Grace Piattos, Fernando Tempura, Beverly Claire Pampano, MicoHarina, Patty Ting, Ralph Josh Bacon, Sala Casim, Oishi, Kamote, and Mango (to name some, out of hundreds). Davao’s Circe regularly gave away cash envelops to officials at DepEd and the OVP so that they turn into monkeys – see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil. Our Circe has a kingdom called Troy of Davao. For 30 years, Circe’s Duterte royal clan ruled Davao, an impenetrable fortress with soldiers who kill anyone suspected to be a drug addict, an unfriendly drug lord and anyone who attempts to disturb the peace and order of the southern kingdom. In 2022, Odysseus Marcos offered a wonderful gift, a Trojan horse called the vice presidency, the second highest position in the land. As VP, you are a ruler in waiting. And since the king is claimed to be sometimes sick and
even high on certain drugs, that wait could be just a jiffy. Unwilling to disobey the rule of hospitality in their kingdom, Empress Green Circe seized on the offer. Instantly, the north’s Kingdom of Maharlika and the south’s Kingdom of Duterte were united. In 2022, Odysseus Marcos tallied 31.6 million votes while Empress Green Circe grabbed 32 million – the largest ever electoral mandates won by any president and vice president. Odysseus Marcos became the first majority elected president since King Marcos I of 1969. Marcos II got 59 percent of the votes cast, with a 30-percentage-point margin over his closest rival. He won in all the 15 largest cities and in all the 15 cities of Metro Manila. The sheer size of the numbers gave Marcos II a unique national mandate and an absolute majority, reflecting a resonant message of unity across kingdomland. This was not a traditional uprising, but a democratic mandate delivered quietly and overwhelmingly at the ballot box by the Filipino electorate. Four years into his six-year rule, Odysseus Marcos has yet to conquer equally challenging monsters – inflation, rising cost of living, energy shortages, rising geopolitical tensions and, of course, the
The DDS phenomenon abroad
FOR the first five months of this year, I stayed in Europe for study and work. I saw, as well as heard confirmatory accounts, that a big majority of our countrymen who are living and working in the old continent are Die-hard Duterte Supporters (DDS). Those in the know affirm that the same holds true for Filipino communities in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and most especially in many countries in the Middle East. It’s no surprise then that before proceeding to The Hague, Netherlands, where she frequently visits her father, Vice President Sara Duterte makes side trips to various foreign cities, where she speaks in meet-and-greet gatherings to rally her family’s loyal supporters. Just early this week, VP Sara attended such an event in London where she spoke before a relatively big DDS crowd. At first, it was very perplexing to me. Filipinos in Europe are reaping immense dividends from the democratic societies that have given them shelter in a faraway continent. They’re enjoying the kind of governance that elevates human rights on a pedestal. But back home, why do they rabidly support the most fascist and the most murderous leader the Philippines has ever produced? What explains the extreme dissonance? For the first five months of this year, I stayed in Europe for study and work. I saw, as well as heard confirmatory accounts, that a big majority of our countrymen who are living and working in the old continent are Die-hard Duterte Supporters (DDS). Those in the know affirm that the same holds true for Filipino communities in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and most especially in many countries in the Middle East. It’s no surprise then that before proceeding to The Hague, Netherlands, where she frequently visits her father, Vice President Sara Duterte makes side trips to various foreign cities, where she speaks in meet-and-greet gatherings to rally her family’s loyal supporters. Just early this week, VP Sara attended such an event in London where she spoke before a relatively big DDS crowd. At first, it was very perplexing
A constituency of resentment...
PAGE 6 and the lower-income communities of Metro Manila. It gives me little comfort to say that my diagnosis in 2011 has held. What has not held is a piece of wishful sociology I allowed myself in that same column. Leaders like Sara, I wrote then, can be “the rearguard of a dying feudal system or the harbingers of a new less personal form of rule.” On the contrary, as we have
FLEA MARKET OF IDEAS
to me. Filipinos in Europe are reaping immense dividends from the democratic societies that have given them shelter in a faraway continent. They’re enjoying the kind of governance that elevates human rights on a pedestal. But back home, why do they rabidly support the most fascist and the most murderous leader the Philippines has ever produced? What explains the extreme dissonance? Article continues after this advertisement I have talked to quite a few DDS expatriates (including those based outside Europe), and what I’ve heard from them matches what other friends have gathered from DDS personalities in their circles. There are at least three oft-repeated reasons overseas Filipinos mention to explain their support for former President Rodrigo Duterte and members of his family. First, our overseas kababayans cite the fact that they felt safe when they came home during the Duterte administration because drug addicts and other criminals were nowhere in sight. Second, Filipino expatriates credit Duterte with having extended the validity of our passports and driver’s licenses, from five and three years respectively, to a uniform 10 years. Third, Filipinos abroad fondly reminisce that they felt genuine care and concern during the times that Duterte communed with them in meet-and-greet gatherings abroad (outside Europe). The common theme in this sampling of reasons is the element of personal experience. Our DDS kababayans personally felt the benefits of Duterte’s reign as president. They personally experienced improvements in concerns that directly affected them, and the “eradication” of problems that have long bedeviled them. Chances are, these are the same reasons that have made many of our fellow Filipinos living in our country become ardent DDS supporters. In contrast, those who are fiercely anti-Duterte cite the massive human rights violations he committed against the poor, his support for China, which has invaded and occupied our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the pervasive corruption during his reign, including those involving VP Sara. To our DDS kababayans abroad, however, the human rights violations and the Chinese occupation of our EEZ are issues that do not
Philippines breaking down due to... PAGE 6 Edvic Yap. In Ilocos Norte, flood control allocations skyrocketed by over 1,700 percent from P463.67 million to P8.72 billion. Projects in Leyte grew five-fold from P2.17 billion to P10.06 billion. In the Cordillera mountains, the multibillion-peso racket was in flimsy roadside rock nettings, cat’s eyes and safety roller barriers. Lacking critical thinking, Filipinos can’t understand that dynasts cause their misery. In 2018, Filipino 15-year-olds were the lowest among 79 countries in Reading Comprehension. They couldn’t write a single sentence from a paragraph they read in their chosen language under the Program for International Student Assessment. In PISA 2022, Filipinos were 77th of 81 countries. Not much difference from 2018. The plun-
LIFE AND LEGACY. Senators present to Rene Baterbonia Sr. and Rovelyn Baterbonia (6th and 8th from left) Senate Resolution 472 honoring the life, legacy and outstanding contributions to sports of their son, Ateneo de Manila student-athlete Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia, on Wednesday (Aug. 5, 2025). The athlete drowned during a teambuilding activity in Aurora on June 8. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Joel Ruiz Butuyan
directly affect them so there is little personal resonance. Chances are, they don’t have families who were killed during Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs, and they don’t belong to fishermen families severely affected by China’s illegal seizure of our fishing grounds. With regard to corruption, from the DDS point of view, every president has been embroiled with charges of corruption. The differences between the DDS and the anti-DDS are night and day. The DDS look at the personal while the anti-DDS point to impersonal principles. The DDS look at the micro view while the anti-DDS look at the macro view. The DDS sense the emotional, while the anti-DDS perceive the rational. In the world we live in, night and day do not cancel each other out. They each present half of the picture of our world, and if they are both taken together, they provide a complete view of our reality as a people. All along, the DDS and the anti-DDS groups have been speaking not opposite but complementary views of our country. This is probably the reason why no matter how shrill the anti-DDS are in pointing out the irrationality, the lack of principles, and the negative macro impact for the country of the actions of the previous administration, it will not make a dent on the god-worship that the DDS bestow on the Dutertes. The anti-DDS forces fail to address the personal, the micro view, and the emotional concerns of the DDS. Until the anti-DDS forces acknowledge and address the concerns of the DDS, they will have little chance of getting converts from the other side, and VP Sara will continue to have a very solid base of supporters. Anti-DDS leaders who aspire for the presidency must fine-tune their interaction with people, expand their commitments to address the personal challenges faced by the masses, and calibrate their actions by giving solutions to DDS concerns, if they will have any fighting chance against VP Sara in 2028. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail.com
The AI boom is global. So is its bill... pay the full incremental cost of serving them. Regulators should require credible electricity-supply, storage and demand-response plans, transparent power and water reporting, and financial responsibility for necessary grid upgrades. Public incentives should be tied to measurable local benefits rather than the size of an investment announcement. Second, companies receiving tax advantages, government contracts or other public support should carry enforceable labor obligations. These should include paid retraining, apprenticeships, recognized credentials, advance notice of major workplace changes and human review when automated systems influence employment, credit, health care or public benefits. Third, international cooperation should extend beyond declarations about AI safety. Developing countries need affordable access to computing resources, locally relevant language systems, cybersecurity support, research partnerships and a fair share of productivity gains. The United States has the capacity to lead such an effort. The Philippines has the workforce and regional position to demonstrate that AI can strengthen human capability rather than merely replace lower-cost labor. AI is neither a blessing nor a curse by itself. Its consequences will be determined by ownership, regulation and public choices. The technology deserves investment, but workers deserve a credible transition, consumers deserve protection and developing economies deserve more than a supporting role. The AI economy will be legitimate only when its benefits travel as widely as its burdens. (AJPress)
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AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
Opinion & Features
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797
Manila among Time Out's best Wherever Alex Eala Plays, the cities for street food in 2026 Philippines Finds a Home Court by Ayie Licsi
From overflowing outer courts to roaring stadium crowds, the Filipina star is changing the atmosphere of international tennis and drawing a vast new audience into the sport.
Philstar.com
MANILA is on the map of the top 10 best cities in the world for street food in 2026, according to Time Out. The global magazine published its annual ranking for topnotch curbside cuisine on July 30, with the Philippine capital placing fourth alongside Mexico City. Time Out hailed Manila with a 58% approval rating based on its survey of 24,000 urbanites from different parts of the world. It took into consideration the street food's affordability and the quality of the city's food scene. Ranking first with a 63% rating is Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, with the outlet lauding street food in Ben Thành Market like pho and banh mi. In second place is Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia (62%), which is known for its open-air canteen vibe in Jalan Alor, where you can indulge in satay, wholegrilled fish, and char kway teow.
by AJPress
Tying in third are Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan with 59%, respectively. Jakarta was recognized for its roadside warungs, or food stalls, where you can delight in spicy nasi goreng and gado-gadu, while Taipei was lauded for its night markets like the one in the Shilin district. Rounding out the top 5 is Hanoi, Vietnam in sixth with 57%. Check out the full list below 1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 63% 2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 62%
3. Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan – 59% 4. Mexico City, Mexico and Manila, Philippines – 58% 5. Hanoi, Vietnam – 57% 6. Johannesburg, South Africa and Bangkok, Thailand – 56% 7. Mumbai, India and Marrakesh, Morocco – 55% 8. Los Angeles, United States; Beijing, China; and Singapore, Singapore – 54% 9. Jaipur, India – 53% 10. Guadalajara, Mexico; Nairobi, Kenya; Bucharest, Romania; and New Delhi, India – 52% 11. Accra, Ghana – 51%
P1.1 billion La Union, Pampanga flood projects flagged by Artemio Dumlao Philstar.com
MANILA — Over P773.77 million worth of flood control projects in La Union are being questioned after Typhoon Luis inundated parts of San Fernando. In Mexico, Pampanga, two flood control projects worth P359.37 million are facing scrutiny before the Office of the Ombudsman. Groups are urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Commission on Audit and other oversight agencies to investigate at least 19 flood control, drainage, slope protection, seawall and creek rehabilitation projects implemented between 2018 and 2025 in La Union. Projects with the biggest allocations were awarded to several contractors, including St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corp., owned by the detained Discaya couple. Another contractor, linked to anomalous flood control projects in La Union, is Silverwolves
Construction Corp., reportedly owned by Reps. Eric and Edvic Yap. Among projects with the biggest allocations are a P144.75-million flood control structure in Barangay Pagdaraoan, a P144.6-million slope protection project from Barangay Sagayad to Sevilla and a P98.99-million slope protection project along Bato Creek. St. Gerrard handled the Bato Creek project in 2024. Cong-tractor? In Pampanga, criminal and administrative charges have been filed by a barangay official against former congressman Aurelio Gonzales Jr., members of his family and four Central Luzon public works officials. A.D. Gonzales Jr. Construction & Trading Co. Inc. reportedly won contracts in 2023 for a P94.55-million flood control project in Barangay Suclaban and a P264.82-million project in Barangay Culubasa. Due to substandard infrastructure, respondents are accused of plunder, graft and corruption, malversation and grave miscon-
duct, among others. Video footage in 2023 and geotagged photographs dated July 30 are attached in the complaint filed by Terence Napao, chairman of Barangay Sto. Cristo and president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Mexico. Evidence shows erosion, damaged concrete and other defects in portions of the projects that could indicate poor workmanship or the use of substandard materials, Napao alleged. In 2023, Napao filed a complaint involving three flood control projects worth over P611 million. Gonzales has said the ombudsman dismissed the complaint for lack of merit. Respondents in Napao’s recent complaint are Gonzales, San Fernando Vice Mayor Brenz Gonzales, Pampanga Rep. Mica Gonzales, Michelin Gonzales, Zenaida Quiambao, former DPWH Central Luzon director Roseller Tolentino, Ignacio Evangelista, Anna Marie Tayag, Arthur Santos and unidentified John Does. (With reports from Ric Sapnu)
WASHINGTON — Weeks before Alex Eala began the tournament that would deliver the biggest championship of her career, the Mubadala DC Open’s ticketing office was already seeing evidence of her unusual drawing power. Tournament chairman Mark Ein said at least 80 percent of player-schedule inquiries concerned Eala, despite a field that included Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, Zheng Qinwen, Elina Svitolina and defending champion Leylah Fernandez. The demand offered one of the clearest measures yet of the Alex Eala phenomenon. The flags, chants and crowded viewing areas surrounding her were no longer simply expressions of national pride. Her presence was influencing ticket interest and prompting organizers to look beyond rankings when estimating attendance. Eala then gave those supporters a championship to remember. The 21-year-old recovered from a set down to defeat top-seeded Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in a rain-interrupted final. She won the last nine games to become the first player representing the Philippines to capture a WTA Tour-level singles title. The victory lifted her to a career-high No. 20, the first Top 20 ranking attained by a Filipina. Her path through Washington included victories over Olympic champion Zheng, defending champion Fernandez, Svitolina and four-time major winner Osaka. She had beaten five accomplished opponents to earn the trophy. Washington also marked a step beyond Eala’s WTA 125 championships in Guadalajara in 2025 and Birmingham in 2026. WTA 125 events are sanctioned professional tournaments but are classified separately from the main tour. Washington, a WTA 500 event, awarded four times as many ranking points and became her first main-tour singles title. The crowds, however, had followed her long before the trophy. Philippine flags often appear
A Tribute to Photojournalist Mandy Navasero
WHENEVER I think of the late photojournalist Mandy Navasero, I remember the four tense days I saw her during the EDSA Revolution from February 22 to 25, 1986. The uprising, sparked by military defections, Cardinal Jaime Sin’s radio appeal and mass civilian protests, ended the regime of Ferdinand Marcos and drew admiration around the world. A 1981 graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, Luz Amandolina Cruz Navasero, known as Mandy, was the only girl and fifth of seven children of Victor Laforteza Navasero Jr. of Los Baños and Leonora Almonte Cruz of Pagsanjan, Laguna. Mandy began in public relations at Bank of America in the early 1970s. Her first break as a photojournalist came in 1976, when Philippine Panorama editor Levi Marcelo asked her to take a cover photograph for the Manila Bulletin’s Sunday magazine. “Chelo Banal was very proud that there was now a woman photographer. At that time, the world of photography was dominated by men,” Mandy recalled. She earned an AB in English from Philippine Women’s University and a master’s degree in English literature from Ateneo de Manila University. She later contributed photographs to major local and foreign publications and photographed prominent figures. They included actress Zsa Zsa Gabor; former Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III; former Vice Presidents Noli de Castro and Jejomar Binay; public officials, military leaders, journalists, entertainers and civic personalities. Her subjects also included journalists Eggie Apostol, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc and Mike Enriquez; entertainers Vic Sotto, Richard Gomez, Jaclyn Jose and Melanie Marquez; and political figures Loren Legarda, Raul Roco, Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon, among many others. Before the EDSA revolt, Man-
Photojournalist Mandy Navasero (seated, Photographer Mandy Navasero. Carmela Charles of Carmela Children Collaborative. center) with her family.
Rogelio Constantino Medina with Screenshot of Jobert’s Jobert’s sister Sol Sucaldito at Loyola message that he would Jobert Sucaldito (standing, extreme Memorial Chapels on Commonwealth not be able to join the right) at East Avenue Medical Cen- Avenue, Quezon City. Jobert passed virtual rosary on July 30, away August 2, 2026. 2026. ter.
Singer Michael Pangilinan (left) and Jobert Sucaldito Rogelio Constantino Medina with Jobert Sucaldito cheering up the elderly at Abiertas House of Futuristic play “Rizal 3000”. at ABS-CBN studio. Friendship.
dy was already covering street demonstrations against the Marcos administration for Mr. & Ms. magazine. “Kasi, mayroon akong balls sa dibdib,” she once told me, expressing the courage she brought to her work. “Noong EDSA revolt ay humarap kami sa mga tangke. Ginawa namin ito dahil mahal namin ang aming bayan. Masarap maging Pilipino,” she said. “During the EDSA revolt, we faced the tanks. We did this because we love our country. It is wonderful to be Filipino.” She remembered praying sincerely with religious leaders and civilians: “Hail Mary, have mercy on us.” She added that being Filipino was something one could proudly proclaim to the world. As a single parent, Mandy made time for her children, whom she considered gifts from God. “Nag-iba ang estilo ng buhay ko. Umuuwi na ako nang mas maaga dahil nanay na ako,” she said. Her children attended Sunday Bible school and became responsible young people. “I’m not a disciplinarian. I treat them like my friends,” she said. “When I don’t like what they are doing, they stop. They listen.” Mandy once related that while riding in a taxi, her daughter Amanda Noelle innocently told the driver she was not afraid of her mother because “my mom is my real barkada.” Everyone
laughed. Despite the demands of photography, Mandy was a devoted mother. A Birthday With a Cause Singer-songwriter Carmela Charles recently celebrated her birthday by supporting a feeding program and school-supplies outreach for children at San Luis Central School in San Luis, Aurora. “Birthdays remind us to count our blessings. Perhaps the most meaningful way to celebrate is by sharing those blessings with others,” said Carmela of Carmela Children Collaborative. Farewell to TV and Radio Host Jobert Sucaldito When I arrived at a funeral home in Quezon City for the first night of the wake for TV and radio host and writer Jobert Sucaldito, I saw many people from the entertainment industry. OOTD, or “Oras ng Opinyon, Talakayan at Diskusyon,” co-host Chaps Manansala welcomed me, and I later met the program’s friendly staff. I extended my condolences to Jobert’s son, Carlo Bryan, and spoke with his sister, Sol Sucaldito, who lives in Baguio City. She said the family’s last video chat with Jobert was on July 13, 2026. The Sucaldito siblings regularly prayed the rosary together through group video calls. On July 30, Jobert was unable to join and sent this message: “I won’t be able to join our rosary kasi erratic pa oras ko. Naghahabol
ng tulog pag may chance. Di pa recovered sa anxiety. But don’t worry, lagi akong nagpi-pray for all of us.” I was touched by his message. Sol described Jobert as caring, thoughtful, generous and kind. Tears flowed silently from her eyes as she spoke. To the Sucaldito family, I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of Jobert, a true and dear friend who supported my outreach activities for the elderly, children with cancer, persons with disabilities and children with special needs. “Rizal 3000” at St. Scholastica’s College Manila “Rizal 3000” will be presented on Aug. 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. at St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College Manila. The play is a futuristic reimagining of national hero Dr. José Rizal, set in a time when humanity stands at the crossroads of truth, identity and freedom. In a world shaped by technology and transformation, Rizal’s ideals are reborn, challenging a new generation to remember who they are and what they must defend. The production is presented by the PhilStagers Foundation. *** 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
before Eala walks onto court. Families arrive in national colors, supporters crowd practice areas and chants of “Alex” and “Laban” can turn a tournament thousands of miles from Manila into something resembling a Philippine home event. That following has complicated a basic part of tournament planning: deciding where she should play. Early-round assignments are usually influenced by rankings, seeding, broadcast obligations and a matchup’s perceived appeal. During the earlier part of Eala’s rise, her ranking did not fully reflect the number of spectators hoping to see her. At the Australian Open, Court 6 filled for her first-round match against Alycia Parks, while many others watched on large screens around Melbourne Park. In Abu Dhabi, a heavily pro-Filipino audience watched Eala erase a 4-0 deficit in the deciding set and save a match point. In Dubai, her matches drew near-capacity and sold-out crowds dominated by Filipino supporters. Australian player Daria Saville captured the business logic in a lighthearted observation. She said that if she were directing a tournament, she would make every effort to secure Eala’s participation because Filipino supporters would come for her and remain for other matches. Some spectators arrive as Eala supporters and leave as tennis followers. Pegula has watched that transformation from across the net. Their first meeting came during Eala’s breakthrough at the 2025 Miami Open, where the overwhelmingly pro-Eala crowd surprised the American. By the time they met again in Washington, Pegula understood that the following was neither temporary nor limited to one city. During the trophy presentation, Pegula thanked Filipino supporters for helping tennis grow around the world. Her remarks recognized that Eala was attracting families and communities that had not previously followed the professional tennis calendar closely. The enthusiasm has also entered the families of other players. American doubles specialist Desirae Krawczyk, whose mother is Filipina, said on The Player’s Box podcast that her mother had become one of Eala’s most devoted followers. “She’s crazy about Alex,” Krawczyk said. Krawczyk recalled reminding her mother that she, too, had a match on a day the older woman planned to watch Eala. At Indian Wells, her mother wanted to pre-
Photos from Facebook/@MubadalaDCOpen
pare pancit and lumpia for the Filipina star. The exchange offered a warm portrait of Eala’s appeal. Her following is expressed not only through tickets and flags but also through Filipino customs involving family, food, hospitality and pride in someone succeeding far from home. Manila gave Eala a true home tournament in 2026 when the Philippine Women’s Open debuted as a WTA 125 event at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Yet her following extends far beyond that one week. Across North America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East, established Filipino communities repeatedly transform distant tournament grounds into home courts of their own. Professional tennis is particularly suited to such a following. The tour moves through cities where large Filipino communities already live, waiting for the tournament to arrive. Eala’s results have given the phenomenon staying power. Miami showed that she could defeat elite opposition. The U.S. Open delivered a Grand Slam breakthrough. Wimbledon took her into the second week of a major. Guadalajara and Birmingham established her as a WTA 125 champion. Washington delivered her first main-tour title. The timing of the Washington ticket inquiries is important. Supporters were asking about Eala before she reached the final and before she lifted the trophy. They were not merely responding to an unexpected run. They had sought her out from the beginning. Wherever Eala plays, Philippine flags appear. Families gather. Practice courts become destinations. An outer court can begin to feel too small. She is bringing more than another young contender to professional tennis. She is bringing a worldwide community that is filling seats, discovering the sport and making itself heard. Where Alex Eala plays, the Philippines finds a home court. n
A lack of capital... PAGE 6 because citizens are reduced to pilgrims humbly trekking from one distant office to another seeking crumbs of service. Aside from presidents heading a national government that preferred administrative chaos to the alternative of imposing political will on urban sprawl, the only ones who gain from having a noncapital are local government barons whose fiefdoms were confirmed. Nor would administrations dare to raise the specter of a proper national capital even as its neighbors undertook, in the 1990s and 2000s, what the Philippines had pioneered in 1939: the move to new, noncolonial capitals (Malaysia, Indonesia, even Myanmar). Whether in New Clark City or the Bonifacio Capital District, it’s all been attempted practically stealthily, burying the implications of what’s being attempted in a mind-numbing blanket of governmental jargon. Ballooning costs mean the capital district schemes are in perpetual danger of resulting not in new institutional homes but in cases of plunder against officials involved in their approval and execution; likewise for New Clark City, and every effort to move the bureaucracy there has ended up reversed as unpopular with government workers and unattractive to results-oriented Cabinet members. And so, Pax Silica: the latest
hope-against-hope to turn what has, so far, proven unviable into something finally viable. A shrewd and sharp observer of the follies of all our administrations once said to me that the common affliction of publicity-hungry presidencies is the penchant of Philippine administrations, including the present one, to announce nonbinding deals and nonformalized MOUs for propaganda purposes when they are meaningless. We know too little of what is planned—if anything concrete is planned—when it comes to the Pax Silica scheme, except in the boldest of bold strokes, to have a productive conversation on the subject. What we need, first of all, is to understand why this particular (large) chunk of government real estate is being proposed: the blunt reality is that the government is the worst possible partner for anyone who is not out to make a quick buck through speculation within a maximum six-year window through influence-peddling, because our republic has no long-term vision or capacity. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @mlq3
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ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026
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JOUR N AL Friday, August 7, 2026
INSIDE >>> L I F E S T Y L E • C O N S U M E R G U I D E • C O M M U N I T Y • M A R K E T P L A C E
Katrina Llegado wins Miss Supranational 2026, giving Philippines its second crown
House resolutions seek to recognize SB19 after U.S. milestones
Model, entrepreneur and Philippine Air Force reservist becomes the second Filipina to win the Poland-based pageant, following Mutya Datul’s 2013 victory
Measures cite the P-pop group’s tourism appointment, Josh Cullen’s ceremonial pitch and its Lollapalooza debut; both remain pending in committee
by AJPress MANILA — Maria Katrina Llegado won Miss Supranational 2026 on July 31 in Nowy Sącz, Poland, securing the Philippines’ second title in the international competition and ending a 13-year wait for another Filipina winner. Llegado was crowned at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheater after competing against 66 other national representatives in the pageant’s 17th edition. Eduarda Braum of Brazil, the 2025 winner, presented her with the new Fioletowa Crown. France’s Ève Gilles finished first runner-up, followed by Brazil’s Lara Marina, Nigeria’s Gift Eno Ndah and the Czech Republic’s Karolína Gorylová. Miss Supranational, established in Poland in 2009, is an annual international pageant featuring interviews and presentations in evening wear, swimwear and national costume. Its winner serves as an international ambassador during a year of appearances and service-related activities. In the final interview, Llegado was asked when she stopped trying to meet the world’s expectations and began becoming
the woman she believed she was meant to be. “We are perfectly imperfect,” she said, adding that she continued to work toward the best version of herself. The victory marked the highest achievement of a pageant career that includes the Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2019 title and a fifth-runner-up finish at the international competition in Bolivia. She later placed second runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2022 and reached the final six in 2025 before being named Miss Supranational Philippines 2026. Her win follows Mutya Datul’s 2013 victory for the Philippines. Outside pageantry, Llegado earned a bachelor’s degree in management of financial institutions from De La Salle University. She is a co-founder of Filipino cosmetics brand Clocheflame and has been identified in published profiles as its chief financial officer. She is also a Philippine Air Force reservist and has linked her public-service platform to women’s economic opportunity through Project PEARLS’ G.R.O.W. initiative. Llegado said her company supported a can-
by AJPress
Photo from Facebook/@MissSupranational
dle-making project intended to provide livelihood opportunities to participating women in Tondo, Manila. Her victory places the Philippines among countries with multiple crowns. She won wearing a gold-andorange evening gown by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez. The purple-stoned Fioletowa Crown was designed by Venezuelan jeweler George Wittels.
Veteran entertainment journalist Jobert Sucaldito dies at 65 Longtime columnist, broadcaster and talent manager covered Philippine show business across print, television, radio and digital media by AJPress MANILA — Veteran entertainment journalist, radio commentator and talent manager Jobert Sucaldito died Sunday, Aug. 2. He was 65. His death was announced by OOTD Jobert and Chaps Channel, the online program he co-hosted with filmmaker Chaps Manansala. Sucaldito was taken from his Quezon City home to the Philippine Heart Center, where he was pronounced dead at about 10:30 a.m. His son, Carlo Brian Sucaldito, later said doctors at the hospital attributed his father’s death to cardiac arrest. Born April 16, 1961, Sucaldito began working as an entertainment reporter for the Times Journal in 1982. He later wrote for publications including Malaya and Bandera, covering the personalities, productions and developments that shaped Philippine show business. His work expanded into television during the 1990s. He be-
came part of the GMA programs “Show & Tell” and “Startalk” before joining ABS-CBN’s entertainment talk show “The Buzz.” Sucaldito also became a familiar voice on DZMM. He co-hosted “Mismo” with Ahwel Paz and later worked on “Showbuzz,” programs that combined entertainment reporting, interviews and commentary for radio listeners and DZMM TeleRadyo viewers. In later years, he continued covering the entertainment industry through OOTD, short for “Oras ng Opinyon, Talakayan at Diskusyon.” The online program brought his interview and commentary format to digital audiences. His work extended beyond journalism. Sucaldito managed performers, including singers Michael Pangilinan and Kiel Alo, and worked on concerts and other entertainment projects. He also appeared in films including “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako” and “Silab.” Friends, relatives and col-
Photo from Instagram/@unstoppable_jobert
leagues paid their respects during a public wake held Aug. 3 through Aug. 6 at Loyola Memorial Chapels in Quezon City. Sucaldito’s career followed the evolution of Philippine entertainment journalism from newspaper columns to television, radio and online programming. Across more than four decades, he remained closely identified with the daily coverage and discussion of the country’s entertainment industry.
Kris Aquino remembers mother Cory, shares treatment update Longtime columnist, broadcaster and talent manager covered Philippine show business across print, television, radio and digital media by AJPress MANILA – Kris Aquino marked the 17th death anniversary of her mother, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, with a tribute that also offered a brief update on her continuing medical treatment. In an Aug. 1 Instagram post, Aquino recalled her mother’s final illness and said that although the family had accepted her death after witnessing her suffering, the loss remained deeply felt. Cory Aquino died on Aug. 1, 2009, at age 76 after treatment for colon cancer. The first woman to serve as Philippine president, she led the country from 1986 to 1992 following the People Power Revolution. Aquino said her sons observed the anniversary differently. Joshua visited Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque, where Cory Aquino is buried beside former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Bimby returned home after a guest-hosting appearance on “Eat Bulaga.” Aquino also said she had tried another treatment for her multiple autoimmune conditions after earlier therapies had not produced the results
Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino
she hoped for. She did not identify the treatment or provide a physician’s assessment. She described severe pain and sleepless nights, saying both sons had comforted her during difficult episodes. Their support, she wrote, strengthened her resolve to continue treatment. PAGE 10
MANILA – Two resolutions filed in the House of Representatives seek to commend SB19 for recent international milestones, including the group’s appointment as Philippine tourism ambassadors and appearances at a Major League Baseball game and Lollapalooza in Chicago. House Resolution No. 1280 was introduced by Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez with Reps. Nelson Legacion, Sarah Jane Elago and Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta. House Resolution No. 1266 was filed separately by Calamba, Laguna Rep. Charisse Anne Hernandez. Both proposed measures remained pending before the House Committee on Creative Industries as of Aug. 6 and had not yet been adopted by the chamber. The Department of Tourism introduced SB19 as tourism ambassadors on July 26. Three days later, Josh Cullen threw a ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox played the New York Yankees at Rate Field. The resolutions and related reports described him as the first P-pop artist to take part in that pregame ceremony during a regular-season Major League Baseball game. On July 30, SB19 performed an hourlong, 10song set at Lollapalooza in Grant Park. The Grammy Museum described the group as the first homegrown Filipino act booked for the festival’s Chicago edition. That distinction should not be broadened to “first Filipino artist,” because performers of Filipino heritage had appeared at Lollapalooza before. SB19’s milestone rests on its status as a group formed and based in the Philippines. The set included “DAM,” “GENTO,” “MAPA,” “LAWLESS” and a preview of “Mga Kababayan,” associated with the late Filipino rap pioneer Francis Magalona. The performance linked the group’s contemporary P-pop sound to an earlier generation of Philippine music.
The House measures also cited SB19’s performance clothing, which the group and stylist Roy Back said drew from museum research, Indigenous embroidery and other Philippine cultural references. A separate Senate resolution filed by Sen. Bam Aquino also seeks to commend SB19. Like the House measures, it remains a proposed expression of recognition unless formally adopted. SB19 is next listed to perform at Summer Sonic in Osaka on Aug. 14 and Tokyo on Aug. 15. The appearances extend the group’s continuing international festival run this year.
Photo from Facebook/@SB19Official
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AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
HEALTH @HEART Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS WHILE Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus, causes the majority of cervical cancer in women, it is also responsible for various cancers in men. Today, approximately 42 million Americans are infected with HPV, with about 13 million new infections yearly. In the Philippines, about 1.15 to 1.5 million Filipino women carry an active HPV at any given time, and about 38 million to 39.6 million are considered at risk for developing complications. Over the past decades, an estimated "260,000 to 270,000 HPV-associated cancers were diagnosed in women, and 210,000 to 230,000 among men, in the United States over the past decade," according to the US CDC. These are all preventable with the Gardasil vaccines, when boys and girls are vaccinated before they are sexually active. The rate of throat cancer in
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Sex and cancer the United States has not declined, compared to most head and neck malignancies. I suspect that the statistics could also be true, when extrapolated, for other countries, like the Philippines, since most Filipinos are westernized in their lifestyle, habits, and behaviors, etc. The most logical explanation why cancer of the throat has not diminished has been attributed to the Human Papillomavirus. HPV is popularly known to cause genital and most cancers of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It has only been recently that scientists discovered and identified HPV transmission through oral sex as an etiology of throat cancer. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reported that its research team found “the incidence of throat cancer (in the United States) to be stagnant and even rising in some populations, defying a downward trend in other head and neck cancers linked more closely with smoking.” The American Cancer Society reports that the greatest risk
factors in head and neck cancers are smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, 90% of them either smokers or tobacco-chewers and about 80% of them also imbibed a lot of alcohol. The good news is that a trend analysis in head and neck cancers in the United States shows a decline over the past twenty years, trailing a decrease in smoking prevalence, which started in the 1970s, by 10 to 15 years. The bad news is that oropharyngeal cancers (which include the tonsils, base of the tongue and soft palate, and side and back of the throat) have been up in some populations in the United States, and probably among people in other parts of the world who practice oral sex, where HPV takes its toll. HPV could also cause cancer of the vagina, penis, and anus, besides cervical and throat cancers. The sample of the vaccine referred to is Gardasil, which is genetically engineered and which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV),
strains 16 and 18. These two sexually-transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts more than 20 million Americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too. Let us momentarily discuss cervical cancer, since the HP virus is implicated in its causation in almost three-quarters of this malignancy. How prevalent is cervical cancer? In the Philippines, there are about 5000 new cases of cervical cancer each year. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by a physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breast cancer, there are fewer than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is. What causes cervical cancer?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. Among the million American and Philippine men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal Papare tests, genital warts, and cervical cancer. It is estimated that at least 13 million new cases of cervical cancers are discovered annually. Between half a million and a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted through sexual contact. It takes time for those infected with HPV to develop into cancer, so there are countless infected people out there who would potentially have cancers. The best for children (before turning 10) and adults up to age 45 is to get vaccinated to prevent HPV infection to begin with. Is the cure for cervical cancer? Better than the cure! A vaccine (Gardasil) that prevents cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer that was approved by the US-FDA in 2006 was found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to Gardasil manufacturer, Merck. To have 100 percent efficacy is something we see very rarely. The UK’s version of the vaccine is known as Cervarix. How early should the vaccine be given? Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, as early as 9 years old for both boys and girls, and adults up to age 45, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life. This was the recommendation of Dr. Gloria Bachmann, director of The Women’s Health Institute at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, NJ, who said this vaccine is a “phenomenal breakthrough.” Prophylaxis Gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18-associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts. Gardasil is safe for both boys and girls and adults. How about throat cancers? Of the 45,000 head and neck cancers in the US each year, about 10,000 of them are oropharyngeal cancers, and tongue
cancers among young adults have also increased. The evident conclusion is that the cause is the HP virus. “Over the last five years, 35% of the throat cancer patients treated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center had no history of smoking, and that close to 90% of patients who had never smoked showed evidence of oral infection with HPV. The researchers felt that “vaccinating only females against HPV could result in a missed opportunity to prevent throat cancers.” It is recommended for both girls and boys to close that gap, preventing boys from spreading the HPV virus. The use of cling plastic wrap used in the kitchen placed over the woman’s groin for oral sex as a shield has been advocated by some to prevent HPV transmission. Mouth, tongue, and other throat cancers could be as grave and deadly as most other forms of cancer. I do not know how to put this more seriously, more effectively, and more delicately, but medically speaking, a moratorium on oral sex might be in order. Realistically, human nature usually prevails. This is a greater argument for childhood vaccination with the life-saving Gardasil. And parents should not deny their sons and daughters this valuable vaccine. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, 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, David Letterman, distinguished educators, 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.
Protect the Process
IF you grew up in a Filipino household, you’ve probably heard the words, “Huwag mong ipagsabi muna.” (“Don’t tell everyone just yet.”) Whether it was a pregnancy, a new job, a business opportunity, or the purchase of a home, many of us were taught to wait before making an announcement. Some believed that doing so protected a blessing from bati or unnecessary envy. Others simply called it wisdom. Whatever the reason, the lesson was the same: Protect what is still growing. As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom behind those words, not from a place of fear, but from a place of stewardship. The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there is “a time to keep silence and a time to speak.” Wisdom is knowing the difference. As a mortgage advisor, I often tell my clients, “Don’t announce that you’ve bought the house until you have the keys in your hands.” It is not because we expect something to go wrong, but because, until escrow closes, there is still work to be done. Financing can change. Conditions still need to be met. The celebration comes after the keys are in your hands. Life works much the same way. Think about one of life’s greatest blessings: a pregnancy. Most parents don’t announce that they’re expecting the moment they see a positive test. They wait until the pregnancy has had time to develop. It is not because they’re living in fear,
but because something precious deserves time to grow before it is shared with the world. I’ve learned that the same principle applies to many areas of life. The early stages of a dream deserve protection. They’re often the most vulnerable to doubt, distraction, comparison, and the weight of other people’s opinions. Life has taught me that not every smile celebrates your success and not every voice speaks life into your dream. That’s not a reason to become suspicious of others. It’s simply a reminder to be discerning. Whether you’re paying off debt, starting a business, saving for your first home, restoring a relationship, or pursuing a dream God has placed on your heart, not every blessing needs an immediate announcement. Sometimes, the wisest thing we can do is quietly prepare, faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us, and trust His timing. There will come a day to celebrate. There will come a day to share your testimony. But until then, protect the process. Trust His timing. And when the season is right, let the blessing speak for itself. After all, every good and perfect gift comes from God. Our greatest joy isn’t simply receiving the blessing; it’s honoring the One who gave it. *** 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. *** Kathy Current is a financial coach, mortgage advisor, and author of Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way, where she combines over three decades of financial experience with timeless biblical wisdom. Kathy addresses real-life questions about God and money, helping readers find freedom and purpose in their financial lives.
Kris Aquino remembers...
PAGE 9 Aquino said her next infusion was scheduled for Aug. 5. The post did not disclose whether the infusion was completed or describe any subsequent medi-
cal result. She closed by asking her mother to continue watching over the family and said Josh and Bimby pray daily for her recovery..
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Graton Resort & Casino debuts savor sonoma culinary festival, Land Rover Defender® giveaways and Chinese celebrity concerts EVERY Saturday, August 8-29, Graton guests can take part in the $600,000 Defend Your Summer Giveaway. Drawings take place every hour from 7PM-11PM at The Portal, where one lucky winner will drive away in a new Land Rover Defender® each week. Plus, every Saturday one lucky Guest wins $10,000 cash during the 7PM drawing, while 40 winners will get up to $5,000 Free Slot Play. Mondays in August bring even more opportunities to win with the Over $200,000 Sizzlin' Spins Slot Tournament, held from 2PM-7PM. With 50 guaranteed winners at every tournament, Guests can compete for a top prize of up to $15,000 cash. Mark your calendars for August 21-22, when Graton Resort & Casino debuts its Savor Sonoma inaugural two-day culinary festival celebrating the best of Sonoma County's food and wine. Headlined by Chopped/Master Chef/Iron Chef star Aarón Sánchez, the festival brings together acclaimed chefs Bryan Voltaggio, Michael Voltaggio, Marcus Samuelsson, Charlie Palmer, Dustin Valette and Graton Executive Chef Roy Ellamar, alongside a wide array of premier Sonoma County wineries. The delicious weekend begins Friday with the Headliners' Dinner at AYA, featuring a five-chef tasting feast with exceptional Sonoma County wine pairings. Saturday brings the signature Live Fire & Vine event, where renowned chefs showcase open-fire cooking poolside, while local restaurants, wineries, and breweries serve and pour inside a Wine Country village. A portion of every ticket sold benefits the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation supporting culinary scholarships, mentorship and community grants for Latino youth.
Graton Resort & Casino's entertainment lineup continues with performances by three acclaimed Asian artists. Paul Wong – Saturday, August 29 at 8PM Hong Kong rock legend Paul Wong, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter of the iconic band Beyond, has influenced generations of music fans across Asia with his signature sound and electrifying performances. With a career spanning more than three decades, he remains one of Asian rock's most respected artists. Hai Lai A Mu – Sunday, September 6 at 8PM Hai Lai A Mu is one of contemporary Chinese music's most celebrated singer-songwriters, known for his heartfelt lyrics, distinctive voice and emotionally powerful performances. Rising to prominence with hits including Aguojiqu, The Song Requester, Nothing More Than Life and Three Lifetimes, Three Fortunes, his music blends modern pop with the rich cultural heritage of the Yi ethnic tradition. Annabelle Louie – Saturday, September 12 at 8PM Hong Kong singer, actress and television host Annabelle Louie (Lui On Na) rose to fame in the 1980s as one of Cantopop's most recognizable female voices. Known for chart-topping hits and her Platinum-selling album Don't Remember the Old Dreams, Louie will be joined by special guest Ram Chiang (Chi Kwong Chiang) for an evening of classic duet performances. To purchase tickets for Savor Sonoma, visit SavorSonoma.com. For tickets to upcoming performances, or to explore Graton Resort & Casino's latest promotions, dining and entertainment, visit Graton.com.
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ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026
California personnel following a 14-day deployment to Washington State
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File photo/www.gov.ca.gov
California sends wildfire crews to Oregon and Washington SACRAMENTO - California is deploying firefighters and specialized rescue personnel to Oregon and Washington as the Pacific Northwest confronts severe wildfire conditions, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced. The deployment includes 20 CAL FIRE engines and four Rapid Extraction Module Support teams coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. State officials said the assistance would not reduce California’s ability to respond to emergencies at home. Since July 16, Cal OES has coordinated the deployment of 380 personnel and 60 fire engines and water tenders to the two states through interstate mutual-aid agreements. Personnel include firefighters, mechanics, chief officers and support staff.
The specialized four-person rescue teams come from fire agencies in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino County and Corona. They provide rescue and emergency medical support to crews working in dangerous conditions. Three teams were assigned to fires in Oregon and one to fires in Washington. The California Conservation Corps also sent 117 Corpsmembers and staff to support base-camp operations, supply distribution and camp maintenance. More than 40 CAL FIRE personnel returned after a 14-day Oregon assignment, along with 96 local government firefighters and 25 engines. Officials said the deployments reflect California’s mutual-aid commitments while maintaining adequate emergency coverage statewide.
California updates cybersecurity plan as AI threats expand SACRAMENTO: California has released Cal-Secure 2.0, an updated statewide cybersecurity strategy designed to help government agencies respond to increasingly sophisticated online threats, including attacks enabled by artificial intelligence. The plan builds on the state’s first cybersecurity strategy, issued in 2021, and provides agencies with practical guidance for protecting systems that support benefits, health care, transportation and public safety. State officials said criminals are using AI to create more con-
vincing scams, exploit security weaknesses and target government networks and critical infrastructure. Cal-Secure 2.0 is intended to help agencies identify vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses and respond quickly to incidents. The strategy emphasizes three priorities: expanding the state cybersecurity workforce through recruitment, training and retention; improving coordination and information sharing across agencies; and modernizing technology and security tools. California Chief Information
Officer Chris Given said the plan gives agencies guidance to adapt to changing threats and protect essential public services. State Information Security Officer Vitaliy Panych said the framework allows agencies to focus on major risks while following common statewide standards aligned with national cybersecurity practices. The update also reflects California initiatives on data privacy, responsible AI procurement and consumer protections, including tools that let residents limit the sale of their personal information.
Alameda County workers rally for proposed $30 minimum wage OAKLAND: Alameda County supervisors are considering a proposal that would gradually raise the county minimum wage to $30 an hour over the next decade. Workers rallied outside the county administration building Tuesday before the scheduled vote. Organizers with One Fair Wage said they collected more than 100,000 signatures in sup-
port of placing the proposal before the board. Supporters argue that rising housing, food and transportation costs have made it difficult for workers to meet basic expenses. One Fair Wage President Saru Jayaraman said organization polling showed 71% countywide support. Business groups have warned that a $30 minimum wage could
increase employer costs, raise consumer prices or reduce job opportunities. Supervisors may adopt the ordinance, place it on the November ballot or request a county report before taking final action. Larger employers would reach the $30 level first under the proposed phase-in schedule. The board was expected to vote Tuesday afternoon.
California implements new regulations on generative AI California’s AI Transparency Act took effect Sunday, requiring companies offering generative artificial intelligence tools to provide digital evidence showing when content was created or substantially altered by AI. The law requires provenance information, such as metadata, digital signatures or other records, that can help users verify a file’s origin and modification history. State Sen. Josh Becker, a co-author, described the disclosure as a “nutrition list” showing the ingredients used to create content. The implementation date was coordinated with European Union
regulators. The law was passed in 2024 and later delayed to give companies more time to develop compliant systems. Companies must provide users with a free tool to determine whether content was created using their products while protecting the creator’s private information. Social media platforms hosting user content have until Jan. 1 to comply. Requirements for certain recording devices that can manipulate images using generative AI begin in 2028. Violations may carry penalties of up to $5,000 each and may be pursued by local district attorneys or the California attorney general.
Becker said the law is intended to strengthen trust online and combat deepfakes, scams and election-related uncertainty. Senate Bill 1000 would expand the requirements to all generative AI products, removing the current threshold limiting coverage to products with more than 1 million users and clarifying that content-creation tools are responsible for embedding the required information. Website owners must first verify that posted online content carries common provenance metadata identifying the software or system involved in its creation or alteration.
Consulate Watch THE Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco participated in two Bay Area events highlighting Filipino business expansion and opportunities for technological cooperation. Jollibee opened its
newest U.S. restaurant in downtown San Francisco, while a South San Francisco program presented forensic DNA technologies and explored possible engagement with Philippine agencies.
Forensic DNA technologies featured at biotech series SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO: Thermo Fisher Scientific presented forensic DNA technologies during the city’s Biotech and Beyond Speaker Series on July 24, 2026. Nancy Fong, the company’s director of product management for capillary electrophoresis and human identification businesses, discussed tools used in criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, missing-person cases, border security and anti-human trafficking efforts. She also
San Francisco PCG photos
introduced the RapidHIT ID System for rapid DNA analysis. Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil later discussed the company’s Philippine presence and possible engagements with Philippine law enforcement agencies. The event also highlighted South San Francisco’s major biotechnology sector, which includes more than 250 life sciences companies.
Jollibee opens 111th U.S. store in downtown San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — Jollibee opened its Downtown San Francisco location at 934 Market Street on July 31, 2026, following an inauguration attended by Mayor Daniel Lurie, Philippine Consulate officials, company executives, business partners and Filipino American community members. The branch is Jollibee’s 111th U.S. store and expands the Filipino fast-food company’s North American presence. It offers dine-in, takeout and online ordering daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Its menu includes Chickenjoy and other Filipino-inspired offerings.
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes (2nd from left), San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie (4th from left), Senator Scott Wiener (5th from left), District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter (rightmost), Ms. Mackey Dimaculangan (3rd from left), Jollibee Vice President for Operations, prepare for the “Chickenjoy toast” to officially open Jollibee in Downtown San Francisco
During the ceremony, Lurie welcomed the investment and cited efforts to revitalize downtown by attracting businesses and increasing pedestrian activity. He also acknowledged the Filipino community’s contributions to the city’s cultural and economic life. The Philippine Consulate General said it supports the expansion of Philippine companies in the United States and continues to promote Filipino brands that contribute to local economic growth and strengthen commercial and cultural ties between the Philippines and the United States.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie (5th from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly-opened Jollibee in Downtown San Francisco, alongside Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes (3rd from left), Senator Scott Wiener (rightmost), District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter (6th from left), Ms. Mackey Dimaculangan (4th from left), Jollibee Vice President for Operations, and Ms. Chelle Puig (2nd from left), Jollibee West Coast District 2-District Manager, and Mr. Edgardo Alcantara (leftmost) San Francisco PCG photo
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AUGUST 7 - 13, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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