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SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026

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Sandiganbayan commits Romualdez DATELINE USA to QC jail in P7.44-B plunder case FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Medical school admissions face new federal scrutiny, Former House speaker remains at Cardinal Santos as court weighs continued hospital confinement raising questions for by AJP aspiring doctors ress

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Third Division

Federal investigations are on Thursday ordered former House speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez committed testing how schools may consider hardship, background and life experience after the Supreme Court’s 2023 admissions decision

to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas as he faces a plunder charge alleging at least P7.44 billion in kickbacks and other financial benefits tied to public projects. The commitment order transferred Romual-

Supreme Court acquits Imelda Marcos in seven graft cases

WASHINGTON – Families with children hoping to become doctors are confronting a changing admissions landscape as the federal government intensifies scrutiny of how medical schools consider race, hardship and personal background. The Trump administration has expanded its examination of medical school admissions through civil rights investigations, possible funding consequences and a proposed tax rule aimed at institutions federal officials say improperly use race in admissions. The latest action came Sept. 8, when the u PAGE 5

Some Republicans consider higher Social Security taxes to shore up retirement fund With reserves projected to be depleted in late 2032, a small but notable group of GOP lawmakers is opening the door to additional revenue as part of a broader Social Security deal WASHINGTON — With Social Security’s main retirement trust fund projected to exhaust its reserves in just over six years, some Republican lawmakers are signaling that higher tax revenue may have to be part of a deal to preserve full scheduled benefits. The shift remains limited. Republican leaders have not adopted a party-wide plan u PAGE 3

Ruling overturns 2018 convictions after justices find prosecution failed to prove charges beyond reasonable doubt by AJPress

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has released the mugshot of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez for his plunder case on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. PNP Photo

ress

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao as Secretary and Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, putting him in charge of the government body that coordinates poverty-reduction and social reform policy. Marcos administered Pacquiao’s oath at Malacañang on Sept. 8. Pacquiao succeeds Lope Santos III, who had led the commissi-

on since January 2023. The appointment gives Pacquiao Cabinet rank but does not place him at the head of a separate executive department. Under Republic Act 8425, the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, the NAPC serves as the government’s coordinating and advisory body on poverty reduction. The President chairs the commission, while its lead convenor heads the secretariat and holds the rank of Cabinet secretary. u PAGE 3

Prosecutors have prepared more than 1,800 financial records. They have asked the impeachment court to subpoena retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, Ombudsman official Karen Batu and Securities and Exchange Commission official Gerardo del Rosario. Cabotaje-Tang is expected to discuss public accountability and unexplained wealth. Batu is expected to authenticate Duterte’s u PAGE 5

Interior secretary says authorities know former lawmaker’s residence; DOJ says Interpol Red Notice requirements remain incomplete by AJPress

MANILA — Philippine officials are preparing separate missions to France to press efforts to return former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who remains abroad while facing arrest warrants in corruption cases, including a newly filed P7.44-billion plunder case. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities know Co’s residence and that he plans siblings could arrive from Singa- to travel to Lyon, where Interby AJPress pore late Saturday, Sept. 12, or pol is headquartered, to follow MANILA — Senators Alan Sunday, Sept. 13. up on the Philippine request Peter Cayetano and Pia CayetaThe Bureau of Immigration for a Red Notice. Ombudsman no are expected to return to the has not independently confirmed Jesus Crispin Remulla has said Philippines this weekend, accord- their return schedule. It con- he intends to travel separately to ing to the National Bureau of In- firmed Thursday that the two sen- Paris to coordinate with French vestigation, putting them back ators left the Philippines Wednes- authorities. in the country before the Senate day and said neither was subject The Department of Justice impeachment court resumes the to a hold-departure order or de- said Thursday that the Philiptrial of Vice President Sara Duter- rogatory record that would have pine Center on Transnational te on Monday. legally prevented the trip. Crime and Interpol Manila were NBI Director Melvin MatiSenate President Sherwin still completing requirements for bag said Friday that information Gatchalian said senators do not Red Notice requests involving u PAGE 4 Co and other fugitives. Justice reaching the bureau indicated the

NBI weighs including Alan in SEA Prosecutors prepare financial records as Games complaints; Pia not identified as Senate weighs conviction threshold prospective respondent Education.

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will resume Monday with House prosecutors turning to financial records and corporate documents to support allegations that she accumulated wealth disproportionate to her lawful income and failed to fully disclose assets and liabilities. Article II follows weeks of testimony on confidential funds handled by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of

MANILA — The Philippine Supreme Court has acquitted former first lady Imelda Marcos of seven counts of graft, overturning Sandiganbayan convictions involving her alleged financial interests in foundations associated with Swiss bank accounts. In a 50-page decision dated June 10 and released publicly Sept. 9, the Supreme Court’s First Division ruled that prosecutors failed to establish Marcos’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt under Section 3(h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda wrote the decision, with the other members of the division concurring. The ruling reverses the Sandiganbayan’s Nov. 9, 2018 judgment finding Marcos guilty in seven criminal u PAGE 4

Pacquiao takes Cabinet-rank role Philippines renews push to leading anti-poverty commission return Zaldy Co as Remullas AJP plan France mission

Sara Duterte trial turns to Cayetanos expected back before unexplained-wealth charge Duterte impeachment trial resumes by AJPress

dez’s custody from the Philippine National Police to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. He remained physically confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City while the court u PAGE 3

Secretary Fredderick Vida gave no timetable for completion. There has been no public confirmation that Interpol has issued a Red Notice against Co. A Red Notice asks law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person pending extradition, surrender or other legal proceedings. Interpol says it is not an international arrest warrant, and each country determines under its own laws whether an arrest can be made. That distinction limits what Philippine officials can do in France. Jonvic Remulla has acknowledged that Philippine authorities cannot themselves arrest Co there and that any detention would have to be carried out by authorities in the country where he is located. The Philippine National Police has said it is prepared to coordiu PAGE 5

SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797

(818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026

From the Front Page

Some Republicans consider higher Social...

HAZY VIEW. The famous Sleeping Dinosaur viewpoint in Badas Point, Barangay Dawan, City of Mati, Davao Oriental is partly obscured by haze on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. The haze is caused by transboundary smoke from forest and land fires in Indonesia. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Sandiganbayan commits... PAGE 1 considers his request for continued medical confinement. The court has not ordered his physical transfer to the jail. Police served Romualdez with an arrest warrant at Cardinal Santos on Sept. 7, after the Office of the Ombudsman filed the plunder case against him, former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, Joselyn Tragua Serenio and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corp. president Felicito Cristobal Guevarra. Prosecutors allege that Romualdez and Co received, directly or indirectly, commissions, shares, kickbacks, commitments and other financial benefits totaling at least P7.44 billion on 15 or more occasions. The alleged payments were connected to contractors and other parties with interests in flood-control, infrastructure and other government projects funded from 2022 through 2025. The allegations remain unproven. In issuing the arrest warrants, the Sandiganbayan stressed that its finding of probable cause was not a determination of guilt and that the accused

remain presumed innocent unless convicted beyond reasonable doubt. Romualdez, through lawyer Ade Fajardo, has said he will answer the accusations through the judicial process, saying criminal liability should be determined from evidence presented in court. His continued hospital confinement became an issue before the court after his lawyers cited his medical condition. At Thursday’s hearing, Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan, who handled Romualdez’s admission, testified that the lawmaker did not pass through the emergency department and that Sibayan did not personally examine him. He described that arrangement as unusual and said the condition at admission was not an emergency, while acknowledging a risk of heart attack. Dr. Rosalio Torres, one of Romualdez’s attending physicians, testified that the lawmaker has unstable angina and underlying coronary disease and supported continued hospitalization because of the risk of a heart attack. The court has not found that

the hospitalization was unnecessary or improper. Ombudsman prosecutors have opposed continued confinement at the private hospital and sought an independent government medical assessment. The case grew out of a broader government inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood-control and infrastructure spending. Information involving Romualdez and Co was referred to the Ombudsman in November 2025 for investigation; the referral itself was not a finding of criminal liability. Co remains outside Philippine custody. The Justice Department said authorities were completing requirements for renewed Interpol Red Notice requests involving him and other wanted persons. Romualdez’s arraignment and pretrial are scheduled for Sept. 14 at 8:30 a.m. The Sandiganbayan is expected to receive further medical evidence before deciding whether he may remain at Cardinal Santos or must be transferred to the detention facility named in its commitment order. n

PAGE 1 to raise Social Security taxes, and Congress has approved no such increase. But several GOP lawmakers are now considering additional revenue as part of a solvency agreement. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, made the clearest move in June when he joined Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., in calling for removal of the cap on wages subject to Social Security payroll taxes. The senators said they are developing legislation that would require higher earners to pay the tax on more of their wages. In 2026, employees and employers each pay a 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to $184,500. Earnings above that amount are not subject to the Social Security tax. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, has also said lawmakers should consider both the payroll-tax rate and the amount of income subject to it. Separately, Cole and Rep.

Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., introduced legislation in June to create a bipartisan commission charged with recommending changes to strengthen Social Security’s long-term finances. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., added another Republican voice this month, telling Roll Call that Congress would probably need to address the payroll-tax side of the system. He also said lawmakers should consider a higher retirement age and greater means testing. Those ideas remain proposals, not enacted policy. The debate has taken on greater urgency because of Social Security’s financial outlook. The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report projects that reserves in the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, will be depleted in the fourth quarter of 2032, one quarter earlier than projected last year. Social Security would not stop operating then. Payroll taxes

and other dedicated revenue would continue flowing into the program, but the trustees estimate that continuing income would cover about 78% of scheduled retirement and survivor benefits. A bipartisan group of senators has meanwhile introduced the PROMISE Act, which would establish a process for developing legislation capable of maintaining full scheduled benefits for at least 50 years. The measure does not itself raise taxes or reduce benefits. The Senate Finance Committee, which oversees Social Security policy, held an Aug. 5 hearing on possible approaches to restoring solvency. No comprehensive package has cleared either chamber. President Donald Trump has pledged to protect Social Security, but the White House has not released a comprehensive solvency plan specifying what revenue increases or benefit changes, if any, it would support. (AJPress)

Pacquiao takes Cabinet-rank role leading...

PAGE 1 The commission is tasked with coordinating anti-poverty programs across government, exercising policy oversight, supporting local governments and ensuring participation by basic sectors in planning and policymaking. It is also responsible for preparing the National Anti-Poverty Action Agenda. Pacquiao takes the post shortly after administrative supervision of the NAPC was returned from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the Office of the President, a move the administration said was intended to strengthen coordination of poverty-reduction initiatives. Malacañang said Pacquiao’s experience with poverty and his history of assisting disadvantaged Filipinos were among the considerations behind his appointment. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said his background gave him familiarity with the circumstances faced by poor and marginalized communities. Pacquiao served in the Senate from 2016 to 2022. He ran for

LEGAL SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9017359

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9017791

950 Auto Service located at 1762 Bramblewood Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Jesus Ruiz, 1762 Bramblewood Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Jesus Ruiz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/10/2026. AJ 1983 08/21, 08/28, 09/04, 09/11/2026.

Prestige Import located at 4350 Pacific Highway #C1040, San Diego, CA 92110. Registrant: MSG International, LLC, 3940 Horton Rd, Bonita, CA 91920. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/14/2026. Signature: Marco Maggini. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/14/2026. AJ 1984 08/21, 08/28, 09/04, 09/11/2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9016867

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9018443

AJSD 1983

AA Mobile Tires located at 180 Canyon Dr Apt 76, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant: Yolanda Lizbeth Mendez Ramirez, 180 Canyon Dr Apt 76, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/10/2026. Signature: Yolanda Lizbeth Mendez Ramirez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/03/2026. AJ 1989 08/28, 09/04, 09/11, and 09/18/2026.

AJSD 1989

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9017728

Trusted Care Partner located at 7210 Canyon Breeze, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Zhee Global Resource LLC, 7210 Canyon Breeze, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/07/2026. Signature: Rosini Cercado Reyes. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/14/2026. AJ 1995 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25/2026.

AJSD 1995

AJSD 1984

Magdalena’s Hairstylist Salon located at 706 Plaza Bonita Rd Unit 1336 Suite 128, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Magdalena S. Eoll, 706 E. 22nd St Apt 408, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Magdalena S. Eoll. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/24/2026. AJ 1990 08/28, 09/04, 09/11, and 09/18/2026.

AJSD 1990

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9018872

Succulentas Emily LLC B located at 239 Vista Glen LN B, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant: Succulentas Emily LLC, 239 Vista Glen LN B, Vista, CA 92084. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Daniel Martinez Santiago. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/28/2026. AJ 1996 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25/2026.

AJSD 1996

Pacquiao assumes Cabinetrank post as head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission in Malacañang, taking on a key role in the administration’s social agenda. Photo courtesy of PCO

president in 2022 and unsuccessfully sought a return to the Senate in 2025. He assumes the NAPC post as official poverty indicators show improvement but continued hardship for millions. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that 9.7 percent of Filipinos, or about 11.08 million people, were living below the

official poverty threshold in 2025, down from 15.5 percent in 2023. Among families, poverty incidence fell to 6.4 percent, equivalent to about 1.90 million families. The figures put Pacquiao at the center of efforts to turn recent gains into sustained improvements in income, employment and access to basic services. n

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9015366

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9017234

See Kleer Eyecare Center located at 9580 Black Mountain Rd, Suite J, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Benjamin P. Llanes, 9580 Black Mountain Rd, Suite J, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by An Individual REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/23/1993. Signature: Benjamin P. Llanes. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/13/2026. AJ 1985 08/21, 08/28, 09/04, 09/11/2026.

AJSD 1985

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9018605

El Rincon Clamatos located at 3008 Main St, Chula Vista, CA 90111. Registrant: Leon Victor Ruiz Hidalgo, 3008 Main St, Chula Vista, CA 90111. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/25/2026. Signature: Leon Victor Ruiz Hidalgo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/25/2026. AJ 1991 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25/2026.

AJSD 1991

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9018849

JKV1 located at 11018 Virgo Pl., San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Jonathan Vang, 11018 Virgo Pl., San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Jonathan Vang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/28/2026. AJ 1997 09/11, 09/18, 09/25, and 10/02/2026. AJSD 1997

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9016903

Happy Time Studio located at 2141 Front St, Apt E, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Kim Nong, 2141 Front St, Apt E, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Kim Nong. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/04/2026. AJ 1986 08/28, 09/04, 09/11, and 09/18/2026.

Grace Financial Solutions located at 4879 Viewridge Ave, San Diego, CA 92123 Grace Financial Solutions. Registrant: Fluxcredit INC, 4879 Viewridge Ave, San Diego, CA 92123. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2013. Signature: Taiser Ahman. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/07/2026. AJ 1987 08/28, 09/04, 09/11, and 09/18/2026.

AJSD 1986

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9018776

Dex’s Cleaning Services located at 6722 Zane Ct, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: Yu Yuji Nguyen, 6722 Zane Ct, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Yu Yuji Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/27/2026. AJ 1992 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25/2026.

AJSD 1992

AJSD 1987

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9018258

Dex’s Kitchen located at 10333 Baywood Lane, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Yu Yuji Nguyen, 10333 Baywood Lane, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Yu Yuji Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/20/2026. AJ 1993 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25/2026.

PRAYER

AJSD 1993

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9017234

Rogue Notary Signing Agent located at 5757 Roanoke Street, San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: YOLANDA URIARTE KELLOSALMI, 5757 Roanoke Street, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: YOLANDA URIARTE KELLOSALMI. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/13/2026. AJ 1988 08/28, 09/04, 09/11, and 09/18/2026.

AJSD 1988

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9018864

a. Red Leaf Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine located at 7710 Balboa Ave Ste 321, San Diego, CA 92111. b. Red Leaf Acupuncture located at 7710 Balboa Ave Ste 321, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: Red Leaf Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, INC., 7710 Balboa Ave Ste 321, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/03/2022. Signature: Kevin Young. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/28/2026. AJ 1994 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25/2026. AJSD 1994

SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797

PH students post record PISA gains, but Senators seek more court funding despite reading gap widens by socioeconomic status proposed 22% Judiciary budget increase by AJPress MANILA — Filipino 15-yearolds recorded their strongest performance since the Philippines joined the Programme for International Student Assessment, improving in reading, mathematics and science even as the reading gap widened sharply between socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged students. The Philippines scored 373 in science, 371 in mathematics and 367 in reading in PISA 2025, gains of 17, 16 and 20 points, respectively, from 2022, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. But the improvement was uneven. Students in the most advantaged quarter averaged

417 points in reading, up from 376 in 2022, while those in the most disadvantaged quarter rose from 324 to 338. The resulting gap widened to about 78 points from 52. The OECD said the Philippines was the only participating country or economy where the socioeconomic gap in reading performance increased between 2022 and 2025. In 37 systems the gap narrowed, though the OECD noted that in many cases this reflected larger declines among advantaged students rather than stronger gains among disadvantaged students. Despite the national improvement, most Filipino students remained below PISA’s minimum Level 2 proficiency. Only 31%

reached that benchmark in reading, 32% in science and 21% in mathematics, all well below OECD averages. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the gains showed progress but stressed that learning recovery must continue. DepEd has pointed to curriculum reforms, remediation and reduced administrative burdens on teachers, while EDCOM II and lawmakers have called for sustained support for foundational learning, teacher development and the ARAL remediation program. The OECD findings leave the Philippines with a clear challenge: sustaining higher scores while ensuring that future gains are shared more evenly across socioeconomic groups. n

Flood-control cases, judicial vacancies and court construction needs sharpen debate over P86.27-billion proposal by AJPress MANILA — Senators are pressing for targeted increases in the Judiciary’s proposed 2027 funding even as the judicial branch is set for a substantial overall budget increase. The National Expenditure Program provides P86.27 billion for the Judiciary, up 22.2 percent from its P70.6-billion 2026 appropriation. The Department of Budget and Management said the Supreme Court’s original overall proposal was incorporated into the spending plan. At Thursday’s Senate hear-

ing, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian objected to a recommended reduction in the Sandiganbayan’s requested funding as the anti-graft court handles a new batch of flood-control-related cases. Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg told senators that 26 such cases had been filed before the court. The first batch, filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on Nov. 18, 2025, has reached the defense stage. Econg said some cases could reach disposition within the year if proceedings remain within speedy-trial requirements. Any disposition could result in conviction or acquittal. Accused persons are presumed innocent un-

less found guilty by final judgment. The Judiciary also faces staffing and infrastructure gaps. Supreme Court officials told the House that 463 judge positions remain vacant, representing 16.7 percent of authorized judicial posts and contributing to case backlogs. The Judiciary is seeking a P5.344-billion augmentation, including P4.541 billion for a Cebu City Hall of Justice, P500 million for a Cagayan de Oro facility and P303 million for sheriffs’ hazard pay. Of the P86.27-billion proposal, P45.90 billion is earmarked for adjudication and court operations and P4.73 billion for judicial modernization. n

NLEX repairs rain-damaged sections as PH, US launch $60-million push to reform flood-control work advances in Pampanga power sector, draw investment Interim pavement repairs continue as agencies pursue longer-term measures in San Simon and Tulaoc by AJPress MANILA — NLEX Corp. is carrying out interim repairs on portions of the North Luzon Expressway that the company says were damaged by prolonged rain, while the tollway operator and government agencies continue separate flood-control work in Pampanga. NLEX said crews have been working day and night on pavement in Valenzuela City and along the Spur Road in Central Luzon. Permanent repairs will follow when weather conditions permit durable work. The company said the repairs are part of a rainy-season maintenance program expanded before the latest flooding. Earlier measures included pavement work, drainage clearing, pumps and detention tanks, portable flood barriers, roadside drainage improvements and cameras monitoring waterways near the expressway. The pavement repairs are separate from work in San Simon and Tulaoc, Pampanga, where heavy monsoon rains inundated sections of NLEX and caused traffic disruptions. All lanes at the San Simon Interchange and Tulaoc section

by AJPress

Photo credit NLEX corp

reopened to all vehicle classes Sept. 8 following clearing and flood-mitigation operations. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said more than 20 pieces of heavy equipment were being mobilized for dredging along the Tulaoc River. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also ordered detention basins at three San Simon locations as part of longer-term flood-control measures. Officials have identified additional measures including sheet piles, flood barriers, pumping, embankment clearing and water-collection facilities. The Philippine Information Agency reported Sept. 4 that the Tulaoc Overpass had been raised

from 4.5 meters to 5.2 meters of vertical clearance. NLEX previously raised the roadway there by 0.7 meter and plans an additional 0.3-meter elevation. The Toll Regulatory Board issued NLEX a notice to explain dated Aug. 31 over the flood-related congestion and directed the operator to strengthen flood warnings, river-level monitoring and rerouting advisories. The proceeding does not itself establish negligence or legal liability. The temporary San Fernando-Pulilan toll rebate ended Sept. 9 after affected lanes reopened. NLEX said the temporary toll exemption for provincial buses would remain in effect. n

DOJ sets two-week target for Quiboloy extradition review

Any transfer to U.S. custody would still require Philippine court proceedings by AJPress

MANILA – The Department of Justice is aiming to complete within two weeks its review of the United States’ request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy, a step that could move the case into Philippine courts but would not mean his immediate transfer to U.S. custody. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Thursday, Sept. 10, that the department was prioritizing its review of the “voluminous” records because of the Philippines’ treaty obligations to the United States. He said the DOJ hopes to finish its evaluation within two weeks before determining what should be filed in court. The timetable applies only to the executive review. Under Supreme Court rules effective Nov. 10, 2025, an extradition case begins when the justice secretary or authorized state counsel files a verified petition with the proper court. The

proceeding determines whether the request complies with Philippine law and the applicable treaty and whether the person sought is extraditable; it does not decide guilt or innocence in the foreign criminal case. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Aug. 6 that it had received the U.S. government’s request and endorsed it to the DOJ. The request stems from a 2021 federal indictment in California charging Quiboloy and other defendants in a case involving alleged sex trafficking and related financial and immigration offenses. According to the FBI, Quiboloy was indicted on charges including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; substantive sex-trafficking charges; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. The accusations remain allegations and have not been proved at trial. Quiboloy has denied wrong-

doing and is presumed innocent unless proved guilty. He is also being prosecuted in the Philippines on qualified human trafficking and child and sexual abuse charges. He pleaded not guilty during separate arraignments in 2024. Quiboloy’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said the defense intends to oppose extradition and, as of Sept. 10, had received no summons from an extradition court. Topacio has argued that the pending Philippi ne cases should first be resolved. The current extradition rules do not make those local cases an automatic bar to proceedings. If an extradition judgment is granted while unrelated Philippine criminal charges remain pending, execution may be postponed. The court handling the local case may also, upon request by the government’s central authority, allow Quiboloy’s temporary surrender to the United States. n

Supreme Court acquits Imelda Marcos... PAGE 1 cases. She had been sentenced to imprisonment ranging from six years and one month to 11 years on each count and permanently disqualified from public office. Marcos remained free on bail while appealing the convictions. The cases arose from allegations that Marcos held prohibited financial or pecuniary interests in, or participated in the management of, several foreign foundations while occupying government positions during the presidency of her husband, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Court cites weaknesses in evidence The Supreme Court found significant deficiencies in the prosecution’s evidence, particularly documents from Switzerland that were central to the government’s case. The Court said the records had not been properly authenticated under Philippine evidentiary rules and that prosecutors failed to present witnesses competent to establish their genuineness,

Grant targets permitting bottlenecks, utility modernization and projects that could attract private capital

proper execution or the truth of material assertions contained in them. The justices also examined whether the foundations qualified as “businesses” under the constitutional and antigraft prohibition invoked against Marcos. Evidence that an entity maintained bank accounts, transferred assets or generated investment income was not sufficient by itself to establish that it was engaged in a commercial enterprise, the Court found. Prosecutors did not adequately demonstrate that the foundations regularly offered goods or services for profit. Because penal laws are construed strictly when their application is uncertain, the Court resolved that issue in Marcos’ favor. The decision also cited deficiencies in the criminal Informations and reiterated that the seriousness or public significance of a case cannot replace the prosecution’s obligation to prove every element of an offense beyond reasonable doubt. The ruling does not amount to

a finding that all financial transactions connected to the foundations were lawful. It holds that the evidence presented in these seven criminal prosecutions was insufficient to sustain convictions under the charges filed. That distinction is particularly important because the latest ruling does not disturb a separate Supreme Court judgment involving Marcos-linked Swiss deposits. In 2003, the Supreme Court, sitting en banc in a civil forfeiture proceeding, ordered Swiss deposits then valued at about $658.2 million, plus interest, forfeited to the Philippine government. The two proceedings applied different standards of proof. The earlier forfeiture case was civil, while the seven graft prosecutions required proof of criminal guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The acquittal removes the convictions and penalties imposed in the seven criminal cases, while the earlier civil forfeiture judgment remains a separate final ruling. n

MANILA — A new $60-million U.S. grant will take aim at some of the Philippines’ most persistent energy-sector problems, from slow project approvals to weak utility infrastructure, while creating a pathway for more private investment. Finance Secretary Frederick Go and U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton signed the Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Program Grant Agreement on Sept. 10 during the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum. The Department of Finance valued the grant at about P3.68 billion. The program will run for four years and nine months. Its main energy initiative, the Energy Development Governance

Efficiency Project, will involve the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration and National Power Corp. One component will seek to streamline permitting and approvals that can delay energy projects. Another will support electric cooperatives through grid digitalization and efforts to finance infrastructure upgrades. MCC has identified high electricity costs and unreliable power as constraints on Philippine economic growth. The program is intended to improve reliability and affordability, although no specific reduction in consumer rates has been announced. A second major component, the American Investment Mechanism, will help prepare potential projects

for commercial financing through feasibility studies, project design and market assessments. The mechanism will also support coordination with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. It does not mean DFC financing has already been approved for individual projects. The program is expected to complement broader investment efforts tied to the Luzon Economic Corridor linking Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila and Batangas. The Philippines was selected to develop the Threshold Program in 2023, with MCC approving the $60-million package in June. Philippine officials say successful implementation could strengthen the country’s eligibility for a larger MCC Compact, which would require a separate approval process. n

Seoul note sparks new China-Philippines dispute over South China Sea ruling

Beijing rebukes Teodoro after defense chief publicly answers message traced by forum organizers to Chinese military attaché by AJPress

MANILA — China has rebuked Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. after he publicly challenged a note setting out Beijing’s position on the 2016 South China Sea arbitration during a defense forum in Seoul, renewing a dispute over the ruling that anchors Philippine maritime policy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Sept. 9 that Beijing continued to reject the arbitration, calling the Philippines’ initiation of the case an abuse of dispute-settlement procedures under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. She urged a Philippine official she did not name to stop what China described as provocations harmful to bilateral relations. The exchange began Sept. 8 during the Seoul Defense Dialogue. A handwritten note delivered while

Teodoro was speaking was later traced by forum organizers to a military attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. The note restated China’s position that the arbitration and award were invalid and without binding force. Teodoro read portions aloud and responded point by point. When he reached the statement that China did not accept or recognize the ruling, he replied, “Of course, because you lost.” Teodoro also objected to the manner in which the message was delivered, calling it disrespectful to the forum and South Korea as host. He characterized the episode as an example of “coercion, bullying and aggression.” The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s claimed historic rights within the nine-dash line had no lawful effect to the extent they exceeded maritime entitlements

allowed under UNCLOS. The tribunal did not decide sovereignty over land features or delimit a maritime boundary between China and the Philippines. China declined to participate in the proceedings and has consistently rejected the ruling. The tribunal nevertheless found it had jurisdiction over the claims it decided. Under UNCLOS, an award rendered by a tribunal with jurisdiction is final and binding on the parties. The diplomatic exchange comes as tensions continue in disputed waters. On Sept. 10, the Philippine Coast Guard said Chinese forces fired multiple flares toward an unarmed PCG aircraft during a Sept. 7 monitoring flight near Subi and Mischief reefs. The Coast Guard said the flares endangered flight safety. China had not issued a specific response to that allegation at the time of the latest official statements reviewed. n

Cayetanos expected back before Duterte... PAGE 1 need authorization for personal overseas travel. The timing drew attention because the siblings are senator-judges in Duterte’s impeachment trial and because Alan Cayetano is separately under scrutiny in government investigations. Their departure, however, did not interrupt the impeachment proceedings. The court had already suspended hearings Wednesday and Thursday to allow prosecutors and the defense to process more than 1,800 financial records obtained under subpoenas. The trial resumes Sept. 14, when prosecutors are expected to begin presenting evidence on Article II, which accuses Duterte of amassing unexplained wealth. Duterte has denied wrongdoing. The Cayetanos’ expected return also comes as the impeachment court prepares to address a dispute over the number of votes required for conviction. Presiding officer Francis Escudero has interpreted the Constitution as requiring two-thirds of all 24 senators, or 16 votes, to convict. Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo has asked the court to reconsider how the voting base should be calculated because several senators are unable to participate. The court has invited retired Supreme Court justices to provide legal guidance, with hearings on the issue scheduled this month. SEA Games inquiry remains open Alan Cayetano is separately being examined in the NBI investi-

Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano

Senate of the Philippines via Facebook

gation into alleged irregularities involving the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, or PHISGOC, which oversaw the country’s hosting of the 2019 SEA Games. Matibag said investigators are considering whether to include Cayetano among respondents in complaints being prepared in connection with Games-related transactions. No SEA Games complaint against Cayetano has been filed based on the latest public disclosures. The NBI has focused in part on the ceremonial cauldron at New Clark City. Matibag said investigators found records that appear to show duplicate payment entries connected with the project and are still cross-checking documents and testimony. Those assertions remain investigative allegations and have not

been established in court. Cayetano publicly served as PHISGOC chairman during preparations for the Games. He has said he welcomes a full investigation but has questioned the timing and manner of the NBI inquiry and has denied wrongdoing. PHISGOC has said it welcomes legitimate scrutiny and has maintained that government funds it received for the Games were fully liquidated. Pia Cayetano has not been identified by the NBI as a prospective respondent in the SEA Games investigation. With impeachment proceedings restarting Monday, the immediate significance of the siblings’ overseas trip now turns on whether they return as expected and resume their seats as senator-judges as the trial moves into its next phase. n

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Filipino optimism rebounds to Philippines renews push to return Zaldy... ‘excellent’ level, SWS finds by AJPress MANILA — Nearly half of adult Filipinos expect their quality of life to improve over the next year, marking a sharp rebound in personal optimism after sentiment weakened in March, according to Social Weather Stations. The June 20-29 survey found that 48% expected their lives to improve in the next 12 months, up from 38% in March. Eight percent expected conditions to worsen, while 31% anticipated no change. The results produced a net personal optimism score of +40, up

17 points from +23 in March. SWS classifies scores of +40 and above as “excellent.” The latest reading was the highest since June 2025. Optimism improved across all major regions, reaching +49 in Balance Luzon, +36 in Metro Manila, +33 in the Visayas and +31 in Mindanao. Younger adults and college graduates recorded the strongest levels of optimism. The outlook contrasted with respondents’ assessments of the previous year. Thirty-three percent said their quality of life had improved, while an equal share said it had worsened, producing a net

gainers score of zero. Economic strain also remained evident. Forty-nine percent of families rated themselves poor, while 20.3% reported experiencing involuntary hunger during the previous three months. Official figures released after the survey showed continued economic pressures, including elevated inflation and weaker growth. Those later indicators do not explain the June findings. SWS interviewed 1,200 adults nationwide, with a national sampling-error margin of plus or minus three percentage points. n

PAGE 1 Department of Health and Human Services said Duke University School of Medicine used race and what the agency called “race-revealing proxies” after the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that colleges generally may not give applicants an admissions advantage based on race. Duke told investigators that applicants’ race and ethnicity were blinded from admissions committee members and that members were instructed not to consider them. HHS nevertheless concluded that internal communications and admissions data showed race remained associated with admissions decisions. The Duke finding is an administrative determination, not a court judgment. HHS has given the university an opportunity to seek a voluntary resolution before further enforcement. The Justice Department has separately issued findings involving medical schools at UCLA, Yale, UC Davis, UC San Diego and George Washington University, accusing them of unlawfully favoring Black and Hispanic applicants over White and Asian applicants. Those findings also represent federal enforcement conclusions rather than court judgments. The schools have disputed or qualified the government’s conclusions and have maintained that their admissions processes comply with federal law. A separate group of schools remains under investigation, with no public determination that violations occurred. DOJ announced June 4 that it had opened investigations into 15 additional medi-

cal schools without naming them and expressly said it had reached no conclusions. The Education Department later opened investigations involving Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Western University of Health Sciences and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. HHS also announced compliance reviews of five unnamed medical schools. Because some reviews could overlap, the announced numbers should not be treated as a definitive count of unique institutions. At the center of the federal scrutiny is a question with direct consequences for future applicants: what may schools still consider beyond grades and test scores? The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling involving Harvard and the University of North Carolina held that universities may not give applicants an admissions advantage because of race. But the court also said applicants may discuss how race affected their lives, including experiences involving hardship, discrimination, inspiration or achievement. Federal investigators have argued that schools may violate the law if factors such as hardship, socioeconomic disadvantage or certain essay responses are deliberately used as substitutes for racial preferences. Medical schools and the Association of American Medical Colleges maintain that institutions may continue to evaluate applicants individually and consider race-neutral factors such

as family income, first-generation status, geography, personal adversity and a commitment to serving medically underserved communities. That distinction matters to applicants. Academic performance, clinical exposure, research, community service, leadership and individual experiences can remain part of a holistic review, provided schools do not confer an admissions advantage because of racial identity. The financial pressure on schools is also increasing. On Sept. 3, the Treasury Department and IRS proposed regulations that could deny federal tax-exempt status to private schools found to discriminate on the basis of race, color or national or ethnic origin. The proposal expressly permits race-neutral considerations including family income, geography, first-generation status, individual hardship and academic achievement. The rule is not final. Public comments are due Nov. 3, and if adopted as proposed, it would apply to taxable years beginning after May 31, 2027. Students preparing years in advance for medical school are entering an admissions environment that is becoming more exacting rather than simply narrower. Schools can still look beyond scores to understand what an applicant has overcome, accomplished and hopes to contribute. But as federal scrutiny increases, admissions offices will face greater pressure to show that those judgments are rooted in the individual applicant, not in racial identity. (AJPress)

PAGE 1 nate through Interpol and assist in any lawful transfer of custody if Co is arrested and the necessary judicial procedures are completed. Returning Co could require additional legal steps. France is not listed by the Philippine Justice Department among countries with which the Philippines currently has a bilateral extradition treaty. Co’s presence in France has also been linked to an asylum application. Malacañang said in April that the Department of Foreign Affairs had received highly reliable information that Co had

a pending application for political asylum in France, reportedly based on a claim of political persecution. The Palace said at the time that Co was in France but was not detained. The renewed effort follows arrest warrants issued Sept. 7 by the Sandiganbayan Third Division against Co, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Romualdez aide Joselyn Tragua Serenio and businessman Felicito Cristobal Guevarra in a plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman. Prosecutors allege that the four received at least P7.44 billion in commissions, shares,

kickbacks, commitments and other financial benefits connected with government infrastructure projects from 2022 through 2025. The Sandiganbayan emphasized that issuance of the warrants reflected a finding of probable cause, not a determination of guilt. All defendants retain the constitutional presumption of innocence unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Co had previously been declared a fugitive from justice by another Sandiganbayan division in December 2025 in connection with separate graft and malversation cases. n

Medical school admissions face new federal... Sara Duterte trial turns to unexplained... PAGE 1 Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, while del Rosario is expected to address corporate records. Article II alleges that Duterte amassed unexplained wealth disproportionate to her lawful income, failed to fully and truthfully disclose her and her spouse’s assets and liabilities, and failed to divest business interests while serving as vice president. The allegations have not been adjudicated. Duterte has denied the impeachment charges. Her lawyers challenge the sufficiency and admissibility of some financial evidence and maintain that the records do not establish unlawful acquisition or concealment. The impeachment court earlier authorized subpoenas after finding the requested records prima facie relevant and material. The ruling required production of the records; it was not a finding that the allegations were true. Prosecutors also served the defense with 104 requests involving the authenticity of subpoenaed bank documents and account ownership. Presiding officer Francis Escudero gave the defense 15 days to respond while raising the unresolved question of whether civil rules governing requests for admission apply to an impeachment proceeding. Confidential-funds article remains open The prosecution moved to Article II after dropping 15 remaining witnesses planned under Article I, which accuses Duterte of misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds.

The amount consists of P500 million released to the OVP in 2022 and 2023 and P112.5 million provided to DepEd in 2023, when Duterte headed the department. Escudero did not allow Article I to be formally closed. The impeachment court may still summon witnesses if senator-judges decide additional testimony is necessary. Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta testified that Duterte instructed her to turn over a P125-million cash withdrawal to then-security chief Col. Raymund Dante Lachica. The defense has not conceded that the transfer establishes misuse or misappropriation. Philippine Statistics Authority official Marizza Grande testified that the agency found no matching civil-registry records for 1,685 of 2,669 names submitted from confidential-fund payee lists. Prosecutors also cited single-name matches involving deceased persons and minors. Those findings do not establish that deceased people or children received confidential funds. A missing civil-registry record does not by itself prove that a person does not exist, and a name match does not establish that the person in the registry was the listed payee. Duterte’s defense said the questioned names were aliases used in confidential transactions. Prosecutors dispute that explanation. Other articles remain pending Article IV concerns Duterte’s November 2024 remarks involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Mar-

cos and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez. A separate Quezon City criminal case is proceeding independently. A Regional Trial Court found probable cause to hold Duterte for trial on three counts of grave threats. She posted P360,000 bail. The finding is not a determination of guilt. Duterte denies making criminal threats. Article III, involving allegations that Duterte gave payments to DepEd officials to induce violations or circumvention of procurement laws, remains pending. Prosecutors say they intend to present it after Article II. Senate revisits conviction threshold The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of all Senate members for conviction. Escudero has ruled that this means 16 votes in the 24-member chamber. Senator-judges have asked the court to reconsider how the requirement should apply when several senators are absent or not participating. The 16-vote ruling remains in force unless changed. The court plans to hear amici curiae tentatively on Sept. 16 and arguments from both sides on Sept. 23 before deciding the issue. The current case arose from the House vote on May 11 approving the articles 257-25, with nine abstentions. It is separate from the 2025 impeachment that the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional. The high court said a new impeachment proceeding could not begin before Feb. 6, 2026. The financial-record phase begins Monday. n

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SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL

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The Philippines must rethink what it means to grow old Part 2 of 2 : Building a society that does not sideline age

AS the Philippines grows older, the challenge is no longer simply how to support people after they leave the workforce. It is how to build institutions that do not treat age itself as a reason to withdraw opportunity, independence or participation. That requires looking beyond pensions and health care to the wider economic life of older Filipinos. The issue has particular importance for those returning after years of work abroad. Some overseas Filipinos will come home ready to retire. Others will return in their 50s, 60s or later with the ability and desire to remain economically active. A country that has benefited for decades from the labor and expertise of its people overseas has a direct interest in making productive use of what they bring home. Philippine law already recognizes that principle. Republic Act No. 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers, requires a full-cycle reintegration program for returning overseas Filipino workers. It provides for skills certification and recognition, employment services, access to financial services and mechanisms through which

skilled and professional OFWs can contribute to national development, including through investment and technology transfer. That framework should be understood not merely as assistance to returning workers, but as economic policy. A nurse who has spent decades in hospitals abroad, an engineer familiar with international systems, or an accountant, technician, teacher, seafarer, hotel manager, chef, tradesperson or executive may return with expertise that took years to acquire. Experience is not a guarantee of competence. But neither is age evidence of incapacity. The appropriate test is what a person can still do. That principle should guide retirement policy as well as hiring policy. Under the Labor Code, where no different retirement plan or agreement applies, an employee

Editorial

MAPPING THE FUTURE

ManilaTimes.net photo

meeting the statutory requirements may retire beginning at 60, while 65 is generally the compulsory retirement age. Retirement security should not be weakened. Longer lives must not become an excuse to require people to work indefinitely. But a right to retire and an opportunity to remain productive are not contradictory. A society that does not sideline age should be

A senior’s perspective on Babe’s Eye View our economic growth and development Babe Romualdez

Edgardo C. Amistad SINCE the Philippines gained independence in 1946 and Filipinos finally took control of the nation’s path to prosperity, it has always been our cherished dream to join the ranks of affluent nations. From that time on, each succeeding generation has been gauged or measured against the country’s economic status during its time at the helm. After all, the country’s level of development is the sum of all its citizens’ contributions during a specific period. After World War II, the Philippines was widely regarded as one of the Asian countries most likely to become a developed nation. We possessed formidable built-in advantages: 1) abundant natural resources; 2) a strategic location; 3) a high literacy rate; 4) proficiency in English and 5) close ties with the United States, the world’s dominant economic power then. Indeed, the 1950s seemed to vindicate the expectation. The economy grew by 6.5 percent to 7 percent; the currency remained stable; and the country emerged as one of the region’s leading economies, behind only

On The Move

Segundo Eclar Romero TO become a doctor, one studies medicine. To become an engineer, one studies engineering. To become a lawyer, one studies law. Each profession has standards, apprenticeships, examinations, ethics, and continuing development because society recognizes that competence matters when lives and resources are at stake. Yet we routinely entrust the Philippines to people who have won elections without requiring them to demonstrate that they know how to govern. That is the strange blind spot of our democracy: we have professionalized almost everything except public leadership. Governing involves even greater consequences. Presidents, senators, governors, mayors, and legislators decide how trillions in public resources are allocated, what laws govern us, how disasters are managed, how ecosystems are protected, how schools and hospitals

Japan. Filipino workers were readily absorbed by the domestic economy and working abroad was virtually unheard of. Well-off Filipino families even employed foreign yayas (helpers). No wonder many old-timers remember this bygone era as our “Golden Age.” The 1960s somehow tempered the optimism of the previous decade, as economic growth slowed to 5.4 percent, a still respectable level. Back then, our Makati central business district, its skyline dotted with gleaming, modern skyscrapers, was the envy of our Asian neighbors (though today their commercial and business districts dwarf ours). The 1970s heralded the start of our economic underperformance. Ballooning foreign debt and chronic fiscal and budget deficits had started putting a heavy strain on our economy. While we still registered gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.4 percent, countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong surged ahead, posting average growth rates of 8 percent to 10 percent. The 1980s ushered in our

worst economic performance thus far, as we reeled from a triple whammy of severe recession, a debt crisis and political turmoil. In contrast, other Association of Southeast Asian Nations members, like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, registered phenomenal growth, catapulting them into tiger-economy status. The decade also signaled the start of China’s economic miracle, with double-digit annual GDP growth that continued unimpeded into the next century. The country’s performance in the succeeding three and a half decades can best be summed up as middling and erratic. Even if we finally attain the coveted high-middle-income status this year, we would still be the laggard, as many of our regional peers had already reached that level—or surpassed it—many years ago. Today’s senior citizens, most of them born in the 1950s and 1960s and already at the twilight of their lives, have more time to reflect on their generation’s economic contribution—or lack thereof. Although some are still u PAGE 8

The missing profession in the Philippines function, and how the country’s future is shaped. Yet for political office, the principal qualification is often simply the ability to win. This is not an argument for technocracy. Democracy must remain open to ordinary citizens. Nor should a diploma become a gatekeeping device for public office. But winning an election is not a qualification for governing. It is permission to begin demonstrating that one can govern. The Philippines desperately needs to recover that distinction. I was reminded of this recently when I spoke to 411 Department of Science and Technology scholars representing all 17 regions at the National Patriot Scholars Congress in Koronadal, South Cotabato. These young Filipinos are already being formed around professional excellence, servant leadership, and social responsibility. One scholar asked me: “What is the pathway for a scholar like me to become a senator one day?” It

was a startlingly important question. Where is that pathway? We have well-established routes into science, medicine, engineering, law, and business. But there is no comparable national pathway for a young Filipino who wants to spend a lifetime learning how to serve, organize, formulate policy, manage public resources, and eventually govern. Worse, another scholar asked: “How do I prevent myself from being gobbled up by the existing corrupt system?” That may be the more important question. We tell our best young people to stay away from politics because politics is dirty. Then we wonder why public life contains too few people who are professionally competent, socially grounded, and ethically prepared to govern. When good people permanently withdraw from public life, they do not merely protect themselves from a broken system. They leave the broken system to those willing to exploit u PAGE 8

NEWS from home has been deeply unsettling. Across several provinces in Luzon, communities have disappeared beneath floodwaters, families driven from their homes and livelihoods swept away. Particularly appalling were images of houses crumpling like accordions under the force of rushing water. In seconds, a family’s lifetime of sacrifice was reduced to debris. Along the North Luzon Expressway, flooding near the San Simon interchange trapped motorists in punishing queues. For those stranded, the ordeal meant hours of exhaustion, uncertainty and anxiety. When a major expressway becomes impassable, the consequences extend far beyond the people behind the wheel. Deliveries are delayed, agricultural produce risks spoiling, businesses lose income and communities struggle to obtain essential supplies. Roads that sustain the economy become bottlenecks that choke it. Even more alarming are bridges that give way, turning an ordinary journey into a tragedy.

ROSES AND THORNS Pia Roces Morato THE human cost of high-level government plunder in the Philippines is hardly ever measured in spreadsheets or legal briefs. It is measured in inches of brown, murky water rising inside a family’s home, in destroyed livelihoods and in the quiet, grinding despair of millions who are left to fend for themselves every time the skies open up. In Philippine politics, budget allocations are often treated as private leverage rather than public trust. For years, flood control budgets – line items tucked quietly into Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocations – served as the ideal vehicle for systemic corruption. Unlike a school building or a paved highway, a “dredged river” or an underwater dike is nearly impossible for the average citizen to verify. You cannot easily audit what lies beneath the surface of a swollen river. What makes the Romualdez tri-

able to protect both choices. Public policy can preserve retirement benefits while creating pathways for those who want to continue working through consulting, mentoring, part-time employment, project assignments or other flexible arrangements. Singapore provides one example of how an aging economy has approached the issue. Since July u PAGE 8

Infrastructure in crisis: Flash floods and broken bridges In Tarlac City, the Aquino Bridge partially collapsed on Aug. 28 amid heavy monsoon rains and powerful river currents. The following evening, the nearby Agana Bridge, which became an alternative route, also collapsed. By Sept. 2, reports indicated two bodies recovered while two people remained missing. Behind those numbers are families whose lives have been changed forever. These incidents raise a question no Filipino should have to ask before crossing a bridge: will we reach the other side safely? A recent episode of “Memo” with Korina Sanchez-Roxas examined precisely this concern. With her characteristic directness, Korina asked structural engineer John Archie dela Cruz to explain what these failures tell us about the safety of our bridges. The discussion brought renewed attention to the recently reopened Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela, a section of which collapsed on Feb. 27, 2025, less than a month after its reported completion on Feb. 1. A heavily loaded truck was crossing when the structure failed. This was infrastructure the pu-

blic expected would serve communities for years. Instead, it became another troubling question mark over the quality of public works. Overloading must never be dismissed. Weight limits exist for a reason, and violations endanger everyone using a bridge. But pinpointing an overloaded truck cannot be the end of an investigation. The DPWH itself subsequently identified severe overloading as the immediate cause while also raising concerns about the bridge’s unusual design and construction arrangements. However, the public deserves a complete explanation of how these factors interacted and who was responsible for ensuring the structure’s safety. The Philippines has talented engineers and capable construction firms. Their expertise, however, cannot protect the public if sound recommendations are disregarded, workmanship is compromised or inspections become paperwork exercises. For bridges exposed to flooding, the danger also lies beneath the surface. Fast-moving water exerts powerful forces on u PAGE 8

Institutional reform now! al a defining moment for this administration is proximity. In past decades, high-profile corruption probes were reserved for political opposition or outgoing regimes. Yet, Romualdez was not an outsider; he was Speaker of the House, a primary architect of the legislative agenda and a first cousin to the sitting President. The unraveling of the Philippine flood control corruption scandal was not triggered by a single whistleblower or a routine audit. Instead, it was exposed through a domino effect of severe natural disasters, executive callouts, congressional hearings, contractor confessions and political infighting. For low- and middle-income families, a flood is not merely an inconvenience; it is a recurring financial and emotional disaster. When floodwaters continue to submerge neighborhoods across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga and surrounding provinces, everyday life comes to a sudden and painful halt. The economic burden of corrupt public infrastructure falls almost entirely on those least equipped to bear it – small businesses, vendors, minimum wage earners, commuters, single par-

ents and many others who have to bear the additional layers of costs to rebuild. And from where? From their own micro savings that a single severe flood completely erased. The painful part: taxpayers were told that billions of pesos were actively funding river dikes, drainage channels and pumping stations. In reality, prosecutors allege that these vital infrastructure budgets were siphoned off through dummy corporations, converted via foreign exchange firms and delivered in suitcases of cash. Every “ghost” dike or unbuilt pumping station represents a specific neighborhood left exposed to the next typhoon. Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his key allies – most notably former House appropriations chairman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co – are at the center of a historic political and legal fallout over their betrayal of the public trust. The audacity to pull off a P7.44-billion plunder scheme – and to do so using life-saving flood control projects – stems from a deeply entrenched culture of offiu PAGE 8

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ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026

What does the law say about the use of aliases? Part Two of Three using aliases have been a popular topic since the From Personalities to Principles Individuals impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte showed

The transition every family enterprise must make if it hopes to survive beyond the founding generation. Inside Family Business Prof. Enrique Soriano A founder once told his advisor something that stayed with her for years. He said: "In the beginning, we made every decision at the dinner table. My wife handled the accounts. My brother-in-law ran the warehouse. My eldest handled sales. We never needed a meeting — we just talked." He paused, then added: "But now there are seventeen family members involved in the business. And we still try to make decisions at the dinner table. It no longer works." This is the story of most successful family businesses at a certain stage of growth. The informal systems that worked beautifully in the founding years — built on trust, proximity, and shared sacrifice — begin to buckle under the weight of complexity. More family members. More stakeholders. More money. More at stake. The answer is not to lose the warmth and the trust. The answer is to protect it — by giving it structure. Why Informality Works, Then Fails In the early years, informality is a strength. Decisions happen fast. There is no bureaucracy. The founder's instinct and authority hold everything together. Family members wear multiple hats without confusion because the founder is always there to clarify, to arbitrate, to decide. But informality has a hidden cost: it depends entirely on the founder's presence. The moment the founder steps back — whether through age, illness, or death — the invisible architecture that held everything together disappears with them. And what remains is a group of capable, well-meaning people who suddenly discover they have no agreed framework for making decisions together. This is the moment when the cracks appear. Not because the children love each other less, but because no one ever built the bridge that would carry them from here to the next generation. "We do not want conflict over power and money when our par-

ents are no longer around. We want to get this right while they are still here." These words, spoken by an eldest child in a family business session, capture exactly why this work matters — and why it must happen now, not later. The Three Pillars of Family Structure Moving from informal to formal does not mean becoming cold or corporate. It means creating three things that every enduring family business eventually builds: The first is a Family Council. This is the forum where the family — not just the executives — comes together to discuss matters that affect everyone: values, vision, the rules for how family members join the business, how profits are distributed, and how major decisions are made. It is not a board meeting. It is a family meeting with an agenda, proper documentation, and a commitment to include every voice. The second is a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board. This is where the business is governed. It includes family members in their capacity as business owners and leaders, and ideally includes trusted independent advisors who bring perspective that family alone cannot provide. The board asks the hard questions: Is this the right strategy? Are we growing sustainably? Are we putting the right people in the right roles — regardless of their surname? The third is a Family Constitution, sometimes called a Family Charter. This is the founding document of the family's governance — the written agreement that captures the family's values, its vision for the future, the rules for employment and ownership, the process for resolving disputes, and the principles that will guide the next generation. It is not a legal document in the first instance. It is a moral one. It is the family's promise to itself. Honest Conversations About Roles One of the most difficult but most important parts of building family structure is the honest conversation about roles. Not just what each family member does today, but why they are doing it — and whether it is the right fit. In many family businesses, children joined not entirely by choice. They joined because it was expected. Because the founder needed them. Because

saying no would have felt like a betrayal of everything their parents sacrificed. Some of them thrived. Some of them are quietly, privately miserable — doing work they were never meant to do, in roles they never chose. A formal governance process creates the space to have this conversation with honesty and without blame. It allows the family to ask: Who is here because they truly love this business? Who is here out of duty? Who has a gift that the business is not using? And — hardest of all — are there family members in senior roles who would be better served, and would better serve the family, in a different capacity? These conversations are not betrayals. They are acts of love. They are what it looks like to care more about the family's future than about avoiding a difficult evening. Starting the Journey The move to formal structure does not happen overnight, and it does not require perfection. It begins with a single, honest conversation — ideally while the founders are still active, still present, and still able to guide the values and the vision they want to pass on. The founders who begin this process are not admitting weakness. They are demonstrating the highest form of leadership: the wisdom to build something that will outlast them. Next: Part Three — Stewardship, Succession, and the Leader Who Lets Go (This three-part series is the second installment in an ongoing column on Family Governance. It explores key topics such as the Family Council, the Family Constitution, succession planning, conflict resolution, and family employment policies) *** 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.

*** Prof Enrique M. Soriano serves as a Mentor at the Singapore Institute of Directors Board Readiness Program, where he contributes to the development of current and aspiring directors in corporate governance, board effectiveness, and strategic oversight. He advises multi-generational family enterprises and boards across Asia, advocating for merit-based board composition and principled stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability.

Marcoleta bail hearing turns to donor tax records, TV interview by AJPress MANILA — The Sandiganbayan hearing on Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s bid for bail in a ₱75-million plunder case turned Thursday to tax records involving three disputed transfers and a television interview in which he discussed money he received before the official 2025 campaign period. Bureau of Internal Revenue officials appeared before the anti-graft court’s Third Division to identify donor’s-tax returns linked to former Rep. Michael Defensor and businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray, Marcoleta’s three co-accused. Records presented in court reflected donor’s-tax payments of about P2.2 million for Defensor, P2 million for Espiritu and P1.6 million for Viray. The tax records do not by themselves establish whether the transfers were lawful private gifts or part of the plunder alleged by prosecutors. The Ombudsman alleges Mar-

coleta received P30 million from Defensor on Jan. 6, 2025, P25 million from Espiritu on Jan. 8 and P20 million from Viray on Jan. 9 while serving as a SAGIP party-list representative. Prosecutors have also alleged that the donor’s-tax payments were made only in December 2025 and contend that the P75 million constituted ill-gotten wealth obtained by Marcoleta through his public position or influence. The allegations have not been proven in court. Marcoleta denies wrongdoing. He has maintained that the money was received before the campaign period, in his personal capacity and without restrictions on its use. He and his three co-accused have pleaded not guilty. A separate issue involved Nelson Lubao, Marcoleta’s Net25 co-host, who asked to be excused from testifying. Prosecutors proposed dispensing with his testimony if the parties stipulated to the authenticity of the television video. Marcoleta’s counsel declined,

a position adopted by lawyers for the other accused. Lubao therefore remained expected to testify. At the first bail hearing, a Comelec official testified that Marcoleta’s verified position paper characterized the P75 million as personal funds received before the campaign period. Comelec terminated its election-offense investigation in March after finding no other evidence showing Marcoleta committed an election offense, although it said its inquiry established noncompliance with Section 109 of the Omnibus Election Code. That proceeding did not adjudicate the separate plunder charge. Because plunder is punishable by reclusion perpetua, prosecutors must show that the evidence of guilt is strong for bail to be denied. The bail hearing is a preliminary determination, not a trial verdict. Marcoleta remains detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas. The hearing continues Sept. 14. n

EXPERT WITNESSES. Cardinal Santos Medical Center physicians arrive at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026) to testify on the medical condition of Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez. The Sandiganbayan 3rd Division directed Romualdez’s transfer to the Payatas jail in Quezon City, even though one doctor testified that he is at high risk of a heart attack and is better detained at the hospital. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

receipts for her office's confidential funds bearing signatures of people with seemingly dubious names, sounding like food brands, fruits, animals, and Filipino phrases. by Cecile Baltasar Philstar.com

DURING the Sept. 7 impeachment trial, Philippine Statistics Authority assistant national statistician Marizza Grande was asked by the defense about whether the agency kept a repository of aliases. "Aliases that have been judicially approved, na may authority na binigay 'yung court, meron pong record ang civil registry. In fact, we stored those that have been registered and annotated doon sa kanilang subject na birth certificate," she said. As aliases continue to be brought up during the impeachment trial, an underlying question has come up about whether such alternative names can be used legally at all. According to University of the East law professor Oscar Tan, citing the Supreme Court, "An 'alias' generally refers to another name a person uses, or intends to use, publicly and habitually in addition to his real name." In which instances, then, will the law recognize the use of these other names? Who can use aliases legally? According to Commonwealth Act No. 142, or the Anti-Alias Act, as amended by RA 6085 in 1969, the regular use of an alias is prohibited "except as a pseudonym solely for literary, cinema, television, radio, or other entertainment purposes and in athletic events where the use of pseudonym is a normally accepted practice..." "Its basic purpose is to prevent confusion about a person's true identity by regulating the

use of names other than the person's real or registered name," Tan told PhilSTAR L!fe. Per SC, the Anti-Alias Law was inspired by Chinese nationals using different names for different transactions. "I assume they meant Chinese nationals, not Chinese Filipinos," the law professor said. "However, not every isolated use of a false or different name is automatically a violation," said Tan. The law dictates that if a person insists on using an alias outside of the entertainment and sports industries, they will have to petition for it through legal channels and specify the reasons why they want to use an alias. Further, the law authorizes only one alias per person, if at all. When circumstances demand an alias There are legitimate reasons a person may want to use an alias, said Tan. One reason would be that they are already commonly known by their alias. They may also need to use an alias to trace and connect records filed under different names; or they may just have been given court authority to use an alias. “But even an authorized alias generally does not replace the person's real name," Tan told L!fe. "The Anti-Alias Law states that, in a public or private transaction or document, the person must state his real or original name together with any alias or pseudonym he is authorized to use," he continued.

According to Tan, the law provides special cases where individuals are allowed to use aliases. Republic Act No. 6981, or the Witness Protection Act, is one such law, where an individual is entitled to a "change of personal identity". Separate rules On Aug. 5, former Commission on Audit–Internal Control and Fraud Audit Office auditor Roderick Wamil appeared at Duterte's impeachment trial as a witness for the prosecution. In reply to Sen. Bam Aquino's query on whether COA allows the use of aliases, Wamil said, "Based on the provision of the joint circular [No. 2015-01], it is neither allowed nor prohibited." Tan said government agencies can have their own rules regarding the use of aliases. "COA can make rules on how it processes documents with aliases," he said. "But agency rules cannot override a law," he added. "How an agency processes certain records would not override the Anti-Alias Law and its broader prohibitions." As the conversation on the use of aliases progresses, the law remains clear in that aliases are only legal and acceptable under specific circumstances. *** 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.

*** Von Hernandez, a Goldman Environmental Prize laureate, is the vice president of Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.

Senate court turns to former justices over Duterte impeachment vote threshold Retired magistrates to advise senator-judges on whether conviction must always require 16 votes by AJPress

MANILA – The Senate impeachment court trying Vice President Sara Duterte will hear from four retired Supreme Court magistrates as it reexamines whether conviction must always require 16 votes. Former chief justices Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno and retired associate justice Adolfo Azcuna are scheduled to appear as amici curiae on Sept. 16. Former chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. will submit a legal memorandum. The opinions are advisory only. The issue centers on Article XI, Section 3(6) of the Constitution, which requires the concurrence of “two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate” for conviction.

Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero ruled July 6 that 16 votes are required because the Senate has 24 members. Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo asked the court Sept. 8 to reconsider, saying the question is which senators should be counted when some are absent or under legal restraint. Four senators have not been participating for different reasons. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been absent since the International Criminal Court confirmed an arrest warrant against him. Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained in separate pending plunder cases; neither has been convicted. Loren Legarda is on medical leave abroad. The court has not ruled that any must be excluded from or in-

cluded in the denominator. Escudero has cited Bayan v. Zamora, a treaty-concurrence case, while Tulfo has invoked Avelino v. Cuenco, which involved a Senate quorum. Neither directly resolved the present impeachment question. Azcuna has previously supported retaining the 16-vote threshold, while other legal authorities have argued that only senators legally qualified to participate should count. The amici will be heard Sept. 16, followed by prosecution and defense arguments Sept. 23. The cBRourt is then expected to decide whether to retain or modify the 16-vote rule. Duterte has denied wrongdoing and is contesting the four articles of impeachment. n

Measures vs harmful social media content raised at Senate hearing by Maila Ager Inquirer.net

MANILA — The idea of disabling the automatic promotion and demonetizing violent and sexually graphic content was floated at a Senate hearing on Friday in light of recent incidents of violence in schools allegedly linked to online games. While tackling the proposed P49.99 million budget of the Movie and Television Review and Classification (MTRCB) for 2027, Sen. Erwin Tulfo raised the August 18 school shooting in Zamboanga City that left two students dead, including the shooter. Earlier reports said that video games might have influenced the perpetrator, a Grade 8 student, who opened fire on campus while livestreaming the incident through a body camera on a website and social media. “May steps po ba kayo? Are you already talking about this? How do you, your agency will control this?” Tulfo asked during the hearing of the Senate subcommittee on finance. While explaining that online gaming and video games are not covered by the agency’s mandate, MTRCB Chairperson Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio told the panel that they have been conducting “exploratory research” on the matter. “We are continuing the discussions on this exploration,” Sotto-Antonio said, before referring the question to MTRCB Executive Director Roberto Diciembre.

The idea of disabling the automatic promotion and demonetizing violent and sexually graphic content was floated at a Senate hearing on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, in light of recent incidents of violence in schools allegedly linked to online games.

Citing global studies on violence in social media, Diciembre said the country could adopt a “do not amplify” policy that would require major social media platforms to block automatic promotions and monetizations of violent content. “If there will be a law na hahawakan ang mga social media na ito, we can tell them na dapat hindi naka-autoplay ang mga violent content sa mga materials natin,” he said. (“If there will be a law governing these social media platforms, we can tell them that violent content in their materials should not be set to autoplay.) “Kung pwede, hindi ma-monetize because sa totoo lang, isa sa mga motivation ng mga content creators, syempre ma-monetize yung gagawin nilang content. If these videos, at yung violent videos, sex videos ay made-demonetize, I think mababawasan yung mga gano’ng materials,” Diciembre added.

(“If possible, they should not be monetized because, to be honest, one of the motivations of content creators is, of course, to monetize the content they produce. If these videos, particularly violent and sexually explicit videos, are demonetized, I think there would be fewer such materials.”) There should also be stronger protections for minors using these platforms, such as age-gating graphic content and imposing enhanced safeguards for livestreaming. “Repeated exposure to violent content should trigger additional safeguards,” the MTRCB official said. Diciembre answered in the affirmative when Tulfo asked whether the MTRCB could do nothing for now in the absence of a law granting it authority over these online platformers. There are ongoing discussions in Congress on a measure seeking to ban social media use among children under 13. n

SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797

The Philippines must rethink...

ASEAN HERITAGE. Officials and representatives from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member-states join Department of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (7th to 9th from left) during the ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026 at Seda Vertis North on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. The gathering highlights regional cooperation in protecting biodiversity and strengthening the sustainable management of ASEAN Heritage Parks. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Marcos takes ASEAN agenda to BRICS summit in India by AJPress MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12 and 13 in his capacity as 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, bringing ASEAN’s security and economic priorities to a gathering of major emerging economies. Marcos was invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. The Philippines is not a BRICS member, and DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said possible membership or partner status would require further study and is not expected to be discussed during the trip. Marcos is expected to present

ASEAN priorities centered on peace and security, prosperity and people empowerment, including economic integration, digital transformation, sustainable development and adherence to international law. BRICS has 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The grouping functions as an intergovernmental forum for political, economic and development cooperation. Marcos is scheduled to meet Modi on the sidelines to review implementation of the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership and its 2025-2029 Plan of Action, covering defense and maritime cooperation, trade and investment, technology, tourism and other areas.

He is also expected to meet Indian business leaders and follow up on commitments announced during his August 2025 state visit. Marcos said afterward that 18 business agreements involved $446 million in actual investments and generated interest for potential investments of up to $5.8 billion. The Philippines serves as ASEAN’s country coordinator for relations with India until July 2027. China confirmed Thursday that President Xi Jinping will attend the summit. Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected, as the gathering confronts tensions over the Middle East, energy security and the global economy. DFA has so far announced only a Marcos-Modi bilateral meeting. n

ICC prosecution opposes Duterte bid for stricter checks on digital evidence by AJPress THE HAGUE — Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court have opposed former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for additional expert-verification procedures covering open-source and user-generated evidence, arguing that authentication should depend on each item rather than a blanket rule. The prosecution’s public redacted response was posted Sept. 9, based on a confidential filing dated Sept. 4. Trial Chamber III has not ruled on the defense request. Lead defense counsel Peter Haynes has asked the chamber to amend its E-Court Protocol by adding an “Expert Verification” field for open-source and user-generated material. Duterte’s lawyers

argue that a web address alone does not establish provenance, chain of custody or whether material has been altered, and want expert reports to address source, metadata, authentication methods and examiner qualifications. The prosecution does not contend that experts are never necessary. Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said anonymous social-media material could warrant technical examination, including checks for manipulation or artificial-intelligence processing. But prosecutors argue that documents from official government websites, United Nations reports, established organizations and reputable news outlets should not automatically require expert reports because they were obtained online.

The party submitting evidence would still have to establish relevance and probative value and address possible prejudice, while judges would retain authority over admissibility and weight. The dispute concerns how and when digital material should be authenticated; it is not a finding that any particular item is genuine, false, admissible or inadmissible. The issue arises as the ICC prepares for Duterte’s trial, scheduled to begin Nov. 30. Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity in April under the “substantial grounds to believe” standard. That decision sent the case to trial but did not determine guilt. Duterte remains in ICC custody in The Hague and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. n

Institutional reform now!...

PAGE 6 cial impunity, structural leverage and institutional loopholes in the Philippine political system. But how were these audacious acts actually fueled? Unlike a school building, a bridge or a highway – which citizens can easily inspect and measure – flood control projects are fundamentally hard to audit on the ground. This then begs the question – was Vice President Duterte right after all when she said that only two people controlled the monies? In hindsight, her statement proved to be politically and structurally accurate. At the height of his power, Martin Romualdez was not just the Speaker of the House; he was the President’s first cousin and chief political strategist. But it seems that a fatal miscalculation happened. What Romualdez and his allies failed to account for was the sheer scale of public rage when heavy typhoons collided with non-

existent infrastructure. Storms do not distinguish between the innocent and the corrupt, but the national budget certainly did. We have watched this movie before where the dramatic fall, the sudden medical scare occurs, the guarded hospital room is closed and then the slow fade into legal amnesia. But if this scandal dissolves into just another quiet political compromise, the message to the ruling class will be crystal clear: you steal enough, and the system will eventually build you an ark. Until real accountability drains the political swamp, the Filipino people will be left to sink or swim alone. By refusing to stay silent and demanding receipts for every stolen peso, the Filipino people must be firm in their resolve to fight against corruption, use their collective voices which is stronger than any political machine and set a fierce new precedent where no one, no

matter how powerful, is beyond the reach of justice. The storm clouds of corruption may have cost taxpayers billions in stolen safety, but the response has exposed something far more resilient: a public that demanded answers and a presidency that allowed the evidence to lead to its own inner circle. By stepping back and letting the ombudsman prosecute those in the highest halls of Congress, President Marcos Jr. helped plant the seeds for a new era of institutional integrity. The road to rebuilding public trust will be long, but for a nation accustomed to impunity, the fall of the untouchable marks the bright beginning of real democratic reform. (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.

The missing profession in the Philippines... PAGE 6 it.

Integrity alone, however, is not enough. A good person entering a bad system needs scaffolding: mentors, peers, coaches, professional advisers, ethical guidance, community accountability, and an organization that helps protect the standards the individual is trying to maintain. We therefore need something much bigger than another leadership seminar. We need a leadership pipeline for democracy. Young Filipinos should have opportunities to begin at the smallest scale, where leadership becomes tangible: a barangay, a school, a community organization, a watershed, a local livelihood problem. Local government is not merely the bottom rung of politics. It is a laboratory for learning how society actually works. It exposes aspiring leaders to floods, garbage, livelihoods, health, education, land

use, conflict, poverty, and the difficult art of reconciling competing interests. This is where the apprenticeship should begin. The principle should be brutally simple: Do not start by trying to become a senator. Start by becoming useful. Build competence. Earn trust. Build organizations. Develop a constituency without buying it. Learn to turn professional knowledge into public value. Gradually assume greater responsibility. If, after years of such apprenticeship, a person has acquired the judgment, competence, integrity, and understanding required of national leadership, then perhaps that person should seek the Senate. This points toward an institution the Philippines has never seriously built: a School for Public Leadership. Not a school for politicians. A school for citizens willing to become public leaders. Its graduates could become scientists, civil ser-

vants, teachers, organizers, mayors, governors, policy advisers, legislators—or senators. The objective would not be to manufacture politicians. It would be to cultivate public leaders deliberately, continuously, and at scale. A country cannot reform its governance by waiting for the occasional heroic individual to appear. It must create a culture and infrastructure that repeatedly produces people capable of governing with competence, humility, and courage. Perhaps the Philippines’ missing profession is not politics. It is the professional practice of public leadership. (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: doyromero@gmail.com

PAGE 6 1, 2026, its statutory retirement age has been 64 and its re-employment age 69. Eligible employees who reach retirement age and wish to continue working must generally be offered re-employment up to 69 if they meet prescribed conditions. Singapore plans further increases to 65 and 70 by 2030. The Philippines need not copy Singapore's system. Its labor market, social-insurance structure and fiscal circumstances are different. The useful principle is broader: a society can protect retirement without treating a particular birthday as proof that useful participation should end. That applies not only to employment. Financial independence raises another important question. Republic Act No. 11765, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, provides that financial service providers shall not discriminate against clients on the basis of age, among other characteristics. The law also permits distinctions when necessary to assess risk for a particular financial product or service. That qualification matters. Banks and other lenders have a legitimate responsibility to determine whether loans are likely to be repaid. Age can intersect with loan duration, income continuity and other underwriting considerations. At the same time, published eligibility rules for some Philippine housing and personal loan products establish maximum borrower ages at loan maturity, commonly 65 or 70 depending on the lender and product. Those limits do not, by themselves, establish unlawful discrimination. They do raise a legitimate policy question: how much weight should chronological age carry

when an applicant can demonstrate income, assets, collateral, insurance, credit history and repayment capacity? A financially secure 65-yearold may present less credit risk than a much younger borrower with unstable income and substantial debt. Where practical, underwriting should assess the individual rather than rely too heavily on age as a proxy for risk. The United States offers a useful comparison. Its Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination in credit transactions based on age while allowing creditors to consider legitimate underwriting factors and certain lawful uses of age in credit scoring. The principle is not that age can never matter. It is that age should not do the work of a fuller assessment when better measures of risk are available. For returning Filipinos, access to capital can determine whether years of overseas savings and professional experience become a business, consultancy, investment or another source of economic activity at home. Employment, reintegration, retirement and access to credit therefore should not be treated as separate policy compartments. Together, they determine how much independence and choice older Filipinos retain. A society that does not sideline age must also avoid two opposite mistakes. The first is to treat older people primarily as dependents. Many seniors need assistance, and adequate pensions, health care and social protection remain indispensable. The second is to romanticize continued employment, as though productive aging means everyone should keep working. It does not.

Retirement is a legitimate choice earned through years of work. The better objective is freedom backed by protection. Those who can no longer work should have security. Those who choose retirement should be able to enjoy it. Those who remain willing and capable should have a fair opportunity to work, retrain, borrow, invest, mentor or build a business without arbitrary barriers based on age. This is increasingly a rights question, not simply a welfare question. Philippine senior-citizen institutions and human-rights advocates have supported international efforts to recognize older people as full rights-holders, while the United Nations has begun work toward a possible binding international instrument on the rights of older persons. That broader perspective matters because the way a society treats aging reveals what it believes older citizens are entitled to expect from public life. Not merely assistance. Not merely discounts. Not merely protection from illness and poverty. But also opportunity, autonomy and continued participation where those remain possible. The Philippines has spent generations benefiting from the skills of its people around the world. When those Filipinos return home older and more experienced, their accumulated knowledge should remain an asset rather than become a disadvantage. A mature national policy on aging should protect people from the vulnerabilities of later life without turning age itself into a barrier. Growing old should change the support a society provides. It should not automatically narrow the choices a person is allowed to make. (AJPress)

A senior’s perspective on our economic... PAGE 6 active in running the country’s economic engine, many are now retired and idle. The question troubling their minds is: Where did we go wrong? Finger-pointing as to who or what to blame has become a favorite pastime of our seniors. The usual suspects include our more than three centuries of colonization, the inherited Spanish culture, our Christian faith, American interference, our system of government and our corrupt politicians. From the above list, only the last two seem valid. The rest won’t wash because other countries that are now prosperous share the same historical or cultural baggage. What is undeniable is that our leadership and system of governance have fallen severely short. Those two problems are intertwined. Corrupt and unqualified leaders came to power and retained power because the current system is loaded in their favor. The prohibitive cost of election puts qualified but less affluent candidates at a huge disadvantage, allowing wealthy and entrenched political dynasties to remain in power. Yet ordinary citizens cannot escape responsibility for such an outcome. We elected these officials in the first place. That

makes it a generational sin. If we have to identify one major reason we failed to keep pace with our neighbors, it would be our inability to attract sufficient foreign direct investment (FDI). For whatever reason, no administration since independence has managed to significantly increase it. Why? Primarily because we have focused too heavily on legislative measures for solutions— enacting new economic laws or amending provisions of the Constitution—instead of fixing administrative problems that discourage investors. These include honoring government contracts, improving inadequate infrastructure, eliminating red tape and corruption, reducing high electricity costs and addressing bureaucratic incompetence. Until we tackle these issues head-on, no amount of economic legislation or constitutional amendment will deliver the FDI we need. Vietnam is a case in point. Despite enduring two decades of continuous warfare, it has overtaken us, attracting historically higher FDI and now receiving more than three times what we do. The remnants of my generation, with diminishing ability to influence our economic trajectory, are relegated to being

mere observers in our country’s unfolding saga. We impatiently await the start or completion of big-ticket government projects essential to development: airports, railways, tollways, seaports and other major logistics and distribution infrastructure. Many worry they won’t live long enough to see the projects’ completion and enjoy their benefits. We are quite literally living on borrowed time. But we need not remain passive and apathetic about our country’s future. We are not totally powerless. We can join forces with the youth to demand changes in our system of government and use our votes to elect the leaders we truly deserve. We must utilize our remaining years and accumulated influence to change our country’s direction. Giving up is not an option. (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.

*** The author is member of the Agribusiness Committee of the Management Association of the Philippines. He is also the adviser of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and is former president of UCPB-CIIF Finance and Development Corp. and UCPB-CIIF Foundation. Feedback at map@map.org.ph and edgardo. amistad@yahoo.com.

Infrastructure in crisis...

PAGE 6 bridge supports. Equally dangerous is scouring – the erosion of riverbed material around foundations. A bridge may appear reassuringly solid from the roadway while the soil supporting its foundations is being washed away underneath. Once sufficient support is lost, stability can be seriously compromised. This is why an inspection cannot stop at what motorists can see. Engineers must assess the foundations, the river channel and the conditions that could undermine them during the next flood. Dredging and quarrying near bridges must likewise be governed by proper engineering assessments. Removing material from a river is not automatically a solution to flooding. Where and how excavation occurs matters. Flood control work must never compromise the infrastructure it is supposed to protect. Maintenance is just as essential. Bearing pads, expansion joints and other bridge components deteriorate and require attention. Older structures also need reassessment against present traffic loads and flood conditions. Watershed degradation and changes in land use must form part of that evaluation. A fresh coat of paint cannot establish structural integrity. Neither can a project completion certificate substitute for an inde-

pendent assessment of a bridge’s safety. Filipinos are therefore entitled to ask difficult questions. Were correct materials used? Were defects reported and acted upon? Were maintenance funds properly spent? Were warnings ignored? Corruption must be investigated wherever evidence points to it. So must negligence, inadequate maintenance and failures of professional oversight. Accountability requires establishing the facts and following them wherever they lead. DPWH’s announcement that it has begun inspecting major bridges nationwide is welcome. Its recent directive prioritizes structures with significant scouring, exposed or undermined foundations and visible damage. This must be sustained with clear responsibilities, repair deadlines and public reporting. Independent engineering experts should help assess vulnerable structures, including locally managed bridges. Inspection frequency must reflect risk, with additional checks after major floods and earthquakes. Dangerous crossings must be restricted or closed promptly, with safe alternative routes identified and assessed. The findings must lead to action. Communities should know which bridges need urgent repairs, who is responsible and the deadline for work completion.

Otherwise, another inspection risks becoming just another report filed away until the next disaster. Above all, maintenance must receive dependable funding. We cannot keep celebrating new construction while allowing existing infrastructure to deteriorate until emergency repairs become the only option. Our response must extend from the watershed to the roadway: protect forests, regulate extraction, improve drainage, enforce loading limits and maintain structures throughout their service lives. Building a stronger nation requires more than ribbon-cuttings and impressive project totals. It requires the discipline to protect what we build and the integrity to ensure that every peso serves its intended purpose. A bridge carries more than vehicles. It carries children going to school, workers earning a living, farmers bringing produce to market and families expecting to return home. Every crossing is an act of public trust. No Filipino should have to pay for that trust with his life. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

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Features

ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026

JOUR N AL Friday, September 11, 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

Gary Valenciano joins artists urging fans Lea Salonga receives Hollywood Walk of not to upload full concerts online Fame star, becoming first Filipina honoree The “ber” months may have made him the enduring face of Philippine Christmas, but at 81, the singer-songwriter’s life continues well beyond the holidays by AJPress MANILA — Gary Valenciano has joined a growing group of Filipino performers asking concertgoers not to upload full performances online, saying such posts can diminish the live experience and disregard the work behind concert productions. Speaking at a recent media conference, Valenciano said he does not object to audiences sharing brief clips but drew a distinction between short excerpts and entire songs or shows. “It’s not good. It takes away from the experience,” he said. Valenciano said one of his U.S. concerts had been uploaded online in its entirety. He also cited venues in the United States that restrict cellphone use during performances, suggesting similar measures could eventually be considered elsewhere. The issue drew wider atten-

tion after Ice Seguerra and Fire & Ice Entertainment co-founder Liza Diño appealed for fulllength recordings from “Sessionistas: The Playlist” to be removed from online platforms. Singers Nina, Top Suzara and Thor Dulay later voiced similar concerns. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines has reminded concertgoers that unauthorized recording and distribution of live performances may infringe rights protected under Philippine law. Performers generally have rights over specified uses of their performances, including recording, reproduction, distribution and online availability, subject to legal limitations and exceptions. IPOPHL also cautioned that fair use does not automatically apply simply because a recording is noncommercial. Factors include the purpose of the use, Photo from Facebook/@GaryVOfficial the nature of the protected work, the amount used and its potential market effect.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sept. 1 has officially declared ten new National Artists for 2025 through Proclamation No. 1414.

Palace names 10 new National Artists President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sept. 1 has officially declared ten new National Artists for 2025 through Proclamation No. 1414. by Hannah Garzon Philstar.com

THE awardees include Nicanor Tiongson and the late Gregorio Brillantes for Literature, along with Imelda Cajipe Endaya and Nunelucio Alvarado for Visual Arts. Endaya is the first female artist recognized in visual arts. Architect Gabriel Formoso, dancer and choreographer Rafael "Nonoy" Froilan, fashion designer Maria Beatriz "Patis" Tesoro, screenwriter and film director Armando "Bing" Lao, lighting designer Teodoro Hilado, and composer Alfredo S. Buenaventura round out the list. Four of the ten honors are awarded posthumously to Formoso, Lao, Brillantes, and Hilado. With ten honorees, this is the largest group named at once in the award's history, expanding the total roster of National Artists from 81 to 91. The 2025 batch breaks the previous record set in 1997, when nine individuals were recognized in one cycle. The details regarding the official conferment ceremony will be announced at a later date. Meet the 10 new National Artists: Nicanor Tiongson — Literature Nicanor G. Tiongson is a scholar, critic, playwright, and professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He has spent much of his career studying Philippine culture and traditional theater forms, including the komedya and sinakulo. His work has also explored the country's film, theater, and cultural history, including through his recent book Manong: The Life and Works of Gerardo de Leon. Tiongson is a founding mem-

ber of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and previously served as artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His extensive research and writing have helped document and interpret Philippine culture and the arts for succeeding generations. Gregorio Brillantes — Literature The late Gregorio C. Brillantes was a celebrated Filipino fictionist, essayist, journalist, and editor, known for works like The Distance to Andromeda and Other Stories, which explored themes of faith, science fiction, and Filipino life. Brillantes was also a Palanca Awards Hall of Famer and one of the country's respected writers of short fiction. Brillantes also held editorial positions at major Philippine publications and influenced younger generations of Filipino writers. He received the National Artist award posthumously following his death in September 2025. Imelda Cajipe Endaya — Visual Arts Imelda Cajipe Endaya is a painter, printmaker, and installation artist known for works that explore women's experiences, Philippine history, and social issues. She began as a printmaker in the 1970s before expanding into painting and mixed-media works using materials such as sawali, fabric, and found objects. She is a co-founder of KASIBULAN, a women's art collective that helped create space for Filipino women artists. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in collections including the National Museum of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the National Gallery Singapore. With her recognition, Endaya is the first woman to be named a National Artist for Visual Arts. Nunelucio Alvarado — Visu-

al Arts Nunelucio Alvarado is a visual artist from Negros Occidental known for his socially conscious works depicting the lives of marginalized communities. His paintings often focus on sugar workers, or sacadas, and the struggles of agricultural laborers in the region. He studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman and later studied advertising in Bacolod City. Alvarado co-founded Pamilya Pintura and founded the Pintor Kulapol group, helping strengthen the regional art scene outside Metro Manila. His work has earned recognition including the CCP Thirteen Artists Award and the Philip Morris ASEAN Arts Award Grand Prize. Gabriel Formoso — Architecture Gabriel P. Formoso was a prominent Filipino architect whose work helped shape modern Manila. He established his architectural firm in 1939 and became known for incorporating tropical functionalism into residential and institutional structures. Among the projects associated with his firm are the Asian Institute of Management building, Lepanto Building, Central Bank of the Philippines complex, and Valley Golf Club. Formoso also mentored younger architects and emphasized designing spaces around the needs and lifestyles of the people who would use them. He is being recognized posthumously following his death in 1996. Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan — Dance Rafael “Nonoy” Catalino Froilan is one of the Philippines' most prominent male ballet dancers. Born in Calbiga, Samar, he initially studied business administration at the University of the East before pursuing dance. PAGE 10

Tony and Olivier Award-winning performer honored after a career spanning Manila, Broadway, Disney films and international stages by AJPress HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Lea Salonga received the 2,855th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sept. 4, becoming the first Filipina to receive the honor. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning performer was recognized in the Live Performance category at a ceremony outside the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, adding one of Hollywood’s most visible distinctions to a career spanning Philippine theater, Broadway, London’s West End, film, television and international concert stages. Television host and journalist Sibley Scoles presided over the ceremony. Actress Ming-Na Wen, singer and actress Brandy, and actor and Broadway performer Darren Criss delivered tributes. Filipino American singer H.E.R. was among those in attendance. “Long before Hollywood, long before Broadway, there was Manila,” Salonga said as she reflected on a career that began when she was a child performer in the Philippines. She also paid tribute to her family, recalling how her mother, Ligaya Salonga, helped finance and promote her first album and later managed her career for decades. Salonga also thanked her brother, conductor Gerard Salonga, and her son, Nic. The Manila International Film Festival nominated Salonga for the Walk of Fame honor. She was selected for the Class of 2026 by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations, with the selections later ratified by the chamber’s board. Salonga made her professional stage debut at age 7 in a Philippine production of “The King and I.” Her international breakthrough came as Kim in the original London production of “Miss Saigon,” a role she later brought to Broadway. She won the Laurence Olivier Award for her London performance and the 1991 Tony Award for best actress in a musical, becoming the first Asian per-

Photo from Instagram/@hwdwalkoffame

former to win in that Tony category. Her Broadway credits have since included “Les Misérables,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Allegiance,” “Once on This Island,” “Here Lies Love” and “Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.” Salonga also became familiar to generations of Disney audiences as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in the 1992 animated film “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” and “Mulan II.” Disney named her a Disney Legend in 2011. The Walk of Fame ceremony brought several strands of her career together. Wen provided Mulan’s speaking voice in the 1998 animated film while Salonga performed the character’s songs. Criss spoke about Salonga’s influence on him as a performer of Filipino heritage. The dedication took place during the third Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles. MIFF also selected Salonga as the inaugural recipient of its Icon Award at the festival’s closing-night gala. Salonga closed her remarks by signaling that the recognition was not a farewell to the stage. “And the best part is I’m not done yet,” she said.

Features

SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL

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Faith works wonders

Brian Poe Llamanzares, Margarita Gutierrez marry, joining families rooted in public service

HEALTH @HEART

The newlyweds come from families whose histories span Philippine cinema, politics, law and government service by AJPress MANILA – FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares and Justice Undersecretary Margarita Navarro Gutierrez married Sept. 8 at Santuario de San Jose in Mandaluyong City, joining two families with longstanding ties to Philippine cinema, politics, law and government service. Llamanzares, 34, is the eldest son of former Sen. Grace Poe and Neil Llamanzares. Through his mother, he is the grandson of National Artist Fernando Poe Jr. and actress Susan Roces, who adopted Grace Poe after she was found as an infant in Iloilo. Gutierrez, 43, is a lawyer and Department of Justice undersecretary. An Ateneo de Manila University law graduate, she worked at the Supreme Court and Office of

the Ombudsman before entering private practice and later serving in senior government posts. She is the daughter of former Justice Secretary and Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Navarro Gutierrez and Jesus N. Gutierrez. Her mother, also a lawyer, now chairs the National Commission of Senior Citizens and was the country’s first woman Ombudsman. Gutierrez’s maternal grandfather, lawyer Rufino Navarro Sr., served as vice governor of Bataan, extending the family’s public-service tradition another generation. Before entering the legal profession, Gutierrez also worked as a model and competed in Binibining Pilipinas in 2008. Llamanzares and Gutierrez have undertaken public-service initiatives together. In April, the Bureau of Corrections said they donated 16 tablet devices with keyboards

Photo from Instagram/@patdy11

for educational, administrative and reformation programs for persons deprived of liberty and BuCor personnel. Their wedding reception was held at Foro de Intramuros in Manila following the ceremony.

KC Concepcion shares ‘date night’ with Kiko Pangilinan, seeks life advice The actress posted photos and video from a recent dinner with her stepfather, whom she calls “Dad” by AJPress MANILA — KC Concepcion shared a recent dinner with Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, posting photos and a short video in which she asked her stepfather for advice about navigating life’s uncertainties. “Finally… date night with Dad. Missed this,” Concepcion wrote in a Sept. 9 Instagram post, describing an evening of good food, conversation and what she called “the best life advice.” In the accompanying video, Concepcion asked Pangilinan what advice he would give younger people. The senator encouraged her to surrender matters beyond her control and expressed his belief that difficult or uncertain circumstances can have meaning and purpose. The exchange offered another glimpse into Concepcion’s relationship with Pangilinan, whom she has increasingly referred to publicly as “Dad.”

Earlier this year, Concepcion spoke about growing up in a blended family and the perspective she has gained over time. The daughter of Sharon Cuneta and actor Gabby Concepcion, she said she once called Pangilinan “Tito Francis” but now calls him “Dad.” She also said she had reached out to Pangilinan to express gratitude as she reflected on family and on eventually building a family of her own. Cuneta recently addressed her husband’s relationship with KC during an appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” saying the two were “okay.” She explained that KC had lived independently for years and traveled frequently, which sometimes limited the family’s time together. The dinner followed another public family moment in August, when KC greeted Pangilinan on his 63rd birthday and shared family photographs. She again addressed him as Dad and expressed appreciation for occasions when

Photo from Instagram/@kristinaconcepcion

the family could spend time together. Pangilinan responded to the greeting with thanks. Pangilinan returned to the Philippine Senate in 2025 and is serving in the 20th Congress. In her Sept. 9 post, KC also congratulated her mother on “Honor Thy Mother,” the family drama starring Cuneta that premieres globally on Prime Video on Sept. 11. Concepcion closed her post with a simple wish: “More family QT soon.”

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS

My faith in God has never been shaken or diminished despite all the trials and tribulations I have endured throughout my life. Nor has it wavered in the face of the many challenges I encountered during three decades of practicing cardiac surgery. I felt secure in my belief that the Almighty was always there guiding me along the way in my personal life and career. To me, there is no conflict between faith and science. With an open mind and an open heart, one can use the microscope of reason to dissect the relationship between them and recognize that the two are not in conflict. In fact, I found that my faith and my work complemented and strengthened one another. As I watched my patients manifest and benefit from the miracle of healing, my faith grew deeper and more resilient. Blessed with this bolder confidence, perhaps a psychological boost, I felt my surgical skills were sharpened as well. A prayer in silence always preceded my surgeries. As the operation progressed, soft, light classical music permeated the room. When it was time to revive and restart the heart, which I had stopped during the procedure, Celine Dion’s Titanic theme song “My Heart Will Go On” would play, echoing my silent prayer for the heart to beat again. This phase of the procedure is always a crucial event in open-heart surgery, a moment when my faith abides by the final decision of the Almighty, and I rely fully on His sacred blessings. One’s faith goes beyond the career. Living the tough daily struggle requires the blessings of strength and inspiration from faith. While I deeply respect atheists and those who do not believe in a Supreme Force ruling the universe, I wonder if they feel total helplessness when a major calamity devastates their lives. Who do they cling to, besides themselves, alone in the wilderness of life?

Asia’s Next Generation of Stars: 12 Rising Talents to Watch

MEET 12 exceptional young talents, all age 20 and younger, selected for their achievements and potential. Already making waves across Asia’s entertainment landscape, they represent a new generation helping shape the future of Asian entertainment. From musical prodigies to award-winning screen performers, these are the artists to watch across the region. 1. Gordon Cormier, 16, Filipino-Canadian actor. “Asia’s Breakout Star.” He stars as Aang in Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Before “Avatar,” he appeared in “The Stand” and made appearances in “Get Shorty” and “Lost in Space.” 2. Moon Woo-jin, 16, Korean actor. “Asia’s Next Leading Man.” He appeared in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and “The Atypical Family.” In 2025, he played a serial killer in the Disney+ drama “Unmasked.” He has also been dubbed the “K-Drama Flashback King.” 3. Aqeela Calista, 18, Indonesian actress and singer. “Asia’s Next IT Girl.” At 17, she won four major trophies at the 2025 SCTV Awards for her leading performance in “Asmara Gen Z.” Her songs include “Cinta Tak Ada Yang Tahu,” “Berhenti Berharap” and “Menunggu Cinta.” She was also crowned Aktris IT Girl of the Year at the 2026 GRID Awards. 4. Rong Zishan, 20, Chinese actor and model. “Asia’s NextGen Acting Powerhouse.” He has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar Men, GQ, InStyle Icon and Cosmopolitan. His screen credits include Dollar Zhang in “Mountains May Depart” and Zhu Chaoyang in “The Bad Kids.” 5. Rahul R. Vellal, 19, Indian classical singer. “Asia’s Carnatic Boy Wonder.” A Carnatic vocalist, mridangist and pianist, he sang for the Telugu edition of Disney’s “The Lion King,” completed a 10-city U.S. debut concert tour and received the Global Child Prodigy Award in singing. 6. Elia Ilano, 16, Filipino ac-

Gordon Cormier, 16, Filipino- Moon Woo-jin, 16, Korean. Canadian.

Aqeela Calista, 18, Indonesian.

Rong Zishan, 20, Chinese.

Life is fragile When disaster strikes, each of us faces the profound fragility of life. For believers, we turn to family, prayers, and friends, and find solace in the belief in a benevolent higher power and an afterlife. For the non-religious, the internal and external landscape of grief is entirely secular. They navigate the profound suffering through the lenses of existential reality, human connection, and the pursuit of tangible meaning. I prefer to rely on a powerful anchor: my faith. It is something I carry with me as I navigate the turbulent sea of life alongside my family and friends, ready to stabilize my lifeboat wherever I anchor. I consider myself a certified coward, which is exactly why I need a strong anchor in my life. Mental trauma The recent derecho storm system that spawned several tornadoes and devastated the Midwest on August 11, 2026, left my home in Munster, Indiana, completely unlivable. During the storm, a massive tree from the neighbor’s yard crashed onto my roof, while peak winds of 121 mph tore away my gutters and destroyed the fences on both sides of the property, leaving our garden in ruins. The impact severely fractured the Ludowici clay tile roof, triggering leaks that ruined our carpet in multiple rooms. Compounding the disaster, the storm knocked out our electricity for 10 days; without power, the sump pump failed, completely flooding the basement for days. Giant trees were uprooted in many areas of the neighborhood, blocking the streets. Because the massive power outage forced all local hotels and restaurants to close, we had to drive to the next town, Harvey, Illinois, to find a hotel to stay in. On the same day, a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Western Colombia with 132 deaths and hundreds injured. A week or so before, there were widespread floods, landslides, and severe storms in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. We are no match for the power of Mother Nature. We must stop abusing our environment and start respecting it. The more we damage our world, the greater the natural catastrophe that will haunt us. Let us live in harmony with our surroundings, helping the environment flourish and remain healthy. Ultimately, it is for our own good and survival. My family and I were deeply saddened and overwhelmed. But we never questioned why God directed the tornado our way; instead, we focused on our gratitude that none of us was harmed. Far more tragic, however, is the relentless cycle of storms and devastation in our native land, the Philippines, which leaves thousands homeless and claims countless lives every single year.

Blessing in disguise To me, who is an eternal optimist, there is always a silver lining after dark clouds hover over us, like a beautiful rainbow that follows rain, a blessing in disguise. I hope this is the trial of my phoenix, and that we shall recover, even more refined. Of course, our homeowner’s insurance does not and cannot pay for the sadness, pain, and severe inconvenience this disaster has brought us. But in my thought process, I feel positive and somewhat joyful about the outcome which I can already foresee. Storms in our lives usually bring out the goodness and compassion in most people. Our neighbors on either side of the fence were wonderfully caring people; despite being victims themselves, they still offered us and others their help. To me, they are truly God’s people. Compartmentalizing my thoughts and focusing on the silver lining of this painful experience, I keep telling myself that, after all the massive reconstruction and big heartaches, I will have the blessing of an upgraded, remodeled home, with some help from our Homeowner's Insurance. I would like to think the tornado God has directed my way was really some blessing disguised as a disaster! The common saying that “God works in mysterious ways” is profoundly true. Now I know why He directed the tornado toward my home. He wants me to realize the dream I had a couple of years ago to remodel it. He just took a roundabout way of doing it! I feel truly blessed, which is why I might be sporting a smile when you see me standing in front of my severely damaged home, not a frown on my face. The lesson I learned during this catastrophe is to have faith that everything happens for a reason. Trust in God, yourself, your family, and your friends, and always maintain faith in the goodness of humanity. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** 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, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Palace names 10 new... Rahul R. Vellal, 19, Indian.

Elia Ilano, 16, Filipino.

Izaac Wang, 18, Chinese-Laotian- Mac (Nattapat Nimjiwarat), 18, American. Thai.

Kokoro Terada, 18, Japanese.

Mai Cat Vi, 17, Vietnamese.

Feng E, 19, Taiwanese.

Alan Sun Kim, 14, KoreanAmerican.

Suphannahong National Film Awards and Thai Film Critic Awards. In 2026, he starred in GMMTV’s “Unlucky Bae.” 9. Kokoro Terada, 18, Japanese actor and bodybuilding enthusiast. “Asia’s Acting Prodigy.” At 10, he won Best Actor in the Foreign Language Film category at the Milan International Film Festival for “Grandma Is Okay.” He later appeared in “Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar” and “Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Alchemy.” He has since pursued bodybuilding and competed in physique tournaments. 10. Mai Cat Vi, 17, Vietnamese actress. “Asia’s Silver-Screen Gem.” She appeared in the action film “Furie” and won Best Supporting Actress at the Vietnam Film Festival at age 10. At 14, she won Best Actress at the same festival, helping establish her reputation as one of Vietnam’s most accomplished young performers. 11. Feng E, 19, Taiwanese musician. “Asia’s Ukulele Virtuoso.” His performance of Tommy Emmanuel’s version of “Clas-

sical Gas” went viral, leading to two appearances on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He later performed on “Asia’s Got Talent” Season 2 and “America’s Got Talent” in 2020, and his 2024 U.S. West Coast tour included the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival. 12. Alan Sun Kim, 14, Korean-American actor. “Asia’s Young Maverick.” He became widely known as David Yi in the 2020 film “Minari,” winning the 2021 Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer. He also received youth performance honors from critics groups in Washington, D.C., and Seattle and earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. His later credits include “Theater Camp,” “IF,” “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” and “Monsters at Work.”

tress, host, creative writer and model. “Asia’s Multifaceted Star.” A youth leader for State of Youth by the KidsRights Foundation, she became its youngest chapter leader. She won Best Actress awards at film festivals in Brazil and India for “Teresa.” She later played the lead in “Violet,” produced by a Netherlands-based nonprofit accredited with the U.N. Economic and Social Council. Her short story and poem were also published in the University of the Philippines’ “Tsikiting Stories: Samut Saring Kwento” collection. 7. Izaac Wang, 18, Chinese-Laotian-American actor. “Asia’s Young Phenom.” He provided voice work for Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Win or Lose,” the Disney+ animated series created by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates. 8. Mac (Nattapat Nimjiwarat), 18, Thai actor under GMMTV. “Asia’s Rising Heartthrob.” A former child actor, he appeared in “Thong Nuea Kao” and “Tukkae Rak Pang Mak,” winning supporting-actor honors at the

*** 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: rogelio.medina@asianjournalinc.com

PAGE 9 He became a principal dancer of Ballet Philippines in 1973 and performed alongside some of the country's leading ballerinas. Froilan later focused on teaching, serving as faculty at the Philippine High School for the Arts and conducting master classes and dance workshops. He has also worked to preserve regional dance heritage through documentation and continues to contribute to Philippine dance education. Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro — Design Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro is a prominent figure in Philippine fashion known for championing traditional Filipino textiles and craftsmanship. Much of her work has focused on preserving piña fabric and supporting the communities that produce it. In the 1980s, she helped establish training programs for the next generation of piña producers as the industry faced decline. She also brought traditional garments such as the baro’t saya and barong Tagalog into contemporary fashion through updated cuts, embroidery, and embellishments. Tesoro also helped establish the Katutubong Filipino Foundation and continues to mentor artisans and younger designers. Armando “Bing” Lao — Film and Broadcast Arts Armando “Bing” Lao was a screenwriter, educator, and mentor who played a major role in Philippine independent cinema. He developed the “Found Story” approach to screenwriting, which encouraged filmmakers to draw stories from real-life environments and observations. Lao wrote screenplays for films including Kinatay and Takaw Tukso and supervised the screenplay for Kubra-

dor. Through his Found Story Screenwriting Workshop, he mentored more than 40 batches of aspiring filmmakers and writers. Lao was recognized posthumously following his death in June 2024. Teodoro Hilado — Theater Teodoro L. Hilado, who passed away in Dec. 23, 2015, was a pioneer of professional lighting design in the Philippines. He served for many years as technical director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where he helped establish standards for theatrical lighting and stage management. Hilado pushed lighting beyond its role as a technical requirement, treating it as an essential part of a production's storytelling and atmosphere. He also trained and mentored generations of technical directors and lighting designers in the country. Hilado is being honored posthumously for his lasting contributions to Philippine theater. Alfredo S. Buenaventura — Music Alfredo S. Buenaventura is a composer, conductor, and educator whose work incorporates Philippine legends, epics, and folk traditions into classical music. Born in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, in 1929, he has composed more than 50 major works, including the operas Maria Makiling and Diego Silang. His compositions often combine indigenous instruments and Filipino musical elements with classical and contemporary styles. Buenaventura also served as dean of the Centro Escolar University Conservatory of Music, where he helped shape generations of musicians. He is a two-time recipient of the Republic Cultural Heritage Award and has had his works performed internationally. (with reports from Camille Santiago)

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Community

ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026

California reports broad crime declines as study finds Second sun rises in San Francisco: Yerba Buena gets Filipino light installation Richmond violence program reduced shootings Yerba Buena Gardens welcomes new Filipino cultural marker, “13°N, 122°E” A CORNER of Yerba Buena Gardens will be illuminated this September by a new Filipino cultural marker designed to evoke a second sun. Called “13°N, 122°E,” the amber dome takes its name from coordinates near the geographic center of the Philippines. Floating above a fountain, the installation will brighten and dim in sync with sunrise and sunset in the Philippines. Organizers describe it as San Francisco’s first Filipino monument. A formal unveiling is scheduled for Sept. 4. The project brings together SoMa Pilipinas, art collective mumu, the Yerba Buena Gardens Community Benefit District and the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy. It follows years of discussion over how to recognize the Filipino community displaced during redevelopment of the Yerba Buena area in the 1960s and 1970s. A 2020 SoMa Pilipinas study proposed ways to make Filipino history more visible in the gardens. Mumu later developed the concept, choosing the sun as a

The light installation “13°N, 122°E” during sunrise. Photo courtesy of mumu

symbol of home, continuity and the Philippines’ island geography. The dome was fabricated in Thailand and designed to withstand weather and vandalism. Though the installation is currently expected to remain through about 2030, SoMa Pilipinas Executive Director Raquel Redondiez said funding has been set aside for

a permanent work. Community members saw the structure during an Aug. 8 preview tied to the Pistahan festival, when about 100 people gathered around the glowing dome. Organizers said the piece is intended both as a cultural marker and as recognition of the Filipino community’s long presence in San Francisco.

Graton Resort & Casino unveils neon kitty, returns as SF Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival Title Sponsor this September EVERY Saturday in September, Graton Guests can take part in the Over $2 Million Golden Moon Giveaway. Drawings take place every hour from 7PM-11PM at The Portal, where G Guests can win up to $100,000 cash every hour. Plus, 50 winners will receive $1,000 Free Slot Play every week. Guests can start earning entries August 31, with 50 Points = 1 Entry. As a bonus, Guests can earn 10X entries Saturdays, September 5-26, from 3PM-7PM. On September 19-20, Graton Resort & Casino returns as Title Sponsor of the SF Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival, celebrating the rich traditions of the Asian American community and bringing festival excitement to the heart of the Bay Area. Festival attendees can visit the must-see Graton exhibit at the corner of Washington Street and Grant Avenue to spin the Lucky Prize Wheel for a chance to win exciting giveaways, including dining at Graton restaurants, Free Play and more. Graton will also sponsor top prizes for the festival’s 35th anniversary raffle and high-energy dumpling-eating contest. Festivalgoers can also stop by for special interactive experiences and photo opportunities celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Neon Kitty – Grab-And-Go Asian “Konbini” Café Join the fun as Graton Resort & Casino unveils Neon Kitty, a new Grab-And-Go Asian Café tempting with an array of build-your-own ramen bowls, fresh-made onigiri, classic Asian-inspired konbini sandwiches and snacks, imported drinks and sweets. Designed for guests on the go, Neon Kitty brings a fresh, playful and colorful take on Asian convenience culture to Graton. The excitement continues onstage this fall with a powerhouse Filipino pop group, an all-star Vietnamese lineup and a beloved Hong Kong vocal icon each performing live at Graton’s “The

Event” space. Sexbomb – Friday, September 25 at 8PM After 25 years, Filipino pop group The Sexbomb Girls reunite for their Get, Get Aw! World Tour, bringing together generations of fans who grew up watching the group on Philippine television. Their highly anticipated return has generated viral buzz, strong fan response and multiple sold-out shows. Legendary Autumn Night – Friday, October 16 at 8PM Legendary Autumn Night brings together a star-studded lineup of Vietnamese entertainers, including Tuan Anh, Luong Tùng Quang, Philip Huy, Shayla, Jay Vĩ Trí and Giáng Ngoc. Tuan Anh brings more than four decades of international stage experience and a repertoire of romantic ballads and bolero classics, while Luong Tùng Quang and Philip Huy are known for nostalgic favorites and appearances on productions including Paris By Night. Teresa Cheung – Saturday, October 31 at 8PM

Celebrated Hong Kong singer Teresa Cheung rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with her pure, expressive vocals and timeless Cantopop songs. Known for hits including The Bund, Love and Loyalty and Who Can Change, Cheung’s music has remained a favorite across generations of fans. For tickets to upcoming performances, or to explore Graton Resort & Casino's latest promotions, dining and entertainment, visit Graton.com.

SACRAMENTO — California reported declines across all major crime categories in 2025 as new research from UC Berkeley found that a long-running violence intervention program in Richmond was associated with a substantial reduction in firearm homicides and injury shootings. The state’s homicide rate fell to 3.5 per 100,000 people in 2025, the lowest since statewide reporting began in 1966. Compared with 2024, homicides declined 18.6%, robberies 19.9%, property crime 14.3%, motor vehicle theft 25.8% and violent crime 10.2%. A study by the UC Berkeley Center for Global Healthy Cities found that Richmond’s community violence intervention program was responsible for an estimated 61% reduction in firearm homicides and injury shootings over 14 years. Researchers compared Richmond with dozens of similar U.S. cities and found that reductions increased as the program continued. Richmond’s Office of Neighborhood Safety has received $10 million through the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, in addition to city funding. The state has expanded its investment in such programs and established a dedicated funding stream under Assembly Bill 28.

California has also increased enforcement operations. Since 2023, California Highway Patrol Crime Suppression Teams have reported 15,197 arrests, recovery of 7,042 stolen vehicles and seizure of 656 firearms. Nearly 400 CHP cadets are expected to graduate in 2026. More than 2,900 cadets have entered the department since Gov. Gavin Newsom took office. State officials also reported 35,907 arrests connected to organized retail theft since October 2023, with more than $293 million in stolen property recovered. California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force analysts have assisted law enforcement in intercepting about 39,644 pounds of fentanyl and 54.6 million pills since 2021. The state’s naloxone distribution program has also supported more than 460,000 reported overdose reversals. Separately, state enforcement teams reported removing nearly 15,300 illegal hemp, kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine products from store shelves. The Newsom administration has combined expanded law enforcement, drug interdiction, retail theft enforcement and gun regulations with violence prevention and overdose-response programs as part of its broader public safety strategy.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco continued a series of community, government and trade engagements across Northern California in recent weeks, including participa-

tion in the annual Pistahan festival, discussions with Colma officials, government audits and talks aimed at broadening the U.S. market for Philippine beverage brands.

Consulate Watch

Pistahan marks 33 years of Filipino culture in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO — Filipino culture, community organizations and local performers took center stage Aug. 8-9 during the 33rd annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in downtown San Francisco. Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon served as Community Grand Marshal and joined the pre-parade program at Civic Center, where he recognized the Filipino American Arts Exposition, volunteers and community partners involved in organizing the event. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie commended FAAE President Al Perez and recognized SOMA Pilipinas as it marked its 10th anniversary as a cultural heritage district. Other honorees included singer and actress Stephanie Reese as Celebrity Grand Marshal, SOMA Pilipinas Director Raquel Redondiez as Legacy Grand Marshal and California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza as Hermana Mayor. The free festival featured Filipino arts, dance, liter-

Wilton Rancheria Wilton Rancheria is Sacramento County's only federally recognized Tribe, with more than 1,000 citizens, primarily of Miwok and Nisenan descent. Known as California's Capital Tribe, Wilton Rancheria has established itself as a leader in sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community partnership. The Tribe State and local officials join Parangal and Kariktan cultural performers after the Pistahan pre-parade program. operates Sky River Casino, holds majority ownership of Sacramento Republic FC, and continues expanding its influence in regional economic development.

ature, fashion, food, business, sports and martial arts. The Consulate also operated an information booth covering consular services, overseas voting, tourism and trade. Reese headlined the second-day afternoon program at Yerba Buena Gardens, performing Broadway and Filipino selections.

Members of the Philippine Consulate General contingent join the 33rd Pistahan Parade in San Francisco, with City Hall in the background.

Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon speaks during the 33rdPistahanpre-parade program at Civic Center. San Francisco PCG photo

Colma talks focus on Filipino community ties

The Philippine Consulate General met with Colma Mayor Carrie Slaughter and members of the Town Council on Aug. 27 to discuss community cooperation and cultural programs. The meeting focused on maintaining engagement with Filipino Americans in Colma and on efforts to preserve Filipino heritage among younger generations. Consulate and town officials also discussed possible cooperation on future cultural activities, community programs and local events.

From left: Councilmember Thomas Walsh, Vice Mayor Helen Fisicaro, Mayor Carrie Slaughter, Consul General Arnel Talisayon, Councilmember Joanne F. Del Rosario and Consul Marc Benigno at Colma Town Hall on Aug. 27. San Francisco PCG photo

San Francisco post completes consecutive government audits The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco completed audits by the Philippine Commission on Audit in July and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Internal Audit Service in August. The Consulate said the reviews examined its operations and compliance with applicable Philippine laws, rules and regulations. It also acknowledged the two audit teams for their professional work during the review process.

San Francisco PCG photo

Talks target broader U.S. reach for Philippine beverage brands SAN FRANCISCO — Philippine officials and a U.S. beverage importer discussed ways to expand the market for Philippine-made drinks during a Sept. 1 meeting at the Philippine Center in San Francisco. Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon met with Tony Fleming, Western Division sales manager of GK Skaggs Inc., which imports and develops international beverage brands in the United States. The discussion covered Philippine products already handled by the company, including Red Horse, San Miguel, Emperador, Engkanto, Uber Cream Liqueur and Ginebra San Miguel. The meeting also examined po-

Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon, center, meets with GK Skaggs Inc. Western Division Sales Manager Tony Fleming, right, on Sept. 1 at Romulo Hall in the Philippine Center in San Francisco to discuss the U.S. market for Philippine beverage products. San Francisco PCG photo

tential opportunities for ube-based liqueurs, lambanog and other Philippine products to reach a broader U.S. consumer base beyond the Filipino American market.

Possible cooperation in product promotion, marketing and market development was also discussed as part of efforts to support Philippine exporters.

SEPTEMBER 11 - 17, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL

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