101125 - Los Angeles Edition

Shutdown fallout deepens: Duffy warns absentee controllers could face firing as delays spread

week of the government shutdown

D.c. / Los ANGeLes – the

WAshiNGtoN,

U.s. government shutdown entered its second week with rising strain on air travel. thousands of flight delays have piled up, federal aviation staff are working without pay, and pressure is building on lawmakers to end the impasse.

“if we have a continual small subset of controllers that don’t show up to work … we’re going to let them go,” transportation secretary sean Duffy said thursday, october 9, adding that 90 to 95 percent of controllers continue reporting despite no pay. he said staffing-related absences now account for 53 percent of delays, compared with about 5 percent in nor-

US automakers struggle to stay on course as EV subsidies end

WAshiNGtoN / Detroit — America’s electric vehicle (eV) ambitions are facing a reality check. the federal $7,500 eV tax credit expired on september 30, ending a key incentive that had fueled sales and investment across the auto industry. the trump administration’s decision to let the program lapse is part of its broader rollback of clean-energy subsidies. industry leaders warn the shift could slow adoption and weaken U.s. competitiveness in the global eV market.

GM drops lease workaround General motors confirmed on october 8 that it abandoned a plan to capture remaining tax credits through dealer leases after criticism from lawmakers and legal experts. the company’s finance arm had planned to buy eVs from dealer inventory before the deadline, claim the credits, and pass savings on to customers.

Gm now says it will fund lease incentives

Armed Forces stands by Marcos amid

by AJPress

We have shown that the Armed Forces remains professional and loyal to the Constitution,” he said. “i thank our soldiers for their composure and for staying focused on

the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by Lt. Gen. Jose melencio Nartatez, also rejected claims that it was being drawn into any destabilization efforts.

There are no talks, no invitations, and no basis for these rumors,” Nartatez told reporters.

Senate names Erwin Tulfo acting Blue Ribbon chair after Lacson’s resignation

by AJPress

mANiLA — the senate has named senator erwin tulfo as acting chair of the Blue ribbon committee following senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s decision to step down from the post, which he described as final.

senate President Pro tempore tito sotto confirmed the designation on Wednesday, saying the majority bloc agreed to let tulfo temporarily lead the chamber’s main investigative body while it deliberates on a permanent replacement.

Trump appoints Lee Lipton as new ambassador to PH

Lipton serves as the interim permanent representative to the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States

Los ANGeLes – President Donald trump has appointed Lee Lipton, the interim permanent representative to the United states mission to the organization of American states, as the new U.s. Ambassador to the Philippines, the White house announced Wednesday (thursday in manila). Lee Lipton, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of the Philippines,” according to the White house announcement

“This is part of the internal adjustment process,” sotto said, adding that the committee’s work would continue even as the senate reviews its leadership lineup.

tulfo, who previously served as the committee’s vice chair, said he intends to continue ongoing inquiries once sessions resume.

“We will pursue the hearings when the proper documents are ready and invite those who need to appear,” tulfo told reporters, referring to former house speaker martin romualdez and former Ako Bicol rep. Zaldy

Gen. Brawner denies coup reports the reaffirmation followed online rumors suggesting coordination among active officers, retired generals, and religious groups to remove the president from office. At a foreign correspondents Association of the Philippines (focAP) forum on october 4, Gen. Brawner dismissed the allegations as false and destabilizing.

The coup rumors are not true. I myself was sur-

the hAGUe — the international criminal court on october 10, 2025, denied former Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, ruling that his continued detention is necessary as he awaits trial on crimes-against-humanity charges tied to his anti-drug campaign. in a redacted decision, Pre-trial chamber i said Duterte’s release would pose “risks of flight and interference with witnesses and proceedings.” Judges rejected defense arguments citing age and health, saying proposed safeguards did not sufficiently address those concerns. What the court said the chamber reviewed months of filings from both sides. Duterte’s lawyers sought release in June,

The 7.4 offshore quake that struck Davao Oriental was among the strongest in the Philippines this year. A magnitude 6.8 aftershock followed hours later, as officials confirmed seven deaths and hundreds of injuries

by AJPress

DAVAo orieNtAL - A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao oriental on friday morning, october 10, shaking much of mindanao and prompting tsunami warnings that were later lifted. As of the latest reports, sev-

en people have been confirmed dead and hundreds injured, while authorities continue to assess damage across the southern region.

The earthquake and epicenter the Philippine institute of Volcanology and seismology (Phi-

mANiLA — former Justice secretary Jesus crispin “Boying” remulla formally took his oath as the new ombudsman of the republic of the Philippines on october 9, 2025, before the supreme court en banc, marking the start of his seven-year term as the country’s top anti-corruption watchdog. the oath was administered by senior Associate Justice marvic m. V. f. Leonen, acting chief Justice, in simple rites at the supreme court. President ferdinand r marcos Jr. earlier appointed

remulla to the post on october 7, following the completion of hon. samuel r martires’ term in July. there will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses,” the Palace said in confirming his appointment earlier this week. “Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable.” early priorities: flood control, Pharmally, and transparency in his first remarks after being sworn in, remulla pledged to reopen major graft cases, beginning with alleged irregularities

Armed Forces stands by Marcos...

PAGE A1

prised when I saw the article,” he said. “The Armed Forces remains professional, united, and loyal to the Constitution.” he warned that any attempt to undermine the government would reverse democratic and economic gains. “We have been through that before,” he said. “We do not want to go back to those dark years.” Retired officers and disinformation

While denying any internal plot, Gen. Brawner acknowledged that some retired officers had reached out to active-duty soldiers, calling on them to withdraw support from the President. he said such efforts “did not gain ground” and commended the discipline of the ranks.

malacañang described the coup talk as “dangerous disinformation” aimed at eroding public trust in the military. Defense secretary Gilberto teodoro Jr. and Presidential Peace Adviser carlito Galvez Jr. both affirmed that the AfP has matured beyond politics.

reports from Bloomberg and the south china morning Post show that unverified posts about supposed foreign involvement and alleged dissent within

without credible evidence. the AfP’s Public Affairs office said it continues to monitor and counter the spread of false information.

Professional force under the president Gen. Brawner, who was appointed chief of staff on July 21, 2023, by President marcos, succeeded Gen. Andres centino in a change-of-command ceremony at camp Aguinaldo.

A graduate of the Philippine military Academy “makatao”

class of 1989,

served as commanding

al of the Philippine

spokesperson, and

of cadets at the academy. he is recognized for his focus on discipline, education reform, and modernization within the military.

“We serve the people, not politics,” he said. The Armed Forces stands by democracy and the rule of law.” his latest directive reaffirms the AfP’s role as a stabilizing force and its loyalty to civilian authority under President marcos. n

ICC rejects Duterte’s interim release...

claiming deteriorating health, while prosecutors warned that his influence could undermine witnesses. Judges agreed with prosecutors, concluding that detention must continue.

the decision followed earlier hearings on Duterte’s medical fitness and detention conditions.

While the order resolved the release petition, the court noted that the question of fitness to stand trial remains under separate review.

Next steps in the case

With detention maintained, the proceedings move toward a confirmation-of-charges phase, which will determine which counts, if any, advance to trial. Judges have not yet ruled on Duterte’s medical capacity, and as of october 10, no trial date has been set.

Duterte has been in icc custody since march 12, 2025, after surrendering to face charges arising from thousands of deaths in anti-drug operations in Davao city and nationwide during his presidency. the icc’s investigation focuses on alleged crimes against humanity committed between 2011 and 2019.

A confirmation hearing previously postponed for medical reasons has not yet been rescheduled.

Reactions in Manila human-rights advocates welcomed the decision, calling it a sign that the icc prioritizes accountability over political pressure. Victims’ groups said Duterte’s detention preserves the integrity of the process.

Allies of the former president criticized the ruling as “polit-

ically motivated,” while malacañang has not issued an official statement.

Significance of the ruling the icc’s decision underscores its commitment to protect the judicial process in a politically charged case involving a former head of state. Keeping Duterte in custody signals that humanitarian claims will not outweigh risks to justice or witness safety. the ruling also clarifies two concurrent tracks: the confirmation-of-charges proceedings that define the scope of trial and the fitness-to-stand-trial review that could affect its timing. for families of victims, the order marks progress toward accountability. for Duterte’s defense, it limits legal options to renewed motions or appeals only if circumstances change. n

Nasa puso namin ang California pero sa Californians nahulog ang loob namin. Dahil tayong lahat, kapwa-Californian.

Anumang kulay, buhay na iniwan, nagsimula't tumubo dito,

buhay na may harana ng daan-daang wika, mga buhay na buhay na buhay at naghahanap ng sapat na pangangalaga—

para sa 'ting kapwa-Californian ang angkop na healthcare.

Di dapat rumaket muna para lang makapagpa-checkup.

Di mo dapat ipagpaliban ang pagpapagamot para lang makabayad-upa.

Sagot ka namin, palilinawin. Mapapanatag, mga damdamin.

Hindi kami insurance company. Nandito kami para sa 'yo dahil kapwa-Californian tayo.

US State Department flags

‘pervasive’ corruption in PH

The 2025 report also recognizes removal of the Philippines from ‘grey list’ of global watchdog on money laundering by

Marisse G. abelGas Inquirer.net

Los ANGeLes – the U.s state Department has once again placed corruption at the center of its assessment of the Philippine business climate – describing it as “a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sector” – in its 2025 investment climate statement. the report emphasized that graft remains a structural barrier to investment, citing the Philippines’ rank of 114th out of 180 countries in transparency international’s 2024 corruption Perceptions index—a position it has held since 2019. the Bureau of customs remains widely regarded as one of the country’s most corrupt agencies, while the World economic forum has consistently identified corruption as among the most problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines. Removal from FATF grey list

Despite these entrenched issues, the report acknowledged a significant achievement: the Philippines’ removal from the financial Action task force (fAtf) grey list in february 2025. the fAtf, a global watchdog on money laundering and terrorism financing, had placed the country under increased monitoring in June 2021 due to “strategic deficiencies” in its regulatory framework. these included weak oversight of money-transfer services, inadequate regulation of designated non-financial businesses and limited enforcement of beneficial ownership rules.

following a four-year reform effort, the fAtf noted that the Philippines had completed most of its action plan.

measures included stricter supervision of casinos and junkets, tighter regulation of remittance centers, broader law enforcement access to company ownership data, and enhanced cross-border controls by the Bureau of customs.

the Anti-money Laundering council (AmLc), Department of finance and other agencies coordinated reforms that strength-

ened monitoring and enforcement.

According to the fAtf, these steps brought the country closer to global financial standards. Analysts say the removal from the grey list is expected to ease international transactions, boost investor confidence and lower remittance costs for overseas filipino workers.

Flood control projects however, this renewed international confidence has coincided with one of the most serious domestic corruption scandals in recent years. in mid-2025, public outcry erupted over revelations of anomalies in government-funded flood control projects.

An internal audit found that between 2022 and 2024, nearly P545 billion (approximately Us$9–10 billion) was allocated to nearly 9,855 flood control projects nationwide. Yet many projects were flagged as irregular: only 15 of more than 2,000 accredited contractors handled about 20 percent of the total budget, raising concerns over contract concentration.

media reports and legislative hearings uncovered “ghost projects” that were never constructed, as well as substandard and overpriced works. in some cases, identical costings were applied to projects in different regions, suggesting systemic cost-padding. testimony during a senate inquiry deepened public concern. two former engineers from Bulacan province alleged that since 2019, projects had been deliberately overpriced or built with inferior materials, with kickbacks of at least 20 percent funneled to public officials and lawmakers. the controversy escalated after severe flooding all across Luzon in 2025, which many linked to failures in infrastructure intended to mitigate such disasters.

High-profile figures the scandal has already claimed high-profile figures. Public Works secretary manuel Bonoan resigned in september amid mounting pressure. his successor, Vince Dizon, immedi-

ately suspended bidding for local flood control projects, ordered implicated officials to step down, and vowed to blacklist erring contractors.

the investigations have also prompted immigration lookout bulletins and the freezing of nearly 1,600 bank accounts by the AmLc to institutionalize oversight, President ferdinand marcos Jr. created the independent commission for infrastructure (ici) in september 2025 through executive order No. 94. the three-member commission is chaired by retired supreme court Associate Justice Andres B. reyes Jr., with former Public Works secretary rogelio L. singson and fraud examiner rossana A. fajardo as members.

the ici is tasked with investigating anomalies in national infrastructure projects over the past decade. it has already reported suspected tampering and destruction of records within the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh), warning that such actions could obstruct ongoing investigations. the administration has also launched parallel efforts to restore credibility. in August, marcos ordered lifestyle checks on government officials – starting with those in the DPWh – to identify unexplained wealth.

Budget reforms have been introduced, with the 2026 national budget slashing allocations for flood control and redirecting funds to social services. A more stringent approval process for large-scale projects is now being implemented through the Department of finance. meanwhile, governance initiatives such as the e-Government Ph app are being expanded to reduce face-to-face transactions and minimize opportunities for graft.

‘No sacred cows’

President marcos has publicly acknowledged the scale of the problem, calling the corruption in the infrastructure sector “brazen.” he pledged that “no sacred cows” will be spared – even if investigations implicate politi-

Remulla takes oath as new Ombudsman...

in flood-control projects and the Pharmally corruption scandal. These cases must be pursued to their conclusion,” he said. “The public deserves closure and accountability.”

he also announced plans to lift the restrictions on access to statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (sALNs)that were imposed during martires’ term. A new memorandum, he said, would be issued by october 15 to restore controlled public access while protecting sensitive information.

Transparency is a constitutional duty,” remulla said. “People have the right to know that their officials serve honestly.

A constitutional watchdog

Under Article Xi of the 1987 constitution, the office of the ombudsman is an independent body mandated to investigate and prosecute public officials accused of wrongdoing. it can file graft and corruption cases before the sandiganbayan, impose administrative sanctions, and recommend reforms to strengthen public accountability.

the ombudsman serves a non-renewable seven-year term and may only be removed through impeachment, underscoring the office’s independence from political branches.

Transition at the Department of Justice

With remulla’s appointment, Undersecretary fredderick Vida has been named officer-in-charge (oic) of the Department of Justice, effective october 10, 2025.

Vida, who heads the DoJ’s administrative and personnel cluster, will oversee operations until a new secretary is appointed. malacañang Press officer claire castro said no shortlist has yet been submitted for the position. A public servant’s journey remulla, 64, has served in nearly every branch of government. A lawyer by training, he earned both his AB Political science and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of the Philippines Diliman, passing the Bar in 1987. he began his political career as a cavite provincial board member (1992–1995), later serving multiple terms in the house of representatives as Deputy speaker and senior Deputy majority Leader, and as Governor of cavite (2016–2019). his father, the late Governor Juanito “Johnny” remulla sr., and brothers Jonvic (now interior and Local Government secretary) and Gilbert (former lawmaker and broadcast journalist) form one of cavite’s most established political families. his son, crispin Diego “Ping” remulla, currently represents the province’s 7th District in congress. As Justice secretary since June 2022, remulla spearheaded efforts to modernize case management, decongest prisons, and streamline prosecution services.

Senate reaction

Lawmakers welcomed his appointment and oath-taking. senate President Vicente sotto iii called remulla “principled and courageous,” while senator sherwin Gatchalian said his “familiarity with graft cases and governance systems will strengthen the country’s accountability mechanisms.”

Both senators urged the new ombudsman to maintain independence and speed up the resolution of corruption cases.

Restoring public trust

Analysts say remulla’s transition from Justice secretary to ombudsman will be the first major test of his independence. his initial decisions—particularly on high-profile corruption probes and the reinstatement of public access to sALNs—will shape public perception of whether the marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas agenda can deliver genuine transparency.

President marcos reaffirmed that transparency, fairness, and the rule of law remain the administration’s guiding principles in building a government “that truly serves the Filipino people.” n

Trump appoints Lee Lipton as new ambassador...

posted under nominations and appointments on oct. 8.

After Lipton is confirmed by the U.s senate, he will replace maryKay carlson, who has served as ambassador since 2022.

As interim permanent representative to the U.s mission to the organization of American states, Lipton manages staff operations, financial resources and interagency coordination to advance U.s. foreign policy priorities in the Western hemisphere, according to the U.s state Department website.

in this role, he supports U.s engagement on a range of re-

gional challenges, including the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, and efforts to counter malign influence—particularly from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)— within the Inter-American System,” the website states.

25 years of private sector experience

With 25 years of private sector experience, Lipton offers a strong business-to-business perspective to U.s. engagement at the organization of American states.

Before entering public service, Lipton owned an apparel business in New York city, overseeing the design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of licensed collections for global

brands, including calvin Klein, st. John Knits and Guess. Lipton, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University, later transitioned into the hospitality industry, owning several oceanfront restaurants in florida.

“Lipton’s results-driven mindset and a strategic approach, shaped by decades of entrepreneurial leadership, informs his work at the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States, where he champions economic engagement, institutional efficiency and multilateral cooperation in support of regional stability and prosperity,” according to the U.s state Department website. (Inquirer.net)

Senate names Erwin Tulfo acting Blue...

co, two names earlier identified as potential witnesses.

Lacson says resignation is final

Lacson formally tendered his resignation early this week, saying he wanted to give way to another member after learning that several colleagues had expressed dissatisfaction with how he handled hearings on alleged anomalies in government flood-control projects.

“Rightly or wrongly, when quite a number of them have expressed disappointment over how I’m handling the flood-control project anomalies, I thought it’s time for me to step aside in favor of another member who they think can handle the committee better,” Lacson said.

he clarified that his decision was not a retreat from his long-standing anti-corruption advocacy.

I will continue to fight a corrupt and rotten system in the misuse and abuse of public funds,” he said.

Lacson reiterated later that his resignation was final but emphasized that committee chairs “ serve

at the pleasure of one’s colleagues. Flood-control probe to continue the senate Blue ribbon committee is investigating flood-control contracts valued at more than P545 billion since 2022, focusing on alleged ghost, overpriced, or substandard projects in Bulacan and central Luzon. Witnesses have testified on supposed irregularities, though those named have denied wrongdoing.

Parallel government reviews remain underway:

• The Independent Commission for infrastructure (ici), created under executive order No. 94, is pursuing an executive-branch investigation into public-works anomalies.

• The Commission on Audit (coA) has launched fraud audits after citizen complaints filed through sumbong sa Pangulo.

• The Department of Budget and management (DBm) has reduced flood-control allocations in its 2026 proposal pending results of the probes.

• The Department of Justice (DoJ) issued immigration lookout bulletin orders (iLBos) for persons linked to the projects, while the Bureau of immigration (Bi) said it is verifying travel records.

President ferdinand marcos Jr. earlier said investigations must proceed based on evidence and due process” and that “ no one will be spared if wrongdoing is proven. Search for a permanent chair senate leaders have yet to name a permanent Blue ribbon chair. Among those mentioned by colleagues as possible successors are Pia cayetano, risa hontiveros, JV ejercito, Kiko Pangilinan, and raffy tulfo, though some have already declined the post.

sotto said the majority caucus will meet again next week to decide on the final appointment, but assured the public that the investigation into the P545-billion flood-control program will proceed under senate oversight. n

Shutdown fallout deepens: Duffy warns absentee...

mal times.

Controllers on duty, paychecks frozen

Under federal law, air traffic controllers are “excepted” employees and must work during a shutdown. more than 13,000have gone unpaid since october 1. the controllers’ union NAtcA has urged members to keep working and avoid illegal job actions. the fAA entered 2025 short by about 3,500 to 3,800 controllers, and training and certification have been suspended during the funding lapse. Flight delays persist across major hubs the fAA delayed flights for a third straight day this week at reagan National and Newark, citing staffing shortages. Nationwide, delays have run 3,000 to 6,000 per day in recent days, with bottlenecks at chicago o hare, Denver, Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, and Nashville. o hare waits averaged about 41 minutes, and Newark arrivals were periodically capped to manage congestion. While stress is growing, iAtA director general Willie Walsh said the shutdown has not yet created significant disruptions to commercial schedules, and unlike past shutdowns, re-

cruitment of new controllers continues. Burbank tower unstaffed for hours in southern california, hollywood Burbank Airport’s control tower was unstaffed from 4:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pton oct. 6. socal trAcoN in san Diego managed the airspace while pilots used visual flight rules on the field. Delays averaged about two and a half hours, and normal staffing resumed the next day. Small communities face route risks the shutdown also threatens essential Air service (eAs) subsidies that keep flights running to rural and remote areas. the Department of transportation has told airlines those funds could end sunday, oct. 12, and that carriers flying eAs routes beyond that date may do so at their own risk until congress restores funding. Politics and modernization on oct. 9, the administration began airing a video on airport screens blaming Democrats for the shutdown’s aviation impacts, a move confirmed by the Department of homeland security. meanwhile, major carriers represented by Airlines for America have urged the fAA to deliver “quick-win” modernization steps,

US automakers struggle to...

internally through october. ford has not disclosed if it will pursue a similar approach.

“We continue to support our customers during this transition,” a Gm spokesperson said, adding that the company remains committed to electrification.

Tesla raises lease prices and trims costs following the loss of the tax credit, tesla raised U.s. lease rates for all models. monthly payments for the model Y now range from $529 to $599, and the model 3 from $429 to $759, according to reuters. to maintain affordability, tesla launched new “standard” versions of both vehicles with fewer features and shorter range. Analysts say the move shows how deeply the tax credit had shaped eV pricing.

Honda halts Acura EV as demand weakens honda motor co. has discontinued its Acura ZDX electric crossover, built at Gm’s spring hill, tennessee plant. the company cited low demand and plans to shift to its in-house rsX eV platform by 2026.

meanwhile, the U.s. Department of energy is reviewing more than $1.1 billion in grants previously awarded to Gmand stellantis for eV production. if rescinded, the funding cuts could delay major plant expansions.

States continue to push forward

While federal support ends, several states are expanding their own incentive programs. california, New York, and connecticut continue to promote eV adoption. connecticut recently raised its cheAPr rebate to as much as $4,000 for new battery eVs. Globally, china’s BYD and europe’s Volkswagen Group are increasing output with strong policy backing, further pressuring U.s automakers.

The road ahead

Analysts expect eV sales in the U.s. to decline in 2026 before stabilizing later in the decade. Automakers are turning to hybrids and plug-in hybrids to balance costs and consumer demand.

Without federal incentives, the U.s. auto industry faces a slower, costlier journey toward electrification while global competitors continue to accelerate. (AJPress)

ANGELES COUNTY

replacing paper flight strips and upgrading radar and communications systems, to reduce vulnerabilities. if the shutdown continues past mid-october, when many federal workers miss a second paycheck, analysts expect more absenteeism and cascading delays. the fAA says safety remains intact, but prolonged uncertainty continues to test the people who keep U.s airspace moving. (AJPress)

Magnitude 7.4 offshore quake hits Davao...

VoLcs) said the quake struck at 9:43 a.m., with an epicenter 62 kilometers southeast of manay town in Davao oriental at a depth of about 20 kilometers. it was caused by movement along the Philippine trench, a major subduction zone that runs parallel to the country’s eastern seaboard.

initial magnitude estimates from international agencies ranged from 7.5 to 7.6 before PhiVoLcs confirmed it at 7.4.

the U.s. Pacific tsunami Warning center (PtWc) issued alerts for coastal areas within 300 kilometers of the epicenter, warning of possible sea-level surges up to three meters. tsunami warnings were withdrawn hours later after monitoring stations detected only minor fluctuations.

Damage and casualties

Local disaster offices in mati city confirmed two fatalities due to falling debris, while additional deaths were reported in Pantukan town, bringing the total to seven, according to verified reports from the Inquirer and Associated Press. more than 400 residents were injured, many during panic evacuations or from collapsing structures.

cracks and partial collapses were reported in schools, hospitals, and government buildings. hospitals near the coast temporarily moved patients outside as tremors continued through the afternoon.

the Davao international Airport remained operational after inspections, while classes and ferry services in several mind-

anao provinces were suspended pending safety checks.

An eyewitness in mati described the scene as chaotic. “Power poles were swaying, and people ran outside in fear,” a local disaster officer said.

Aftershock and doublet quake

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck several hours later in the same offshore zone, intensifying fears among residents and further damaging already weakened structures.

PhiVoLcs described the two major tremors as a doublet earthquake—strong events that occur close together in time and location but originate from distinct fault ruptures.

officials warned that the second quake could further destabilize buildings compromised by the initial tremor.

By late afternoon, PhiVoLcs had recorded 299 aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 1.2 to 5.8, and said monitoring would continue.

Agency officials cautioned that aftershocks may persist for several days and advised residents to remain alert.

Government response President ferdinand marcos Jr. ordered the immediate mobilization of national relief and recovery efforts. the Department of social Welfare and Development (DsWD) distributed food packs and emergency shelters, while engineers from the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) were dispatched to assess bridges, roads, and schools.

Governor Nelson Dayang-

hirang coordinated with local mayors and first responders. he urged residents to “stay calm but vigilant” as response teams continued rescue and clearing operations in remote coastal areas.

About Davao Oriental Located on the southeastern tip of mindanao, Davao oriental faces the Pacific ocean and is the easternmost province of the Philippines. its capital, mati city, lies about 165 kilometers east of Davao city and serves as the region’s administrative and commercial hub. the province’s economy relies on coconut and abaca farming, fisheries, and tourism. its scenic landmarks include Aliwagwag falls, cape san Agustin, and Dahican Beach, known for surfing and skimboarding. With more than 500 kilometers of coastline, many residents depend on fishing and coastal trade for livelihood—making them vulnerable to quakes and tsunami risks.

Regional context the Philippines lies along the Pacific “ring of fire,” where tectonic plates frequently collide and trigger earthquakes. the Davao oriental quake is among the strongest to strike the country in 2025, following a magnitude 6.9 tremor in cebu in late september.

seismologists stress that preparedness—through proper construction, early-warning systems, and evacuation drills—remains key to minimizing risk. As of press time, no destructive tsunami had been recorded, but assessments and relief operations were ongoing across affected towns. n

LAcmtA will receive Proposals for rfP No. oP135054 - Prototype maintenance of Way (moW) track Vacuum Vehicle electronically via email at bids@ metro.net. All Proposals must be submitted electronically to LAcmtA, at bids@metro.com on or before 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on monday, November 10, 2025. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected. each proposal must include rfP No. oP135054 in the subject line of the email. for a copy of the rfP specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email christopher michel at michelc@metro.net. 10/11/25

cNs-3974604# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

OPiniOn FeAtures

The US law that tried to send Filipinos home: Remembering the Repatriation Act of 1935

A reflection on a 1935 law that sought to erase Filipinos from America’s landscape, and what it reveals about belonging, identity, and the unfinished work of justice

Filipino American History Month is often celebrated through food, music, and stories of migration and triumph. But history is not only about victories. it is also about the struggles that shaped our community’s path in America. one such struggle is tied to a little-known law, the Repatriation Act of 1935, which reveals how fragile Filipino lives once were in the eyes of the United States.

When the Philippines was reclassified as a commonwealth under the tydings–mcDuffie Act, filipinos in the U.s. suddenly became aliens overnight. migration from the islands was cut to a trickle, with only fifty individuals allowed each year. Yet filipinos still could not become U.s. citizens. they were in limbo, needed in the fields and canneries, yet unwanted in the social fabric of American life. the repatriation Act of 1935 offered “free” oneway passage for filipinos who wished to return to the islands. But it came with a catch: once you have left, you have lost the right to come back. in effect, it was an invitation to disappear quietly from the American landscape during a time of economic depression and rising racial hostility. only about 2,000 filipinos accepted the offer out of an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 then living in the

for those of us working in the foreign service, what is happening in our country today is so frustrating, to say the least. here we are vigorously promoting the Philippines like hell, competing with our Asian neighbors for a “slice of the pie” – only to be confronted with this horrific corruption scandal the country is facing. countries are considering suspending funding for a bridge project linked to the scandal, citing concerns over governance and transparency. other bilateral donors and aid agencies are quietly reviewing their exposure. What begins with a single delayed project can quickly cascade: procurement pipelines slow down and lenders hesitate to approve new funding tranches.

the Philippines finds itself at a precarious crossroads, with a broadening corruption scandal surrounding flood control and infrastructure projects dominating headlines – triggering public outrage and drawing scrutiny from donors and investors alike. What initially appeared as a domestic political crisis has evolved into a

public lives

the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo city, cebu, a few days ago reminds us of the fragility of human-made structures when tested by nature’s force. Ageold churches, modern malls— everything can collapse in seconds. We are taught, again and again, that while disasters may be natural in origin, their consequences are largely shaped by the society in which we live. that same truth applies to our politics. the earthquake is an apt metaphor for the destructive reckoning triggered by the exposé of massive corruption in flood control projects. reputations hastily built on tainted money and instant power crumble quickly. And the collapse rarely stops with the principal actors. it spreads, dragging with it institutions, public figures, and communities once thought unbreakable.

Editorial

United states. many were Sakadas or Manongs, young single men recruited for low-wage agricultural work who faced harsh labor conditions and racial exclusion. the vast majority chose to endure hardship rather than give up their chance to build lives here. their determination became the foundation of filipino communities in stockton, Los Angeles, seattle, and beyond — communities that still flourish today. though the law was struck down by the U.s supreme court in 1940, the scars remained. families were separated, opportunities lost, and the idea of filipino “disposability” was written into law. the 1935 repatriation Act did not stand alone. it was part of a longer arc of exclusion and eventual recognition that defined filipino migration to the United states.

Corruption scandal: Endangering investments in the Philippines

reputational challenge with direct implications on foreign direct investments, international aid and the country’s broader economic trajectory. for the business and finance community, this episode is not merely a governance story: it cuts right to the heart of how risks are priced, how projects are financed and whether the Philippines can sustain its narrative as one of southeast Asia’s rising investment destinations. international capital flows need to be protected. for multilateral development banks, bilateral donors and private financiers alike, the primary question is not simply What is the return?” but “Can I trust the money to be used as intended?

revelations of kickbacks, substandard works and inflated contracts in government-funded flood control projects directly undermine that trust. once credibility is shaken, the cost is not only reputational. Donors may suspend disbursements, impose stricter conditionalities or redirect funding to countries with more predictable

governance frameworks. Private investors may demand higher risk premiums or shift capital to competing destinations like Vietnam or indonesia. this reputational contagion extends beyond aid – several foreign firms operating in the Philippines already felt the effects of ongoing graft probes. heightened uncertainty is forcing multinationals to reassess whether the Philippine market justifies added risks. for those weighing expansion, the scandal could tip the balance toward postponement or cancellation. investors in emerging markets are quick to react to risks. Political and governance scandals translate into higher spreads on sovereign debt, greater volatility in equity markets and a weaker peso as confidence ebbs. this is no small matter for the Philippines, which depends on both remittance inflows and foreign capital to balance its current account. if international financial institutions perceive systemic weaknesses in procurement and u PAGE A7

When reputations collapse like buildings

in the age of unvetted social media and Ai-fabricated images, there is almost no limit to who or what can be tarnished. We saw this in obando, Bulacan, where a parish council, fearful of being stigmatized, hurriedly returned a pickup truck donated by former district engineer henry Alcantara once it became clear that the patron is at the center of the nation’s biggest plunder of public works funds. A truck is easy to give back. But what if it was an entire church built with funds from donors now facing corruption charges? how does one return a whole building? the pursuit of legitimacy takes many forms. the other day i saw a digital card purporting to document the 25th-weddinganniversary renewal of vows of former congressman Zaldy co and his wife at the Vatican. the inclusion of a photo showing cardinal Luis Antonio tagle with the couple seemed designed to smear the cardinal and cast

from exclusion to recognition, filipino migration in America followed a long struggle through shifting laws and attitudes. it began with the tydings–mcDuffie Act of 1934, which reclassified filipinos as aliens and capped annual immigration at fifty. A year later came the repatriation Act of

“ThE enemy of my enemy is my friend; the friend of my enemy is my enemy.” – Ancient proverb

As expected, everything related to the DPWh ghost projects and corruption has turned into a free-for-all. As i wrote before, some individuals are not going to go quietly to prison or let themselves be thrown under the bus. so now we can observe several people in congress, the senate, the executive body and DPWh making appearances and statements for or against each other and “the suspects and suspected” in the DPWh fund and ghost projects scam. in the public’s eye, they are all guilty directly, complicit or by omission but we have no details or evidence to back us up. for that it is worth paying attention to what all the “players” are saying, connect the dots and you’ll discover the connection and confirm what used to be rumors or social media banter. You will also learn that those who claim to be or appear to be are not so. Party-list groups received P150 million a year from

DPWh even though they have no physical jurisdiction or constituency, said a DPWh official. those on the right played along or tolerated the political chess moves of malacañang to remove VP sara and, as a result, money poured into congressional districts. those in the Left who aligned with martin to oust sara are now behaving as anti-marcos, perhaps to remind PBBm that if martin goes, Bongbong goes. some are openly implicating President Bongbong marcos in the passing of the flawed 2025 budget. those who attacked martin and Zaldy defended PBBm those who attacked PBBm were clearly aligned in the past with martin and Zaldy during the “impeach sara” campaign and the notorious distribution of ayuda tagged as “7-7-7-million” to join the speaker’s caravan.

By and large, the general statements had a semblance of truth bordering on confession or admission of complicity, omission or alliance. more interesting is that the Left and the right are not clean and bright.

*

* *

After watching all the investigations concerning DPWh ghost projects, scams and suspected

corruption in the legislative and executive branches of government, i was reminded of an old joke, as well as the movie of the late great robert redford. many authors and politicians have used the joke but historically speaking, the joke was apparently popular in saloons and bars from the gold rush to the roaring 20s onwards. the story goes:

During a lavish gathering of very rich individuals, a millionaire approached an attractive woman and asked: ‘Madame, if you were offered a million pounds, would you consider spending the weekend with me at my country estate and have sex?’

“The woman was shocked and mortified by such a proposition but soon collected herself and replied that a million pounds was a substantial amount of money and that she might consider a tryst with the rich man.

“After that, the rich man asked, ‘But what if I you were offered 500,000 pounds instead of a million, would you still consider the proposal?’ After some thought, the woman hesitated and replied, half a million pounds is still a fortune and perhaps worth considering.’

Intrigued, the rich man dared to go lower and asked the lady, u PAGE A7

doubt on the church’s moral authority by linking him to a lavish celebration. Guests were supposedly flown in from manila and billeted at an expensive hotel, all paid for by the now disgraced co. i found no report of this event in mainstream outlets or credible databases, so the post may well be fake. But, fake or real, such posts can target anyone of tagle’s stature, especially since he is based in rome and known to welcome kababayans seeking his blessing.

Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology helps us see why reputations founded primarily on money are so brittle. Unlike old wealth, which has had time to distance itself from its sometimes questionable origins, new fortunes rush to buy legitimacy. the usual route is predictable: run for office or bankroll campaigns; join elite clubs and gated enclaves; show up at highprofile weddings; send children

DYNAsties are central to southeast Asian politics as parties are weak, patronage is entrenched, and family names are the most durable political brands. But they also face persistent difficulties. heirs inherit office without real authority, patriarchs refuse to step aside, and rivals, whether other families or powerful institutions, intervene.

With two prominent political families locked in a bitter feud in the Philippines, the shinawatra clan currently being sidelined in thailand, and the hun family navigating an uncertain succession in cambodia, now is the right moment to take stock of how dynastic politics operates throughout southeast Asia. the Philippines offers perhaps the starkest example of dynastic democracy in southeast Asia. Philippine politics remains structured less by parties or pro-

grams than by family blocs, with the marcos and Duterte clans foremost among them. coalitions rest on name recognition and patronage networks that have proved more durable than any formal party institution.

the Philippine system remains fiercely competitive. But dynastic politics there narrows true democratic representation and weakens accountability. it also leaves coalitions prone to fracture. the alliance between the marcos and Duterte families that swept the 2022 elections, for example, cracked almost immediately.

the current Philippine Vice President, sara Duterte, is now in open conflict with President ferdinand marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the former Philippine dictator who was ousted in 1986. this rupture has unsettled the government. sara Duterte has faced impeachment efforts, which have been blocked by a supreme

court shaped by the appointees of her father, rodrigo Duterte, who was president between 2016 and 2022. At the same time, she is positioning herself as a leading contender for the 2028 presidency. indonesia’s newer democracy tells another, albeit relatively similar, story. since democratization in 1998, decentralization and local elections have opened routes from local to national office. families have used party nominations, money, media, and entrenched networks to turn those routes into political power. Dynastic maneuvering now sits at the center of national and local indonesian politics. Gibran rakabuming raka, the son of former President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, reached vice presidency in 2024 after a controversial constitutional court ruling reduced the age requirement for candidacy. the chief justice at the time was Widodo’s

US State Department flags ‘pervasive’...

cal allies or relatives such as his cousin and house speaker martin romualdez – and urged citizens to demand accountability. During a recent public demonstration, the President expressed solidarity with protesters, stating that those who steal public funds are stealing the future of the next

generation.” the state Department’s findings place these developments in a broader context: corruption –alongside bureaucratic inefficiencies and weak judicial processes – continues to weigh heavily on the Philippine economy. While the country’s exit from the fAtf grey list shows that re-

form is possible with sustained political will, the flood control scandal poses a critical test of the government’s credibility. Whether the marcos administration can translate institutional pledges into consistent enforcement and genuine accountability will determine if recent progress leads to lasting change. n

Corruption scandal: Endangering...

anti-corruption enforcement, ratings agencies may flag governance as a structural risk, raising borrowing costs for both government and private issuers, squeezing fiscal space and corporate expansion plans alike. in a region where capital moves quickly, perception matters as much as fundamentals. investors ask not only whether the Philippines is growing – but whether it is being governed properly.

Another under-appreciated consequence is the alignment of this scandal with environmental, social and governance (esG) frameworks. much of the corruption has been uncovered in flood control and water management projects – sectors central to climate resilience.

Donors are increasingly deploying capital with esG criteria. if the Philippines becomes perceived as a governance liability precisely in those sectors, it risks exclusion from the fastest-growing streams of concessional and green financing. for private investors, association with projects tainted by corruption also carries reputational risk that many boards will not tolerate.

At home, the scandal threatens to stall infrastructure rollout – a backbone of the government’s growth strategy. Delayed projects mean lost jobs, fewer contracts for suppliers and weaker overall economic gains.

‘But what if the offer was only a thousand pounds for a weekend, would you still entertain my offer?’

“The woman’s face turned red and fumed: ‘how dare you! What do you think I am, a prostitute?!!! The man replied: ‘Madam, we already settled that, we are merely deciding on the price.’”

* * * i hesitated to use that story but as i listened to the ongoing investigations regarding the DPWh ghost projects and “alleged” corruption inside the legislative and executive branches of government, i believe the public has already settled or decided who the “prostitutes” are. the only thing people are squabbling about is who is the most guilty and how much did they get as the project proponent, contractor, sub-contractor and DPWh engineer. someone suggested that the

moreover, corruption diverts scarce fiscal resources. every peso siphoned away through kickbacks is a peso deprived for education, health or legitimate infrastructure, eventually eroding productivity, widening inequality and suppressing domestic demand – all of which matter to investors assessing market fundamentals.

What needs to happen next is key because the damage is real, yet not irreparable. the Philippines can still turn this crisis into an opportunity for reform through 1) swift, credible and independent investigations. Business and financial partners are watching not only what the government says, but what it does. An independent anti-corruption body with prosecutorial power would reassure donors that accountability is not cosmetic; 2) full transparency. Procurement records, contract details and audit reports should be made public. sunlight is the best disinfectant – and also the most persuasive argument to skeptical investors that the government has nothing to hide and 3) visible accountability. symbolic prosecutions will not suffice. high-level convictions, restitution of stolen funds and protection of whistleblowers would send the clearest message that the Philippines is serious about changing course.

for President ferdinand marcos Jr., this a test of leadership,

Free for all

investigators should not waste their time asking “the suspects and the suspected” who is higher on the food chain of corruption. or asking each respondent who else is involved and how much did they receive. instead, the investigators should just ask “WhO DID NOT RECEIVE MONEY?” or who had no dealings or association with the corruptors and the corrupted?

those questions are less incriminating or damning for the doomed. Pressuring the respondents to name names and point out the guilty is certainly scary for contractors and DPWh personnel because it’s like signing your own death sentence. they don’t want a target on their back, endanger their family or risk retaliation and therefore getting the truth out of them is like pulling teeth from a lion or a bear.

with the scandal presenting both peril and possibility. Peril, because mishandling could bolster perceptions that his administration is unwilling or unable to confront corruption. Possibility, because success in restoring trust could provide the lasting legacy his presidency seeks. the unfolding corruption scandal has already eroded confidence and frozen some capital flows. Left unchecked, it could raise risk premiums, drive away investors and curtail access to international aid just when the Philippines needs it most.

Yet the same crisis can be a catalyst. if the government acts decisively, engages transparently and builds enduring institutions, the Philippines can emerge stronger – with renewed investor trust and reinforced governance. for the business and finance community, the message must be clear that there is decisiveness in making necessary reforms – because this moment of crisis can actually open a window of opportunity. clearly, we must seize the moment before the moment seizes us. (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

it is unfair to the remnant of innocent legislators and DPWh employees to be dragged and marked with suspicion without any opportunity to prove their innocence.

With everybody hunting down “the suspects and the suspected,” chances are the innocents will languish under a cloud of suspicion and judgment for a very long time.

By providing a list of members of congress, the senate, past and present and asking “who did not receive any stolen money,” the investigators can immediately shorten the list of persons of interest. (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.

E-mail: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com

Dynasties still dominate Southeast...

brother-in-law, Anwar Usman. Public unease with hereditary politics in indonesia has been visible on the streets. Protests in 2024 and wider demonstrations in 2025 have taken place over lawmakers’ perks, cost-of-living pressures, and police violence. much of this anger reflects the trajectory of post-suharto indonesia. thailand and cambodia show how dynasties function under less democratic conditions. in thailand, parties aligned with the shinawatra family have played a major role in the country’s politics since 2001. Yet governments linked to the family have been routinely constrained or overturned by thailand’s conservative royalist-military establishment.

cambodia illustrates a different dynamic. Prime minister for decades, hun sen built a durable coalition of political, economic, and security elites, sustained by the brutal suppression of dissent and generous rewards for loyalists. Now the aging patriarch is

attempting to secure his family’s dominance into the next generation. the reemergence of hun sen as cambodia’s decisive political voice during the recent border conflict with thailand, for example, raises doubts about his son hun manet’s readiness for the top job.

Dynasties endure in southeast Asia because they thrive in environments where institutions are weak, parties are underdeveloped, and patronage is the main currency of politics. family names provide continuity that other political structures often cannot.

But dynasties also struggle. heirs may lack the authority, charisma, or networks of their predecessors. older patriarchs and matriarchs often remain active, limiting renewal. And rival families compete fiercely for power, which can fragment coalitions and unsettle governments. in the Philippines and indonesia, two electoral democracies, politics is shaped by bargains

The US law that tried to send Filipinos...

only to see the rescission Acts of 1946 revoke their promised veterans’ benefits. it was not until the civil rights Act of 1964 and the immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 that the structural barriers of exclusion began to fall, allowing new generations of filipinos to enter universities, professions, and public life on equal terms. Decades later, the veterans equity movement of the 1990s through 2010s brought partial recognition long after many had already passed away.

Filipino American history’s continuing chapter marking filipino American history month means remembering not only the parades and celebrations but also the injustices. the repatriation Act reminds us that filipino Americans fought not just for visibility but for the right to stay. it also teaches us that exclusion can come dressed in the language of choice.

Nearly a century later, we live in a different America - one where filipinos are doctors, nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, public servants, and military officers. We have built homes, raised families, and contributed to every facet of American life. But the lesson of 1935 remains. our place here was not given; it was earned through sac-

rifice and courage. many modern-day filipinos proudly say that everything they have achieved is the result of their own merit. that is true to a point, but also incomplete. the opportunities we enjoy today exist because barriers once written into law were dismantled, laws that denied filipinos equal access, movement, and recognition. Before those barriers fell, filipinos faced prohibitions not only on citizenship but on marriage and mobility. in several states, including california, Washington, and Nevada, filipinos were barred from marrying white partners and sometimes had to travel to neighboring states where such marriages were legal. the Perez v. sharp (1948) decision in california overturned that ban nearly two decades before the U.s supreme court’s landmark Loving v. Virginia (1967) ruling, which made interracial marriage legal nationwide. Without these rulings, many filipino American families and lineages, including those formed through filipino-white marriages in the postwar years, would never have been legally recognized. Without these reforms, many of the freedoms and opportunities filipino Americans enjoy today would have remained out of

reach. our appreciation deepens when we remember that what feels ordinary now - citizenship, mobility, marriage, equality before the law was once impossible. in an era when immigration and belonging are again debated, the repatriation Act stands as a warning from history. it asks whether a society can truly be just when belonging depends on convenience, and whether compassion can endure when fear dictates policy. to those who now call America home, this story is both mirror and measure. it reminds us to cherish the rights and freedoms that earlier generations fought to secure, to defend the dignity of those still seeking a place at the table, and to never take for granted the doors that were once closed to our ancestors. Looking back at 1935 allows us to see how far we have come and how vigilance, empathy, and conscience must continue to guide us. to honor our heritage is to carry forward the lessons of those who came before us, who stood their ground with quiet dignity, and who believed that justice and belonging were worth the struggle. may this remembrance move us toward understanding, wisdom, and reform in our institutions, in our history, and in ourselves. (AJPress)

When reputations collapse like...

to exclusive schools; bankroll cultural events. over time, these investments in economic, social, and cultural capital may yield what Bourdieu calls “symbolic capital”—the good name, honor, and legitimacy conferred by society’s gatekeepers: the church, the state, universities, and award-giving bodies.

But symbolic capital is perception-based. it evaporates once the public sees the money behind it is dirty. respectability borrowed from bishops, award-giving foundations, or universities (that dispense honorary degrees in exchange for buildings or endowments) vanishes overnight when their complicity is exposed. that is why corruption scandals, especially in highly unequal societies like ours, are so destabilizing. they strip away the aura of legitimacy, laying bare the inequalities and collusions that sustain the entire

rotten system. the flood control scandal has not only sparked outrage at the plunder itself. it has unleashed a broader questioning of political power and wealth. on social media, images proliferate that mock and expose the pretensions of the powerful. What is striking is that this anger comes from all sides—not just the left. that makes its subversive power unprecedented. this reckoning could unravel more than the corruption of government. it could expose the complicity of the banks that laundered the money, the media that muted criticism, the churches that blessed dubious donations, and the courts that looked the other way. A comprehensive crisis of institutional credibility is unfolding in front of us, even before we can clearly formulate the alternative. such a crisis can easily spiral into recriminations and mistrust.

But it may also spawn an ethical counterculture durable enough to sustain a new social movement— one that demands an overhaul of our political and economic systems, and transforms the way we produce and distribute wealth, the way we educate the young, and the way we care for our communities and the natural environment. earthquakes leave behind ruins but they also open space for rebuilding. the question is whether this powerful quake in our political life will leave us trapped in the rubble of our discontent, or give us the courage and determination to build anew. (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. * * * public.lives@gmail.com

among dominant families. this raises doubts about the depth of democratic competition. in thailand and cambodia, politics is more tightly controlled. Dynasties there expose the fragility of succession and the limits imposed by entrenched power centers.

Across southeast Asia, dynasties still shape how power is acquired and passed on. But they do not resolve the uncertainties of rule. the only constant seems to be that authority remains concentrated among elites and shifts only within their ranks. (The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network) The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a member of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 media titles in the region.

DAteline PhiliPPines

Kiko Barzaga calls for Marcos resignation, testing limits of ‘meow’ politics in Congress

by AJPress

mANiLA – cavite representative francisco “Kiko” Barzaga intensified his anti-corruption campaign when he released a video titled “Congressman Barzaga’s Speech on the Call of the People for President Marcos’ Resignation.” in the post, he echoed what he described as “the call of the people” for President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. to step down, linking his appeal to alleged irregularities in the Department of Public Works and highways’ flood-control funds. that message followed an earlier facebook post calling for the president’s impeachment, a shift from criticism to direct confrontation.

Policy thrusts and impeachment drafting Barzaga’s advocacy has expanded beyond online activism into legislative and constitutional action. on october 8 2025, he announced through his verified facebook page that he had prepared a draft impeachment complaint against President marcos, citing betrayal of public trust and alleged irregularities in DPWh flood-control projects. in subsequent posts and livestreams, Barzaga said the initiative formed part of his broader anti-corruption campaign and urged vigilance over how government funds are spent.

At the same time, he filed house Bill 5119, seeking to abolish the 12 percent Value-Added tax (VAt) and replace it with a more progressive tax structure. the measure, confirmed by house records, aims to relieve lower- and middle-income filipinos of what he called an unfair burden of indirect taxation. economists have warned that removing VAt would require alternative revenue sources to prevent fiscal shortfalls.

Pushback and counterclaims institutional opposition was swift. the Philippine Army reserve command classified Barzaga’s appeals to reservists as misconduct and moved to delist him from its ranks. in congress, senior lawmakers cast doubt on the impeachment

gan when Barzaga casually said “meow” during a house debate. What started as humor evolved into his personal brand. supporters embraced it as a symbol of individuality and candor, while critics dismissed it as self-promotion. Barzaga insists it reminds the public that “politics can be serious without losing its humanity.”

A dynasty’s transmission

initiative. Deputy speaker ronaldo Puno in a media interview said that Barzaga’s plan “lacked clear legal and political foundation” and was unlikely to gain traction. speaker Bojie Dy likewise said the complaint was “unlikely to advance in the house” . in the senate, senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned that evil-mindedness” among certain camps might be using Barzaga for political purposes, a remark following the circulation of a photo linking him to the Discaya couple, which Lacson described as an attempt to discredit ongoing senate inquiries. Barzaga has maintained that his actions reflect “the people’s call for accountability.”

A glimpse of Gen Z politics

Barzaga’s style reflects a generational shift in governance. As one of the first Gen Z lawmakers, he communicates through livestreams, memes, and candid social-media posts that resonate with younger voters. his “meow” persona, once a playful quirk, has evolved into shorthand for authenticity and defiance within congress.

Analysts say his approach disrupts hierarchy but risks blurring the line between activism and statesmanship. in an era when political attention is often driven by performance, Barzaga’s experiment shows both the reach and risk of social-media politics. The roots of ‘meow’ politics the term “meow politics” be-

Born on september 12 1998, Barzaga is the eldest son of Jennifer Austria-Barzaga, mayor of Dasmariñas, and the late elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr., who represented cavite’s 4th District until 2024. his brother elpidio “third” Barzaga iiiserves as vice mayor, while his younger brother Lorenzo remains outside politics. his rise represents continuity within a local dynasty but also a generational shift, from traditional patronage toward digital populism.

Breaking away from the majority months into his first term, Barzaga left the National Unity Party and the house majority. in september 2025, he accused speaker martin romualdez of irregular flood-control allocations while acting as caretaker of cavite’s 4th District, a charge denied by romualdez’s allies. he later filed an ethics complaint against Deputy speaker ronaldo Puno, abstained from the speakership vote, and endorsed rep. toby tiangco as an alternative candidate, signaling his willingness to challenge established power centers despite limited numbers.

Barzaga’s next test in Congress Barzaga’s rise from local councilor to national figure illustrates both the promise and pitfalls of generational politics. his “meow” identity, equal parts rebellion and performance, has unsettled the establishment while captivating a young audience. Whether he can convert viral visibility into legislative credibility remains to be seen. for now, Barzaga stands as a test case for how far authenticity and defiance can go inside the country’s most traditional halls of power. n

PHIVOLCS rules out connection among recent Cebu, Davao, Baguio quakes

PHIVOLCS confirmed that the Cebu, Davao, and Baguio earthquakes originated from separate fault systems and are not connected, dispelling fears of a nationwide seismic chain reaction

by AJPress

mANiLA — the Philippine in-

stitute of Volcanology and seismology (PhiVoLcs) has clarified that the recent earthquakes recorded in cebu, Davao, and Baguio/La Union occurred on separate fault systems and are not connected. the agency emphasized that while the tremors struck within days of each other, there is no scientific basis to link them or to suggest a nationwide chain of seismic events.

Separate origins, distinct fault lines

PhiVoLcs Director Dr. teresito Bacolcol explained that each quake was triggered by different tectonic sources.

• The magnitude 6.9 quake in northern cebu on september 30 originated from the Bogo Bay fault, a local structure that PhiVoLcs is currently mapping.

• The magnitude 7.4 main shock and 6.8 aftershock that struck Davao oriental on october 10 were caused by subduction movement along the Philippine trench, forming what scientists classify as a “doublet earthquake”—two major quakes occurring close in time and location but on separate ruptures.

• The magnitude 4.4 trem-

or felt in La Union and Baguio city was a shallow crustal quake in northern Luzon, unrelated to either the Visayas or mindanao events.

All independent earthquake generators… Walang kinalaman yung isa sa Philippine Trench dun sa Bogo Bay Fault,” Bacolcol said in a televised interview. “The activity of one will not induce or trigger the activity of the other.”

Clarifying public fears the series of strong quakes sparked speculation on social media that one event may have triggered another. PhiVoLcs dismissed those claims, explaining that the Philippine archipelago rests on multiple microplates that move and release stress independently.

“While the timing may appear close, there is no evidence that one quake caused another,” PhiVoLcs said in its advisory. “Each event is an isolated tectonic occurrence in different regions of the country.”

Aftershocks and monitoring the Davao oriental quakes prompted tsunami warnings for coastal provinces, which were later lifted by PhiVoLcs and the Pacific tsunami Warning center after sea-level monitoring showed no significant rise. the

agency has since cataloged hundreds of aftershocks—initially reporting 179 and later noting that the number had surpassed 400—as seismic activity continues to taper.

PhiVoLcs has deployed Quick response teams to Davao oriental to conduct geologic impact assessments, including surveys for possible ground movement, landslides, and liquefaction. Bacolcol advised residents to remain vigilant: “Aftershocks may continue for several days or weeks, some of which may be felt,” he said.

Preparedness and resilience experts note that the Philippines experiences over 20,000 earthquakes each year, most too weak to be felt. the latest tremors underscore the country’s exposure to multiple fault systems— the Philippine trench, east Luzon trough, central Philippine fault, and others—making disaster preparedness a national imperative. PhiVoLcs urged local governments to review evacuation plans and reminded the public to participate in regular earthquake drills. “Preparedness remains our best defense,” Bacolcol said. We cannot predict earthquakes, but we can lessen their impact through awareness and resilient infrastructure.” n

Ateneo remains top Philippine university in Times Higher Education rankings

by AJPress

QUeZoN citY — Ateneo de manila University has once again emerged as the Philippines’ top university in the times higher education (the) World University rankings 2026, holding its position in the 1001–1200 global band. this marks the fourth straight year Ateneo has led all Philippine institutions in the annual list released on october 9, 2025.

According to the, the 2026 edition evaluated 2,191 universities across 115 countries and regions using 18 indicators grouped into five areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry impact, and international outlook. Ateneo’s performance across these metrics secured its continued presence in the top global tier.

Other Philippine universities the University of the Philippines (UP) followed in the 1201–1500 range, while De La salle University (DLsU), mapúa University, mindanao state University–iligan institute of technology (msU-iit), and the University of santo tomas (Ust) remained in the 1501+ category.

All six Philippine institutions maintained their rankings from last year, and no new schools entered the list.

UP continues to anchor the nation’s research network, while DLsU, mapúa, msU-iit, and Ust have sustained competitiveness in teaching quality and innovation. education officials said the consistency of Philippine representation in the global rankings reflects gradual improvement in international visibility and research output.

Global leaders Globally, oxford University topped the list for the eighth consecutive year, followed by the massachusetts institute of technology (mit). Princeton and cambridge shared third place, while harvard and stanford tied for fifth. the 2026 rankings also not-

ed slower progress among top Asian universities for the first time in 14 years, even as europe and the middle east saw steady gains in research performance.

Significance Ateneo’s consistent leadership highlights the strength of its research productivity, faculty excellence, and global partnerships. for other Philippine universities, the results underscore the need to expand research funding, publication output, and collaborations abroad. education experts view the rankings as a useful benchmark for aligning local academic priorities with global standards, though not the sole measure of educational quality. n

Senate upholds contempt order vs contractor Curlee Discaya

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

mANiLA — the senate on thursday asserted that the contempt order against controversial contractor Pacifico “curlee” Discaya was issued within the chamber’s constitutional authority. the office of senate President Vicente sotto iii made the remark following Discaya’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus, in which he cited alleged irregularities in his detention under contempt.

The Senate remains firm in its decision, asserting that the contempt order against Discaya was issued within its constitutional authority,” the statement reads. in a hearing held before the regional trial court of Pasay city, Branch 298, presided over by hon. melvin cydrick Bughao, the court ordered that Discaya remain under the safekeeping of the senate sergeant-at-Arms. Lawyers representing Discaya argued on the legality of his continued detention, while the respondents were represented by the senate Legal counsel.

meanwhile, sotto’s office said the case is scheduled to resume on monday., after which it will be turned over to the office of the solicitor General for the succeeding hearings. Discaya was cited for contempt during the senate panel on blue ribbon’s september 18 hearing into anomalous flood control projects after the controversial contractor allegedly lied. the decision by the committee stemmed from sotto’s query as to why Discaya’s wife, cezarah “sarah” Discaya, failed to attend the hearing. n

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

End of Year Tips to Purchase Your Dream Vehicle

As we near the holiday season, you may be looking to treat yourself to those set of wheels you’ve been eyeing, or perhaps it’s time to purchase your loved one their dream car. In today’s financial climate, managing your vehicle costs efficiently is key, as it could help you save money and limit potential headaches down the road. Here are some helpful tips to finally make that purchase for your (or a loved one’s) dream vehicle this holiday season:

1. Set your holiday budget, and stick to it. There are a variety of different expenses that come with getting a car – the purchase cost, insurance, maintenance and fuel being a few of them. Knowing how much you can afford, especially if you plan to pay for it over time, is key to avoiding a car bill that stretches your finances. Look for access to different budgeting tools and tips that can help you save for your purchase.

2. Look for the best holiday deals.

Like many other items, vehicles have a price cycle; the end of the year tends to be when you can find a better deal, as dealers may need to meet quotas or clear out inventory. Generally, make sure you are considering multiple vehicles and shopping around at several dealerships to get the best price.

3. Test drive the vehicle to make sure it fits your needs. This is your time to see how the vehicle looks and feels, try out the interior systems and figure out if the vehicle fits your needs. Schedule test drive appointments to ensure the car you want is still available, ideally a few in the same day or week to keep your impressions fresh in your mind. It’s also helpful to simulate your daily driving conditions as much as possible, such as bringing any car seats or equipment you may have in your car daily. After your test drive, you can ask about the car’s warranty and fuel and maintenance requirements, as well as the possibility of getting an extended test drive or bringing the car to your own mechanic for a second opinion.

4. Determine whether you are financing or leasing. There are benefits of both a lease and a loan. With a loan, there is no milage limit and you are free to customize and change the car as you see fit. After completing your finance payments, you own it. Leases typically have lower upfront costs than loan payments, and at the end of the term you can return, purchase or trade the vehicle in. But keep in mind that most leases have a mileage limit, so it might not be the best option if you travel often.

5. How to know if an electric vehicle is right for you. With so many major manufacturers building EVs, there are more options than ever before. However, cost, maintenance,

range and charging logistics are all key factors to consider. For maintenance, EVs typically require less maintenance than traditional cars. EV batteries tend to be covered by 8-10 year warranties (outlasting the amount of time most people own their cars) but EV tires degrade faster due to the weight of the battery. And just as gas prices vary, so do electricity costs – based on your location, your driving style and the size of your battery.

The median range of an EV with a fully charged battery is roughly 250 miles, but that number depends on the make and model as well as other factors like weather, traffic conditions and driving style. And when it comes to charging infrastructure, some cities and states may have more charging stations than others. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and map your route.

Be sure to do your homework first before making that big purchase. There are many tools available that can help you plan for costs in addition to the vehicle loan or lease payments, such as sales taxes, registration fees, and insurance—which can vary depending on the car make, model and even the color. For instance, using a car payment calculator can help estimate your monthly car payment for different scenarios, by inputting the ballpark amount you’d like to finance along with some other basic info.

For more auto budgeting tools and tips, visit autofinance. chase.com.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

© 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads

Barrister’s Corner

atty. Kenneth URsUa Reyes

ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the child. Family Code §7610.

Establishing parentage rights, including custody and visitation rights, becomes more problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself as the biological father does not automatically make you the natural father of the child. Under the family code, there are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non biological father to be deemed the natural father of the child.

A typical situation is when boyfriend gets girlfriend pregnant. Girlfriend for some reason decides to exclude boyfriend from baby’s life so she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any information about her delivery, and does not state the boyfriend as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name someone else as the father. Girlfriend does this because her parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend.

One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity. A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the mother or presumed father must be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d 477, 485 If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption. Instead, it “shall establish the paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below. A post 1996 voluntary declaration of paternity “shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.” Family .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33.

Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611:

(a) He and the child’s natural mother are or have been married

to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court.

(b) Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true:

(1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce.

(2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation.

(c) After the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true:

(1) With his consent, he is named as the child’s father on the child’s birth certificate.

(2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order.

(d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child.

(e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child’s father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative.

(f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied.

An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v. Super. Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998) 17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877

The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband,

who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612.

Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute’s underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parentchild relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675.

Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines..

*

* * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation.

* * *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

The Power of Our Words in Breaking Financial Poverty

HAVE you ever noticed how quickly our words shape our reality? Especially in the area of finances, what we declare often sets the direction of our lives. Many people live under the weight of lack, convinced that poverty is their permanent portion. But let me remind you—poverty is not God’s will for your life.

Psalm 23 declares, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” That is not a suggestion. It is a spiritual decree. When God becomes your Shepherd in truth, poverty loses its grip. Yet too often, we cancel out God’s promises by the words we speak. We say, “I’ll never make it. This is just my life. There’s never enough.” And with those words, we unknowingly sign agreements with lack. Words matter. Poverty is not just an economic condition; it can be a spirit—a weight that drains your peace and silences your faith. And it often enters through our mouths before it shows up in our bank accounts. That’s why declaring God’s truth over your finances is not just positive thinking. It’s spiritual warfare. Psalm 23 shows us how.

When David wrote, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters,” he wasn’t describing a vacation. He was declaring divine alignment. Provision flows from peace, not panic. When you speak words of trust instead of fear, you create space for God to restore what was lost—emotionally, spiritually, and yes, financially.

And what about the valley?

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Notice—David didn’t deny the valley. He declared victory in it. Poverty thrives in fear: fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of never having enough. But when you choose to speak faith in the darkest moments, fear breaks— and with it, so does poverty. Then comes the overflow:

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies… my cup overflows.” God doesn’t just bless you in private. He blesses you in such a way that every voice of shame, lack, and defeat has to watch you prosper. That’s the power of your declaration—your enemies don’t get the last word, God does. So how do we apply this?

Start small. Speak Psalm 23 out loud every morning—not as poetry, but as your reality. Break every careless agreement with lack. Instead of saying, “I can’t afford this, or “I’ll never get out of debt,” declare, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Bless your hands, your work, and your family with words of

Philip S.

AN 8-year study among individ-

uals 35 and older revealed a link between sugar substitutes and brain health. Those using artificial sweeteners showed a 62 percent faster decline in overall thinking and memorial skills. There was a 173 percent faster decline in verbal fluency, compared to non- or low users. The products tested included Aspartame, Erythritol, Sorbitol, Saccharin, Acesulfame K, Xylitol, and Tagatose. High-purity Stevia is an FDA-approved sugar substitute considered the safest. In spite of that, black coffee with no additives (perhaps except for cinnamon) is healthier, but if one needs a sweetener, regular table sugar is safer to use than artificial sweeteners. One teaspoon of table sugar has about 16 calories (4 grams of carbohydrates). Not that many calories, even for diabetics, drinking 1-3 cups of coffee a day.

Red meat and cancer

Our individual baseline lifetime risk for colon cancer is about 4 percent, without any added risk factors. Among red meat eaters, daily consumption of 50 grams of processed meat increases it by 18 percent. Processing meats “involves unhealthy transformation through salting, smoking, curing, not just cooking on your grill,” especially with super high heat, which makes even non-processed red meat carcinogenic. All ultra-processed food items and unhealthy and increase our risk for various illnesses, including cancer.

Soft drinks and depression “Soft drink consumption is linked to a higher risk for major depressive disorder (MDD) and more severe symptoms in women, potentially due to alterations in the gut microbiome,” a new study showed.

Drinking soft drinks was associated with a 16.7% increased risk for MDD and more severe depressive symptoms in women. “This link was significantly mediated by changes in the gut microbiome, particularly an increased abundance of the bacterium Eggerthella, which explained 3.8% of the effect on diagnosis and 5.0% on symptom severity.” Consumption of soft drinks of any kind increases the risk for the development of metabolic syndrome, especially among our youngsters.

As underscored in my book “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children” (amazon.com), parents have the serious responsibility to prevent their children from consuming soft drinks of any variety (as early as after infancy) to preempt the

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas

WHAT do the words of the Gospel, “Lord, increase our faith,” mean to us? Do they signify the strength to endure grief, worries, and life’s challenges? Do they mean having the wisdom to remain steadfast in our Catholic faith? Or is it about continuing to believe despite doubts and struggles, and maintaining hope in the face of sickness and death?

Can faith really be quantified?

Sweeteners and brain decline

development of an “addiction” to this dangerous “liquid candy.”

Cannabis and lung cancer

A study at the Marie Lannelongue Hospital in Paris, France, revealed that cannabis use is associated with aggressive lung cancer. “We observed a high prevalence of cannabis use in this group of young patients with highly lethal lung cancer. 38% were cannabis smokers, with an average consumption of four joints per day over a median period of 26 years.” The study reported “other lung conditions among cannabis smokers included more emphysema, including bullous emphysema, which increases the risk for pneumothorax. Pulmonary function tests revealed greater damage in gas diffusion than in tobacco smokers, even though their exposure to tobacco was similar. The study also found that cannabis smokers had a higher incidence of poor-prognosis cancers, such as poorly differentiated carcinomas and sarcomatoid carcinomas.

Hair-loss drug and suicide

A commonly used hair-loss drug, finasteride, can cause depression and increase the risk for suicide, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. A public warning has been issued to this effect. Losing life is certainly more concerning and vital than losing hair.

Long COVID among MDs/RNs

Hundreds of thousands of physicians, nurses, and first responders have been infected by COVID-19 since 2020, and are now suffering from symptoms of Long COVID. Of the 1678 US healthcare workers studied, there were 7.7 percent (about 129) with Long COVID, and in another study in March 2023, the prevalence was 9.44 percent (445 cases). In the UK, 18 percent of workers were out due to this complication. Long COVID could be debilitating and disabling for a long time. This is why we must prevent COVID-19 at all costs. Timely vaccination, boosters for new strains are important. Long COVID is a serious complication of the viral infection. Complication from the vaccines is a fraction of one percent, 100 times less than complications from the COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 is still with us. While the number of cases is down (because more than 80 percent of the US population has been vaccinated), the hospitalization rate for the week ending October 4, 2025, was 8,500 nationally. For the week ending on September 20, 2025, COVID-19 accounted for 0.8 percent of all deaths in the United States.

If you have had your booster within the past 6 months, consult your physician about the new

COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccines for influenza and RSV, especially if you are a senior. Remember, it’s best to stay away from COVID, especially Long COVID. Beta blockers for women New clinical research has found that beta blockers, like Propranolol, significantly reduce stress and anxiety among women. This is now considered the “go-to pills” for these debilitating conditions among women. To find out if these sanity-saver pills, consult with your healthcare provider. Diet and the brain A new study posted in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health suggests a link between physical and cognitive symptoms of depression and a low-calorie diet for men and people with high BMI. There were 28,525 adult men in the study, which showed 2508 had self-reported depression following a low-calorie diet compared to those not on any special diet.

“The study low-calorie diet doesn’t always mean a healthy diet. Focusing on calories alone could omit nutrients that contribute to proper brain function, particularly for men, whose nutritional needs are greater… A low-calorie diet can contribute to depressive symptoms. Monitoring patients’ diet plans and emotional state can help ensure they are getting the proper nutrients for optimal health.” This confirms what common sense has been warning us all along.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

life. Remember, what you confess consistently, you eventually possess.

The truth is, you were not born for scraps—you were born for overflow. Your words are either building a road toward abundance or reinforcing the walls of poverty. Choose wisely. Speak boldly. Because when the Lord is your Shepherd, lack is no longer your story. If this message spoke to you, know this: God cares about both your heart and your household. As a mortgage advisor and financial coach, I’ve seen how practical strategies and spiritual truth work together to break the cycle of lack. That’s why I wrote Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way—to help you not only manage money wisely, but also release the words and beliefs that keep you from financial freedom. You were created for more than survival—you were created for overflow. Visit Amazon.com or Amazon.comph to get your copy and start walking in both wisdom and abundance today.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

It’s remarkable that Jesus envisions the faith we need as minuscule: faith the size of a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds. While the apostles sought a substantial amount of faith, Jesus suggested they only need faith as small as a mustard seed. This is a surprising teaching. Why would Jesus want us to have such smallsized faith?

The reason is that growing in faith involves dying to oneself, similar to how a seed must die to sprout new growth. Having faith means letting go and allowing God to take control of our lives. It means not fearing the loss of oneself, embracing humility, and adopting the role of a servant. It means letting Jesus take the

by JaN milo Severo Philstar.com

Not in size but in depth

wheel of our lives.

Faith is not just about outward expressions; it’s not merely lifting our hands in worship or praising God in a crowded stadium. It’s not confined to winning debates about belief in Jesus. True faith reflects the actions and attitudes Jesus preached and exemplified: His compassion and service to the poor and marginalized, His welcoming of sinners, and His challenge for them to sin no more. Faith is about mercy, not just sacrifice.

Faith is not about size, but about depth. Remember the song by The Bee Gees, “How deep is your love?” Similarly, we might ask, “How deep is your faith?” Is it deep enough to die to oneself?

To embrace life’s complexities and mysteries, like sickness and death? Is it deep enough to forgive and love unconditionally, to listen and dialogue with others?

Faith involves recognizing Jesus in other religions, as long as they practice Gospel values like love, peace, humility, and justice. It sees how God works through others, even those who don’t regularly attend church.

Faith is not just about creating strategies or programs for evangelization; it’s about realizing how our simple acts of love and generosity can profoundly impact others. We celebrated the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, The Little

Flower, last Wednesday, October 1. Her life in the convent was ordinary, but her childlike faith and relationship with Jesus were extraordinary. Her influence began posthumously, through her diary, “The Story of a Soul,” which touched lives worldwide, including my own.

I read her diary as a freshman in a college seminary, confined to bed with the flu. Her life and spirituality deepened my own and strengthened my priestly vocation. The simple acts she performed, like talking to Jesus while washing dishes, inspired me to embrace a similar child-like spirituality.

It’s the small sacrifices and our faithfulness to daily duties that help increase our faith—not necessarily grand plans and projects. Last Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of the humility to recognize that “we are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”

Let’s aim to increase our faith, not in size but in depth. Amen

* * * 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.

* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

questions about God and money, helping readers find freedom and purpose in their financial lives.

LOS ANGELES

Maricel Soriano: Don’t disregard your parents Angelica Panganiban opens up on celebrities turning to drugs, alcoholism

by JaN milo Severo Philstar.com

DIAMOND Star Maricel Soriano advised the Filipino youth to take care of their parents while they are still around.

During the media conference of her upcoming movie “Meet, Greet & Bye,” Maricel recalled a moment where she was greeted by millennials in a mall.

“Minsan marami akong nakakasalubong na mga bagets, mga babae naka-mini skirt sila, naka-bag sila at babatiin ako, nilalapitan ko, ‘alam ba ng mga magulang ninyo kung nasaan kayo ngayon? So, siyempre tumigil ang mga laughter, di ba? Seryoso sila bigla,” she shared.

The actress recalled telling them the importance of letting parents know of their whereabouts, “Kasi siyempre aandap-andap ang kalooban niyan, hindi alam kung sino ang kasama n’yo, nasaan kayo, at ano ang mga nangyayari sa inyo.”

Maricel also asked younger generations not to disregard their mothers in particular.

“Huwag n’yo naman dedmahin ang mga nanay n’yo. Isa lang naman ang hinihingi [nila] ibigay n’yo na,” Maricel said. “Sabi ko pa, alam ninyo darating ang panahon tatanda rin kayo magkakaroon kayo ng anak, magkakaroon kayo ng pamilya, gusto n’yo ba kung ano ang ginagawa ninyo ngayon ay gawin din sa inyo? Di ba hindi?”

She reiterated her plea not to snub or abandon one’s parents, instead take every effort to share one’s love for them.

“Walang magulang na nag-ii-

sip ng pangit sa mga anak nila,” Maricel ended.

A family’s story of love, laughter, togetherness, and pain is poised to captivate audiences and tug hearts in the upcoming film “Meet, Greet & Bye” beginning November 12.

The film follows the heartwarming journey of the Facundo family led by Mama Baby (Maricel), who is diagnosed with cancer but refuses to undergo chemotherapy after losing hope of getting better. Her four children, Tupe (Piolo Pascual), Brad (Joshua Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos Labajo), and Geri (Belle Mariano) try to find and push for alternative treatment before time runs out for Mama Baby.

Ogie Alcasid is having a Gen Z moment

When young singer Rob Deniel’s cover of “Nandito Ako” went viral, OPM icon Ogie Alcasid saw his monthly listeners surge from 500,000 to over three million

by allaN PolicarPio Inquirer.net

FOR the longest time, Ogie Alcasid’s monthly listeners on Spotify never went beyond 500,000. And for the longest time, he wondered how he could grow that number, knowing that his core audience—the fans who grew up with him and are now in their middle age—aren’t typically active music streamers. The answer was obvious: court a young crowd. He wrote new songs with more contemporary production, like “IN LAB,” an alternative-pop track stylized in casual, all-caps in its title to project a more hip aesthetic. He stayed active on social media, posting lighthearted clips and hopping on dance trends. He continued visiting schools to teach songwriting and reach out to the students. He put out “Ulit,” an EP of reimagined old hits, which did well, but still appealed mostly to his market.

The answer was obvious: court a young crowd. He wrote new songs with more contemporary production… e continued visiting schools to teach songwriting and reach out to the students.

But in the end, the formula for virality has yet to be cracked, and an artist can only do so much with strategy. If there’s one thing we have seen time and time again in the streaming era, it’s that sometimes, a track will blow up when least expected, and for a confluence of reasons that are quite hard to pin down.

Such was the case with “Nandito Ako”—Alcasid’s first major hit written by Aaron Paul del Rosario and released in 1989—which recently saw a massive resurgence after a live cover by Rob Deniel went viral.

The viral trigger

Last January, at the 10th Wish Music Awards, Alcasid was honored as an Icon of Music Excellence. And as part of the tribute, Deniel—one of today’s Gen Z artists leading the OPM charge— took the stage and delivered an impassioned rendition of the Alcasid hits “Ikaw Sana” and “Nandito Ako.” Alcasid was impressed. He accepted the award, gave a speech, and went on his way, thinking not much of it afterward. The crowd, at the time, felt similarly. But

roughly seven months later, the performance exploded online, catching Alcasid completely by surprise. Reaction videos and covers by other singers further fueled the hype. Before long, his monthly listeners had swelled to well over three million. The official performance video has 40 million views on YouTube. And as of this writing, the song remains in the Top 50 of Spotify Philippines’ Daily Top Songs chart, where it peaked at number 23. Rob’s fans liked the song, but since he doesn’t have a recording of that, they ended up on my Spotify page instead…They had no choice!” Alcasid says in a recent group interview, including Lifestyle Inquirer. “Surprisingly, this came at a time when I was trying to grow my listenership.” That the performance’s impact took more than half a year to be felt remains a mystery—perhaps the timing simply wasn’t right, the algorithm failed to pick it up, the public wasn’t in the mood for it, or it didn’t immediately reach the ears of a big name influencer. But here’s something hard to argue with: quality transcends.

“Nandito Ako” is a beautiful ballad—and without that simple fact—no amount of luck or outside variables could have propelled it. And in the hands of a talented artist currently making waves like Deniel, a resurgence was always just a matter of time.

Learning from the young

This phenomenon also confirmed what Alcasid has believed all along: that even music icons like him have just as much to gain and learn from rising talents as the other way around. In fact, he shares, it was young stars Maki and Angela Ken who helped him make sense of why “Nandito Ako” became a new old hit.  Maki told me that young people these days actually love emo songs,” Alcasid shares. “And that they find our contrasting interpretations interesting: that when they listen to Rob’s take, they feel a sense of yearning, and when they listen to mine, they feel security and reassurance. It’s all very fascinating, and I love that I’m learning from them.” As for himself, he has been having a kick at revisiting the original version. “My vibrato was faster and my singing was more carefree. Now it’s airier,” says Alcasid, who has always held the song dear, has made it the final song in most of his shows. It’s worth noting, though, that the song’s enduring popularity is no accident. “Nandito Ako” has had multiple, high-profile revivals over the decades, most notably by Lea Salonga in 1993, Thalia in 1997, and David Archuleta in 2012. But unlike sales, radio airplay, and media hype, today’s success metrics—by way of streaming—are more transparent and PAGE 13

KAPAMILYA star Angelica

Panganiban spoke candidly on how some celebrities become addicted to illegal drugs and alcohol to deal with pressure in their careers.

Appearing as a guest on Alyssa Valdez’s Spotify podcast, Angelica admitting being an actor is a very hard job.

Alam mo kung ano yung mahirap na hindi naiintindihan ng mga tao? Akala nila yung mga artista, sasabihin nila, ‘Ah, ano iyan, wild iyan, ganito iyan, pariwara iyan,’” she began. “Makakarinig at makakarinig ka talaga ng mga ganu’n. Pero ang hindi nila alam, hindi naman sila mga artista. Hindi niyo alam ang pinagdadaanan namin every scene.”

Angelica said that their mental states are affected by the different emotions given during taping.

An example she gave was grieving a death in one scene, happily celebrating a birthday in another, then followed by a triggering scenario.

“Uuwi ka ng bahay na ang daming nangyari sa iyo, mentally. So, hindi ka talaga makakatulog,” Angelica added.

As a result, Angelica said many celebrities turn to addiction, eventually needing rehabilitation or else risk wrecking their lives.

“May ibang tao, ang takbuhan nila is alcohol or drugs. Nakakaescape na sila, e [sa reayalidad ng buhay]. Parang gagaan ang loob mo, and then kahit paano, maitutulog mo,” Angelica continued.

“Gigising ka, it’s another day. Parang di mo na alam ulit yung nangyari kahapon. Para siyang blackhole, parang pag pinasok mo puwede ka niyang higupin. Magiging masamang tao ka na lang din.” She did point out there are some professional actors who are capable of “snapping out” and distance themselves from performances. Angelica then shared how she broke down back in 2009 as a result of too many projects — at the time she was working on “Rubi,” “I Love You, Goodbye,” “Banana Sunday,” “Kris TV,” and “ASAP,” on top of guestings. She recalled one time breaking down in front of fellow actor John

Pratts while at a taping for a comedy show, “Sino mag-aakala na may chance at makakaramdam ka ng depression o kaguluhan ng isip mo habang surrounded ka ng masasayahing tao? Pero wala, e, nangyari lang talaga siya.”

“Iyak ako nang iyak. Sabi ko, hindi ko na kilala yung sarili ko. Ang dami kong ginagawa,” she went on. “Tapos napo-portray ko sila with flying colors, pero si Angelica, wala na, wala na siya. Nasaan siya? Tapos iyak ako nang iyak.”

Angelica ended with the realization that being an actress is not her ultimate dream but becoming a mother to daughter Amile and a wife to husband Gregg Homan.

Halloween Horror Nights at LA’s Universal Studios Hollywood

At Southern California’s premier haunted Halloween event, Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles recently welcomed media representatives from across the United States during its opening night on Thursday, September 4. The event runs on 39 select nights through Sunday, November 2.

I was grateful to Rob Bourque and Ann K. Isip for representing me during the opening night filled with excitement and spine-tingling adventure.

This year’s terrifying Halloween Horror Nights features eight all-new and returning haunted houses, the menacing Terror Tram, and several frightening scare zones.

Among the highlights are:

•“Fallout”, which takes guests into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Prime Video’s critically acclaimed series.

•“Five Nights at Freddy’s”, based on Blumhouse’s hit movie where nothing is as it seems at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.

•“Terrifier”, inspired by the slasher-film franchise that brings the twisted world of Art the Clown to life.

Other attractions include “WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks,” immersing guests in the world of WWE and honoring the legacy of Bray Wyatt; “Jason Universe,” which resurrects the horror icon from the Friday the 13th films; and “Poltergeist,” based on Amazon MGM Studios’ supernatural classic that invites guests to “step into the light.”

According to Diana O’Campo, Universal Studios Hollywood’s public relations manager, “Scarecrow: Music by SLASH” puts retribution at the forefront as Mother Nature seeks vengeance on homesteaders for past sins—carried out by terrifying farmland scarecrows. SLASH’s original score amplifies the dread as guests navigate the haunted corridors.

Returning favorites include “Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America,” the final chapter where

three ghostly legends await, and “Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse,” where guests disembark the Studio Tour tram to encounter some of Blumhouse’s most iconic villains from the past 15 years.

Visitors can also experience “The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” a live stunt show that takes audiences on a fiery, rock-fueled fight for survival; the “Chainsaw Clownz,” a troop of killers prowling the scare zones; “Carnival of Carnage,” a maniacal fun house; “Noche de Brujas,” extending the terror from Monstruos 3; and “Murder of Crowz,” featuring a menacing flock guarding their nest.

Adding to the thrills, media guests also rode select theme-park attractions open during the event, including Jurassic World—The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™), Transformers™: The Ride-3D, Revenge of the Mummy—

The Ride, The Simpsons Ride™, and Super Nintendo World™.

Jackie, Anna and Leah at EDSA It was heartwarming to see my rally companions against corruption—Jackie Aquino, Anna Ylagan, and Leah Navarro—at the EDSA People Power Monument.

Jackie Aquino is the daughter of ATOM founder Agapito “Butz” Aquino, my former boss when he ran for senator.

Anna Ylagan is the daughter of actors Barbara Perez and the late Robert Arevalo (a relative on my Ylagan side, whom I once saw at a restaurant during a nearby film shoot).

I have long been a music fan of Leah Navarro, who sang “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit,” the grand-prize winner of the 3rd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (1980) with music and lyrics by Nonong Pedero. Teachers’ Day Celebration

After almost eight months away from home, I was happy to meet

my fellow professor, Engineer Doy Bolina, who has been teaching for many years at the Technological Institute of the Philippines in Quezon City.

I was also touched by the thoughtfulness of my students at Mabalacat City College in Pampanga.

Happy Teachers’ Month to all my fellow educators!

Dreaming of Jose Mari Chan

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, I dreamed of my former boss, Jose Mari Chan, the beloved OPM icon known for “Christmas in Our Hearts.”

In my dream, he gazed serenely toward the horizon, dressed in a blue shirt and surrounded by breezy trees—quiet, calm, and radiant with peace.

***

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.

*** rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com

The luckiest casinos from Vegas to California to the East Coast

Florida’s Hard Rock Tampa tops the list of America’s luckiest casinos, but properties in California, Las Vegas, New York, and New Jersey are giving players plenty of reasons to believe in lucky streaks

NOT all casinos are equal in the eyes of fortune. A new ranking from Casinos.com has revealed where players feel luck is most on their side, highlighting a surprising rivalry between East and West Coast gaming hubs. While Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Tampa topped the national list, properties in California, Nevada, New York, and New Jersey all earned places among America’s “luckiest.” Las Vegas: Cosmopolitan and Red Rock make the list

Only two Las Vegas properties landed in the top 25. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ranked No. 22 overall, with reviewers frequently citing jackpots and bonus wins, making it the Strip’s luckiest casino. Off the Strip, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Summerlin secured the No. 25 spot, with locals long praising its modern slot machines and steady payouts. California: Pechanga and Chukchansi in the top 10 California casinos outperformed Las Vegas in the rankings. Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula placed No. 5 nationwide, drawing attention to its massive gaming floor and frequent jackpot mentions. Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, near Yosemite, came in at No. 10, with guests often highlighting big slot wins in their reviews. East Coast challengers: New York and New Jersey

The East Coast also emerged as a stronghold for lucky gamblers. Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New Yorkranked No. 2 nationwide, second only to Florida’s Hard Rock Tampa, with a 24.40% “luck rate.” Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York followed at No. 7, while Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jerseysecured a spot in the top 25, reinforcing its reputation as a premier East Coast destination.

How “luck” was measured

The rankings did not rely on official payout statistics. Instead, analysts reviewed thousands of guest comments, tracking how often words such as “jackpot,” “won,” and “bonus” appeared. While this reflects perception more than mathematical odds, it offers a cultural snapshot of where players believe fortune is on their side.

Superstitions and rituals

Casino culture across states remains steeped in superstition. Players often gravitate toward lucky numbers such as seven, avoid 13, and rely on personal charms or “winning outfits.”

Many refuse to leave a machine they feel is “hot,” believing another player might benefit from their streak.

East vs. West: A new rivalry

For Las Vegas, long considered the gambling capital, the results were humbling, with only two properties at the lower end of the list. California’s tribal casinos broke into the top 10, while New York’s Turning Stone nearly claimed the top spot. Atlantic City’s Borgata reinforced the Jersey Shore’s gaming clout.

The findings underscore how America’s gambling landscape is shifting. Luck may be subjective, but in the casino industry, perception is everything and players go where they believe their chances are best.

Help name the new Cerritos cow sculpture 5 Philippine hotels get Michelin Key distinctions

Cerritos invites residents to help name a new bronze cow sculpture by Jane DeDecker, part of its 70th-anniversary celebration honoring the city’s Dairy Valley heritage.

by AJPress

CERRITOS, CA – As Cerritos approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, the City is preparing a yearlong celebration that honors its transformation from its humble beginnings as Dairy Valley to the vibrant, modern community it is today.

Incorporated on April 24, 1956, as the City of Dairy Valley, Cerritos officially changed its name on January 10, 1967. Early on, cows outnumbered residents by nearly 30 to one. Today, the City is known for its quality services, beautiful parks, and thriving business climate –proof of decades of thoughtful growth and civic pride.

As part of its platinum anniversary celebration, the City will unveil “Milking Time – A Tribute to Dairy Valley,” a bronze sculpture by nationally acclaimed artist Jane DeDecker. The installation, located at the Cerritos Civic Center, will depict a farmer, his two children, their dog and, of course, the cow. Call for entries: name the cow sculpture Residents are invited to help name the cow sculpture, which symbolizes Cerritos’ agricultural roots and enduring values of family and community.

To submit a name, complete an entry form online at cerritos. gov/cow or in person at Cerritos City Hall, Cerritos Library, Cerritos Park East, Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park, and Liberty Park.

Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 24.

Only official entry forms will be considered. The City will select up to 10 finalists, and the community will vote for their favorite. The person who submits the winning name will be recognized at a City Council meeting and receive City keepsakes.

A tribute to Dairy Valley’s gentle past

The sculpture’s cow represents a devoted mother born in Dairy Valley – gentle, beloved, and part of the family’s daily rhythm. Treasured by the farmer’s children, she was known for grazing in the pasture, basking in the sunshine, and enjoying crisp apples and fresh carrots brought by her young caretakers. So what name comes to mind?

Let your imagination “moo-ve you” and submit your entry today!

Trump’s power grab threatens fair representation – Prop 50 is how California fights back

LOS ANGELES: Today, Asian American electeds and community leaders gathered in Los Angeles to call on Californians to vote Yes on Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, and to fight back against Trump’s unprecedented attacks on democracy. In just a few short months, Trump has shown us exactly what he intends to do with unchecked power: impose illegal tariffs that make everything more expensive, deny disaster assistance to fire victims, and illegally deploy the national guard to Los Angeles. Now, he is coming directly for our democracy with a scheme to rig the next election.  Texas Legislature Passes Redistricting Measure Mid-Decade Trump ordered Texas’ Republican majority legislature to carve out five new congressional seats to pad Republican power mid-decade – a deliberate effort to send more Republicans to the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Instead of letting voters choose their representatives, Trump pushed Texas lawmakers to manipulate district lines so that politicians could handpick their voters.

This wasn’t about fair representation – it was about stacking the deck, silencing communities of color, and lacking in partisan advantage. It was a textbook example of rigging the system. This sets the stage for reforms such as California’s Proposition 50, which aimed to put a check on political gamesmanship and remind us that democracy is supposed to be decided at the ballot box, not behind closed doors.

California’s Response to Trump and Texas’ Power Grab

Prop 50 is California’s answer to Trump and Texas Republicans’ latest power grab. It ensures that the 2026 midterm elections are conducted on a fair and level playing field — because when Trump and his allies don’t fight fair, Californians need to fight fire with fire.  Trump has already declared “maximum warfare” on California, threatening to withhold funding for our schools and col-

leges, denying relief to disaster victims, and even turning the U.S. military against our people. Now, he wants to silence Californians’ voices by stealing congressional seats and rigging our elections.

Prop 50 is our line in the sand. It protects our democracy, our voice, and our future. These maps are temporary, lasting only until the next census in 2030. This November, we call on Californians to defend our state from Trump’s attacks and ensure that every vote counts in 2026’s midterm elections.

United States Representative Judy Chu says, “With Republicans controlling Congress, they’ve slashed Medicaid, stripping health care from millions of low-income families and seniors. They’ve supported Trump as he unleashes masked agents to terrorize immigrants and tear families apart. And they’ve rubber stamped his tariffs that are costing families thousands of dollars more for basic necessities. Trump knows he needs a Republican Congress to keep his grip on power, which is why he’s colluding with states like Texas to gerrymander more seats and lock in Republican dominance. California must fight back. That’s why I support Proposition 50 — to guarantee fair redistricting that keeps our communities together and strengthens the voices of Asian Americans and all communities of color. A “Yes on 50” means equal representation, a fair democracy, and making sure every community counts.”

Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, California State Legislature says, “Our communities are hurting—healthcare centers are being defunded, free speech is under attack, and families are being torn apart before our very eyes. The lives and livelihoods of our neighbors and loved ones are on line and that’s what’s at stake for Prop 50. We cannot remain silent—our AAPI communities are critical to ensuring we fight at the ballot box and vote YES on Prop 50.”

Assemblymember Mike Fong, California State Legislature says, “ Asian Pacific American communities know the cost

FIVE hotels in the Philippines made the cut of the inaugural Global Michelin Keys Selection, a new benchmark of the famous Michelin Guide for excellence in lodging.

Michelin Guide Inspectors evaluted more than 7,000 hotels around the world and nearly 2,500 establishments were recognized for “truly outstanding stays” worthy of high recommendation.

This comes on the heels of the launch of Michelin Key distinctions in 15 destinations last year, which include the Copacabanda Palace in Brazil and the Capella Shanghai in China.

“Just as Michelin Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, Michelin Keys now honor hotels that offer truly remarkable stays, where design, service, and location come together to create unforgettable moments,” explained the Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec in a statement.

Michelin Keys are awarded based on five universal criteria that evaluate overall hospitality experience rather than individual amenities. The distinctions are as follows:

• One Michelin Key : A very special stay with character and exceptional service.

• Two Michelin Keys : An exceptional stay with unique charm and a strong sense of place.

• Three Michelin Keys : An extraordinary stay offering the pinnacle of comfort, service, and design.

Five Philippine keys

Three of the five Philippine ho-

tels with a Michelin Key are located outside Metro Manila, all three on island havens.

Amanpulo on Pamalican Island in Palawan was described by inspectors as “a secluded paradise with pristine beaches, private villas and holistic wellness experiences.”

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort in Cebu was recognized for its modern Thai-inspired design, lush gardens and panoramic views of the Magellan Bay from a tropical beachfront.

Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao in Mindanao was commended for its bespoke villas, artisanal cuisine and immersive island experiences within its barefoot luxury retreat identity surrounded by nature.

The remaining two establishments are the neighboring Fairmont and Raffles hotels in Makita, both recognized for offering “refined urban luxury with elegant interiors, exceptional service, and

access to world-class shopping and dining.”

Special awards

The Michelin Guide also presented special awards to four hotels for achievements beyond traditional categories and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific areas of hospitality.

Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates was given an award for its architecture and design, while the Bürgenstock Resort Switzerland was recognized with a wellness award.

The La Fiermontina Ocean

Ogie Alcasid is having a Gen Z...

immediate, making it easier to gauge a song’s reach. Alcasid and Deniel are wisely following this momentum. Deniel recently recorded “Ikaw Sana,” while Alcasid himself plans to re-record “Nandito Ako,” this time with string instrumentation. “Rob and I performed together in ‘It’s Showtime.’ He’s a better singer, I should say. But really, I’m just happy that someone so influential among young people appreciates the music we do,” he says.

A catalog-wide effect

The “Nandito Ako” hype inevitably rubbed off on the rest of Ogie Alcasid’s formidable discography,

leading young fans to discover the classics he actually wrote, like “Sa Kanya,” “Kung Mawawala Ka,” and the duet “Hanggang Ngayon.” Now, even his other hits are gaining steam across the board.

Last month, on the variety show “ASAP,” Kai Montinola, another promising young talent, convinced Alcasid to sing a duet of “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang.” It became another viral moment—maybe not to the same magnitude as “Nandito Ako,” but no less thrilling for Alcasid, who’s embracing his newfound visibility among Gen Z. I’m thankful for all these young people starting to discover and recognize my music. I’m humbled and

shocked,” he says. Where this wave will lead him, Alcasid isn’t sure yet. But what’s certain, he says, is that what happened has only inspired him to keep writing new music, find new ways to reach listeners, and avoid relying on the legacy of his old hits. He wants to continue keeping his finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the industry, and on emerging artists moving the needle and keeping local music alive. I want to do new projects using my classic hits. I’m more open than ever to collaborating with young artists,” he says. “And I hope to see more of my old songs come to life again.”

when decisions are made without our voices — from Trump’s tariffs that hurt small businesses to Texas’ redistricting schemes that silence voters. Prop 50 is our chance to fight back. A yes vote means fighting for healthcare, education, representation, and protecting our democracy so every community, including AAPIs, has a voice at the table.”

Cynthia Choi, Co-Founder of Stop AAPI Hate and Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action says, “After the devastating fires in Los Angeles, Trump blocked disaster relief and left our community without the resources that we needed to rebuild our lives. He turned recovery into a political weapon against our state. Prop 50 is how we fight back – it’s about protecting our democracy and ensuring that every one of us is treated fairly.”

Manjusha Kulkarni, Co-Founder of Stop AAPI Hate and Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance says, “Proposition 50 is an important effort to protect our democracy. It is time for Californians to stand up and vote YES on November 4th. No one should be able unilaterally change the outcome of a national election more than a year before voting even begins. Proposition 50 offers a check against that.

We are fighting for the future of our nation as certain forces seek to push us down a path of authoritarianism. Passing Proposition 50 will put the brakes on that descent and enable us to secure America’s democracy moving forward.”

Tamlyn Tomita, Chair of CAPA21, Asian American actress (The Joy Luck Club, Karate Kid II) and Los Angeles community member says, “As a proud Californian, I know our state has always stood for fairness and inclusion. But today, Trump and his friends in Texas are trying to silence us and rig our democracy. For Asian American and Pacific Islander communities – and for every community that has been told their voice doesn’t matter – Prop 50 is our chance to say loudly and clearly: we will not be erased. We will defend our democracy.”

Annie Nepomuceno

Cardinal Ambo David and the call to live an embodied communion

I n his Los Angeles visit, the Philippines’ 10th card inal shares a life shaped by faith, courage, and compassion and urges Filipinos to turn hope into action against corruption and indifference.

by C arol o jeda -K imbrough

“Embodied Communion is the Church made concrete, tangible, in the way we walk with one another, support one another, and lift one another. It is not wishful thinking but Christian hope — the kind of hope that does not disappoint.”

—Cardinal Pablo (Ambo)

Virgilio David

A man of conviction

I recently accepted an invitation to attend the historic visit to Los Angeles of Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the 10th Cardinal from the Philippines. I had limited knowledge of Cardinal David, other than that he is a human rights activist — and that grabbed my interest. I listened to his keynote address, where he talked about three main challenges facing Filipinos in the homeland and abroad.

The man who would become the 10th Filipino Cardinal is a man who truly cares — not just in words but through his actions — for people who live on the margins of society. He is a man who is open to working with people who may or may not share his religious or political beliefs, and he is a man who is not afraid to look at and expose the injustices faced by his countrymen, even when his own life is threatened. He speaks with deep knowledge and compassion — a quality admired by many as he guides them into action.

Cardinal Pablo David is a humble man with a strong conviction about what the Church stands for. He prefers to be called Cardinal Ambo, or even Bishop Ambo (he stipulated that technically, he is still the Bishop of the Caloocan Diocese), but he draws the line at the common title given to cardinals — “His Eminence” — a title he hopes will one day be abolished. In previous interviews, Cardinal David had this to say about the title instituted by Pope Urban VIII in 1630: “I mean, I’m honestly scandalized by that. It’s one of the things I wish mawala sa Simbahan [would be gone from

the Church].”

Pablo Virgilio David was born in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga, on March 2, 1959. He is the 10th child of Pedro David and Bienvenida Siongco. He knew at an early age that he wanted to become a priest and attended the Mother of Good Counsel Minor Seminary when he was 10. He earned his bachelor’s degree in pre-divinity studies in 1978 from Ateneo de Manila University and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of San Fernando in 1983, where he served until 1986. From 1986 to 1991, he left the country to further his studies abroad, where he received his licentiate and doctorate in Sacred Theology. He returned to the Philippines, where he taught at the Theology Department of the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary.

He is the head of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Commission for Synodality and is currently serving his second term as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

A man of the people Cardinal David’s rise to prominence in the Church began in 2006, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him auxiliary bishop of San Fernando. This was followed by Pope Francis appointing him Bishop of Caloocan in 2016 and Cardinal in 2024.

Shortly after being appointed Cardinal, he admitted going through a period of self-doubt. When he had an opportunity to speak with Pope Francis, he confronted him about not giving advance notice:

“Holy Father, you changed my life again without even an advance notice.”

Pope Francis looked at him and replied:

“Don’t make a big deal of it. Learn to take things with a grain of divine humor. Don’t be very dogmatic in interpreting doctrine.”

Cardinal David said the exchange calmed him and gave him inner peace (Interview with ANC 24/7, Jan. 26, 2025).

The conclave

With the death of Pope Francis last April, cardinals gathered to elect a new pope. Cardinal David was one of three Filipino cardinals who entered the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to vote for the successor to Pope Francis. He recalled meeting many

cardinals from different countries and dioceses. He tells the story of a cardinal who sat next to him and started a conversation in Italian. When asked if he was Filipino, Cardinal Ambo replied, “Yes.” He asked the other cardinal where he was from, and the reply was, “Peru.”

They continued chatting until the other cardinal shifted to English, surprising Cardinal Ambo. “You speak English very well,” he told him. The cardinal replied, “I was born in Chicago, but I now live and work in Peru.” It turned out Cardinal Ambo had been speaking with Cardinal Robert Prevost, who holds dual U.S.-Peruvian nationality — and who, in a few days, would become Pope Leo XIV.

Human rights and the challenges faced by Filipinos at home

Cardinal Ambo has long spoken out against injustices faced by his countrymen, even when his own life is threatened. This recalls the time when clergy in the Philippines, inspired by Latin America’s Liberation Theology, risked arrest under Ferdinand Marcos for siding with the poor and political prisoners. Their efforts culminated in the People Power uprising of 1986, when nuns stood in front of tanks to defend protesters calling for democracy’s restoration.

While he protested against Marcos as a student, David’s leadership on human rights became more pronounced during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency. Then as Bishop of Caloocan, he condemned extrajudicial killings in his diocese under Duterte’s drug war. Today, he continues to fight for the basic rights of the poor in a society where corruption has been normalized and where its harshest impacts fall on the marginalized.

In Los Angeles, he told the story of Dion Angelo “Gelo” de la Rosa, a 20-year-old student who died of leptospirosis after wading through floodwaters in search of his father. For many, it was simply a tragedy of poverty. But David drew attention to deeper structural factors — corruption, gambling, urban migration — that trap families like Gelo’s in cycles of vulnerability.

“When all these factors are examined,” he explained, “it becomes clear what the poor are up against. Poverty, and the government’s role in exacerbating it, drive families from the

Then the poor are blamed for selling their votes to corrupt candidates, clinging to patronage politics because they are constantly in survival mode.”

Just weeks ago, on the 53rd anniversary of martial law, David joined large-scale protests dubbed the Trillion Peso March, where thousands demanded accountability for multi-billionpeso corruption scandals in floodcontrol projects.

“We seek true and deep renewal, but peacefully,” he told protesters. “This is not political, but a moral affirmation of our unified faith in the fight against the culture of corruption.”

Cardinal Ambo and Filipinos in the U.S.

At his Los Angeles keynote, David also spoke about the U.S. context. Post-election data from 2024 showed that 44% of Filipino Americans voted for Donald Trump — the highest support among Asian American subgroups. Many cited his promises on economic growth, inflation, border security,

and traditional family values.

Cardinal Ambo, however, warned of America’s contradictions:

“…Today, America is facing contradictions: inequality is widening; oligarchs and billionaires benefit from tax systems that leave many impoverished. Racism and white supremacist ideologies are emerging. Migrants that once symbolized American strength are now scapegoated.”

While firmly critical of the administration’s anti-immigrant policies, he encouraged Filipinos to reflect on their own journeys:

“You bring bayanihan, your faith, your joy to the community of nations that make up America.” Embodied Communion

As a key advocate of synodality in the Catholic Church, Cardinal David believes it fosters inclusivity and empowers the laity.

He urged Filipinos: “Use the education we have been blessed with, the social media platforms within our reach, and every bit of influence we hold to expose the nakedness of patronage politics

and to help dismantle the systemic corruption that traps the poor in an endless cycle of ayuda culture. We must stop treating the poor as mere ‘beneficiaries’ of our charity. Instead, let us listen to them,

And

OCTOBER is Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the history, resilience, and contributions of Filipino Americans. As a Filipino American serving Californians through the Employment Development Department (EDD), I take great pride in seeing how the values of our culture—specifically bayanihan, or communal unity, compassion, and service—extends directly to the work I do in supporting California workers and families in need on behalf of EDD. This is a small but very important way I give back to my community. I see my role at EDD as a public servant, working hard to provide Californians of all backgrounds, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, are supported. People reach out to EDD because they need help, and it is my job to ensure they know about the programs and services available to them.

EDD is best known for unemployment, which provides temporary financial support to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. But this program is just one part of a much broader safety net. EDD also provides:

• Disability Insurance: Partial wage replacement for workers who cannot work due to illness, injury, or pregnancy.

• Paid Family Leave: Benefits for workers who take time off to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or support a military family member during their deployment.

• Job Services and Training: Access to job matching, career counseling, and training opportunities that help people re-enter the workforce.

• Employer Services: Guidance

for businesses on payroll taxes, compliance, and resources to support their employees.

• Labor Market Information: High quality and timely data and reports on California’s labor force, industries, occupations, employment projections, wages and more.

Every day, Californians rely on these programs to help them get through unexpected, challenging times. Whether someone is waiting for their first paycheck after a layoff, recovering from surgery, or balancing work while caring for a newborn, EDD is there to help. Growing up, I was taught the importance of community and service. Whether it was through the Boy Scouts, mission work, or simply lending a hand to neighbors, I learned that true strength comes from helping others. That value of bayanihan stays with me today.

Filipino American History Month is a reminder of how culture and community shape our

contributions to society. For me, it is an honor to bring the values of my heritage into my work. Every call I take is an opportunity to serve and to ensure that Californians know that we are here and ready to help during difficult times, like losing their job or getting injured and unable to work, and the good times like celebrating the birth of a new baby. There are so many different support services that provide financial stability and resources when they’re needed most. I encourage people to see EDD more than just a government agency but also as a partner that can help navigate life’s challenges.

As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, I encourage everyone to explore what EDD has to offer. We may be able to provide services and support you didn’t even know you needed! Get the support you deserve and visit edd. ca.gov today.

By Jody

D. Mascardo Jr., Employment Program Representative, EDD