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Supreme Court orders Marcos, others to DATELINE USA Judge halts federal respond to flood control writ of kalikasan layoffs as shutdown FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
by Cristina Chi
enters third week
Philstar.com
WASHINGTON — A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from firing thousands of federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown, delivering a setback to its effort to shrink agencies while pressuring Democrats to reach a budget deal. The order, issued late Tuesday, October 15, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco, requires the administration to pause all ongoing and planned layoffs until legal challenges from employee unions are resolved. The decision halts more than 4,100 reduction-in-force notices that had already been issued since the shutdown began on October 1, according to filings cited by Reuters and PBS NewsHour. Judge Illston criticized the speed and scope of the layoffs and warned that the actions could violate statutory and constitutional safeguards. She directed federal agencies to provide detailed records of all planned personnel cuts before taking any further steps. The temporary restraining order marks u PAGE 4
MANILA — The Supreme Court has ordered government officials to respond to the petition for a writ of kalikasan over the government’s flood control projects. Among the officials required to comment on the petition are President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for-
• Department of the Interior and Local Governmer House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, according to the ment • Metro Manila Development Authority high court’s order dated October 15. • River Basin Control Office The following government agencies are also implicated as respondents: An order to comment is part of the high court's • Department of Budget and Management procedures in handling cases or petitions. • Department of Public Works and Highways The petition was filed on September 11 by • Department of Environment and Natural Re- lawyers and environmentalists against governsources u PAGE 2
Filipinos demand accountability amid corruption probe, expressing anger and outrage —survey by Camille Santiago Philstar.com
US Supreme Court lets stand rule allowing H-1B spouses to work The U.S. Supreme Court declines to review a challenge to the H-4 work authorization rule, preserving the Obama-era policy that allows certain spouses of H-1B visa holders to work legally in the U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review a long-running legal challenge to a rule that allows certain spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the United States—effectively preserving an Obama-era policy that has helped tens of thousands of immigrant families maintain dual incomes and economic stability. The Court’s decision, announced this week, leaves intact a lower-court ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, u PAGE 4
IT’S A DRILL. Grade school pupils of the Rafael Palma Elementary School in Manila participate in an earthquake drill and preparedness orientation on Thursday, October 16. The students learned about the use of safety gear, such as hard hats, the “drop, cover, and hold” protocol, and the importance of listening to their teacher’s instructions during emergencies. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
A recent survey showed that most Filipinos are outraged over the corruption involving government infrastructure projects in the country. Data released by the OCTA Research group on Tuesday shows the primary emotional response to the alleged corruption. The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent. In the survey, conducted between Sept. 25 and 30, 60% of respondents cited anger or outrage as the emotion that best described their reaction. Other responses included fear or anxiety (30%) and sadness or sorrow (9%), while only 1% admitted to feeling hope or optimism amid the ongoing probe. Additionally, 83% said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to expose corrupt officials was the right thing to do, while 3% disagreed, and 13% were undecided. Regarding which body should lead the inquiry, 46% of the respondents believe it should be an independent group, such as the Independent Commission u PAGE 2
Escudero responds to Comelec show cause order, maintains campaign donation from contractor was legal by Cecile Baltasar Philstar.com
SENATOR Francis "Chiz" Escudero, on Tuesday, October 14, has submitted his response to the Commission on Election's show cause order asking him to clarify the circumstances surrounding the P30 million campaign donation he received from a contractor prior to the 2022 national
elections. Comelec served Escudero the show cause order on October 4, giving him the choice of appearing in front of the commission himself or having his lawyer submit his affidavit on his behalf. Prior to serving Escudero's show cause order, Comelec had issued another to Lawrence Lubiano, who made the campaign u PAGE 2
Erik Spoelstra named head coach of Senate names Erwin Tulfo US men’s national basketball team acting Blue Ribbon chair by AJPress
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — USA Basketball has officially appointed Erik Spoelstra, longtime Miami Heat mentor and two-time NBA champion, as head coach of the U.S. men’s national basketball team through 2028. The appointment, confirmed on USA Basketball’s official website and approved by the organization’s Board of Directors, makes Spoelstra the first coach of Filipino descent to lead Team USA and among the most promErik Spoelstra, newly appointed head coach of the U.S. men’s national basketball team, stands inent Asian American coaches in in a USA Basketball training shirt ahead of the basketball. He succeeds Golden 2027 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Olympics. Photo courtesy of USA Basketball u PAGE 4
Former President Rodrigo Duterte
Presidential Communications Office file photo
ICC disqualifies prosecutor after Lacson’s resignation Khan from Duterte case over ‘appearance of bias’ 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 re-
placement. “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 u PAGE 3
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has disqualified Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, citing a number of factors that may give an "appearance of bias” arising from his past legal ties to a potential witness in the
case. In a ruling made public Wednesday, October 15, the ICC Appeals Chamber granted the request of the defense to disqualify Khan after it ruled that his prior work created "an objectively reasonable appearance of bias" that compromised his required impartiality. The decision cited the fact that u PAGE 3
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OCTOBER 17-23, 2025 • ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page
Supreme Court orders Marcos...
PAGE 1 awarded with flood control of neglect and willful destruction" have led to "brutal enviment officials, local govern- projects. They assert that "long years ronmental degradation.” ment units, and all contractors A writ is a legal remedy for those individuals whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated or threatened. On October 15, the Department of Justice issued new Immigration lookout bulletin orders against 19 individuals tagged in the flood control project fiasco, placing them on a travel watchlist at the Bureau of Immigration. This adds to the initial 33 Composite photo shows the Supreme Court building in Manila, President Bongbong Marcos on Oct. 15, 2025 and former House speaker Martin Romualdez (Leyte) as photographed on Aug. lawmakers who were issued IL18, 2025. File photos BOs on October 8. n
Filipinos demand accountability amid corruption... PAGE 1 for Infrastructure created by the president. Meanwhile, 23% of respondents felt the Senate should hold the investigation, while 13% selected the House of Representatives. Another 8% believed the Department of Public Works and Highways itself should conduct the probe. When asked about the desired outcome of the investigations, most Filipinos expressed strong demands for accountability (68%), jail time for those responsible (58%), recovery of lost or misused public funds
(58%), efficient implementation of quality flood control projects (41%), and strengthened transparency and monitoring of government infrastructure projects (34%). Others said faster completion of government infrastructure projects (27%), restoring public trust in the government (24%), and reforming bidding and procurement processes (13%). The Department of Finance has estimated that the Philippine economy lost up to P118.5 billion from 2023 to 2025 due to corruption in flood control projects. Greenpeace has suggested
the number is actually closer to P1.025 trillion. The controversy involving the government's flood control projects began in July as the rains triggered massive flooding in the metro. Hearings at the House of Representatives and the Senate revealed billions of pesos lost to corruption, which prompted the formation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure that will specifically investigate irregularities in flood control projects in the last 10 years. (With reports from Janvic Mateo)
FREE BREAD. Police officers get free pandesal, the well-loved Filipino soft bread, from Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Thursday (Oct. 16, 2025). It was part of the celebration of World Pandesal Day and United Nations Food Day to highlight global efforts to combat hunger. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Escudero responds to Comelec show... PAGE 1
donation to Escudero. Lubiano is the president of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc., which is among the top 15 contractors that cornered 20% of flood control projects. The issued orders are part of Comelec's investigation into whether Lubiano's millions in donation to Escudero violated Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, which forbids contributions from persons who hold contracts or sub-contracts with the government. Comelec is determining whether the contractor donated the funds as a private citizen or if he used corporate money, said Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia on Oct. 4. Escudero submitted his response through his lawyer, Atty. Ramon Esguerra. “His lawyer filed this morning. He brought an affidavit,” Garcia told reporters on Tuesday. “Therefore, para sa amin, kompleto na yung lahat ng ingredient para po magkaroon ng disposition yung opisina nila,” he added In a post on his Facebook page, Escudero confirmed his position on the matter Philstar.com photo through a statement by his le-
Senator Chiz Escudero
gal counsel. "We filed our submission early to respect the Comelec process. Our position is clear: the donation was legal, fully declared, and follows long-standing practice. The law is on our side, and we are confident the Comelec will find no fault," the senator wrote. On Monday, Garcia told reporters, that Escudero believes Lubiano's donations were from the contractor's private funds. “Kung ano sinasabi niya publicly din. Na talagang ito ay tinanggap niya sa paniniwala
Philstar.com file photo
na personal capacity at private funds bilang kaibigan niya si Lubiano. Sa amin, titimbangin natin yan. Aalamin kung sapat bang depensa o violation ng batas,” he said. During a House hearing, Lubiano claimed that his donation came from his own pocket and not from his company. However, Garcia previously pointed out that it doesn't matter where the funds came from since the Omnibus Election Code prohibits people with government contracts from making donations. n
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Social Security’s 2026 pay update delayed but benefits remain on track Inflation report pushed back amid federal shutdown; retirees to see modest increase next year by AJPress
inflation report, which will determine the final COLA figure. Once WASHINGTON, D.C. — The released on October 24, the SSA announcement of the 2026 Social will immediately announce the Security Cost-of-Living Adjust- 2026 adjustment. ment (COLA) has been delayed Projected increase until October 24, 2025, due to Analysts project a 2.6% to the ongoing federal government 2.8% increase, translating to shutdown. The Social Security roughly $50 more per month for Administration (SSA) confirmed the average retiree receiving that despite the delay, the benefit about $2,000 in monthly beneincrease will take effect as sched- fits. Advocacy group The Senior uled in January 2026. Citizens League estimates the The COLA, which adjusts So- COLA at about 2.7%, reflecting cial Security and Supplemental slower inflation after two years of Security Income (SSI) benefits to unusually high increases. keep pace with inflation, is based The COLA for 2025 was 3.2%, on the Consumer Price Index for following an 8.7% jump in 2023, Urban Wage Earners and Clerical the largest in more than four deWorkers (CPI-W). The Bureau of cades. Experts caution that any Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles gain may be partly offset by risthe CPI data, but its release was ing Medicare Part B premiums, postponed after federal workers which the Centers for Medicare were furloughed at the start of and Medicaid Services (CMS) will the shutdown. announce later this fall. The BLS has since recalled key Impact on beneficiaries staff to produce the September The SSA reassured benefi-
ciaries that payments will not be disrupted despite the shutdown. The 2026 COLA will be reflected in January 2026 checks, consistent with the agency’s standard schedule. More than 71 million Americans receive Social Security or SSI benefits. The update will also affect related programs such as veterans’ and federal pensions. Meanwhile, the maximum taxable earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax will increase to $176,100 next year, requiring higher contributions from top earners. The annual COLA remains a vital measure of how inflation shapes the daily realities of retirees living on fixed incomes. The SSA encourages recipients to verify their updated benefit amounts through their My Social Security accounts at ssa. gov/myaccount. n
ICC disqualifies prosecutor Khan from... PAGE 1 Khan had interviewed witnesses and helped prepare a 2018 submission that explicitly named Duterte as the primary target for ICC investigation – information Khan failed to disclose until months after Duterte's arrest. However, Khan — the ICC's chief prosecutor — is already on indefinite leave over a separate issue that is not related to the Duterte case: there is currently an investigation on allegations of sexual assault against him. The case against Duterte will continue under ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, who has led the prosecution team from the start. Duterte remains in ICC custody at The Hague following his March 12 surrender on charges of crimes against humanity related to the thousands killed in his anti-drug campaign. Khan's undisclosed conflict emerged only after ICC judges issued Duterte's arrest warrant on March 7. The prosecutor then notified the court he had represented drug war victims in 2018, submitting what's known as an Article 15 Communication
requesting an ICC investigation into the Philippines. Undisclosed conflict of interest Khan's undisclosed conflict emerged only after ICC judges issued Duterte's arrest warrant on March 7. The prosecutor then notified the court he had represented drug war victims in 2018, submitting what's known as an Article 15 Communication requesting an ICC investigation into the Philippines. Court documents show Khan's involvement went beyond simple representation. He personally conducted "activities of an investigatory nature" including interviewing individuals who later became prosecution witnesses against Duterte. The submission he helped prepare dedicated substantial sections to establishing Duterte's individual criminal responsibility. Khan purportedly waited until March 6, one day before Duterte's arrest warrant was issued, to inform judges about his prior involvement. He didn't disclose the full extent of his work to Duterte's defense team until
June 27, nearly four months after the arrest. In their October 2 decision publicized yesterday, the fivejudge Appeals Chamber found that "a reasonable observer would conclude that in light of the nature and the extent to the Prosecutor's involvement in the Article 15 Communication, he could be expected to have formed an opinion on the individual criminal responsibility of Mr Duterte." Khan had argued his prior work posed no conflict since no formal case existed in 2018 and the evidence now available far exceeded what he had access to as a victims' lawyer. He insisted he had not participated in reviewing the arrest warrant application and had taken a leave of absence in May. The judges rejected these arguments and stressed their duty to ensure fair proceedings. They noted the 2018 submission Khan helped prepare explicitly recommended Duterte be investigated and included detailed sections on his alleged command responsibility and intent to kill drug suspects. n
SIDEWALK CLEANUP. Department of Public Works and Highways personnel clean the sidewalks along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City to remove debris and prevent clogging during heavy rains, on Thursday (Oct. 16, 2025). This is part of the department’s routine clearing and maintenance tasks. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Senate names Erwin Tulfo acting Blue Ribbon... PAGE 1 Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy 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.
IKEA opening new store in Philippines in partnership with Ayala Group by Richmond Mercurio Philstar.com
MANILA — Swedish home furnishing giant IKEA is opening its second official branch in the Philippines in partnership with the Ayala Group. IKEA will open its first Plan and Order Shop in the Philippines at TriNoma Mall on Oct. 23, bringing its affordable and sustainable design closer to northern Metro Manila residents. “We are now getting closer to the many more Filipinos, especially in the north of Manila. This partnership between IKEA and Ayala Malls allow us to create spaces that are accessible, convenient and inspiring,” IKEA Philippines country retail manager Ricardo Pinheiro said. “IKEA Plan and Order Shop is one of the most recent formats we have. It’s actually a shop where customers can order the full IKEA range. It is also a shop where customers can plan their home solutions. It’s also a shop where customers can actually collect their online orders” he said. Pinheiro said the Plan and Order Shop format is currently available in other IKEA sites globally like London, Paris, Stockholm, Spain and Portugal.
“We are opening more and more, but they are not very old. So it’s quite a recent format that we are still testing,” he said. The first IKEA Plan and Order Shop in the Philippines will be a 500-square meter store located at the ground level of TriNoma Mall. Pinheiro said that total investment for the store ranges from P30 million to P35 million. The shop features small scale store with room vignettes and products that shoppers can purchase in-store and also functions as a free collection point for online orders. It is also a space for customers to plan their dream kitchens, wardrobe and storage cabinet with the same expert guidance as offered from IKEA’s store in Pasay City. The IKEA Plan and Order Shop aims to make affordable home furnishing even more accessible to shoppers from every corner of Metro Manila. “For now, we are very committed to make this one a success. Based on the success of this one, we will decide if we will open more in different locations or not,” Pinheiro said. Ayala Malls chief operating officer Paul Birkett said the opening of the IKEA Plan and Order Shop matches the ongo-
ing refresh being undertaken at TriNoma. “It’s really critically important that this first ever Plan and Order point in the Philippines, it’s the new retail format that brings the IKEA brand closer to consumers. It combines the convenience, the access, the innovation, but more importantly, the exceptional products. We give people another reason to visit TriNoma,” Birkettt said. Pinheiro said the plan for IKEA Philippines for expansion moving forward is to explore both large store as well as the small scale Plan and Order Shop formats. “For IKEA, it’s not one or the other. It’s one and the other. So we are looking to both formats as a way to get closer to the many Filipinos. Our country is so big and its so scattered around so many different islands and cities that we believe we need to explore both options of bigger store like Pasay and smaller Plan and Order shops like in Quezon City,” he said. Asked about plans to open an IKEA store in SM Megamall, Pinheiro said: “It’s not part of our plans in the near future.” IKEA opened its first store in the country in 2021 at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, which is currently the biggest IKEA store in the world. n
Sen. Erwin Tulfo
Photo courtesy of the Senate of the Philippines
• 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
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IKEA and Ayala Malls partner to open the IKEA Plan & Order Shop in Quezon City. In photo (from left) Mark Anthony Sablan, Ayala Malls head of key accounts; Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls chief operating officer; Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippines country retail manager and Gelo Gacad, IKEA Plan & Order Shop general manager. Philstar.com photo POR CORREO. VISITE. DEPOSÍTELA.
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OCTOBER 17-23, 2025 • ASIAN JOURNAL
DATELINE USA
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Luxury retail’s dirty culture of cash Now that politicians are lying low, can luxury retail survive without them? by Lala Singian-Serzo Inquirer.net
Three of the five Philippine hotels with a Michelin Key are located outside Metro Manila. Amanpulo, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, Nay Palad Hideaway via Facebook, Google Maps
5 Philippine hotels get Michelin Key distinctions MANILA — 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 hotels 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 in Larache, Morocco received the Local Gateway Award and the Opening of the Year Award, sponsored by United Overseas Bank, went to the Burman Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia. Later this year, Filipino and Philippine-based restaurants will make their debut on the Michelin Guide and the Bib Gourmand Selection. n
PAGE 1 an early victory for unions such as the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which argued that firing staff during a lapse in appropriations was unlawful and punitive. AFGE said the decision is an important protection for federal workers who have gone without pay for more than two weeks. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had defended the layoffs as part of a long-term strategy to reduce the size of government while keeping military
and security operations funded. About 176 employees at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were among those already dismissed before the ruling, according to agency data. President Donald Trump said the White House will still release this week a list of programs his team intends to cut if Congress does not pass a spending bill, describing them as priorities of Democrats. The Associated Press called the shutdown “unlike any other,” noting the administration’s unprecedented use of
the funding lapse as leverage for agency restructuring. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain furloughed or working without pay. Legal experts say the court order halting layoffs does not end the shutdown but ensures that terminations cannot proceed while litigation continues. With the Senate still deadlocked and no agreement in sight, millions of Americans remain caught between political brinkmanship and the limits of executive power. (AJPress)
PAGE 1 who guided the program through the 2024 Paris Games. “It’s an incredible honor to be named head coach of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team,” Spoelstra said in the official statement. “Representing our country and leading world-class athletes to marquee competitions is one of the greatest privileges in sport. I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence and teamwork that defines USA Basketball.” According to USA Basketball, the decision was made by Grant Hill, managing director of the men’s national team, and remains subject to approval by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. “I have known Erik Spoelstra for the better part of two decades,” Hill said. “Spo is not only an outstanding coach, but a great colleague, friend, and father, all of which make him the perfect choice to continue the USA Basketball coaching legacy through 2028.” Coaching tenure and achievements Spoelstra, 54, will lead the United States at the 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Doha, Qatar, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He will also oversee training camps and exhibition games in preparation for both tournaments. Since being promoted to head coach of the Miami Heat in 2008, Spoelstra has become one of the most respected tacticians in professional basketball. Under his leadership, Miami has appeared in six NBA Finals (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2023) and won two championships (2012 and 2013). He is currently the longest-tenured active NBA head coach with one team. Spoelstra has been involved with USA Basketball for more than a decade, including stints as assistant coach at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the United States reclaimed gold. He also led the USA Select Team in 2021, mentoring rising NBA players
preparing for national duty. From video coordinator to champion coach Erik Jon Spoelstra was born on November 1, 1970, in Evanston, Illinois, to Jon Spoelstra, a former NBA executive, and Elisa Celino Spoelstra, a native of San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines, who is reported to be a journalism graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Raised in Beaverton, Oregon, Spoelstra played basketball at Jesuit High School and later at the University of Portland, where he was named West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 1989. After graduating in 1992, he played professionally for TuS Herten in Germany and served briefly as a player-coach, an experience that shaped his approach to strategy and leadership. In 1995, Spoelstra joined the Miami Heat as a video coordinator under Pat Riley. His sharp eye for analytics and preparation earned him steady promotions to assistant coach and director of scouting by 2001. When Riley stepped down in 2008, he named Spoelstra as his successor. Under Spoelstra’s guidance, the Heat built the celebrated “Big Three” era with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, reaching four consecutive NBA Finals and winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. He later guided the franchise through a new competitive phase, leading teams anchored by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. In January 2024, Spoelstra agreed to an eight-year contract extension reportedly worth more than $120 million, according to ESPN, making it one of the largest coaching deals in NBA history. He was also named among the NBA’s Top 15 Coaches of All Time and inducted into the University of Portland Hall of Fame. Filipino heritage and representation Spoelstra’s appointment carries deep meaning for Filipino
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
Judge halts federal layoffs as shutdown...
Erik Spoelstra named head coach of US...
fans worldwide. His mother’s roots in Laguna and her journey to the United States shaped his perspective and family values. He has frequently visited the Philippines to conduct youth basketball camps and promote community development programs. During Team USA’s visit to Manila for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Spoelstra described the experience as profoundly meaningful, connecting his professional life with his Filipino heritage. His elevation to head coach now extends that representation to the Olympic stage, symbolizing pride for Filipino Americans and the broader Asian community. Building the next era of Team USA USA Basketball has not yet announced assistant coaches or support staff for the 2025–2028 cycle. Officials said additional appointments will be shared later. No contract terms, including salary or performance incentives, have been made public. Early analysis suggests that Spoelstra will bring his trademark adaptability and defensive discipline to Team USA’s next era, focusing on player development and team cohesion as veteran Olympians transition out. “Absolutely, absolutely humbled,” Spoelstra told the Associated Press about leading the team into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “It is the honor of a lifetime to compete on your own soil, that’s simply remarkable.” A milestone in American basketball Spoelstra’s appointment marks a defining moment for USA Basketball. His journey from an Oregon upbringing to NBA champion and now national team head coach reflects both the global reach of basketball and the growing visibility of Filipino Americans in sports leadership. As he prepares to lead Team USA into a new Olympic cycle, Spoelstra’s journey embodies excellence, perseverance, and the growing diversity that continues to shape the face of American basketball. n
In our country, luxury retail stores thrive not on credit cards, but on cold, hard cash. For years, high-end stores have catered to clients, many of whom are politicians, who walk in with stacks of bills to snap up shoes, jewelry, and designer bags. Some tasteful, some not so. This culture of cash is no secret in the luxury retail industry. One fashion insider recalls what it was like when a fancy shoe brand first opened its store in Manila. “The first thing [that] the group handling it asked for was a cash counter,” she says. “Politicians were going to be the biggest buyers, and they don’t swipe their cards; they bring cash.” She goes on to add how a friend, who handles an elite jewelry store, says that their staff gets nervous. “They were scared because they thought they could get questioned. Internationally, big companies don’t allow that much cash. It can get them into trouble if they’re linked to money laundering. At the end of the day, how are the stores in the Philippines going to accept cash for their goods without being linked to money laundering?” Cash seems to suit both sides: Buyers with questionable backgrounds enjoy anonymity and ease, while retailers benefit from high-volume sales, without having to wait for card approvals or wire transfers. Suspicious minds But in light of recent revelations, i.e., Senate testimonies, the optics of these cash-fueled transactions are shifting. At the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing that stirred up a storm, former Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Hernandez alleged that P1 billion in cash, stuffed into more than 20 suitcases and ferried in six to seven vans, was delivered to the penthouse of former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co at Shangri-La Hotel in Taguig. “There were many suitcases of money, Your Honor,” Hernandez said under oath. “I believe it
amounted to billions.” Each suitcase, he added, carried roughly P50 million. Another witness, engineer Jaypee Mendoza, backed up the claim, saying the delivery went straight to the penthouse elevator. Catching up with credit High-value and easy to move, a watch or a handbag can quickly transform dirty cash into a clean, resellable asset. How often is the Rolex store out of stock? It’s easy for a single watch to reach half a million. Meanwhile, a single Chanel handbag is sold at a prestige price of hundreds of thousands of pesos. This is why governments in Europe and the US impose strict limits on cash transactions, requiring stores to report anything above a certain threshold. In the US, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has Form 8300, which requires businesses to report cash payments of over $10,000, specifically mentioning dealers in jewelry, automobiles, and other high-value collectibles. On the other hand, the European Union (EU) has the Anti-Money Laundering Directive & Cash Limits, which also has an EUwide limit of €10,000 on cash payments. In New York’s LaGuardia Airport, even terminal fees can’t be paid in cash. I nearly missed my flight because they wouldn’t accept my debit card, only credit. In Paris, many boutiques won’t accept more than a few thousand euros in bills, if at all. And post-pandemic, digital payments have only become more entrenched worldwide. By comparison, the Philippines feels caught in another time. A “banana republic” where our politicians are overlords. Cash is anonymous, fluid, and easily exchanged, which makes it all the more convenient for those with dubious sources of income. While officially, the Philippines does have rules in place, it seems easy to work around the technicalities. The Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 9160, as amended) requires cash transactions above P500,000 to be
reported to the Anti-Money Laundering Council, not just by banks, but also by dealers in precious metals and stones, the categories where watches and jewelry fall. Even if the amount is smaller, stores are supposed to file a Suspicious Transaction Report if something looks off. But how often do we really think these reports are filed? It doesn’t take a genius to see that they’re breaking up a million-peso splurge into two or three “innocent” purchases under the threshold. A watch today, a handbag tomorrow, a necklace the week after, with none of them technically hitting the reporting line. But altogether, they’re still spending the same dirty money. So while the law exists, enforcement feels porous, and cash is still circulated by and large. A market at risk? In the luxury goods industry, where a polished image is everything, the optics are becoming increasingly awkward. For luxury houses that operate under global compliance standards, suitcases of cash look super shady and put them at risk of tying their brand to financial crime, too. At least regulators are taking notice. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is now checking cash flows, monitoring unusually large cash withdrawals, with concerned banks under review. State-run Land Bank of the Philippines has also launched a probe. So now, the hot potato: If politicians and other cash buyers start lying low under scrutiny of the entire country, could luxury retail take a hit? While the Filipino appetite for designer goods is undeniable, the local market has leaned so heavily on the cash-heavy clientele. The industry may now have to rethink how to keep tills ringing without the shadow of money laundering (and corrupt politicians) looming over pristine marble counters. So, will Philippine luxury retail adapt to tightening rules, or remain a playground where peso bills and prestige items trade through dirty hands? n
Filipino artist arrested by ICE outside his home in Texas by Elton Lugay Inquirer.net
NEW YORK — Community groups and civil rights advocates are demanding the release of Filipino American artist and DACA recipient Ya’kub Ira Vijandre, who was reportedly arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside his home in Dallas, Texas earlier this week. Vijandre – an artist, photojournalist and community activist known for his immigrant rights advocacy – is legally protected from deportation and detention under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, according to his supporters. His sudden arrest has drawn condemnation from several organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-Texas DFW, the
Ya’kub Ira Vijandre
Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) and the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) Dallas Chapter. “This detention is unlawful and a disturbing abuse of power,” CAIR-Texas said in a statement. “Ya’kub’s rights
Photo from Instagram/@pymdallas
under DACA remain valid, and his arrest is a direct violation of those protections.” According to his supporters, ICE agents detained Vijandre early Tuesday morning in what they described as an unprovoked and illegal act. n
US Supreme Court lets stand rule allowing... PAGE 1 which last year upheld the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) authority to grant employment authorization to eligible H-4 visa holders—the dependent spouses of H-1B workers in specialty occupations. The petition, filed by Save Jobs USA, argued that DHS exceeded its legal authority when it created the employment authorization rule in 2015. The group contended that allowing H-4 spouses to work would disadvantage U.S. workers and violated the Immigration and Nationality Act. In its August 2024 decision, however, the D.C. Circuit rejected those arguments, affirming that DHS has “broad authority to set employment conditions for nonimmigrant visa categories.” The appellate panel found that Congress had explicitly empowered the agency to define terms of stay and work eligibility for certain visa holders, including dependents of H-1B workers who are on a path toward permanent residency. By refusing to hear the case, the Supreme Court effectively affirmed that interpretation—without issuing a written opinion—allowing the 2015 rule to stand. What the rule allows Under the H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) program, spouses of H-1B visa holders may apply for work
permits if the principal visa holder has an approved immigrant petition (Form I-140) or has received an extension beyond the six-year H-1B limit while awaiting permanent residency. USCIS data show that more than 179,000 H-4 spouses have received work authorization since the rule took effect in 2015, the majority of them women from India and other Asian countries. Eligible spouses can file Form I-765 with USCIS to obtain work authorization and legally work for any U.S. employer. According to the DHS rule summary, the policy “helps U.S. businesses retain highly skilled workers who are pursuing permanent residence” and reduces financial strain on their families—many of whom contribute to key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. Broader significance The Supreme Court’s move provides stability for thousands of immigrant families whose livelihoods depend on dual incomes. Advocacy groups praised the decision, saying it upholds family unity and recognizes the economic contribution of skilled immigrants. “The H-4 EAD rule has allowed families to thrive instead of forcing spouses to sit idle despite their qualifications,” said immigration attorney Anu Peshawaria, a former legal adviser to the Indian
Embassy in Washington, speaking in earlier interviews about the H-4 EAD program. “This is a victory for fairness and for the American economy.” Critics, however, maintain that the rule circumvents Congress and grants the executive branch excessive leeway over immigration policy. Similar concerns were raised by Save Jobs USA and other restrictionist groups, though no legislative proposal to overturn the rule has gained traction. Continuing implications While the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene preserves the rule for now, it does not prevent future administrations from revisiting the regulation through the formal rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedure Act. For the time being, DHS guidance remains clear: eligible H-4 spouses can continue applying for or renewing their Employment Authorization Documents, ensuring uninterrupted work eligibility. The case, Save Jobs USA v. Department of Homeland Security (No. 24-923), concludes a decade-long legal battle over a regulation that continues to shape the lives of thousands of immigrant families—and underscores the ongoing tension between judicial restraint and executive discretion in U.S. immigration policy. (AJPress)
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Discayas end cooperation with commission, according to ICI executive director by AJPress
missioner Rogelio Singson publicly stated that the couple was not being considered for state witness CONTRACTORS Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah status at this time. The Discayas reportedly viewed “Sarah” Discaya have withdrawn their cooperation the comments as prejudicial and undermining their from the Independent Commission for Infrastruc- trust in the impartiality of the investigation. Hosaka clarified that Singson’s statement was ture (ICI) probe into the P545-billion flood-control projects, citing “personal remarks” made by one of his personal opinion and not the official position the commission’s members, ICI Executive Director of the commission. In the interview, Singson—who previously served as secretary of public works and Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed on Wednesday. Hosaka said the Discayas invoked their consti- highways—said he opposed granting witness protutional right against self-incrimination after Com- tection to those he regarded as “principal players” in the alleged anomalies. The Discayas’ decision to withdraw cooperation is seen as a setback to the ICI’s ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in Department of Photo shows a collapsed wall next to a house in Baganga, Davao Oriental, following the Oct. 10 earthquake. Bureau of Fire Protection Region 11 handout photo Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood-con- trol projects. Their construction companies were among those awarded multiple contracts now under scrutiny for possible overpricing and collusion. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano called the couple’s move “misguided,” saying cooperation would have demonstrated transparency and good faith. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has not received formal notice of withdrawal from the couple in its parallel probe, adding that cases can proceed based on existing documents and evidence. Hosaka maintained that despite the withdrawal, the ICI remains committed to uncovering irreguor felt in La Union and Baguio agency has since cataloged hunby AJPress larities and ensuring accountability in the governCity was a shallow crustal quake dreds of aftershocks—initially Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya Inquirer.net file photo ment’s infrastructure program. n MANILA — The Philippine In- in northern Luzon, unrelated to reporting 179 and later noting stitute of Volcanology and Seis- either the Visayas or Mindanao that the number had surpassed 400—as seismic activity continmology (PHIVOLCS) has clarified events. “All independent earthquake ues to taper. that the recent earthquakes rePHIVOLCS has deployed Quick corded in Cebu, Davao, and Ba- generators… Walang kinalaman guio/La Union occurred on sep- yung isa sa Philippine Trench dun Response Teams to Davao Orienarate fault systems and are not sa Bogo Bay Fault,” Bacolcol said tal to conduct geologic impact asmade up of Filipino and foreign in itself because all the big-ticket connected. The agency empha- in a televised interview. “The ac- sessments, including surveys for by Elijah Felice Rosales investors, following the DOTr’s projects are funded by ODA (of- sized that while the tremors tivity of one will not induce or trig- possible ground movement, landPhilstar.com slides, and liquefaction. Bacolcol efforts to market the project in ficial development assistance),” struck within days of each other, ger the activity of the other.” Clarifying public fears advised residents to remain vigthere is no scientific basis to link MANILA — The Department roadshows in Singapore, Paris, Lopez said. The series of strong quakes ilant: “Aftershocks may continue “The internal controls are dif- them or to suggest a nationwide of Transportation (DOTr) expects Manila and Tokyo. sparked speculation on social for several days or weeks, some of However, he said the number ferent, the process is different, the chain of seismic events. at least four groups to compete Separate origins, distinct media that one event may have which may be felt,” he said. for the P229-billion concession can still change depending on checks and balances are different. triggered another. PHIVOLCS Preparedness and resilience to run the country’s largest rail- investor appetite. Although the So I can say, it is 100 percent free fault lines Experts note that the PhilipPHIVOLCS Director Dr. Tere- dismissed those claims, exway, signaling that investor con- government is riddled with cor- of corruption,” he added. As such, Lopez believes the sito Bacolcol explained that each plaining that the Philippine ar- pines experiences over 20,000 fidence is unwavering despite ruption issues, Lopez is optimistic that the DOTr can still secure DOTr can keep its reputation free quake was triggered by different chipelago rests on multiple mi- earthquakes each year, most too the corruption scandals. croplates that move and release weak to be felt. The latest tremors The DOTr will issue the bid- enough offers to make the bid- from funding anomalies and sees tectonic sources. underscore the country’s expo• The magnitude 6.9 quake stress independently. no reason for investor appetite to ding documents for the pub- ding competitive. “While the timing may appear sure to multiple fault systems— Moreover, Lopez said the decline in its big-ticket and PPP in northern Cebu on September lic-private partnership (PPP) 30 originated from the Bogo Bay close, there is no evidence that the Philippine Trench, East Luzon contract for the operation and DOTr is far from suffering the projects. The NSCR, costing P873.6 bil- Fault, a local structure that PHI- one quake caused another,” PHI- Trough, Central Philippine Fault, maintenance of the North-South same fate as the Department of VOLCS said in its advisory. “Each and others—making disaster preCommuter Railway (NSCR) by Public Works and Highways, lion and co-financed by Japan, VOLCS is currently mapping. • The magnitude 7.4 main event is an isolated tectonic occur- paredness a national imperative. the last week of October at the which funds most of its projects will span 147 kilometers across PHIVOLCS urged local govlocally from the national budget. 35 stations between the Clark In- shock and 6.8 aftershock that rence in different regions of the earliest. ernments to review evacuation The DOTr undertakes big-tick- ternational Airport and Calamba, struck Davao Oriental on October country.” Acting Transportation SecreAftershocks and monitoring plans and reminded the public to 10 were caused by subduction tary Giovanni Lopez said he has et projects, such as the NSCR, Laguna. The Davao Oriental quakes participate in regular earthquake It is expected to ferry 800,000 movement along the Philippine consulted with transaction ad- through loans from partners Trench, forming what scientists prompted tsunami warnings for drills. “Preparedness remains viser Asian Development Bank like the ADB. Lenders observe passengers daily once finished. The future operator of the classify as a “doublet earth- coastal provinces, which were our best defense,” Bacolcol said. (ADB) in finalizing the schedule. procurement controls to protect Lopez said the DOTr is expect- projects from manipulative prac- NSCR will manage its trains, quake”—two major quakes oc- later lifted by PHIVOLCS and “We cannot predict earthquakes, stations and depot, including its curring close in time and location the Pacific Tsunami Warning but we can lessen their impact ing at least four consortiums to tices. Center after sea-level monitoring through awareness and resilient “I always say that DOTr proj- interline with the Metro Manila but on separate ruptures. bid for the concession. He not• The magnitude 4.4 trem- showed no significant rise. The infrastructure.” n ed that these groups are mostly ects are quite unique and peculiar Subway Project. 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
Bidding on track for Philippines largest railway At least 4 groups seen to vie for P229 billion concession
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OCTOBER 17-23, 2025 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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Beyond reform: Lighting the lamp of moral renewal Reform alone cannot heal a nation’s moral fatigue. True renewal begins when Filipinos at home and abroad light the lamp of integrity and conscience, filling the world with the brightness of their example THERE is an old Eastern parable that says, “If you clean your temple but never light the lamp, the darkness will still find you.” It speaks of the emptiness that follows effort, the truth that cleansing alone does not bring light. The Christian scriptures tell a story with a similar lesson. In it, a person is freed from an unclean spirit, but when that spirit later returns, it finds the house swept clean yet empty. Seeing that the space has not been filled, it brings seven others more destructive than itself, and they all move back in. This image is not about ghosts or demons. It is a portrait of relapse, of what happens when the heart is cleared of what is wrong but not strengthened by what is right. A person who removes temptation but not desire, who abandons vice but does not replace it with virtue, remains vulnerable to what once held them captive. Both parables, though from different traditions, teach the same principle: cleansing is not completion. Renewal must follow. Even modern behavioral science affirms this
truth. Habits cannot simply be erased; they must be replaced. Psychologists call this habit substitution, the understanding that removing a harmful pattern without building a positive one leaves the mind open to relapse. We see this in daily life: the dieter who quits sugar but never learns balance soon returns to excess; the person who stops drinking but does not fill the void with purpose slips back into the habit; the one who cuts spending but not desire finds themselves again in debt. The old returns because what was removed was never replaced. The same holds true for nations. Cleansing without renewal invites the same failures to return, only in different forms. The illusion of reform For decades, the Philippines has tried to clean its political and moral house. Each new administration begins with vows of reform, hearings on cor-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
ruption, and renewed calls for accountability. Yet the same patterns return. What was swept away by outrage often reappears under new names and faces. Like the parable’s house, the nation becomes orderly for a moment but remains unfilled. The emptiness is not political but spiritual. The system
Justice, yes — but not myth: Commentary Confronting the Bonifacio Brothers’ execution with historical clarity
babe’s eye view Babe Romualdez
Eliseo Art Silva
“THIS nation, still finding its voice, cannot truly heal until we confront the truth behind the Bonifacio brothers’ execution—not with myth, but with justice rooted in history.” That call demands more than remembrance; it demands reckoning. And reckoning requires courage—the courage to ask difficult questions, to resist romantic distortions, and to reclaim Filipino-centered authorship of our national narrative. On May 10, 1897, Andres and Procopio Bonifacio were executed by order of the revolutionary government led by Emilio Aguinaldo. Their deaths were not the result of colonial oppression but of internal rupture —of a fledgling republic grappling with factionalism, military setbacks, and competing visions of legitimacy. Tried and convicted of sedition and treason, the Bonifacio brothers had formed a rival government in Naic, Cavite, issuing documents that directly challenged the authority of the newly elected leadership at Tejeros. This was not a symbolic protest— it was a destabilizing act at
a moment of existential crisis for the revolution. To confront this truth, we must ask: • Why did Bonifacio recall troops from Pasong Santol, enabling Spain’s recapture of Cavite and leading to the death of Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo? • Why did he order the burning of Indang, Cavite, after townspeople refused to provide provisions? • Why did he nullify the Tejeros elections—despite presiding over them—and establish a rival government dominated by his own faction? • Why, after his execution, was there no coup, no mass defection, no assassin to avenge his death, if Aguinaldo was truly the “butcher of heroes”? • Why did even Emilio Jacinto, Bonifacio’s closest ally, fail to rally support in Laguna to reignite a Bonifacio-led resistance? These are not rhetorical flourishes. They are historical inquiries that point to a sobering reality: the Bonifacio brothers were not silenced by colonizers but by
the consequences of their own decisions. Their execution, while tragic, was not an act of arbitrary cruelty but a painful assertion of revolutionary discipline. As historian Ambeth Ocampo and others have noted, Aguinaldo initially commuted their sentence to exile. It was pressure from his generals that led to the reinstatement of the death penalty. The tribunal’s verdict, however harsh, had legal grounding. Yet the deeper wound lies not in the verdict but in the fracture it revealed. The First Philippine Republic, for all its brilliance, lacked the institutional maturity to reconcile ideals with governance. It was a house still under construction. In that fragile moment, Bonifacio’s actions— however principled—threatened to collapse the revolution from within. We must also confront another uncomfortable truth: Bonifacio’s elevation as a national hero was not the organic outcome of the revolution he helped ignite. It was orchestrated by American u PAGE 7
THERE is absolutely no doubt that the Philippines today is facing a dual challenge that goes beyond ordinary governance. On the one hand, an endemic corruption scandal has shaken public confidence in our institutions and provoked public outrage. On the other, there are external forces that seek to exploit our vulnerabilities, amplifying instability in hopes of changing the country’s political direction to serve their own interests. These domestic and external threats cannot be separated; they feed into each other. Corruption has long been treated as a governance or economic issue, but today, it has become perfectly clear that it is also a national security risk. What is considered the most widespread corruption in government and the betrayal of public trust has sparked volatility and anger. When people see those in government as having no accountability, when public funds are abused and wasted and when justice is perceived as absent, the very legitimacy of govern-
Commentary Cleaning house without public lives breaking the republic Randy David
THE government of the day— the administration of President Marcos Jr. and Congress—is not the entire state. Its failures may expose flaws in the Constitution, but they do not necessarily undermine the viability of the constitutional state itself. It is worth keeping this distinction in mind amid the growing calls questioning the Marcos government’s capacity to curb corruption. Even in the absence of political consensus, institutional stability can endure. In modern society, conflict is almost a ritual feature of democracy, pitting government against opposition within rules set by the Constitution—the anchor of stability from election to election. Still, the deficiencies of governance cannot be ignored. Corruption today afflicts not just agencies involved in procurement but seems rooted in Congress and the budgetary
process itself. It has seeped into the very organs meant to ensure accountability, including the Commission on Audit. Mr. Marcos now faces a serious credibility crisis. From the evidence revealed in congressional hearings, while big-time corruption erupted during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, it flourished during the Marcos administration’s first three years in office. The young Marcos cannot escape responsibility for it. The kindest interpretation is that he underestimated its extent when he dared to address it in his State of the Nation Address last July. The harsher view is that he tolerated it until confronted by the sheer brazenness of ghost projects. His main advantage is that he is president, able to act swiftly to stay ahead of the crisis. He began by overhauling the Department of Public Works and Highways, epicenter of the scandal, replacing the ineffectual Manuel Bonoan with the more visible and assertive Vince Dizon as
secretary. He then created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a fact-finding body tasked to investigate corruption in public works. The ICI has no prosecutorial powers, but its implicit purpose is to demonstrate that the government can investigate itself credibly and impartially. To do so, it must operate transparently—communicating regularly with a public weary of secrecy and conspiracies. While private hearings may be justified to protect witnesses and preserve evidence, the failure to provide prompt and regular briefings was a mistake. In the absence of clear updates, rumor and speculation fill the void. Even a brief, livestreamed media update every few days would reinforce public trust. Another hopeful step is the appointment of a new Ombudsman—an office empowered by the Constitution to investigate and prosecute graft. Properly used, it can act on its own initiau PAGE 7
Antonio Calipjo Go IT has been said that monkeys do what monkeys see. Impressionable minors will readily ape and mimic what they see their elders are doing, no matter how wanton or shameless. They are “inspired,” swayed, and persuaded by media influencers, spin doctors, handlers, and enablers to discard their rags of poverty and claw their way upward to opulence, profligacy, and extravagance by any means foul or filthy. As children and the youth observe what is happening in our present chaotic politics and anarchic government, what will be their takeaways, their coming-ofage realizations? What have the recent indecent disclosures at congressional hearings on corruption involving flood-control projects etched into their mindset, their values and their overall sense of right and wrong—of good and evil? The unchecked and unabated wholesale and widespread pil-
is cleaned but not renewed. The shadow returns because what was driven out was never replaced by what is good. The roots of moral fatigue At the center of the country’s dysfunction lies a cultural wound: the belief that self-worth is meau PAGE 7
Domestic security vs. external security: The Philippines at another crossroads ment is weakened. That loss of public trust is extremely dangerous to national stability in much the same way that insurgency or terrorism threatens peace and national security. Internal security, therefore, must be understood more broadly than just simply police and military power, but about sustaining legitimacy. Corruption undermines that legitimacy, and in so doing destabilizes the domestic order that national security depends upon. This is because corruption destroys the trust of the people in government, generating deep-seated resentment at the thought that billions of pesos that should have gone to health, education, basic services and food security were diverted to the pockets of these heartless corrupt officials, legislators and contractors. There is enough intelligence information that show growing indications that foreign forces are closely watching – with some actively working to inflame tensions, weaponizing social media by engaging peddlers of fake
news to sow disinformation, using covert influence and political proxies to destabilize the government, even impersonating government officials to spread fraudulent messages. As a matter of fact, our embassy in Washington was recently the target of phone hacking and fake messages sent from telephone numbers that are not registered with the embassy, with some claiming to be me. Ostensibly, messages were supposedly sent by me to some of our government intelligence officials. This is simply totally unacceptable. Clearly, this situation requires stronger alliances as well as stronger internal defenses against information warfare and foreign manipulation. Obviously, the goal of these malign actors is not to promote the welfare of Filipinos but to create a political vacuum that they can manipulate. History teaches us that external meddling thrives when there is corruption and governance is weak. We have seen far too many exu PAGE 7
Control the flood of greed: Lessons for future generations
ferage of public funds enables corrupt politicians and public officials, contractors, and their cohorts to bankroll the lavish, orgiastic, and bacchanalian lifestyles of their families, nepo babies, wives, and mistresses, at the expense of the hoi polloi, whom they’ve relegated to wallowing in toxic floodwaters and grinding, unmitigated poverty. The root cause of our nation’s woebegone predicament is greed, the very bedrock of all other deadly sins. Pride is greed for self-aggrandizement and self-gratification. Envy is the covetous desire to have what others have. Lust is greed for self-love and self-abuse, gluttony the illicit craving for food beyond what is needed and necessary, and sloth the inordinate desire to acquire things without having to work for them, to make easy money by way of graft and corruption. Corruption in our country has become the norm, the standard, the very lifeblood of this blighted and blasted land. Are we now to accept the epithet Ferdinand Ma-
gellan gave the Marianas Islands in 1521—Islas Ladrones, Islands of Thieves? Our so-called “public servants” serve themselves, in grand manner and style, all that is due to the people who put them where they are now. As soon as they are installed in positions of power, these alleged “honorable ladies and gentlemen” get right down to the monkey business of enriching themselves—the end goal of which is to remain forever wealthy and powerful. The tragic fates that befell Henry Puyi, the last emperor of the last dynasty of China, as well as that of Nicholas II, last in the long line of Romanov czars of Russia, should serve as object lessons on the utter futility and meaninglessness of lives not lived and dedicated to the service of God, country, and neighbor. It is not okay to not be legally, ethically, and morally okay. It’s wrong to live by the credo that the end justifies the means, no matter how dishonest and dishonorable these may be. u PAGE 7
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OPINIoN & FEATuREs
CBCP president: Redeem state, not dismantle it by Gillian Villanueva
to destroy, but to strengthen” government institutions, he Inquirer.net said, adding that “we do not MANILA — Corruption in need to burn the house down the government can only be re- to get rid of the rats.” solved by reforming instead of “What the country needs is dismantling democratic insti- not another revolution of rage, tutions, Cardinal Pablo Virgil- but a revolution of integrity,” io David said, as he described said David, who is also presicalls to establish a military jun- dent of the Catholic Bishops’ ta as attempts by dynasties and Conference of the Philippines. plunderers to avoid account“We must restore the sysability. tems of checks and balances, “We seek not the collapse of counteract disinformation, rethe state but its redemption,” form the electoral process, end David said in a Facebook post patronage politics and political on Sunday, as he called for a dynasties, and renew the moral “dismantling, not of the govern- foundations of public service,” ment itself, but [of] the corrupt he said. networks that have captured ‘Unholy union’ and crippled it.” David said calls to estabThe aim of criticizing, inves- lish a “civilian-military junta,” tigating, and holding public which came from some retired officials accountable is “not military officers who attempted
CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David
PAGE 6
Control the flood of greed: Lessons for...
For the result to come out good, the beginning must be well-intentioned. Fame and fortune, youth and beauty, rank and title, power and authority—you may not bring these with you to heaven or to hell when you die, and all bar none will be burned alongside your corpse at your funeral pure. What’s important, as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “Little Prince” was wont to remind us, are the
PAGE 6
Inquirer.net file photo
and failed to stage a coup d’etat during the Sept. 21 anticorruption rallies, were “attempts by discredited dynasties and plunderers to save themselves from accountability.” “These are the same forces that engineered the so-called ‘Uniteam’ alliance during the last elections — an unholy union of political dynasties now turning against each other for power,” David said. “When crooks quarrel with crooks, it is not justice but survival they seek.” Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier confirmed that some retired military officials tried to convince him and other younger officers to withdraw support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but their efforts were rebuffed. Redemption possible David, in his post, also called on the Church to “remind the nation that institutions can be redeemed.” “Our faith tradition calls us to the hard work of purification, not annihilation,” he said. “We recall that after the 1986 People Power Revolution, the Church and the people did not abolish the state; they reclaimed it.” “We restored democratic institutions that had been desecrated by dictatorship. It would be a betrayal of that grace if, in the face of corruption today, we were to abandon democracy in favor of another shortcut — be it a revolutionary government or a civilian-military junta,” he said. n
things that are invisible to the eyes but essential, unseen, yet substantive. The things that really matter—empathy, caring for others, love, and compassion— create a ripple that comes back to you, raising the tide in you and elevating you. Since you cannot take anything material with you when you go, you might as well lighten your load and share some of what you have plenty of while you can. We should teach our children
colonial administrators to discredit Aguinaldo and, by extension, the First Philippine Republic—the very republic that had dared to declare independence in 1898 and establish Asia’s first constitutional democracy. By casting Aguinaldo as villain and Bonifacio as martyr, the colonial narrative undermined the legitimacy of Filipino self-rule and recast our revolution as a failure in need of foreign salvation. This narrative distortion has enduring consequences. Aguinaldo’s rightful place in our national memory has been severed—even the Philippine flag he designed is often misattributed as a gift from the United States. Because Aguinaldo has been vilified as a traitor, the flag itself has been symbolically orphaned. In this retelling, the United States becomes both benefactor and liberator—the source of our heroes and our symbols. But Aguinaldo’s design was deliberate. He placed a human face on the Filipino sun—not as ornament but as declaration. It signified that every Filipino must be both author and lightbearer of our national story. When Americanization erased that face, it did more than alter a symbol—it
dehumanized us. It replaced Filipino authorship with American identity and rewrote our history in a foreign voice. So what does justice look like today? Justice is not vengeance. It is clarity. It is the courage to ask hard questions and the humility to accept complex answers. It is the restoration of Filipino authorship—not the romanticization of martyrdom. Bonifacio’s death was tragic, yes—but it was also the result of choices that endangered the revolution itself. To heal, we must resume the revolution—not with borrowed narratives but with intellect, imagination, and conviction. Let our classrooms teach the full spectrum of our resistance— from Aguinaldo’s liberation of Luzon to the valor of del Pilar, Abad, and the warriors of Bud Bagsak. Let our monuments reflect not just grief but coherence. Let us reimagine our commemorative spaces to reflect the full arc of our revolutionary history. It is time to build civic landmarks like the proposed Freedom Ring and Freedom Torch—symbols of dialogue, sovereignty, and ancestral light rooted in the conviction seeded in the June 12, 1898, declaration of independence. These would
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.
*** Eliseo Art Silva is a Filipino artist based in Los Angeles and Manila whose murals and paintings reclaim history, elevate diasporic narratives, and ignite civic dialogue. Best known for the Filipino American Mural in LA and the Talang Gabay Gateway to Filipinotown, Silva fuses myth, scholarship, and activism to restore Filipino identity and authorship to the heart of national and global discourse.
Domestic security vs. external security... PAGE 6 amples where a country can very well become a pawn in a great power rivalry. In today’s Indo-Pacific contest, the Philippines just happens to be geographically situated right in the middle of these crosshairs – potentially a battleground and a prize in the competition of these great powers. There is no question that vigilance is required on the external front. Disinformation campaigns, political destabilization and even covert efforts at regime change must be anticipated and neutralized. This is why the corruption scandal must not be treated as another business-as-usual politics. It is a serious national security crisis. The government cannot confront external interference if it is paralyzed by domestic scandal, nor will foreign allies take our security commitments seriously if Filipinos themselves have lost faith in their government and their leaders. To face outward, the country must first put its own house in order. Simply put – a country that is both clean at home and secure abroad cannot easily become vulnerable to destabilization. President Ferdinand Marcos
Jr. knows the challenges we face both internally and externally are equally important to address. He is well aware that his administration’s credibility is on the line, as well as the nation’s resilience against foreign pressure. He has so far acted incisively: instructing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to do its job, ensuring credibility in the process and demonstrating political will most of all. Failure to do so will not only feed more public anger but would also risk fueling more instability – giving outsiders potentially greater leverage. In the end, both fronts come down to one principle: trust. Trust in government, trust in institutions and trust between leaders and the people. Without it, corruption festers, outside interference thrives and security collapses. With trust and confidence, no scandal or foreign pressure can undermine the nation’s fundamental strength. But ultimately, the government would be unable to secure its borders if it cannot secure the trust of its people. For the Philippines, this is a defining moment. If we can confront corruption with courage and transparency while standing
firm against external interference, we will emerge stronger. But if we hesitate – if we allow scandal and foreign meddling to dictate our future – then we risk being swept once again into the cycle of instability that has haunted our nation for far too long. The Philippines can no longer afford hesitation. Domestic and external security are not separate priorities. They are inseparable, and can even be described as two sides of the same coin. Our nation’s future depends on acting with clarity and resolve today – not tomorrow. Time is definitely running out. We must act swiftly and decisively, or we are bound to lose it. As my history professor once succinctly told me, “If you snooze, you lose.” Nobody wants to lose a country. We should never allow it. We not only owe it to ourselves but most especially to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our country. (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
7
Beyond reform: Lighting the lamp of...
PAGE 6 sured by possessions. Over time, society has learned to admire success more than virtue and visibility more than substance. The price of material achievement often outweighs the value of moral character. This distortion feeds greed and exhaustion. Corruption thrives not only because of weak institutions but because of misplaced admiration. When power, wealth, and status define success, people begin to envy the corrupt instead of resisting them. Lighting the Filipino lamp Filipinos have always carried deep spiritual strength, compassion, resilience, and faith. Yet in a culture increasingly shaped by consumption and comparison, that inner light flickers. Reform alone cannot restore it. The work must begin where systems and souls meet, in the conscience. And this work belongs not only to those at home but to Filipinos across the world. The diaspora, numbering over ten million strong, remains an extension of the nation’s moral conscience. Living in countries where transparency, civic discipline, and fairness are daily realities, Filipinos abroad know that reform succeeds when ethics becomes ordinary. From that perspective, the diaspora holds both distance and devotion, enough distance to see clearly and enough devotion to care deeply. What the diaspora can do Live the values we wish to
see. Integrity practiced abroad is a form of national service. Every act of fairness, diligence, and compassion by an overseas Filipino mirrors the reform we long for at home. Elevate the national conversation. Diaspora media, writers, and civic leaders can shape narratives that rise above cynicism and spectacle. When we highlight stories of honesty, service, and courage, we remind our readers that reform is moral before it is political. Support education and ethical leadership. Beyond remittances, diaspora communities can invest in scholarships, civic education, and transparency programs that strengthen conscience and capacity. Change deepens when integrity is funded as faithfully as infrastructure. Vote and advocate with discernment. Overseas voting is not symbolic; it is a statement of conscience. Supporting leaders of substance over slogans tells the homeland what its people truly value. Bridge cultures, not only economies. Teach the next generation that being Filipino is not only an identity but a responsibility to uplift, to serve, and to live honorably. Cultural pride without civic virtue is sentiment without strength. Uphold fairness in every ex-
change. From business to community work, each honest transaction strengthens the reputation of the Filipino name. Reform begins in character long before it reaches institutions. The light we keep Cleansing will always be necessary, but without illumination, the shadows will return. The Philippines must fill its house not only with new laws but with new life, with honesty, empathy, and shared purpose. Cultural transformation begins not in the halls of government but in the conscience of every Filipino, wherever they may be in the world. Reform is not a single act but a collective awakening, a thousand small lamps of integrity lit across continents and oceans. Every philosophy, every faith, and every science of behavior point to the same truth: what is emptied must be filled, what is cleansed must be illuminated. The call for reform is, at its heart, a call for renewal, a turning back toward what is good, honest, and whole. If every Filipino lights even a small lamp of integrity, the nation itself will begin to shine. May this change begin not with judgment but with awakening, not with accusation but with the courage to let light in. For when goodness is left untended, the heart forgets its light, and the shadows it once expelled will return to reclaim their place. (AJPress)
Cleaning house without breaking... PAGE 6
tive and need not wait for formal to live simply and frugally, to fol- complaints. Had it been more low the straight and narrow path, proactive, the ICI might have to be clear of mind and clean of been unnecessary. Given the heart, and to counter all evil acts gravity of the scandal, speed is by doing good deeds. (Inquirer. crucial. The quicker charges are filed, and trials commence at the net) Sandiganbayan, the better the *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints chances of preserving the crediexpressed by the author do not necessarily bility of the constitutional order. reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The straight-talking former Justhe Asian Journal, its management, editorial tice Secretary Boying Remulla seems perfect for the role. board and staff. Asset recovery must also pro*** ceed without delay. The country sickbookstogo@gmail.com has seen how sequestered or frozen assets quietly disappear when cases drag on. With stronger post-Edsa laws, it should now be easier to seize unexsupplant the U.S.-constructed plained wealth. The government Rizal Monument and towering must show that corruption will 150-foot flagpole at Luneta, which honor not our 1898 assertion of freedom but the belated U.S. recognition of Philippine independence in 1946. By shifting our national focal point from colonial relics to Filipino-authored symbols, we affirm that our sovereignty was not granted—it was claimed. Entrepreneurship, sovereignty, and justice all begin with authorship. The Bonifacio brothers deserve remembrance—but not as victims alone. They were protagonists in a revolution still unfolding. And if we are to finish what they began, we must do so with truth, not myth—with light, not borrowed glow. ***
Justice, yes — but not myth...
ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 17-23, 2025
no longer pay. This reckoning began with high-profile figures, but the problem runs through every level and branch of government. The cleansing must be comprehensive. Much can still be achieved in the next two years if urgency is matched by resolve. Yet the deeper reset can come only with the 2028 national elections. That will be the opportunity to confront the political dynasties that have long treated public office as hereditary property and government as a source of family income. These are the same clans that have corrupted the party-list system and perpetuated the politics of patronage. If the outrage now sweeping the nation is to mean anything, it must lead to their decisive de-
feat. We have less than three years to turn this anger into a movement for renewal—one that reclaims the republic from those who mistake it for a cluster of fiefdoms. The process of building that movement has to begin with the self-questioning of our own everyday failures to recognize the difference between what is private and what is public, and to act ethically in conflict-of-interest situations. (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
8
CoMMuNITY
OCTOBER 17-23, 2025 • ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797
Indefatigable CITEM Executive The power of our words in Director Leah Pulido Ocampo breaking financial poverty Leah Pulido Ocampo (center) in Italy.
During the press launch of the 2025 Manila FAME held at Centro de Turismo Intramuros—which I featured in Balikbayan Magazine some months ago—I felt honored when my former officemate, Leah Pulido Ocampo, the current Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) responsible for all international trade events and related export programs for the Philippines, approached me. She remains the same approachable, creative, hardworking, and amiable Leah I have known since my CITEM days. Her extensive experience and competence cover various aspects of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) growth, development, and industry promotion in both local and international settings. She is one of the brightest and most dedicated professionals who rose from the ranks. Her excellent service as a public servant has been honed through more than 20 years of career development. Her training portfolio includes participation in International Trade and Export Promotion in The Netherlands; Investment Promotion in China; Digitalization for MSMEs in Vietnam; and MSME Development in Japan. I remember that she served as project director for CITEM’s major export promotion events, including Manila FAME, International Food Exhibition (IFEX), CREATE Philippines, Go Lokal Program, Foodex Japan, Gulfood in Dubai, NY Now in New York, Boston Seafood Show, Anuga, China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China, and Expo Seville. She also led delegations for numerous Philippine business missions across key cities worldwide, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam; Myanmar; Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong; Singapore; Jakarta, Indonesia; Nanning, China; Dubai, UAE; Los
HEALTH @HEART Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS ABOUT 90,000 individuals are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in the United States each year. In the Philippines, thousands of new cases are detected annually, with a prevalence of around 0.55 percent, but there are no actual data available. Globally, about 1.18 million cases of Parkinson’s are diagnosed each year. Debilitating symptoms of PD include movement problems, like stiffness and tremors, balance issues, depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain, sleep disorders, loss of smell, speech, and swallowing difficulty. New data from the US EPA National Air Toxic Assessment research found that “long-term exposure to high levels of the industrial degreasing chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) was associated with a 10 percent increased risk for Parkinson’s disease.” TCE is found in 30 percent of drinking water supplies across the United States, including source-contaminated bottled water, an alarming public health hazard. To filter out microplastics in our drinking water, I have a tabletop 4-stage water filtration system and an under-sink 7-stage reverse osmosis (with UV light) water filtration device. These units also filter out TCE and other toxic chemicals. Unhealthy foods People today are more health-conscious than ever. The FDA, physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and well-informed individuals around the world agree that the following items, among others, are unhealthy: bacon and other processed foods; wheat (gluten-loaded) bread; soft drinks, the sweet poison a large segment of our society are “addicted” to; French fries, this calorie-dense, saturated-fatty and salty food item is one of many that contribute to heart attack and stroke. Healthy foods The “good” nutritional foods include fresh and clean fish, vegetables of all colors, fruits, and nuts. Avocados (ad lib); all berries, pineapple, papaya, mangoes are, in moderation, healthy, but high in calories, which should be included in the calorie-count,
Leah Pulido Ocampo.
Italy’s pioneering textile company Reggiani.
CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo (left) with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Angeles, California; Boston; New Jersey; New York, USA; Toronto, Canada; Seville and Granada, Spain; Brussels, Belgium; Eindhoven and Rotterdam, The Netherlands; and Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Frankfurt, Germany. Certainly, her directorship at CITEM, which she assumed in June 2024, marks her return to the agency where she began honing her skills through various key positions that helped shape her solid experience in industry development, MSME growth, and export marketing and promotion. To Leah—may you continue to be blessed as a dedicated and passionate public servant in the world of transformational leadership. Leah Ocampo in Italy As part of their benchmarking and learning activities following the Fashion Philippines showcase in Milan, representatives from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), led by Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo and Creative Goods Division Chief Anna Marie Alzona, were joined by Lilo Caya of the Philippine Textile Research Institute, Carissa Cruz Evangelista of the Philippine Fashion Coalition, and Tetta Ortiz-Matera of LIT Fashion Consultancy in a visit to Reggiani. Reggiani is a pioneering Italian textile company renowned for being the first in the world to industrially produce wool-Lycra and cottonLycra fabrics—a breakthrough that transformed the global textile industry. Its innovations have
CITEM executive director Romleah Pulido Ocampo in Germany.
Tony Gonzales’ work.
long attracted the world’s top luxury brands, including Hermès, Coccinelle, Loro Piana, and leading houses within the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) Group. The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Giovanni Reggiani, Creative and Sales Director and son of the company’s founder, together with Marco Spola, General Director. Fellow Andrean Tony Gonzales On that same day, I met a fellow alumnus of St. Andrew’s School, Parañaque, Tony Gonzales (High School Batch 1978), during the Manila FAME press preview. In the late 1990s, a new generation of Filipino designers emerged—among them Tony Gonzales and Milo Naval, two of the founding members of Movement 8, a pioneering collective that helped bring Philippine design to global recognition. Catch Design Commune and more at Manila FAME 2025, the Philippines’ premier home, fashion, and lifestyle trade show organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTICITEM) on October 16–18, 2025, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Philippines. •Register as a trade buyer: https://citem.ph/p/fb75fc •Register as a visitor: https:// citem.ph/p/d35b7d Dream of the Biblical Books On October 13, 2025, I dreamed of the different contents of the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Holy Bible—from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation.
The Holy Bible, Rogelio Constantino Medina’s most precious thing.
Tony Gonzales (left) with Rogelio Constantino Medina.
However, I forgot to mention the Books of Job, Psalms, and Proverbs in the Old Testament and most of the books in the New Testament (except Revelation) in that dream. I remember when I was in high school at St. Andrew’s School in Parañaque City—which has produced many priests, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle—I memorized all the books of the Holy Bible and received a final grade of 99%. Thanks to my late religion teacher, Odelia Cruz. Contents of the Holy Bible Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, Sirach, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts of the Apostles, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation. *** 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
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 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 of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Kathy Current is a financial coach, mortgage advisor, and author of Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way, where she combines over three decades of financial experience with timeless biblical wisdom. Kathy addresses real-life questions about God and money, helping readers find freedom and purpose in their financial lives.
TCE and Parkinson’s Ombudsman lifts restrictions especially among those with diabetes; Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, for salad dressing, or ingested 1 tablespoonful a day, has tremendous overall health benefits. Most of our common chronic illnesses, especially among seniors, are due to the unhealthy food items we have been eating since we were toddlers. Repeat: We are what we eat! GLP-1 and cancer About 12 percent of adults, especially women 50-64 years of age, in the United States have used GLP-1 for diabetes and weight loss. Many are very enthusiastic about this glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1 RAs) to control body weight and to guard against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The FDA has been “issuing a host of approvals for these conditions in the past few years,” because of its effectiveness and customer satisfaction. A new study posted in JAMA Oncology claims “that GLP-1 RA use could reduce overall cancer incidence by 17%.” Since this group of drugs reduces obesity, which is a great cancer risk in itself, perhaps the “cancer-reducing incidence” is due to weight reduction, and not a direct effect of these drugs as anti-cancer. Nonetheless, this finding is still most welcome news among users of GLP-1. Warning: Since there is no evidence-based data that these drugs are proven anti-cancer, those who are not obese or not diabetic should not take these drugs with the goal of lowering their risk for cancer. Microplastics and cancer It appears none of us is exempt from having microplastics in our brains and other organs in our bodies. A 2024 study revealed that each of us has an average of 4,806 micrograms in our brain, roughly the amount of microplastics in one plastic teaspoon. There has been a 50 percent increase from 3,057 micrograms in 2016 to the present level in 8 years. The brains of persons with dementia have been found to contain up to 10 times microplastics than a healthy brain. Microplastics are abundantly present in our environment. The new study shows microplastics in the gut might be contributing to the increased risk for colorectal cancer, by “increasing the acidity of gut microbes and leading to patterns similar to those linked to colorectal cancer and depression.” This finding of
the impact of microplastics on our gut microbiome is preliminary and needs larger independent studies for confirmation. Since our water supplies, including bottled water, are most contaminated with microplastics, we recommend a 5-7 stage reverse osmosis water filtration system with UVC light (countertop or under-sink). They are relatively inexpensive, cheaper than the cost of 20 packs of cigarettes, or 720 cans (2 cans a day) of soft drinks, both of which are even more poisonous to our bodies. Our health and longevity are worth investing in, with a super-wonderful ROI. Coffee and longevity There are many health benefits in drinking coffee (without additives like cream or sugar; cinnamon is healthy). New research shows that “drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day is linked to longer (10 to 15 percent) life span and lower diabetes and cardiovascular risk by 15 percent.” The findings are the same for all types of coffee and for decaf as well. The 2019 meta-analysis also shows drinking coffee may decrease the risk for some cancers, like endometrial cancer, lower the risk for chronic respiratory disease mortality, and also decrease the risk for injuries and accidents. Coffee consumption also “benefits the liver and the kidneys, reduces cognitive disorders by 25 percent, and lowers depression and the risk for Parkinson’s Disease and its progression.” Consult your physicians for details. Warning - Energy drinks Soft drinks are poison to our bodies, and energy drinks are worse. Those who consume energy drinks regularly can develop serious health problems that include rapid/irregular heart rate, anxiety, blood pressure issues, insomnia, dental problems, weight gain, diabetes, fatigue, and crashes. The NIH warns that excessive caffeine and taurine can negatively affect the heart, kidney, and liver function. Heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and deaths have been reported, attributed to energy drinks. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities
on access to SALN by Melanie Uson Philstar.com
THE Office of the Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has issued a memo lifting the restriction on access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of public officials. In an unnumbered memorandum circular issued on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Remulla has set the parameters on how the public can access the SALNs of public officials. “This decision is guided by a simple principle: The public has a legitimate right to know how those in government acquire and manage their wealth. Transparency in this area is not a slogan — it is a safeguard against corruption and The Office of the Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has issued a memo lifting the restriction on a deterrent to abuse of power,” access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of public officials. PNA photoby Joan Bondoc the Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement. • The identity of the requestBefore this, Remulla said that All SALN requests must be ing party is fictitious members of the media can imsubmitted using the official SALN • The purpose is contrary to mediately request SALNs of pubRequest Form (Annex “A”) in law, morals, or public policy lic officials. two copies, and must be signed All SALN requests will be "That should not be a proband sworn before an authorized assessed by a processing offi- lem. I know I’m opening a can officer of this Office, unless there cer and reviewed by the Pub- of worms, but so be it,” he said is a subpoena or official request lic Assistance and Corruption during a press briefing. from a quasi-judicial or investi- Prevention Office or the Public The Malacañang on Monday gative body. Assistance and Corruption Pre- expressed support for lifting It's also required that the re- vention Bureau. Requests in- restrictions on public access questing party present at least volving grounds for denial shall to SALNs. Palace Press Officer two original IDs, one of which be referred to the Office of Legal Claire Castro said that the execumust be government-issued, and Affairs. tive branch, including President pay the reproduction or certificaCertain personal details will Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is ready tion fee. Special provisions apply be redacted from released cop- to comply. for media and student requesting ies for security, including the “Kung ano naman po ang parties. declarant and co-declarant's full nararapat at kung ano ang siCopies of SALNs will be pro- address, signatures, government nasabi ng batas at kung ano vided upon request, except: IDs, and the names, date of birth, ang makakabuti para mala• The Ombudsman is not the and ages of unmarried minors banan ang korapsiyon ay tataliofficial repository living under the declarant’s care. ma naman po ang lahat ng nasa • The requested SALN is not For those who will publish or executive department," she said on file broadcast the SALNs, they also on Monday. • The request is for an unau- need to submit a copy of their The latest memo overturns the thorized commercial purpose reports to the Ombudsman, who order of his predecessor, Samu• The requesting party has a may use these to monitor the el Martires, through memoranderogatory record of misuse information’s use, prevent mis- dum circular no. 1 in September • The request is linked to a use, and initiate investigations if 2020, which stated that SALNs pending case to influence or ha- the content suggests "potential can only be released with either rass misuse, misrepresentation, or a the official's consent or a court • There is evidence of extor- violation of the requesting party’s order. (With reports from Daphne tion or safety threats undertaking.” Galvez) and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac
Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later
a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
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MMFF 2025 unveils 8 official entries, Hilda Koronel’s ‘Sisa’ selected as entry spotlighting new voices and returning icons to Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival by AJPress
quel to the 2017 hit, reunites the original cast under Kip Oebanda, exploring the moral and personal struggles of young lawyers. I’m Perfect, directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and produced by Nathan Studios, stars Lorna Tolentino, Sylvia Sanchez, Janice de Belen, and Zaijian Jaranilla in a moving story that promotes inclusion and awareness for persons with Down syndrome. UnMarry, from Jeffrey Jeturian and writers Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba, features Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Tom Rodriguez, Solenn Heussaff, and Eugene Domingo in a modern look at love and independence after marriage. The earlier-announced entries are Call Me Mother, Rekonek, Manila’s Finest, and Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins. Call Me Mother, directed
by Jun Robles Lana, stars Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre in a dramedy about chosen family. Rekonek, by Jade Castro, features Carmina Villarroel, Zoren Legaspi, Gloria Diaz, and Andrea Brillantes in a family story about reconnection in the digital age. Manila’s Finest, directed by Raymond Red, stars Piolo Pascual as a conflicted law enforcer, while Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, and Ian Loreños, revives the country’s longest-running horror anthology. Founded in 1975, the MMFF celebrates Filipino storytelling by giving local films exclusive screening nationwide during the holidays. Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), it remains both a cultural and economic pillar of the Philippine film industry.
by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net
“SISA,” the upcoming film MANILA — The Metro Manila which marks the acting comeFilm Festival (MMFF) has anback of Hilda Koronel, will have nounced all eight official entries its world premiere at the 29th for its 51st edition, promising a Talliinn Black Nights Film Fesstrong mix of fresh talent, estabtival in Estonia this coming Nolished names, and stories that vember. reflect the range of Filipino film“Sisa’s” world premiere was making. The festival opens naannounced by Jun Robles Lana tionwide on December 25, conon X, saying he is “deeply excittinuing its Christmas tradition of ed” for the audience to see how showcasing all-Filipino films. much the crew had worked on it. The final four titles include He also shared a glimpse of the Love You So Bad, Bar Boys After film’s teaser, showing Koronel as School, I’m Perfect, and UnMarthe titular character. ry. “I’m immensely proud to share Love You So Bad, directed that our film, ‘Sisa,’ starring the by Mae Cruz Alviar, features legendary Hilda Koronel, will have Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, its World Premiere in the Official and Dustin Yu in a comingCompetition at the 29th Tallinn of-age love story co-produced Black Nights Film Festival this Noby Star Cinema, GMA Pictures, vember. It took an extraordinary and Regal Entertainment. team to bring this film to life, and Bar Boys After School, a seI am deeply excited for them, and the world, to finally see it,” he said. With “Sisa” and “Call Me Mother” (Lana’s Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre) in mind, the filmmaker said both films are an ode to motherhood and a portrayal of how “courage [deserves] to exist.” “I didn’t realize until this year that the two films I was making centered on motherhood, although in radically different forms. With one film, we explore a motherhood defined by sacrifice, not biology. With SISA, we explore the mothering of a nation: the fierce, necessary commitment to teach our people how to resist The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) unveils the last four entries completing its 51st edition lineup in December. Metropolitan Manila Development and survive,” he said Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes (left) said the entries were chosen by the MMFF Selection Committee based “Both are stories about the fight on the quality of production, acting performance, and overall message of each film. Photo from Facebook/MMDAPh to be seen and the courage to ex-
Lea Salonga named a member of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ trustees by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net
LEA Salonga was confirmed to join the Board of Trustees of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for AIDS-related causes. This was announced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on its Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 10, where Salonga will be joined by Sara Bareilles, Jeff T. Daniel, Andrew Flatt, J. Harrison Ghee, Joshua Henry, John Johnson, and Greg Nobile. According to the organization’s executives, the new members of the board of trustees have long uplifted the community “through their passion and dedication.” “Their talent and diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to grow Broadway Cares’ fundraising and grantmaking efforts,” said board of trustees president and The Shubert Organization chairman and CEO Robert E. Wankel. Salonga said on Facebook being part of the organization’s Board of Trustees is “an honor”. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS brings together members of the American theater community to raise funds for essential services for people living with AIDS. It initially started as two separate organizations, Equity Fights AIDS and Broad-
Lea Salonga
Contributed photo
way Cares, before merging in May 1992. Salonga, who’s currently in the U.S. for her “Stage, Screen, and Everything in Between” shows, was one of the leads in the Philippine staging of “Into the Woods” last August.
Maricel Soriano: Don’t disregard your parents 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
Maricel Soriano
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-iisip ng pangit sa mga anak nila," Maricel ended. A family's story of love, laughter, togetherness, and pain is poised to captivate audiences and
Maricel Soriano via Instagram
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.
Hilda Koronel
ist. I couldn’t be more excited for everyone to witness the journeys of my two mothers soon,” he continued. The film’s upcoming premiere was also echoed by its production company, The IdeaFirst Company, in a separate post. “Hilda Koronel’s much-awaited return as SISA. A film by Jun Robles Lana. World Premiere in Official Competition at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival this November,” the post read. According to the film festival’s website, “Sisa” is set in the Philippines in 1902, where widows, including Sisa, “fill the villages”
Contributed photo
after the war. “Beneath the rags and ramblings, Sisa hides a secret: she is a spy. A survivor. A mother robbed of everything but rage. Haunted by visions she cannot silence, she begins to lead a quiet revolt – gathering women who, like her, have been pushed to the margins. As betrayal coils around her, Sisa walks the line between memory and madness, asking what it takes to rise when the world has already buried you,” the film’s logline reads. The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival will take place in Tallinn, Estonia, from November 7 to 23.
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Filipina drag queen Brigiding crowned winner Ai-Ai delas Alas celebrates ‘freedom of ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ anniversary’: ‘One year wiser, freer’ by Hannah Mallorca
by Anne Pasajol
AFTER weeks of grueling challenges, Brigiding was named the first-ever drag superstar of “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale,” besting 11 of her fellow drag queens in the Philippines and different parts of the world. Brigiding was announced as the winner of the reality show’s finale episode on Wednesday, Oct. 15, where she was crowned at the end of a viewing party in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The Mandaluyong-based drag queen started her “Drag Race” journey in the show’s first season, where she finished sixth. Brigiding returned to the inaugural edition of “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale” with a vengeance and went on to have a successful run throughout the competition. She earned a total of three RuBadges after winning in the Rusical, Snatch Game and Rumix challenges. “Learning is the new winning. Don’t be afraid to share your story [to those who need it] and not give up on your dreams, because dreams don’t expire,” she said in her acceptance speech. The drag queen also took to her social media platforms to celebrate her win. She shared photos of herself wearing a bright yellow Filipiniana dress with a massive ribbon-like trim. “In 1986, Filipinos dressed in yellow stood shoulder to shoulder along EDSA, unarmed but unafraid, to bring down a dictator with nothing but faith and courage. Today, that same power lives on in the art of drag,” she wrote in her post.
AI-AI delas Alas marked the first year since she and her estranged husband Gerald Sibayan separated, calling it her “freedom anniversary.” The actress-comedian spent the occasion in Las Vegas, United States, as seen in the video she shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Oct. 15. “Happy Freedom Anniversary. One year wiser, one year stronger, one year freer,” she captioned her post. “Here’s to the woman who rose when she could’ve [been] broken. Pain was my teacher. Healing is my revolution,” she added. “To GOD [be] all the glory and honor.”
Inquirer.net
Inquirer.net
In the clip, Delas Alas showed herself going to a church to attend a mass. “Magpapasalamat ako sa Diyos dahil ako ay buhay,” she said, adding that she would afterwards enjoy her company. Delas Alas and Sibayan got married in 2017 then parted ways in October 2024. The actress disclosed that the latter broke up with her through an online messaging application. Delas Alas later alluded to a cheater and confessed that she considers their marriage a “wrong decision.” She further admitted that she only wanted to prove back then that age does not matter. “But it matters,” she said. Ai-Ai delas Alas Photo from Instagram/@msaiaidelasalas “Obvious ba? Wala na [kami]”.
Daniel Padilla on being linked to Kaila Estrada: Hayaan mangyari ang mga bagay Filipina drag queen Brigiding
“Every beat, every brushstroke, every performance is an act of defiance and self-expression, a reminder that our voices, our colors, and our truth can never be silenced. This is People Power in heels. This is rebellion in a yellow dress. This is the power of drag,” she added. “Drag Race Philippines” season one alum Viñas DeLuxe was named the runner-up of the competition.
Photo from Facebook/@brigiding.aricheta.2004
Other competing queens included Arizona Brandy, Suki Doll, Khianna, Yuhua, Siam Phusri, Bernie, Kitty Space, Ivory Glaze, Sum Ting Wong and Madame Yoko. The first edition of “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale” featured “Drag Race” alums from the Philippines, Canada, the US, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand (Down Under), the UK and Belgique.
Regine Velasquez slams poor public service in PH amid high taxes by Anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
REGINE Velasquez once again expressed her dismay toward the Philippine government as she stressed how Filipino taxpayers do not deserve the poor public service they currently experience. The singer-actress shared her sentiment through her Instagram page on Monday, Oct. 13 along with a video which underscored that the country is rich in natural resources but is infested with corruption. “Nung bata ako ang akala ko mahirap ang Pilipinas hindi rin nakatulong na pinanganak akong mahirap. Pero ngayon napagtatanto ko hindi tayo mahirap!! Pinahihirapan tayo!” she said. “Ako po ay isang singer lamang na nagsumikap para maiahon ang aking pamilya sa hirap. Sa tulong ng ating Panginoon natulungan ko ang aking pamilya,” she continued. Velasquez then lamented how she has been working hard and paying her taxes right, but has not been benefitting from it. “Ang aking income tax ay nasa 32% plus meron po akong [value added tax] na 12% — 32+12=44% po ng pinaghirapan ko napupunta sa gobyerno pero wala akong nakukuha kahit anong benipisyo,” she lamented. The singer further pointed out the country’s need for proper health care as well as quality education and infrastructures—which the government should have provided using the taxpayers’ money.
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid Photo from Facebook/@reginevelasquezalcasid
“Hindi mahirap ang Pilipinas, sa aking palagay hinayaan nilang isipin nating mahirap ang bansa natin para hindi tayo magreklamo at para umasa na lang tayo sa mga barya barya nilang binibigay,” she stated, taking for example the relief goods that feature the photos of politicians during calamities. “I’m ranting again, I know, pero ang laki ng utang ng gobyerno sa mga Pilipino,” she concluded. Velasquez’s sentiment came amid the public outcry against the worsening corruption that has been plaguing the country.
WITHOUT denying or confirming his rumored romance with Kaila Estrada, Daniel Padilla appealed to fans to “just let it be,” saying he does not want to be “showbiz” about it. Padilla addressed the much-talked about rumors during a conversation with entertainment reporter MJ Felipe, as seen in a video on The Filipino Channel‘s YouTube page on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The video was taken during Padilla’s recent trip to South Korea. The topic was brought up after Felipe asked if Padilla has a girlfriend at the moment. “Kasi ‘di ba ‘yun ‘yung mga headlines—’yung kay Kaila?” (Because there have been headlines about you and Kaila [Estrada].) Padilla initially let out a laugh as he acknowledged the dating speculations. “’Wag nating i-pressure ‘yung mga sarili natin. ‘Wag na nating ilagay do’n sa gano’n—ayoko na rin na i-showbiz pa ‘yun. Sorry ha, pero you get my point?” he told the reporter. (Let us not put pressure on ourselves. Let us not make it—I don’t want to be showbiz about it. Sorry, but do you get my point?) Padilla said that while his relationship matters will inevitably come out eventually, he does not want the public to be fixated on waiting for him to speak up about it. “’Wag niyo na muna kaming kulitin. Just let it be,” he continued. “Hayaan nating mangyari ang mga bagay. Tsaka ‘yun nga, again, ayoko siyang maging
Kaila Estrada and Daniel Padilla
Photos from Instagram/@kailaestrada, @supremo_dp
showbiz eh. Well, hindi naman maiiwasan pero may choice pa rin naman ako, ‘di ba?” he added. (Let things run its course. And again, I don’t want to be showbiz about it. Well, it is inescapable but I still have a choice, right?) Padilla then underscored that he is happy especially because of his family and his recent achievements in his acting career. Ready to settle down? During the conversation, also reflected on navigating his life as a 30-year-old, noting how his perception and plans in life have already changed. “Nagsisimula na rin [akong isipin], ‘Anong gagawin mo in your future life?’ Syempre dadating ‘yung panahon na magpa-pamilya ka na—san ka titira,” he said. (I am also starting to think about my plans for the future. Of course, someday I will have my own fam-
ily so I’d have to think where we will live, things like that.) Then sharing his bucket list, the actor said he wants to travel and “experience more” as he admitted he often takes his trips for granted because he is too focused on work. Rumors linking Padilla and Estrada have started circulating as early as September after they were reportedly spotted together in several instances. This was further fueled by showbiz insider Ogie Diaz who cited unnamed sources claiming that the actors are already in a relationship. Estrada has yet to publicly comment on the matter as of this writing. Before their pairing, Padilla was in a long-term relationship with perennial love team Kathryn Bernardo, while Estrada was linked to actor Bret Jackson. (Inquirer.net)
Manny, Jinkee Pacquiao to welcome first grandchild from son Jimuel
FILIPINO boxer Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee are about to become grandparents with the birth of their son Jimuel's baby. Jinkee posted on Instagram a throwback photo of her and a baby Jimuel as a way to announce their family's good news. "The day I became your mother, my world changed instantly... It marked the start of a new version of myself, one that is tender, tired, and transformed," Jinkee wrote. "Time flies so fast na ikaw ang karga-karga ko noon sa susunod
na buwan ang apo ko naman ang kakargahin ko. So grateful to God. He is indeed good all the time!" the boxer's wife added. Jimuel's family had dinner with his rumored fiancee's family in Los Angeles, California, as seen in Jinkee's Instagram post last July. “Tonight deserves something special. Family dinner time. Cherishing family moments," Jinkee wrote in her caption last July. Manny fought against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas last July. (Philstar.com)
Jimuel is set to be father next month with the birth of his non-showbiz partner, as revealed by Jinkee in an Instagram post on October 14, 2025. Jinkee Pacquiao via Instagram
Why Coco Martin doesn’t see himself doing K-drama adaptations by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net
COCO Martin revealed that he received offers to do Philippine adaptations of K-dramas, but declined them, saying he would rather focus on boosting our own entertainment industry. Martin admitted that he is not a fan of K-dramas in a media con for his joint venture with filmmaker Erik Matti and film producer Dondon Monteverde. “Ang nasa isip namin ay buhayin ang pelikulang Pilipino… alam niyo po ba merong projects na ino-offer sa’kin na bakit hindi ka mag-remake ng Korean [drama], sabi ko, hindi ko sinasabi na [ayaw ko], hindi lang ako fan. Nanghihinayang kasi ako sa talento ng mga Pilipino,” he said. (What we have in mind is to keep Filipino films alive. Did you know that I received offers to do remakes of Korean dramas? It’s not like I don’t want to do them. I’m just not a fan of them. I feel like Filipino talents may go to waste.) The actor-director stressed that the Philippine entertainment industry has a lot to offer in terms of storytelling and culture. “Napakaraming kwento, napakaganda ng kultura ng Pilipino, napakarami pa natin pwedeng i-share sa buong mundo,” he said. “So kung gagawa akong proyekto, dapat gawang akin, ‘yung orihinal,
(From left) Erik Matti, Coco Martin and Dondon Monteverde during a press conference in Pasig City. Inquirer.net photo by Hannah Mallorca
‘yung ipagmamalaki. Kasi kung sakaling sumikat ang teleserye, alam nating gawang atin ‘yun.” (There are a lot of stories. Filipino culture is so beautiful. There are still a lot of things to share with the world. So, if I must do a project, it needs to be my own. It needs to be original. Because if a teleserye gets famous, we know it is ours.) More films about our national heroes Since Martin is set to star as Andres Bonifacio in the upcoming film “Maypagasa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio,” the actor expressed his support for the film “Quezon,” a biopic of the second Philippine president, Manuel L. Quezon. With this in mind, he believes that more films should be made about the country’s historical figures. “Natutuwa ako sa success ng ‘Quezon’ kasi dapat natin ginugunita ito. Dapat lahat ng mga
bata, pinag-aaralan ang history at kultura natin. Minsan nakakaligtaan na ito, kung paano na tayo bilang Pilipino (I am happy to see the success of “Quezon,” and we have to celebrate it. The children need to learn more about our history and culture. We sometimes forget this, and why we become the Filipinos we are today),” he said. The “Batang Quiapo” star reiterated that history needs to be taught through films as well. “Kailangan natin malaman ang ating history at kung paano tayo nagsimula, sino ang mga bayani natin, lalo na sa nangyayari ngayon, sa politics natin ngayon (We need to know our history and how we started, who are our heroes, especially with what’s happening now in our current political landscape),” he said. Aside from the 2027 film, Martin is set to star in “On the Job: Maghari,” a prequel of the “On the Job” film series.
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San Diego launches $75M ‘Elevate’ fund to expand behavioral health workforce by AJPress
Photo from www.insidesandiego.org
Grand opening celebrates 62 new affordable homes for San Diegans experiencing homelessness by AJPress
SAN DIEGO officials marked the opening of Pacific Village, a converted former motel that now provides 62 fully furnished studio apartments for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness — including veterans and transition-age youth. The project was made possible through a collaboration among federal, state, county, and city partners, including the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC). Funding came in part from California’s Homekey program and nearly $5.9 million
each from the City and County of San Diego to acquire and renovate the property. Each apartment features a kitchenette, upgraded safety systems, and accessibility improvements. Residents also have access to comprehensive on-site supportive services such as case management, mental health counseling, substance-use treatment, employment assistance, and transportation. Of the total units, 15 are reserved for veterans through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, which includes clinical care and case management from the VA.
Renovations transformed the former motel into a safe, modern facility with solar panels, new plumbing, fire sprinklers, fencing, and refreshed interiors and exteriors. Residents began moving in September 8, 2025. Since 2020, SDHC and its partners have created more than 600 permanent supportive housing units citywide. Mayor Todd Gloria said projects like Pacific Village “demonstrate what’s possible when every level of government works together to turn underused spaces into homes that help people rebuild their lives.” Source: Inside San Diego
SAN DIEGO County has launched Elevate, a five-year, $75 million initiative to expand and strengthen the region’s behavioral health workforce amid a growing shortage of therapists, counselors, and peer specialists. Administered by the San Diego Policy & Innovation Center in partnership with Social Finance and Trailhead Strategies, Elevate aims to train and place up to 3,000 professionals in mental health and substance-use roles. County officials said the program is designed to remove financial barriers, expand paid training opportunities, and build a more diverse and culturally representative workforce. “There are many barriers San Diegans face in accessing careers in behavioral health like high tuition costs for students, a lack of training programs and paid internships,” said Nadia Privara, Acting Director of Behavioral
Health Services, in the county’s official announcement. “That’s why a major focus of Elevate is to build a diverse and culturally competent workforce who are representative of the communities being served.” A 2022 county-commissioned workforce assessment found that San Diego will need 18,500 additional behavioral health workers by 2027 to meet growing demand. The study cited the high cost of education, unpaid internships, and limited supervision capacity as key obstacles to expanding care. Elevate consists of five coordinated programs to address both entry and retention gaps: • San Diego Pay It Forward Loan Program – Provides 0% interest loans for behavioral-health education with loan forgiveness after five years in public service. • Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Network – Creates training pipelines for substance-use
disorder counselors, case managers, and community health workers. • Peer Support Training Grants – Expands programs with Pacific Clinics and NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties. • Paid Internships – Offers financial support for master’s-level students in social work, counseling, and therapy programs. • Nurse Practitioner Expansion – Supports education and clinical placements for psychiatric nurse practitioners. Funding for Elevate comes from the California Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Innovation Program, which supports new local behavioral-health projects. UC San Diego is evaluating the fund’s outcomes. County officials said that while Elevate will not close the entire workforce gap, it represents a major step toward stabilizing behavioral-health services and ensuring equitable access to care across the region.
Homeless encampment cleanups struggle for lasting impact by AJPress SAN DIEGO, CA — Two months after San Diego began a state-authorized pilot to clear homeless encampments on freeway property near downtown, many cleared areas have been reoccupied within days. The recurring cycle highlights the limits of enforcement when shelter space and housing alternatives remain scarce. A one-year agreement signed on July 22, 2025, between the City of San Diego and Caltrans allows the city to remove encampments and maintain about five miles of freeway property. The covered sections include parts of I-5, SR-163, and SR-94 in Little Italy, East Village, Sherman Heights, and Barrio Logan. The state has agreed to reimburse up to $400,000for cleanup and outreach operations. In the first two months, city crews and contractors complet-
ed more than 100 sweeps and removed over 80 tons of debris, but outreach teams were able to place only about 18 people into shelters. Officials confirm that many cleared sites are repopulated within hours or days. The San Diego Housing Commission reported that only about 12 percent of shelter referrals were fulfilled during the last fiscal year. The low placement rate reflects a shortage of beds, restrictive program rules, and reduced capacity. The closure of Golden Hall in December 2024, the transition of beds at the Paul Mirabile Center to detox services, and the July 2025 closure of the 150-bed Rosecrans shelter have further limited available space. The freeway pilot complements San Diego’s Unsafe Camping Ordinance, adopted in June 2023 and enforced beginning July 31 that year. The ordinance prohibits camping on sidewalks and in “sensitive areas.” Analysts note
that enforcement downtown has pushed more encampments onto Caltrans-controlled land outside city jurisdiction. City crews coordinate with the San Diego Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Division and issue 48-hour notices before cleanups. Outreach workers continue to offer shelter and services during that period. Many people decline offers because of restrictions on pets or partners, loss of personal items in prior sweeps, or mistrust of the system. City officials acknowledge these barriers. The ongoing cycle of cleanup and return underscores a larger statewide challenge. Without sufficient housing and shelter options, enforcement alone results in displacement rather than lasting solutions. State officials say San Diego’s pilot could serve as a model for similar partnerships in other cities, but lasting impact depends on expanding shelter and affordable housing supply.
Photo from www.insidesandiego.org
Civic Center Plaza comes alive with new ‘Plaza Central’ pop-ups by AJPress DOWNTOWN San Diego’s Civic Center Plaza has been transformed into a lively community hub through “Plaza Central,”a new series of pop-up events designed to bring energy, culture, and connection to the city’s civic heart. Mayor Todd Gloria joined city and community partners to kick
off the activation with a celebration featuring roller skaters, confetti cannons, bubble machines, live music, and street tacos. While long-term redevelopment plans for the Civic Center move forward, the Plaza Central pop-ups are already revitalizing the space. Events will run Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting, offering food vendors,
cultural performances, games, shared seating, and live entertainment. The goal, according to city officials, is to make the plaza a welcoming, engaging public space that reflects San Diego’s diversity and provides a place for residents, workers, and visitors to gather. The events are free and open to the public. Source: Inside San Diego
Water rate hike on the horizon
Average San Diego household could pay $18 more per month as city faces rising costs and aging infrastructure by AJPress SAN DIEGO — The City of San Diego is preparing to vote on a proposal that could raise the average household water bill by about $18 a month starting in January 2026, with further increases through 2029. The Public Utilities Department said the hikes are needed to offset rising costs of imported water, inflation, and system maintenance. If approved, the average customer would see a 63% cumulative increase in water rates and 31% in wastewater charges over four years. For a standard one-inch meter, the city’s fixed monthly charge would climb from $46.63 to $56.83 next year, eventually reaching $80.56 by 2029, according to official rate tables. “We’re dealing with rising im-
ported water costs, inflation, and critical infrastructure reinvestments,” the department said in its justification report. “Without these adjustments, the utility cannot continue to provide reliable service.” Why rates are rising San Diego relies heavily on the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), which recently approved a 14% increase in wholesale water prices—almost double the 7.2% the city had anticipated. Those higher costs are passed directly to customers under state law. At the same time, water use has dropped due to conservation, leaving fewer billed gallons to recover fixed expenses for pipelines and treatment plants. The city says it must continue replacing aging infrastructure and funding long-term programs
like Pure Water San Diego. Council review and public pushback The City Council postponed an initial September vote after residents raised affordability concerns. Eight of nine members supported the delay to allow staff to reassess financial models and phase-in options. Under California’s Proposition 218, the city must notify ratepayers and hold public hearings before adopting any rate hikes. Council President Sean Elo-Rivera said the city faces a difficult balance. “We understand this is a burden for families,” he said. “But we also have a duty to maintain a water system that works today and decades from now.” The revised proposal is expected to return for a final vote later this fall.
Families need $116K to make ends meet in San Diego, study shows by AJPress
SAN DIEGO – A new report from the United Ways of California finds that a family of four in San Diego County must earn at least $116,000 a year to cover basic living expenses such as housing, food, child care, health care, transportation, and taxes. The 2025 Real Cost Measure report, released this month, estimates what families actually spend to meet essential needs— offering a more realistic gauge of hardship than the federal poverty line. The study shows that 31 percent of San Diego County households fall below this “real cost” threshold, even though most have at least one working adult. “Well, it certainly is a scary number,” said Nancy Sasaki,
president and CEO of United Way of San Diego County, in an interview with ABC 10News. “The message is that people are struggling. That’s not okay.” The report calculates that a local family of four typically spends about $28,000 a year on housing, $19,000 on child care, and $18,000 on taxes. Meeting the Real Cost Measure income benchmark would require the equivalent of three full-time minimum-wage jobs, according to the study. “Sometimes they’re making trade-offs,” Sasaki told ABC 10News. “Maybe I don’t put as much food on the table, or maybe I don’t eat as much so I can feed my children.” The analysis also shows that 70 percent of single mothers in San Diego County do not earn
enough to meet basic costs. “Having been a single mom myself, the struggle is real,” Sasaki added. United Way officials said the data highlight the widening gap between wages and the cost of living across California. The organization created an online Financial Hardship Simulator allowing residents to explore how expenses such as child care or housing affect their household budgets. “The Real Cost Measure helps put real numbers behind what families experience every day,” Sasaki said. “It shows how difficult it can be just to afford the basics.” The complete 2025 Real Cost Measure report for San Diego County is available at unitedwaysca.org/realcost
Celebrating service and heritage: A Filipino American Story at EDD 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
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OCTOBER 17-23, 2025 • ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 • (213) 250-9797
LEGAL SERVICES
LEGAL SERVICES
LEGAL SERVICES / PRAYER
CASE NUMBER: 25CU047626C
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9017973
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9017539
CASE NUMBER: 25CU055048C
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner MaryAnn Guaro Diloy filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. MaryAnn Guaro Diloy to Mhea Guaro Diloy. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 11/04/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Central Division 333 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: SEP 10, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge Of The Superior Court AJ 1773 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, and 10/17/2025. ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Jodi Marie Orringer filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Jodi Marie Orringer to Jodi Marie Smith. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/09/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Central Division 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: OCT 14, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1792 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, and 11/07/2025 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
AJSD 1773
AJSD 1792
Nourishsi located at 1749 Creekside Lane, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant: Sianna Austin, 1749 Creekside Lane, Vista, CA 92081. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/02/2025. Signature: Sianna Austin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/18/2025. AJ 1772 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, and 10/17/2025. AJSD 1772
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018062
The Avenue Jewelry located at 2015 Birch Rd #219, Chula Vista, CA 91915. Registrant: Crafter Brothers INC, 3030 Plaza Rd Suite 2437, National City, 91950. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/01/2025. Signature: Giovanni Charaf. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/02/2025. AJ 1785 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, and 10/31/2025.
AJSD 1785
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018979
Kato Mobile Notary Solutions located at 840 17th St Apt 329, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Kato Solutions LLC, 2801 B St #567, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/02/2025. Signature: Yoichi Kato. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/02/2025. AJ 1791 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, and 11/07/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018532
Los Tuerca Services located at 6660 Pinecone Ln, San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: Pedro Marquez Pulido, 6660 Pinecone Ln, San Diego, CA 92139 . This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Pedro Marquez Pulido. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/26/2025. AJ 1786 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, and 10/31/2025. AJSD 1786
Manila Bistro located at 933 S Harbison Ave, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Manila Bistro INC, 2984 Winding Fence Wy, Chula Vista, CA 91914. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Juliet Mendoza. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/23/2025. AJ 1774 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, and 10/17/2025. AJSD 1774
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018427
Nori Japan located at 4211 Camino De La Plaza Suite 158B, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: ZZ Dining Group LLC, 4036 E. Peony Paseo Unit 7, Ontario, CA 91761. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/01/2025. Signature: Peter Zheng. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/19/2025. AJ 1777 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, and 10/17/2025.
Gratitude Tax Services located at 6610 Hedges Way, San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: Ismael Robles, 6610 Hedges Way, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Ismael Robles. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/24/2025. AJ 1778 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, and 10/24/2025.
AJSD 1777
AJSD 1778
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9016914
Escar Team located at 6660 Miramar Rd Space C, San Diego, CA 92121. Registrant: Lucas Escartin Da Silva, 4485 Quince St Apr 4, San Diego, CA 92105. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/27/2025. Signature: Lucas Escartin Da Silva . Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/03/2025. AJ 1781 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24/2025.
AJSD 1781
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018984
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018292
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9019168
Guisados y Tacos el Jarocho located at 4188 Nordica Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: a. Heber Cerecedo Del Angel, 4188 Nordica Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. b. Alma Cerecedo Cuentas, 4188 Nordica Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by A Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/06/2025. Signature: Heber Cerecedo Del Angel. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/06/2025. AJ 1787 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, and 10/31/2025.
AJSD 1787
EMPLOYMENT
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018435
Ranch and Coast Living located at 12860 El Camino Real Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92130. Registrant: Marilyn Myers, 4572 Vista De La Patria, Del Mar, CA 92014. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Marilyn Myers. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/24/2025. AJ 1782 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, and 10/24/2025.
AJSD 1782
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9019226
SUN DIEGO STAYS located at 1220 Rosecrans Street Suite 506, San Diego, CA 92106. Registrant: Stork Homes LLC, 1220 Rosecrans Street Suite 506, San Diego, CA 92106. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Henry Emanuel Marquez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/06/2025. AJ 1788 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, and 10/31/2025. AJSD 1788
Journey Assist Transportation located at 5224 Beachfront Cove, Unit 58, San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: Journey Assist Transportation LLC, 5224 Beachfront Cove, Unit 58, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/11/2025. Signature: Jeffry Batister. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/11/2025. AJ 1775 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, and 10/17/2025. AJSD 1775
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018440
REALBYTE located at 10880 Buckhurst Ave, San Diego, CA 92126. THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 08/12/2024, and assigned File no. 20249016341 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: James Pampolina, 10880 Buckhurst Ave, San Diego, CA 92126. This Business is Conducted by: An Individual Signature: James Pampolina. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/24/2025. AJ 1779 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, and 10/24/2025. AJSD 1779
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9016138
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018190
Temo General Painting And Maintenance located at 10189 Camino Ruiz #117, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Cuauhtemoc Osorio Gonzalez, 10189 Camino Ruiz #117, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/24/2018. Signature: Cuauhtemoc Osorio Gonzalez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/22/2025. AJ 1776 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, and 10/17/2025. AJSD 1776
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9017813
Service Repairs & Deliveries located at 3826 Sunset Lane, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: Marifely Aquino, 3826 Sunset Lane, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Marifely Aquino. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2025. AJ 1780 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, and 10/24/2025. AJSD 1780
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9018024
UNITEA located at 1454 Antoine Drive, San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: MeishelleGrace Garcia Twano, PO BOX 372, Bonita, CA 91908. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/16/2025. Signature: MeishelleGrace Garcia Twano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/21/2025. AJ 1783 10/03, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24/2025.
JENN’S TRAVEL located at 1840 Coronado Ave Ste D, San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: Vida Torres, 1840 Coronado Ave Ste D, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/03/2016. Signature: Vida Torres. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/19/2025. AJ 1784 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, and 10/31/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9019371
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9019335
AJSD 1783
Crecienda Juntos Daycare located at 844 Grand Ave Apt 1, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Yessica Janeth Perez Leon, 844 Grand Ave Apt 1, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Yessica Janeth Perez Leon. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/08/2025. AJ 1789 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, and 11/07/2025. AJSD 1789
AJSD 1784
V AND V LEISURES ENTERPRISES located at 8208 Water View Court, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: a. Virgilio Ermosilla Ignacio, 8208 Water View Court, Spring Valley, CA 91977. b. Evangeline Quarto Ignacio, 8208 Water View Court, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by A Married Couple. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/08/2025. Signature: Virgilio Ermosilla Ignacio . Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/08/2025. AJ 1790 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, and 11/07/2025. AJSD 1790