OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2026
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Volume 37 - No. 43 • 14 Pages
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15 charged in Los Angeles health care fraud DATELINE USA crackdown involving nearly $2 billion in claims Nearly 1.6 Million FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Pounds of Meat Recalled Nationwide Over Safety Concerns
USDA warns of serious health risks involving hot dogs, bacon, sausages and other ready-to-eat products; consumers urged to check their refrigerators
Coordinated federal sweep targets addiction treatment, medical procedures and hospice services as Trump administration expands anti-fraud enforcement by AJPress
LOS ANGELES — Federal prosecutors announced charges against 15 defendants, including six medical professionals, on Thursday, October 22, in a coordinated health care fraud crackdown involving nearly $2
billion in allegedly fraudulent claims submitted to government health programs and private insurers. Eight defendants were arrested, the Justice Department said. The enforcement action encompasses separate criminal cases involving substance abuse treatment facilities, invasive medical procedures, hospice operations, genetic testing and prescription drug
3 Filipinos Among 28 Charged in California Voting Probe Federal prosecutions coincide with legal challenges over voter eligibility records as courts scrutinize investigative methods ahead of November elections.
Americans checking their refrigerators for hot dogs, bacon and deli meats have a new food-safety warning: A Massachusetts manufacturer has recalled nearly 1.6 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry after some products were stored at potentially unsafe temperatures. Kayem Foods Inc., based in Chelsea, voluntarily recalled 1,584,361 pounds of products distributed to retailers and foodservice businesses nationwide and to Hong Kong, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
by AJPress
u PAGE 3
Social Security Overhauls Millions of Death and Citizenship Records
billing. Although announced together, the cases involve different defendants, allegations and evidence. They are not part of a single $2 billion conspiracy and will proceed through their respective judicial proceedings, including potential trials, guilty pleas or other dispou PAGE 2
Celebrating Filipino American Heritage Month with community leaders, honorees, and supporters at a special recognition ceremony in Los Angeles City Hall.
LOS ANGELES — Three Philippine nationals are among 28 lawful permanent residents facing federal election-related charges in California, while state officials challenge a separate federal effort to identify suspected noncitizens on voter rolls ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The Justice Department announced the cases October 19 under Operation Protect the Vote, involving prosecutors from all four federal districts in California. Eleven people were arrested that day. Prosecutors say the defendants, all green card holders, face varying allegations involving unlawful voting, false citizenship claims and u PAGE 5
Agency adds 17 million Los Angeles honors Filipino American history DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL | WEEKLY REPORT missing death dates and updates 25 million with City Hall illumination, community awards citizenship records; impact on benefits remains unclear Mayor Karen Bass pays tribute to late historian Florante WASHINGTON — The Social Security Administration says it has added 17 million missing dates of death and updated about 25 million records lacking citizenship information in what it calls the most extensive cleanup of its Social Security number database in 91 years. The agency announced the changes Tuesday, October 20, saying it had corrected reu PAGE 3
Ibanez as city recognizes cultural, civic and historical contributions by AJPress
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles City Hall was illuminated in the colors of the Philippine flag on Friday, October 16, as elected officials, community leaders, artists and residents gathered to mark Filipino American
History Month, honoring generations whose contributions have shaped the city's cultural, economic and civic life. Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado joined the celebration, which brought together established and emerging Filipino American artists, community organu PAGE 3
Sara Duterte Faces Crucial Test as Impeachment Trial Enters New Phase
Prosecutors submit evidence on disputed financial allegations as defense prepares witnesses and weighs challenge to Senate conviction rules by AJPress
impeachment trial is Sandiganbayan orders Philippines offers P50 million Duterte’s moving toward its defense phase after House prosecutors formally Marcoleta suspended as P75offered their evidence this week, reward for Dela Rosa's arrest leaving disputed financial disclomillion plunder case advances sures and business interests at the MANILA — Vice President Sara
Senate says it will enforce 90-day order upon receipt; Ombudsman cites progress in prosecution by AJPress
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has ordered Sen. Rodante Marcoleta suspended from office for 90 days while he faces a plunder prosecution involving ₱75 million in contributions to his 2025 election campaign. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the chamber would implement the order once it receives the court’s directive. Gatchalian said October 21
that the Senate had not yet received the suspension order. No subsequent confirmation of its implementation was established in the official statements and reporting reviewed through October 23. The anti-graft court’s Third Division issued the order October 19, ruling that preventive suspension was mandatory because the criminal charges had been found legally sufficient. Citing the Plunder Law and the Anti-Graft and u PAGE 2
Police give senator one week to surrender as center of the Senate proceedings. House prosecution submithis lawyers challenge government's action tedThe its formal offer Oct. 20, three by AJPress MANILA — Philippine authorities on Friday offered a P50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, intensifying their pursuit of the former national police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged killings during Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the reward October 23 at Camp Crame and
said authorities would consider Dela Rosa “armed and dangerous.” He did not publicly offer evidence supporting that description. Remulla said the reward would be funded through intelligence allocations of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. gave the senator one week to surrender. A task force led by police Lt. Gen. Wilson Lopez has been assigned to locate u PAGE 5
days before the court’s deadline, according to private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan. The defense has 10 days from receipt to object to the exhibits prosecutors want admitted. The Senate impeachment court must rule on those objections before determining what evidence it will consider. Defense hearings are scheduled to begin Nov. 9. Three articles withdrawn The case narrowed Oct. 13 when the impeachment court approved prosecutors’ withdrawal of three of four articles. The withdrawn
allegations concerned misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats. Article II, concerning alleged unexplained wealth, incomplete Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and business interests that prosecutors say violated constitutional restrictions, remains before the court. Presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero ruled that the confidential-funds and grave-threats articles were withdrawn with prejudice, barring the same substantive impeachment accusations from being revived or refiled against Duterte during her current term and the 20th Congress. The bribery article was withdrawn without prejudice because prosecutors presented no evidence on it. It cannot be revived in the current trial, but is not subject to the same broader restriction. The withdrawn articles will receive no verdict. The ruling neither establishes the allegations nor prevents separate lawful proceedings u PAGE 5
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From the Front Page
15 charged in Los Angeles... PAGE 1 sitions. The nearly $2 billion figure represents alleged billings rather than an established amount of money paid out or stolen. Part of broader federal anti-fraud enforcement The Los Angeles operation comes amid an expanded campaign by President Donald Trump's administration to combat fraud involving government-funded programs. On March 16, Trump established the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President JD Vance, to coordinate federal efforts to detect suspected fraud, strengthen payment safeguards and improve oversight of benefit programs, including health care. The Justice Department followed on April 7 with a formal directive establishing its National Fraud Enforcement Division, responsible for coordinating fraud investigations and prosecutions. The division operates alongside longstanding enforcement efforts, including the department's Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, which has pursued health care fraud cases since 2007. Federal officials placed the Los Angeles prosecutions within this broader enforcement campaign. The investigations concern alleged conduct extending over several years, and the coordinated announcement does not mean that each case originated with the newly established task force. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald, who heads the National Fraud Enforcement Division, said investigators used data analysis to identify unusual Medicare billing patterns in one of the cases. Addiction treatment case accounts for largest share The largest investigation involves more than $1.6 billion in claims submitted to private insurers for purported substance abuse treatment. Prosecutors charged Los Angeles residents David Young, 71, and his son Nathan Young, 39, along with Honey Phipps, 42, and Cody Phipps, 36, both of Greenville, Texas. According to the indictment, the Youngs controlled dozens of
treatment businesses and directed recruiters to bring vulnerable individuals from across the country to Southern California and other locations. Prospective patients were allegedly offered travel, housing, cash or drugs to enter treatment programs. Prosecutors contend that some patients were housed in overcrowded or unsanitary accommodations, transferred repeatedly among facilities or prevented from leaving while insurance billing continued. The Justice Department described the case as the largest substance abuse treatment fraud prosecution of its kind undertaken by the agency. In a related proceeding, Nicholas Moore, 33, a former manager of several treatment facilities, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Prosecutors said he admitted helping submit approximately $199 million in fraudulent insurance claims. Allegedly unnecessary medical procedures Another federal indictment charges cardiothoracic surgeon Harold Tabaie, 78, of Anaheim, and chiropractor Hany Malek, 61, of Tarzana, in an alleged Medicare fraud scheme involving approximately $135 million in claims for arterial procedures. Prosecutors allege that Malek represented himself as a medical doctor and referred patients for artery-clearing procedures performed by Tabaie, including treatments that were medically unnecessary. Some patients experienced significant pain or discomfort, according to the indictment. Federal authorities said unusual billing patterns helped investigators identify the alleged scheme. Separate hospice fraud investigations Three additional prosecutions involve more than $138 million in allegedly improper Medicare hospice claims. Authorities allege that some beneficiaries were enrolled in hospice programs despite not being terminally ill, while others were unaware that they had been registered for end-of-life care. Among those charged is Geoffrey Jimenez, 60, of Los Angeles,
who faces a health care fraud charge by criminal complaint involving Transitions Hospice Inc. Prosecutors allege the company submitted approximately $9.8 million in claims for medically unnecessary or unprovided services and received more than $8.3 million in Medicare payments. The complaint also alleges that Jimenez controlled additional hospice businesses that collectively submitted more than $107 million in claims. In separate proceedings, Torrance physician Richard Keech, 83, was charged in connection with more than $10 million in allegedly improper hospice claims. Armani Raffi, 59, of Van Nuys, faces allegations involving approximately $21 million in claims submitted through four hospice providers. Genetic testing, kickbacks and pharmacy billing Other cases involve alleged illegal payments associated with genetic testing and addiction treatment referrals. Physicians Hassan Badday of Los Angeles and Robby Ayoub of Huntington Beach were charged in separate indictments involving alleged kickbacks for genetic testing orders. Thomas Steven Mladinich of Newport Beach was charged in a separate patient referral kickback case. Dejun Wang, a physician from Walnut, was charged in another proceeding involving the alleged unlawful sale of prescription drug samples to pharmacy operators. The enforcement announcement also included a new indictment against Christina Mareik, 61, of Whittier, who was previously charged in June in a Medi-Cal pharmacy fraud investigation. Prosecutors allege approximately $269 million in fraudulent claims were submitted, with Medi-Cal paying at least $178.7 million. The investigations involve the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation and other federal and state authorities. The charges against defendants whose cases remain unresolved are allegations that have not been established in court. Those defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. n
CLEAN WATER. This child is among the Subanen residents of Barangay Sipakong, Bacungan, Zamboanga del Norte who are benefiting from a DENR water impounding system that provides water for household needs and nearby farms. The DENR said on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 that the 50-cubic-meter facility also helps the community prepare for possible water shortages during the projected very strong El Niño. Photo courtesy of DENR
Sandiganbayan orders Marcoleta suspended... PAGE 1 Corrupt Practices Act, the court said a separate pre-suspension hearing was unnecessary. The order temporarily bars Marcoleta from performing his duties as senator or holding another public office for 90 days, after which the suspension will be lifted automatically. It does not constitute a finding of guilt. The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges in July, alleging that Marcoleta received three cash contributions in January 2025 while serving as a SAGIP party-list representative and failed to report them in required financial disclosures. Prosecutors characterize the payments as unlawful benefits connected to his public position. According to the prosecution, former lawmaker Mike Defensor provided P30 million, businessman Joseph Espiritu P25 million and businessman Aristotle Viray P20 million. All three were also charged in connection with the transactions. Marcoleta has denied wrongdoing. He maintains that the money was intended to support his Senate campaign and disputes the prosecution’s characterization of the payments. His lawyers have argued that questions involving election contributions fall within the jurisdiction of
the Commission on Elections. The Sandiganbayan rejected that jurisdictional argument for purposes of its suspension decision, saying electoral and criminal proceedings may address different legal questions independently. The court also said Marcoleta’s temporary absence would not prevent the Senate and its committees from carrying out their legislative functions. Evidence and defense proceedings Prosecutors have presented a recording of Marcoleta discussing the contributions during a 2025 television interview. The senator previously said he withheld the donors’ identities from his campaign disclosures because they requested anonymity. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said October 16 that the case could be resolved within a year, pointing to the prosecution’s relatively swift presentation of evidence. His assessment was an expectation, not a court-imposed deadline. A dispute during the prosecution’s presentation concerned lawyer Cecil Federizo, who notarized deeds documenting the contributions. Defense lawyer David Michael Gabriel objected to efforts to call Federizo, raising attorney-client privilege and challenging the proposed testimony.
The parties subsequently stipulated that the documents were authentic and duly executed, according to accounts of the proceedings. That agreement does not establish whether the underlying transactions complied with applicable laws. Prosecutors completed their witness presentation in October. The defense was scheduled to begin presenting evidence October 22, although the outcome of those proceedings could not be independently confirmed. Marcoleta has remained detained since his July arrest and has pleaded not guilty. His petition for bail on the plunder charge was submitted for resolution October 8, but a subsequent ruling was not established in the reporting reviewed. He also faces three counts involving alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits certain gifts to public officials. Separately, the Sandiganbayan ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in an unrelated plunder case involving alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. Gatchalian said the Senate would implement both suspension orders upon receipt. The cases involve different transactions and will proceed independently. n
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Nearly 1.6 Million Pounds of Meat Recalled... Los Angeles honors Filipino American history... PAGE 1 announced October 17. The recall includes certain hot dogs, chicken sausages, bacon, ham, bologna and turkey products sold under brands including Kayem, al fresco, McKenzie, Triple M and Deutschmacher. Not every product carrying those names is affected. USDA classified the recall as Class I, its highest health-risk category, meaning consumption of an affected item could pose a serious danger. The designation does not mean contamination was confirmed. USDA said no illnesses associated with the products had been confirmed as of its October 17 notice. The problem emerged when a retail customer reported on October 1 that products arrived unusually warm. Kayem's investigation found that a warehouse cooler storing meat and poultry
products had experienced temperature fluctuations, according to USDA. The company attributed the incident to a cooling-system malfunction and said it had corrected the problem. Food kept above appropriate refrigeration temperatures can allow harmful bacteria to grow. Affected meat may look and smell normal, so shoppers should not use appearance as a safety test. The recalled products were made from approximately March 31 through October 7. Kayem said the affected products had been stored and shipped between June 7 and October 14. The dates alone do not establish whether an individual package is included. Consumers can identify recalled items by matching the brand, product description, UPC and lot codes against the official
USDA list and packaging photographs. Packages carry one of three establishment numbers inside the inspection mark: EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A or EST. M 9520. Those numbers must be checked alongside the product information. Walmart has identified affected sales at select stores in eight Eastern states. USDA described distribution as nationwide but has not identified every individual retail location, including those in California. USDA advises consumers not to eat recalled products, but to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider. The product list is available at fsis.usda.gov/recalls under Recall No. 026-2026; Kayem's hotline is 800-426-6100; USDA's is 888-674-6854. (AJPress)
Social Security Overhauls Millions... PAGE 1 cords associated with nearly 15 percent of active Social Security numbers since the Trump administration took office. It is also correcting another 8.5 million records containing inaccurate citizenship information, work that remains in progress. The death-date additions drew on Social Security's internal records and State Department data. To update citizenship entries, the agency used information from the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements service, known as SAVE. Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said improving the records would help prevent fraud and support the administration of benefits. The agency also reported adopting controls intended to reduce errors from manual data entry. Social Security said its database contains nearly 390 million records used by federal and state agencies to verify identities. Its announcement did not specify how many improper payments the cleanup uncovered or prevented, quantify any savings, or explain how the nearly 15 percent figure was calculated. Missing administrative information is not, by itself, evidence of improper payments. A record without a date of death does not establish that benefits continued
after someone died. An incomplete citizenship entry likewise does not establish that a person is ineligible for benefits. Earlier government audits documented weaknesses in death reporting. In 2023, Social Security's inspector general identified approximately 18.9 million records for people born in 1920 or earlier without death information. About 18.4 million, or 98 percent, were not receiving agency payments and had no earnings reported to Social Security in the previous 50 years. Approximately 44,000 were receiving payments, but the audit did not establish that those payments were improper. The agency has not specified how many of the older records were among its latest updates. Some reporting failures have resulted in improper payments. A March 2025 inspector general report estimated that problems processing valid death reports from states had led to $327 million in such payments. The finding concerned reports submitted between November 2018 and October 2022, not the current cleanup. Mistaken death entries pose a different risk. In July 2026, the inspector general reported that 12,504 of approximately 5.6 million death records posted in 2025 were later deemed erroneous. In a separate review of earlier cases, auditors found that employees
had not consistently documented why incorrect death records were removed. Erroneously recording a living person as deceased can disrupt benefits and access to services. The citizenship updates may be especially relevant to naturalized Americans whose Social Security records still reflect an earlier immigration status. The agency advises people to update their records when their citizenship or immigration status changes. Its procedure calls for requesting a replacement Social Security card and presenting identification and proof of current status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says SAVE verifies immigration or citizenship information for participating agencies but does not determine eligibility for a particular benefit. The October 20 announcement did not direct all beneficiaries to undergo new citizenship checks or announce a general change to retirement, disability or survivor payments. Anyone incorrectly recorded as deceased should visit a Social Security office promptly with current identification, according to agency guidance. Social Security says it can provide a letter confirming the correction for banks and other institutions. Instructions for updating citizenship records are available at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. (AJPress)
PAGE 1 izations and advocates for historical preservation. “History reminds us that Filipino-American history is American history,” Bass said during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the community's place in the nation's broader historical narrative. Jurado, the first Filipina elected to the Los Angeles City Council, also connected the observance to the city's history. “Filipino history is Los Angeles history,” she said, acknowledging generations of Filipino Americans whose labor, cultural traditions and civic participation have contributed to the development of Los Angeles. The celebration was organized by Jurado's Council District 14 office and included civic recognitions, musical performances and community activities. The City Council authorized the illumination through a motion introduced by Jurado and seconded by Councilmember Heather Hutt. The measure was approved September 8 by a 12-0 vote, with three councilmembers absent, and became final September 21. Bass honors historian Florante Ibanez A central moment of the ceremony was the posthumous presentation of the inaugural Bayanihan Spirit Award to Florante Peter Ibanez, a historian, librarian and longtime community advocate who died on November 30, 2025. His wife, Rose, and their family accepted the recognition honoring his contributions to historical preservation, social justice and community empowerment. Bass recalled her decades-long friendship with the Ibanez family, tracing their association to advocacy opposing martial law under former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The mayor described Ibanez as an advocate whose commitment to justice extended beyond the Filipino American community. His work included preserving historical records, documenting immigrant experiences and promotingrecognition of Filipino American contributions to American society. The award invokes the Filipino tradition of bayanihan, which emphasizes collective responsibility, mutual assistance and cooperation for the common good. Ibanez devoted much of his professional and community work to preserving histories that might otherwise have remained outside
mainstream historical accounts. His recognition highlighted the role of historians, archivists and community institutions in documenting the experiences of immigrant communities. Artists, advocates and community leaders recognized The ceremony also honored musicians Joe Bataan and HILLARI; Dr. Fatima Bustos-Choy; Gerlie Collado; GABRIELA Los Angeles; filmmaker Januel Mercado; artist and cultural organizer Alison de la Cruz; and entrepreneur Ginger Lim-Dimapasok. The honorees represent contributions spanning music, education, cultural preservation, community organizing, entrepreneurship and public service. Bataan, a longtime figure in Latin soul music, represents an earlier generation of artists whose work emerged from the intersection of musical and cultural traditions in American cities. HILLARI represents a younger generation of Filipino artists reaching audiences through contemporary music. The recognition of community advocates and organizations reflected the range of Filipino American civic participation, including efforts focused on cultural identity, social concerns and community representation. Jurado also drew on her family's immigrant experience in discussing the sacrifices of earlier generations and the opportunities they helped create for their descendants. Performances by Bataan, HILLARI and other participating artists accompanied the celebration, which included music, dance and cultural presentations before the evening illumination. A history extending more than four centuries Filipino American History Month commemorates the earliest documented Filipino presence in what is now the continental United States. On October 18, 1587, Filipinos aboard a Spanish maritime expedition arrived along the California coast near present-day Morro Bay, establishing a documented Filipino presence in the region more than four centuries ago. The Filipino American National Historical Society established October as Filipino American History Month in 1992 to encourage recognition and study of the community's history, experiences and contributions. In Los Angeles, that history in-
cludes Filipino immigrants who worked in agriculture, health care, service industries, education and other sectors, alongside community organizations that advocated for labor rights, cultural recognition and political representation. Historic Filipinotown remains an important center of that legacy, reflecting the institutions, businesses and social networks developed by Filipino immigrants and their descendants. The 2026 national theme, “Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories,” focuses onexperiences historically underrepresented in conventional accounts of American history, including those shaped by immigration, labor, gender and social inequality. The October 16 celebration brought those histories into the city's civic center through public recognition of artists, advocates and community figures whose work spans successive generations. n
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive Proposals for OP135054(2) - Prototype Maintenance of Way (MOW) Track Vacuum Vehicleat the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/ Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, November 19, 2026. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. OP135054(2). For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business. metro.net or for further information email Christopher Michel at michelc@metro.net. 10/24/26 CNS-4088744# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
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US defers another $1.26 billion Sandiganbayan rejects Revilla appeal to in California Medicaid payments remove justice from flood control case Federal review scrutinizes home-care spending as state announces separate fraud charges against 103 providers by AJPress WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has deferred another $1.26 billion in federal Medicaid reimbursements to California, citing questions about in-home care expenditures and claims as the state disputes the government’s assessment of rising program costs. An October 20 notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) places $1.086 billion of the latest hold on Community First Choice and personal care services. The remainder involves other medical assistance and administrative expenses. The action follows deferrals of $1.34 billion in May and $867.5 million in July. Together, the notices total approximately $3.47 billion, although that is not a verified balance still outstanding. Most concern recurring categories of claims from different quarters. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said California’s personal care spending had grown 24 percent over three years, about twice the rate in other states. The agency cited questions involving payroll taxes, sick leave, unexplained spending growth and
billing patterns, including claims adjudicated more than a year after services were provided and claims involving multiple beneficiaries. CMS said California had not answered specific September inquiries concerning some expenditures. The notice also flags smaller amounts associated with services billed during hospital stays or after a beneficiary’s death. Such discrepancies warrant examination but do not, without further evidence, establish deliberate fraud. CMS said California had supplied documentation for a sample of claims that remained under review. In earlier statements, California officials said costs reflected higher caregiver wages, expanded enrollment and increased care needs. The state’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program pays approved caregivers, including eligible relatives, to help older adults and people with disabilities remain at home instead of entering institutions. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office identifies caseload growth, higher hourly costs and increased authorized care hours as spending drivers. Its October report put total IHSS
spending for fiscal year 2026-27 at $33.9 billion, up 11.2 percent from the previous year’s estimate. Separately, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday, October 22, that felony charges had been filed against 103 IHSS providers accused of improperly obtaining more than $4.5 million in Medi-Cal payments. State investigators allege billing for care while recipients were in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. Those charges are unresolved allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The state announcement did not establish a direct connection between the cases and the federal reimbursement review. Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, warned that the holds could affect older residents and people with disabilities. California previously said it was maintaining IHSS services despite the payment holds. A deferral does not itself cancel eligibility or authorized care. The October notice gives California 60 days after receipt to support the claims and permits a written request for up to 60 additional days. n
3 Filipinos Among 28 Charged in California... PAGE 1 statements in naturalization proceedings. The Philippine nationals identified by prosecutors are Giezell Viduya Adawag, 41, of Vacaville; José Probitsado Amaro, 51, of National City; and Pamele Arbués Line, 56, of Escondido. Lawful permanent residence does not confer eligibility to vote in federal elections. Adawag is accused of registering to vote on November 5, 2024, falsely certifying that she was a U.S. citizen and casting a ballot that day. She faces a misdemeanor unlawful-voting charge carrying a maximum one-year prison sentence if convicted. She appeared in federal court October 19 and was released on her own recognizance. Prosecutors allege that Amaro registered by falsely claiming citizenship, voted in the November 2024 election and subsequently misrepresented earlier citizenship claims and his voting history during a naturalization interview. Line is accused of registering and voting in that election and making false statements during her naturalization process. According to accounts of federal charging documents published October 23, she told investigators she believed she had acquired citizenship through her mother's naturalization. Prosecutors contend she was 19 when her mother became a citizen and therefore did not acquire citizenship through her. Investigators alleged multiple registrations and ballots; Line reportedly acknowledged voting once. The charges remain pending, and every defendant is presumed
innocent unless proven guilty in court. Their individual cases have not been resolved by the broader litigation over California's voter rolls. Another defendant, José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, told reporters he was unaware of having registered to vote in 2007, around the time he obtained a driver's license. He is accused of improper registration and false statements, but prosecutors do not allege that he cast a ballot. His account has not been adjudicated. In a civil lawsuit filed October 15, the Justice Department asked a federal court to prevent California from counting mail ballots associated with more than 20,000 registered voters investigators identify as likely noncitizens unless their citizenship is verified. Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter said all 28 criminal defendants appeared on that list. State officials dispute the list's reliability and the requested remedy. A federal immigration official subsequently described a separate group of more than 17,000 voting records potentially linked to noncitizens. Neither group represents a verified count of ineligible voters or unlawful ballots, and the numbers should not be added together as a confirmed tally of individuals. Los Angeles County officials examined a preliminary sample of 200 records from the initial list. They reported 112 canceled or inactive registrations and said about 70 percent of the sampled records showed no voting history. Among entries with usable birthplace information, 38.9 percent indicated birth in the United States, although the size of that subgroup
was not specified. The county did not claim its sample represented the full statewide list. Secretary of State Shirley Weber said federal officials initially demanded action within 48 hours without providing her office the underlying list. California officials argue that an emergency review could disrupt election administration and affect eligible voters. Federal authorities maintain that additional verification is needed to enforce citizenship requirements. Responding to questions about the sample, Justice Department officials said California should independently verify the flagged registrations rather than disregard the information. State officials say the requested measures could be difficult to implement before voting concludes. On October 22, the Justice Department asked the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to intervene before U.S. District Judge David O. Carter had decided its request for emergency relief. Carter had scheduled a hearing for the following week; federal lawyers treated the absence of an immediate ruling as an effective denial. In separate litigation, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín on October 21 granted a preliminary injunction restricting certain Homeland Security election-related field operations in nine states, including California, involving people agents know or reasonably suspect are U.S. citizens. She found the plaintiffs likely to succeed on a voter-intimidation claim involving election assistance activities. The order was initially stayed pending further proceedings and does not determine the criminal defendants' guilt. n
Sara Duterte Faces Crucial Test as Impeachment... PAGE 1 involving the underlying conduct. House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said the decision would concentrate the case on the remaining financial allegations. Duterte’s lawyers objected, arguing that allegations publicly aired during hearings would no longer receive a full defense presentation. The court lifted its restrictions on public discussion of the withdrawn articles, but not Article II. Financial testimony contested The remaining charge includes testimony from Alexander Cabrera, a lawyer and accountant presented by House prosecutors as a forensic financial expert. Cabrera calculated approximately P817.87 million in allegedly undeclared assets and income involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, from 2022 through 2025. Cabrera based his analysis on available banking, tax, corporate and insurance records, as well as asset declarations. The amount is his disputed assessment, not a finding by the Senate impeachment court that either spouse illegally acquired wealth. During cross-examination Oct. 12, defense lawyer Kristine Ferrer questioned the completeness of the records and Cabrera’s methodology. He acknowledged that he had not interviewed Duterte, Carpio or their accountants and had not examined every potentially relevant document. Cabrera maintained that the records available to his team supported his conclusions. Carpio has disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of overseas
credit-card spending, saying the transactions were personal expenses paid with his own money and did not involve public funds. Duterte has denied wrongdoing and characterized the impeachment case as politically motivated. Defense prepares House prosecution adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers said Oct. 21 that the defense requested eight trial days to present witnesses and evidence. The court has listed hearings for Nov. 9-13, 19-20 and 23, subject to further orders and the Senate’s legislative calendar. House prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon said Oct. 22 that Kapunan would conduct cross-examination if Duterte chooses to testify. Her appearance as a witness has not been confirmed. The defense also disputes the Senate impeachment court’s interpretation of the two-thirds vote required for conviction. In September, the court ruled that the threshold should be calculated from senators legally and actually able to participate when a verdict is taken, rather than automatically from all 24 Senate seats. With 20 senators then considered eligible, the requirement would have been 14 votes rather than 16, although the number could change. Defense spokesperson Michael Poa said Oct. 22 that Duterte’s lawyers were discussing a possible Supreme Court challenge to the voting rule. No new petition had been confirmed filed as of Oct. 23. The Supreme Court dismissed three earlier petitions brought by other parties on procedural grounds Sept. 30, without decid-
ing the constitutional merits. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Oct. 19 that he hoped the proceedings would conclude before year-end. No date has been set for a verdict. Separate investigations Luistro said evidence involving the withdrawn articles could be provided to the Office of the Ombudsman through appropriate procedures. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Oct. 22 that his office would evaluate any material received and determine whether sworn statements were needed. The Ombudsman has separately acknowledged receiving a National Bureau of Investigation referral concerning alleged discrepancies in Duterte’s asset declarations. The referral is subject to evaluation and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing. Duterte also faces three counts of grave threats in a separate case filed by the Department of Justice in Quezon City. Her arraignment was postponed again Oct. 9 amid pending defense motions. She has not been convicted of those charges. Public opinion An OCTA Research survey released Oct. 21 found that 47 percent of respondents wanted to see more evidence before deciding how senators should vote, while 25 percent favored acquittal and 21 percent supported conviction. The poll surveyed 1,200 adults face to face from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, with a national margin of error of three percentage points. Its fieldwork preceded the withdrawal of three impeachment articles. n
by AJPress MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has rejected former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s renewed effort to remove Associate Justice Karl Miranda from the panel hearing his malversation case over an allegedly fictitious flood control project in Bulacan. In an October 22 resolution made public the following day, the anti-graft court’s Third Division upheld its September 24 rejection of Revilla’s second request for Miranda’s inhibition, or withdrawal. The court said the former senator offered no new evidence meeting the standard required to establish judicial bias. Miranda chairs the division and cast the lone vote against Revilla’s bail application in July. Revilla questioned Miranda’s impartiality partly because the justice’s brother, lawyer Buenaventura Miranda, repre-
sented former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, a prosecution witness. His lawyers also cited the justice’s remarks to the accused about good conduct time allowances, arguing that they suggested prejudgment. The court rejected that interpretation. It said an informed, reasonable observer would not infer bias from the justice’s family connection to a witness’s lawyer or his dissent on bail without clear and convincing evidence. Prosecutors accuse Revilla and other defendants of participating in the improper release of approximately 76 million fora flood control project in Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi, Bulacan, valued at P92.8 million. The Office of the Ombudsman alleges the project was not implemented and that supporting documents, including accomplishment reports and billing documents, were falsified. Revilla denies involvement. The Ombudsman filed malver-
sation and related graft charges in January 2026. The graft case was assigned to the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division, separate from the malversation proceedings. The Third Division granted Revilla bail on July 31 in a 2-1 ruling, finding that prosecutors had not established sufficiently strong evidence of guilt to justify his continued detention. He posted a ₱1-million cash bond. Bail did not resolve the criminal charge. Separately, Revilla and co-accused Jaypee Mendoza sought permission this week to file demurrers to evidence, asking to challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s case before presenting a defense. Revilla’s lawyers argue there is no evidence tying him to the disbursements or alleged kickbacks. The request remained pending as of October 23. n
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PAGE 1 been authorized at the time of and arrest him. Police said they the gunfire. AUTHORITY (LACMTA) The ICC issued a warrant had examined possible hiding places in Mindanao and other under seal November 6, 2025, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL regions, without confirming his and made it public May 11,
Philippines offers P50 million... whereabouts. Earlier in the week, Remulla said an unidentified, well-funded armed group was protecting Dela Rosa in Mindanao. He estimated that forcibly arresting him might cause as many as 10,000 deaths. The group's identity and strength, and the basis of the casualty estimate, have not been independently verified. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged the senator Wednesday to surrender to avoid bloodshed. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian questioned negotiations with any armed group lacking government authorization, although he acknowledged not knowing who might be sheltering Dela Rosa. On Friday, Nartatez said police were offering an opportunity to surrender, not negotiating. Dela Rosa was last publicly seen at the Senate in May. He left the complex early May 14, after shots were fired there the previous evening amid a security standoff. No injuries were reported. The government said no operation to arrest him had
2026. Judges found reasonable grounds to believe Dela Rosa bore responsibility as an alleged indirect co-perpetrator for murder as a crime against humanity involving at least 32 people allegedly killed from July 2016 through April 2018. Those allegations remain unproven; Dela Rosa denies wrongdoing. Dela Rosa’s defense lawyers maintain that the ICC warrant cannot be enforced domestically without authorization from a Philippine judge. The Supreme Court denied his request for temporary protection from arrest May 20 by a 9-5-1 vote but left the underlying legal questions unresolved. Government lawyers, however, dispute his position. Dela Rosa’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, declined Friday to comment on the reward and surrender deadline. His law firm separately questioned the reward's legal basis and demanded government documentation, while objecting to the “armed and dangerous” designation as unsupported by a court finding. n
LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS145268 A Line S-80 Crossing Gate Mechanisms Installationat the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A virtual Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 2:00 p.m. Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to bids@metro.net, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS145268. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Antranik Banalian at banaliana@metro.net. 10/24/26 CNS-4087745# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
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A time to rethink what makes us laugh Why Filipino Humor Must Evolve WHAT we choose to laugh at says something about what we have learned to accept. Filipinos have long used humor to navigate hardship, build camaraderie and find joy in everyday life. From family gatherings to television variety shows, teasing and slapstick have been familiar forms of entertainment. But some jokes have depended on making people who look, speak, move or behave differently the objects of laughter. What was once dismissed as harmless amusement often reflected a deeper misunderstanding of disability. The recent controversy involving Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son of television personality Kris Aquino, has brought this uncomfortable legacy into sharper focus. Remarks about Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, during an episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast prompted widespread criticism, public apologies, the termination of the program’s network contract and an investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation. Yet the significance of the controversy extends far beyond a prominent family or the conduct of several podcast participants. It raises a question Filipino society can no longer afford to dismiss: When does familiar humor become a form of discrimination? The law draws a line Republic Act No. 9442, enacted in 2007, amended the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities to prohibit specified forms of public ridicule and vilifi-
cation. Its provisions address mockery arising from a person’s disability, including conduct that could intimidate or diminish self-esteem. Sections 39 and 40 address disability-based public ridicule, while Sections 41 and 42 prohibit defined forms of vilification, including certain abusive statements and conduct inciting hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule. The law’s implementing rules expressly address degrading jokes and offensive imitation in entertainment. Proven violations can result in substantial fines, imprisonment or both. These protections do not make every insensitive remark a criminal offense. Whether particular conduct violates the law depends on the evidence and applicable legal standards, not public outrage alone. The law recognizes an important principle: Disability-based humiliation cannot automatically be excused simply because someone calls it a joke. But legislation can establish only a minimum standard.
Editorial
babe’s eye view Babe Romualdez
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the grand opening of the expanded UPS hub at Clark International Airport, which emphasizes and underscores an opportunity that deserves greater national attention. There is no doubt Clark is steadily strengthening its role as a major cargo gateway, with two American logistics giants, UPS and FedEx, investing in the infrastructure that connects Philippine businesses to the world. The significance reaches well beyond additional warehouses or aircraft movements. Reliable logistics can determine whether an exporter wins an overseas order, whether a manufacturer expands production and whether a small enterprise can reach customers abroad. When goods move efficiently, opportunities move with them. When shipments encounter delays, businesses and workers ultimately pay the price. In his message, President Marcos highlighted the important role of logistics in connecting communities, sustaining businesses and bringing opportunities closer to the people. The timely delivery of essential supplies becomes even more critical, especially during
Demand and supply Boo Chanco
BBM was perhaps just trying to be dramatic when he urged the people to secure water pails or balde to prepare for the long dry spell of a Super El Niño. But he unconsciously revealed the hopelessness of our situation whose blame should be shared by past presidents including his late father. We have never given water its critical importance in sustaining our lives. The NCR is 90 percent dependent on one dam that sits on top of an active fault line. We have become used to seeing people lining up their water pails in public faucets for their daily needs, even in NCR. BBM is delivering the right message for us to be more judicious in the use of water because every drop counts. But it also implies that we are in a horrible situation because our government has not given the
ManilaTimes.net photo
Changing the attitudes that allow such ridicule to persist requires something more fundamental. The problem with “biro lang” In Filipino social life, biruan, asaran and kantiyawan can convey affection among willing participants. Yet “biro lang” can also become a convenient excuse when someone objects to being humiliated. The person hurt by a remark is expected to demonstrate a sense of humor, while the person who
Clark International Airport: Fast becoming a major cargo hub calamities. And for an archipelagic country like the Philippines, “efficient logistics is vital to economic development and the well-being of our people.” The UPS decision to expand reflects a continuing commitment to serving businesses that depend on predictable international connections. It also underscores the increasingly important role the Philippines plays in “connecting businesses across Asia and around the world” through the UPS network, noted UPS EVP and Chief Supply Chain Solutions Officer Wilfredo Ramos. As PBBM emphasized, the 30,000-square-meter state-of-theart facility representing a massive $80-million investment is a recognition of the Philippines as “a strategic investment destination.” FedEx is likewise enlarging its footprint. Last May, the company announced the groundbreaking for an expanded Clark gateway that will cover more than 78,000 square meters upon completion. The project builds on the gateway it opened in October 2021, and the land lease agreement signed in July 2024. FedEx says the expansion will support express shipments, freight and growing e-commerce demand. “When an investor promises a
project, it is our job to ensure it opens on schedule,” the President declared. And to ensure the timely completion of projects, he has directed the BCDA and DTI to report every unfinished Clark investment with an opening date. Taken together, these investments strengthen the case for Clark as an increasingly important location in regional logistics, giving us an opportunity to demonstrate that the Philippines can provide the dependable operating environment necessary for further growth. There is also a meaningful economic dimension to our relationship with the United States. Our alliance has enduring security foundations, but its value to ordinary Filipinos must also be evident through livelihoods and business opportunities. Investments by American companies help translate that relationship into activity that people can see, from construction and airport services to warehousing and distribution. We should be careful, however, about assuming that every expansion automatically produces cheaper shipping or immediate benefits for every business. Those outcomes depend on routes, shipment volumes, competition and u PAGE 8
Balde-baldeng problema construction of water storage and other facilities the priority deserved. Singapore is a good example. Because their population depends on fresh water being delivered by pipeline from Malaysia, their government worked hard to reduce this vulnerability. Singapore has a strategic master plan that aims to transition the country into absolute water self-sufficiency before its final 1962 bilateral water agreement with Malaysia expires in 2061. The Singapore water plan seeks to maximize domestic collection and technology to phase out the reliance on imports. First, Singapore catches rainwater through a highly sophisticated network of drains, canals and rivers leading into 17 domestic reservoirs. Two-thirds of Singapore’s land surface serves as a massive water catchment area. Second, under the 1962 agreement, Singapore can draw up to 250 million gallons of raw water per day from Malaysia’s Johor River. This historically accounted for about 50 percent of its total
demand, but its percentage share is actively dropping as alternative taps expand. Third is NEWater (High-Grade Reclaimed Water). Introduced in 2003, NEWater is ultra-clean, purified recycled wastewater. Sewage is collected across the island, treated using advanced dual-membrane (microfiltration and reverse osmosis) and ultraviolet technologies, and fed into the system. NEWater covers roughly 40 percent of Singapore’s daily water needs, with plans to increase coverage to 55 percent by 2060. Fourth is desalination. Singapore utilizes seawater desalination to generate fresh water directly from the ocean. The country has built multiple high-capacity desalination plants, which currently satisfies up to 30 percent of its total water demand. Aside from boosting supply, Singapore curtails demand to prolong its reserves through progressive, state-mandated strategies. Singapore utilizes advanced u PAGE 8
public lives Randy David
AT a recent forum on leadership, I listened intently as a group of young, reform-minded local government executives shared their experiences of the hard work of governance reform. Their recurring problem, in essence, was how to get people to trust institutions instead of always looking for a connection to bring their needs to the attention of government. This is the root of patronage and dependence, a problem as old as our political system. What was refreshing was to hear it named by public officials themselves. It made me think about what it means for people to trust their institutions. I don’t believe this is achieved by assurances that they no longer need a connection, a patron, or a fixer to get government’s attention. For, more often than not, people look for connections not so much to gain an advantage or evade the rules, but to defend themselves against those who do. What they seek, in short, is insurance against being ignored, or being overtaken by someone who knows someone inside. Such a
NO FREE LUNCH
Cielito F. Habito AS we chart the way forward for our deeply troubled Philippine economy, two sectors stand out as critical pillars that we must reinforce and build on: agriculture and manufacturing. These need priority attention in our economic agenda, following many years of relative neglect, overshadowed by services-dominated drivers that had been favored by both our largest business conglomerates and government policymakers. This neglect led us to what I’ve long described as an economy whose growth has been narrow, shallow, and hollow. I see at least three reasons why agriculture and manufacturing must be central to our strategy in moving forward: First, it’s in these two sectors where we have conspicuously underperformed relative to our Asean peers, particularly Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Second, it’s these sec-
made it avoids examining the consequences. Disability-based humor has sometimes relied on exaggerated gestures, imitated speech or assumptions that a person with a disability is less capable or less deserving of respect. Repeated through entertainment and ordinary conversation, these portrayals can normalize prejudice. Children may absorb such attitudes long before they understand u PAGE 8
Trusting institutions or finding a connection habit does not fade because people are told it is no longer needed. It fades only with the repeated experience of being served without anybody’s intercession. That experience need not be your own. Sometimes it is enough that someone you know tells you the process is actually so painless and predictable that no personal favor is needed to get your transaction done. I have seen this happen in chat groups, where someone posts an innocent inquiry: May kakilala ba tayo sa DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) para mag-renew ng passport? Increasingly, the replies come not as a name or a number to call, but as a calm assurance that you don’t need anyone’s help for such a simple thing. You can now renew your passport at many DFA sites located in malls. Someone may add: the lines may sometimes be long, but they move. That’s how old reflexes die and new habits form. But bottlenecks remain everywhere in government. Some are kept alive by politicians who thrive on dispensing favors in exchange for personal loyalty. Others are just the product of badly crafted laws and complex imple-
menting rules that no one has bothered to review. An example of the first is the practice of securing referral and guarantee letters from legislators and local executives for financially strapped patients seeking admission to government hospitals. Needy patients once had to find out for themselves which officials had discretionary funds parked at which state hospital. The Malasakit centers have simplified this by telling people where assistance can be found. But the patronage element remains. In some provinces, a desk near the mayor’s or governor’s office issues slips of paper endorsing requests for medical assistance. These are not guarantees of payment. Whether they make any difference, no one can tell: the only test is to go without one, and few will take that chance with a sick relative. So when the patient is promptly attended to, the credit goes to the governor’s endorsement. Patronage survives here not because it works, but because it cannot be shown not to work. The second kind of bottleneck is harder to dislodge. It arises where the law requires a permit u PAGE 8
Moving our economy forward tors that our richest billionaires have largely shied away from. This could well be both cause and effect of the first, but it simply must change. Third, these two are arguably the most inclusive economic sectors where gross domestic product (GDP) growth would yield more and faster and wider poverty reduction than the last three decades of our growth have delivered. Let’s examine each point more closely. Last year, our agriculture, fishery, and forestry (AFF) sector grew by 3.1 percent, versus 4.1, 5.4, and 3.6 percent for Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, respectively. While we did better than Malaysia’s 1.7 percent AFF growth last year, our average over the last three years was a measly 0.93 percent, against Malaysia’s 2.1 percent. Meanwhile, our manufacturing sector grew 2.5 percent last year, well behind Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with 8.2, 5.5, and 4.5 percent, respectively. Thailand’s unusual -0.3-percent manufacturing slump has resulted from severe disruption in its top manufac-
tured exports, especially motor vehicles. But it’s in exports where we are truly woefully behind. Last year, while we managed an impressive 19.4 percent growth in agricultural exports to $9.25 billion, it remains a mere fraction of Vietnam’s $68.2 billion, Indonesia’s $51.5 billion, Thailand’s $44.9 billion, and Malaysia’s $25.9 billion. Our manufacturing exports were $53.8 billion, a pittance against Vietnam’s $368.5 billion, Malaysia’s $327.4 billion, Thailand’s $220.8 billion, and Indonesia’s $201.2 billion. There’s no clearer evidence than these numbers of how stunted our agriculture and manufacturing sectors have been. Setting aside numbers, we only need to note how our largest conglomerates and wealthiest families mostly made their billions from banking, property development, energy, and other high-value services. Their involvement in agriculture/agribusiness and manufacturing has been minimal by comparison, and I can understand why. One tycoon admitted to me that they u PAGE 7
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OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2026 • ASIAN JOURNAL
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Ex-DPWH Engineer Details Alleged Kickback Duterte impeachment trial: The System in Romualdez Bail Hearing strange power of dropping charges State witness describes commissions rising to 25%; defense disputes evidence directly linking former House speaker to payments by AJPress MANILA — A former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer has described an alleged system in which contractors made advance payments to secure government infrastructure projects, testifying that commission rates increased from 20 percent to 25 percent during preparations for the 2023 national budget. Henry Alcantara, a former district engineer in Bulacan who is cooperating with prosecutors, gave the account Tuesday, October 20, before the Sandiganbayan's Third Division during hearings on former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's petition for bail in a P7.44-billion plunder case. Alcantara testified that former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co determined the commission rates, described as commitment fees. The increase occurred in 2022, after Romualdez became House speaker, although Alcantara said he did not know why Co raised the percentage. Under cross-examination, Alcantara acknowledged that the alleged arrangements preceded Romualdez's speakership. He said former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo introduced him to Co in 2021. Alcantara also confirmed that he had not named Romualdez in earlier sworn statements or legislative inquiries concerning the infrastructure controversy. His dealings over project allocations, he said, were conducted with Co, Bernardo and Co's staff rather than directly with the former speaker. According to Alcantara, contractors provided advance payments in anticipation of receiving government contracts. He described arrangements in which bidding was allegedly coordinated to favor contractors already selected for particular projects. He said portions of the commis-
sions were paid after proposed projects appeared in the National Expenditure Program, with additional payments following their inclusion in the enacted national budget. Although Alcantara described how the alleged system operated, his testimony did not identify Romualdez as the person who set the rates or as someone to whom Alcantara personally delivered money. New testimony on payments to Co At Thursday's hearing, October 22, Walter Rosales, a former assistant to Alcantara, testified that he helped transport cash to properties associated with Co in Pasig and Taguig between 2022 and 2024. Rosales estimated that the deliveries could have exceeded P1 billion but said he could not determine the precise total. He described money being counted in a restricted room at the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office before being packed into plastic storage containers and suitcases. Rosales also testified that Co's staff signed acknowledgment receipts for deliveries and that he later destroyed the documents on Alcantara's instructions. He acknowledged that he did not know firsthand whether the money originated with contractors. Defense lawyers challenged inconsistencies in his account, including estimates of the amounts allegedly carried in individual suitcases. Rosales's testimony concerned cash allegedly delivered to Co's properties, not money he personally handed to Romualdez. Another prosecution witness, Police Maj. Ermelo Dichoso Jr., a former member of Co's security detail, testified Thursday that he accompanied Co to four meetings attended by Romualdez and other lawmakers. Dichoso said he saw Co give Romualdez clothing as a gift, rather than a suitcase. Asked by
a Sandiganbayan justice whether money had been delivered to Romualdez during those meetings, he answered no. The defense objected to portions of Dichoso's testimony as hearsay. Prosecutors said they sought to establish terminology allegedly used by Co's associates when referring to money. Defense contests allegations The latest testimony followed earlier accounts from former members of Co's security detail alleging that suitcases containing cash were transported to properties associated with Romualdez. Romualdez's lawyers have questioned the witnesses' personal knowledge of the contents and recipients of those deliveries, cited inconsistencies in sworn statements and pointed to recantations by several former Co associates. Co has previously denied receiving kickbacks from government projects. The Office of the Ombudsman filed the plunder charge September 7 against Romualdez, Co and two other defendants. Prosecutors allege that the case involves at least P7.44 billion in illicit financial benefits connected to government infrastructure projects between 2022 and 2025. Romualdez pleaded not guilty September 16 and has denied wrongdoing. His lawyers maintain that the prosecution has not presented sufficiently strong evidence establishing his knowing participation in the alleged scheme or personal receipt of its proceeds. Romualdez remains detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas while the Sandiganbayan considers his bail petition. The court must determine whether the evidence of guilt is strong enough to justify denying bail; the hearing is not a determination of criminal guilt. The next hearing is scheduled for October 27, when prosecutors are expected to present additional witnesses, including former DPWH project engineer Carlo Rivera. n
by By Atty. Noel B. Lazaro Philstar.com
IN Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice has no difficulty imagining a cat without a grin; what unsettles her is a grin without a cat. Something has disappeared while its most conspicuous feature remains, an entertaining impossibility that the Philippine Senate has lately given a constitutional dimension. On Oct. 13, House prosecutors withdrew three impeachment articles against Duterte, although the allegations proved less obliging. Two articles had already occasioned testimony, giving the public something unlikely to disappear with an entry in the docket. Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison objected, seeking an opportunity to answer accusations that had acquired the authority of a trial without undergoing its concluding test. A defense lawyer complaining about fewer charges might ordinarily invite amusement; here, the complaint deserves a hearing. Presiding officer Chiz Escudero lifted the sub judice rule’s restriction on public discussion of the withdrawn articles, allowing Duterte to explain herself elsewhere. That restored access to microphones, which was useful, although microphones remain notoriously poor at issuing subpoenas. Still, the inadequacy of that substitute does not necessarily entitle the defense to insist that every allegation be tried. Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro maintains that Article II, involving alleged unexplained wealth and disclosure violations, suffices for removal, and concentrating on it may be responsible advocacy. Impeachment need not become the definitive biography of an officeholder’s alleged misconduct. What makes this uncomfortable is the relationship between the Senate’s legal function and its political influence. In Duterte v. House of Representatives (2025) and Generillo v. Senate (2026), the Supre-
me Court describes impeachment as sui generis: primarily legal and constitutional, with political characteristics. The Senate adjudicates charges while influencing belief, and withdrawal exposes the difference between those activities. Having received an allegation in the impressive company of senators, sworn witnesses, and official records, the public is suddenly left to supply its own ending. That is a complication worth setting beside Jeremy Bentham’s description of publicity as “the soul of justice” in A Treatise on Judicial Evidence (1825). The English philosopher and legal reformer understood public scrutiny as a discipline upon testimony and judgment. Giving an accusation an excellent audience achieves something less, particularly when neither side must risk a decision on its merits. An undelivered rebuttal can remain devastating in the defense’s account, just as an abandoned allegation can remain compelling in the prosecution’s. These possibilities establish no bad faith, but they explain why neither side’s account should escape scrutiny. Whether they establish a mistrial is another question. United States v. Perez (1824) addressed a deadlocked jury and “manifest necessity”; Arizona v. Washington (1978), prejudicial opening remarks; Oregon v. Kennedy (1982), prosecutorial provocation and limits on retrial. These doctrines concern interrupted criminal trials. Philippine precedent is similarly exacting: Galman v. Sandiganbayan (1986) involved a trial rigged to produce acquittals, while People v. Tria-Tirona (2005) and Raya v. People (2021) distinguish fundamental denial of due process from error within genuine proceedings. A controversial ruling does not automatically make the proceeding a counterfeit. The more useful inquiry is what injury withdrawal has caused and whether the Senate can repair it. The Philippine Rules of Court contemplate reopening before a con-
viction becomes final under Rule 119, Section 24, and new trials under Rule 121, Sections 1, 2, and 6. Rule VI of the Senate’s impeachment rules permits suppletory application whenever applicable, although these provisions do not automatically authorize revival of withdrawn articles. Nor does the Corona precedent settle matters: Prosecutors abandoned five articles in 2012 without developing their evidentiary case, whereas testimony on two withdrawn articles has been heard here. Escudero's disposition raises a separate question. Articles I and IV were withdrawn with prejudice, barring revival in the present Congress; Article III, without prejudice. Although Crespo v. Mogul (1987) supports tribunal control over disposition by analogy, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution assigns initiation to the House and adjudication to the Senate. Beyond its one-year bar, any further restriction on future initiation requires justification. For the continuing trial, Rule 128, Sections 3 and 4, and Rule 132, Section 34 of the Rules of Court direct attention to relevance, admissibility, and formal offer. Evidence legitimately bearing on Article II remains subject to challenge; familiar accusations cannot compensate for missing proof. The Senate cannot govern what people remember, but it can address what withdrawal entails, what evidence remains usable, and what it has never decided. Having presided over the appearance of the cat, it owes the public something better than leaving the grin to explain itself. *** 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.
*** Atty. Noel B. Lazaro teaches Criminal Procedure and Evidence at the UP College of Law. He served as counsel for former Chief Justice Renato C. Corona during his 2012 impeachment trial.
Senate Tribunal Vote on Tulfo Ouster Sparks Rift Among Senators Police probe Atong Ang’s reported escape Bid Lacson questions reported dissent as Tulfo expresses as DOJ finds no departure record disappointment; Padilla reaches out to explain Remulla says businessman left by unofficial route; authorities have not verified his location by AJPress MANILA — Philippine police are investigating reports that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang slipped out of the country through an unauthorized route, after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he had fled but the Justice Department found no official record of his departure. Ang’s whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Conflicting accounts of departure Philippine National Police spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said the inquiry would examine the circumstances of the reported departure in coordination with other agencies. Speaking at Camp Crame, he said police would continue trying to serve the arrest warrants against Ang and bring him before the courts. Remulla said Tuesday, October 20, that Ang had used a “backdoor” route. “Backdoor siya dumaan” (“He passed through a backdoor route”), he told reporters. Remulla did not identify a crossing point or give a departure date. On Wednesday, Remulla described his conclusion as a theory based on intelligence, including information from former associates who had become state witnesses. “Our theory is that he has
left the country,” he said. The underlying intelligence has not been released publicly. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Wednesday that Bureau of Immigration records showed no departure by Ang. He said he could not confirm Ang was overseas, though he acknowledged that an unauthorized crossing might not appear in official records. Vida said the uncertainty would not halt prosecution of the criminal cases. Malacañang called for an investigation into possible law enforcement lapses. Palace press officer Claire Castro said authorities should determine whether negligence occurred before assigning responsibility. She also cited the challenges of guarding the Philippines’ extensive maritime borders. Remulla has suggested Cambodia as a possible destination, but Ang’s presence there has not been established. Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry said in February that immigration authorities had no record of his entry or exit through official checkpoints. Officials earlier examined unconfirmed leads involving Vietnam and the Philippine region of Calabarzon. Criminal charges and manhunt Ang faces charges arising from an investigation into the disap-
pearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, in 2021 and 2022. In December 2025, Justice Department prosecutors announced grounds to charge Ang and other respondents with 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention. The allegations remain unproven in court. Courts in Laguna and Batangas subsequently issued arrest warrants. In June, the Justice Department confirmed that the Supreme Court had authorized transferring proceedings in three related cases to Quezon City courts. Ang has denied involvement. His lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, challenged a warrant and sought to have it set aside. The Interior Department increased the reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest to 20 million pesos in February. Remulla announced in April that Interpol had issued a Red Notice for Ang. Such notices request international police cooperation to locate and potentially arrest wanted people under local law; they are not international arrest warrants. Following the escape claim, Remulla said the government was upgrading border-monitoring technology and enforcement capabilities involving the police, Coast Guard and immigration authorities. n
Moving our economy forward...
PAGE 6 let go of their prominent food manufacturing business long ago when agrarian reform fragmented our agricultural lands and hampered the reliability of their raw material supplies. In manufacturing, growth potential lies not in our limited domestic market, but these thrive best when also geared for exports, as is the case with the major manufacturing industries in our dynamic neighbors. But our higher costs of doing business due to governance and infrastructure inadequacies make competing in the export markets a tough call to make for Filipino and foreign investors alike. It is in agriculture and agribased manufacturing industries where investments would have the widest and strongest benefits, both sectorally and, especially, geographically. All our
regions contribute equitably to the country’s overall agriculture output and incomes. In stark contrast, Metro Manila and Calabarzon alone already account for more than half of our GDP from services. It follows that growth driven by services provides lopsided benefits for those in the National Capital Region and surrounding provinces. It’s also important to note that labor productivity is highest in the manufacturing sector at around P708,000 per worker in 2018 prices, compared to P463,000 and P177,000 in services and agriculture, respectively. And the close interlinkage between agriculture and manufacturing makes a strategy for agri-based industrialization eminently logical, and widely beneficial. But getting there will take a great deal of homework. The first hurdle to overcome is the
scale issue, and the ideal way would be to cluster our small farmers into strong and effective cooperatives that could assure investors in agri-based manufacturing of reliable raw material supplies. An out-of-the-box interim solution would be to ease land ownership ceilings but only to serious agribusiness investors, while we wait for those cooperatives to take root. Thailand did not call its agriculture ministry the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for nothing. And it exports nearly five times more farm-based products than we do. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: cielito.habito@gmail.com
by AJPress MANILA — A failed attempt to revive a legal challenge against Sen. Erwin Tulfo has triggered a disagreement among senators, after reports that three of his colleagues opposed a decision to keep the case dismissed. The controversy has drawn criticism from Sen. Panfilo Lacson, expressions of disappointment from Tulfo and an attempt by Sen. Robinhood Padilla to explain what happened during the vote. By Thursday, October 22, Tulfo said he wanted to put the disagreement behind him and focus on his Senate duties. The dispute began with an October 16 decision by the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET), the body responsible for resolving disputes involving the election, qualifications and eligibility of senators. The tribunal voted 6-3 to reject an appeal seeking to reopen a case questioning Tulfo's qualifications to hold office. The original petition, filed by Berteni Cataluña Causing, had challenged Tulfo's eligibility on several grounds, including allegations involving his citizenship and allegiance, political-family connections and educational credentials. The tribunal dismissed the petition on March 2. Causing subsequently asked the tribunal to reconsider that decision. In its October 16 ruling, the tribunal rejected the request, citing missed filing deadlines and other procedural requirements that had not been met. The decision meant that the earlier dismissal would remain in effect. It did not settle the truth of the allegations against Tulfo, nor did it prevent another petition from being filed under the tribunal's rules. Reported Dissent Draws Criticism from Lacson Although six tribunal members voted to reject Causing's appeal,
three opposed that decision. News reports identified Sens. Pia Cayetano, Robinhood Padilla and Camille Villar as the three dissenters. All three represent the Senate minority on the tribunal, which also includes three senators from the majority and three Supreme Court justices. However, the tribunal's public announcement confirmed only the 6-3 result and did not identify how individual members voted. The reported dissent drew criticism from Lacson, who argued that the appeal should have been rejected because it failed to meet the tribunal's procedural rules. In an October 17 statement on X, Lacson questioned why the three senators would oppose the dismissal. “Their motive may be deeper than personal issues against Sen Tulfo,” Lacson wrote. His remarks suggested that factors beyond the legal issues might have influenced the votes, although he presented no evidence establishing an improper motive. Tulfo expresses disappointment Tulfo said Monday, October 19, that he was saddened by reports that some of his fellow senators had opposed the dismissal, particularly because he believed he maintained friendly relationships with two of them. “Masama lang po ang loob natin,” (“We just feel hurt.”) Tulfo told reporters. He acknowledged that his colleagues had the right to make their own decisions but said he was disappointed by what had been reported. Tulfo also shared a cartoon on Facebook showing knives bearing the names of Padilla, Villar and Cayetano pointed at his back, an apparent expression of his feelings about the reported votes. He acknowledged, however, that he could not personally confirm how the three senators voted because the tribunal's individual
voting details were confidential. Padilla responds, Tulfo moves on On Wednesday, October 21, Padilla responded to Tulfo's disappointment, suggesting that his colleague might not have known the full circumstances behind the tribunal's vote. “Gano’n ba? Wala naman dapat ikatampo siguro. Baka hindi pa lang niya alam kung ano ‘yung totoo,” (“Is that so? I don't think there's any reason to be upset. Perhaps he just doesn't know the truth yet.”) Padilla told reporters. Padilla said he wanted to explain what had happened but could not publicly discuss the tribunal's confidential proceedings without permission. In an interview with TV5's Sa Totoo Lang on October 22, Tulfo said Padilla had approached him to explain the matter. Tulfo indicated that he did not want to prolong the disagreement and preferred to concentrate on his responsibilities as a senator. Legal Implications of the Tribunal’s Ruling The controversy centers on how tribunal members voted on the appeal, not on any finding that Tulfo was unqualified to serve. Under the Philippine Constitution, senators must be natural-born Filipino citizens, at least 35 years old on election day, able to read and write, registered voters and residents of the Philippines for at least two years immediately before the election. A college degree is not required. The tribunal's October 16 ruling addressed procedural problems with Causing's petition and appeal. It did not decide the underlying allegations about Tulfo's qualifications. The tribunal’s ruling leaves the dismissal in place and Tulfo’s Senate seat unaffected, although his eligibility could still face a separate legal challenge that meets the tribunal’s requirements.n
PHONES FOR MEDALISTS. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino with officials and national sports association heads and the medalists in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games during the POC General Assembly at the East Ocean Palace in Parañaque City. All medalists received iPhones. POC photo
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A time to rethink what makes us laugh... Trusting institutions or finding...
PAGE 6 what discrimination means. Intent matters, but so does impact. A remark intended to entertain can still reinforce harmful stereotypes. At the same time, holding performers accountable should leave room for sincere apologies, reflection and improvement. Filipino comedy does not have to lose its spontaneity or irreverence to become more inclusive. Slapstick can remain inventive without mocking disability. Satire can challenge hypocrisy and abuse of power. People with disabilities should also be free to participate in comedy and tell stories about their own experiences on their own terms. The distinction is whether humor reveals something about human behavior or merely invites an audience to laugh at someone perceived as different. For writers, performers, producers and digital platforms, this calls for greater editorial judgment. Freedom of expression remains essential, but responsible entertainment requires understanding the difference between challenging social conventions
and perpetuating discrimination. Beyond pity and stereotypes Filipino society must also move beyond portraying persons with disabilities as either objects of pity or extraordinary inspirations. Both approaches can overlook the complexity of ordinary human lives. People with disabilities study, work, form relationships, contribute to their communities and pursue aspirations. Some live independently; others require continuing assistance. Neither circumstance determines their worth. No one should have to demonstrate exceptional intelligence, productivity or kindness to deserve dignity. Respect is not earned by overcoming a disability. It is a fundamental human right. This principle must extend beyond entertainment. It requires challenging derogatory nicknames in schools, discriminatory attitudes in workplaces and barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in society. The Philippines’ commitments under the United Nations Con-
vention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reinforce the importance of combating stereotypes and promoting inclusion. Those obligations should be reflected not only in government policy but also in everyday behavior. Parents, teachers, employers, media organizations and audiences all have a role in shaping what future generations consider acceptable. An audience that stops rewarding humiliation can influence comedy as surely as any regulation. The Josh Aquino controversy may lead to legal findings, further apologies or changes in editorial practices. Whatever the outcome, its larger significance lies in the opportunity to reconsider attitudes that have gone unquestioned for too long. A society known for warmth, compassion and resilience should be capable of preserving its humor without turning disability into a punchline. The real measure of progress is simple: A person with a disability should enter a room and be welcomed as an equal, not anticipated as the next joke. (AJPress)
PAGE 6 for something people assume is their own business, like cutting a tree in one’s own yard because a typhoon has left it leaning dangerously, or to make room for an extension to the house. Ask about this in the chat group, a member might say: call this person. It will still be useful to know someone. A 2021 Department of Environment and Natural Resources order meant to simplify the process still requires, for a naturally grown tree, an endorsement from the barangay captain, or the mayor, or the governor, depending on how many jurisdictions are involved. It requires an authenticated copy of the land title, a forester’s count of every tree to be
cut, and approval by the regional executive director. In one regional charter, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office stage alone takes about 20 days. And for every naturally grown tree cut, a hundred seedlings must be planted. Here, seeking a connection is not a superfluous habit but a reasonable response. Where people cannot manage a procedure on their own, they approach people who can facilitate. So the young executives’ question has a practical answer. People are not weaned from the habit of finding a connection by being told to trust institutions. They are weaned from it by a government that no longer requires one. Naga
City has long shown how: its citizen’s charter names the person responsible for each step and the time each step should take. In towns run by young executives, I have seen public assistance desks at the entrance of the municipal hall, staffed by people who offer to guide you through any process, and point you to the right office. That desk, in effect, serves as a friend available to everyone. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: public.lives@gmail.com
Balde-baldeng problema... PAGE 6 sensor networks to identify pipeline leaks rapidly, preventing wastage before water ever reaches the tap. They also impose strict household limits. Through public awareness campaigns, it targets
an eight percent reduction in individual daily water consumption by 2030. Here, we depend on private water concessionaires. The two concessionaires operating in NCR are carrying the brunt of needed capital expenditures to build an infrastructure that is currently ancient or not even existing. Those in the provinces depend on water districts that in many cases contract the provision of water services to politically connected private companies that notoriously underperform and overcharge. Our government has also allowed politically influential entities to damage our forests so that the ability of our mountain areas to store water has been severely compromised. As a result, we have flash floods that cause severe loss of lives and property every year. Our government has also done nothing much to preserve our ground water resources. We are close to exhausting our groundwater which also results in land subsidence, an existential threat to safety, public health and economic stability specially in densely populated urban areas. The reality is, there is nothing much BBM can do now to respond to the dry spell we face in the next few months beyond urging us to buy water pails. The infrastructure that could have helped us should have been built decades ago. Also, the government agencies responsible for water management are scattered across different departments, making a comprehensive national program impossible. Currently, water management is divided among over 30 separate government agenciesincluding the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), local water districts and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – leading to overlapping policies, delays and severe shortages. There was a proposal to create a centralized Department of Water Resources (DWR). Under the proposed legislation, a dedicated Department of Water
would consolidate the fractured responsibilities of the NWRB, DENR’s River Basin Control, the Department of Agriculture’s water units and local government units. Instead of “scattershot” projects, the agency would oversee long-term development of master facilities — such as multiuse flood, storage and agricultural reservoirs — to trap heavy rainfall during typhoons and store it for periods of severe drought (El Niño). A separate regulatory branch would oversee private providers and water concessionaires. A uniform regulatory commission would protect consumers from unjustified price shocks while holding utility companies legally and financially accountable for service interruptions. The DWR would actively manage major river basins and vital watersheds. By acting as the primary enforcement authority of the Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275), the agency could levy harsh penalties against industries polluting primary freshwater reserves. The creation of the department is a no-brainer but it is taking time in Congress. Then again, the creation of a needed department does not guarantee it will deliver as envisioned. We only have to look at the disappointing performance of the Department of Information and Communications Technology to keep our hopes down. The creation of DWR was first proposed in 2019 by Rep. Joey Salceda. The concept was a national policy priority under BBM who formally integrated the DWR into his priority legislative agenda during his very first State of the Nation Address in July 2022. But the bill has not moved and the Super El Niño is not waiting for us to get our act together. Baldebalde na lang muna. (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.
*** Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on X @boochanco
Clark International Airport...
PAGE 6 operating costs. What additional capacity offers is a stronger platform. Our responsibility is to ensure that Philippine enterprises can make productive use of it. Clark’s development must therefore be matched by improvements beyond the airport perimeter. A shipment can move swiftly through a modern sorting facility and still lose valuable time on congested roads or in an unpredictable clearance process. Every unnecessary delay reduces the advantage that new facilities are intended to create. Customs modernization remains essential. Clear procedures, digital processing and consistent enforcement can protect government revenues while facilitating legitimate trade. Businesses should know what documents are required, how their shipments will be assessed and whom to approach when difficulties arise. Predictability is especially important for smaller exporters, which often have limited resources to absorb unexpected costs. We must also prepare our people for the work that a growing logistics industry can generate. Modern cargo operations require technical competence, familiarity with digital systems and attention to international standards. Partnerships among employers, schools and training institutions can help local communities qualify for these opportunities. The objective should include career development and advancement as the industry becomes more sophisticated. The wider region stands to benefit when airport investment encourages related services and manufacturing. But development must be planned responsibly. Road access, reliable electricity and adequate water deserve attention alongside environmental safeguards. Communities should experience improvements in their daily lives as commercial activity
grows. Otherwise, impressive investment announcements will fail to generate the public confidence that sustained development requires. Giving economic cooperation practical substance is vital. Encouraging American businesses to consider the Philippines is only part of our task here in Washington. Equally important is ensuring that companies already committed to our country find reasons to stay and expand. Their experience can influence the decisions of other investors studying where to place their next project. Businesses seek greater resilience in their supply chains, and the Philippines should compete by offering dependable service and the skills of our workforce. We have an opening to earn a larger place in international trade, provided we match our geographic advantages with the quality of our execution every day. Clark’s history gives this transformation particular resonance. Once widely associated with an American military base, it is now helping build commercial connections that can support Philippine prosperity. That evolution offers a compelling expression of how an established partnership can respond to changing national needs. The measure of success will be the opportunities created for Filipinos: the exporter securing another customer, the worker gaining a skilled position and the entrepreneur reaching a market once considered beyond reach. As more cargo passes through Clark, our ambition must be to send more Philippine products into the world – and bring greater prosperity home. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
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Health @Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS THE modern landscape of human health is marked by a profound shift. While our ancestors fought a daily battle against infectious diseases like cholera and smallpox, today’s most pressing health threats are largely silent, chronic, and deeply intertwined with how we live, work, and interact with technology. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the greatest risks to global health have become chronic lifestyle diseases, mental health crises, and the compounding effects of climate change. At the forefront of modern health risks are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), commonly referred to as lifestyle illnesses. Cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancers are responsible for the vast majority of deaths globally. Unlike the rapid onset of a virus, these conditions develop quietly over decades, fueled by sedentary behavior, ultra-processed diets, and tobacco or alcohol use. The automation of daily life and the shift toward desk-bound occupations have engineered physical activity out of our routines. Combined with the ubiquity of cheap, calorie-dense foods, metabolic health has plummeted, turning conditions like obesity and hypertension into global epidemics that strain healthcare systems to their breaking points. Simultaneously, humanity is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Often described as a silent pandemic, disorders such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness have escalated dramatically. The hyper-connectivity of the digital age has paradoxically left individuals feeling more isolated than ever. Chronic stress—born from economic instability, the relentless pace of modern work, and the addictive design of social media—erodes neurological and immunological resilience. Mental health is no longer viewed as separate from physical well-being; it is a foundational component. The systemic neglect of psychological care, coupled with the rising rates of substance abuse and burnout, constitutes a premier threat to global longevity and quality of life. Beyond individual choices and internal struggles, our health is being radically reshaped by our changing planet. Climate change is no longer a distant environmental issue; it is an active public health emergency. Rising global temperatures have expanded the geographical range of disease vectors, leading to a resurgence
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Today’s health dilemma of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria in previously unaffected regions. Furthermore, extreme weather events—such as historic heatwaves, wildfires, and floods— cause immediate trauma while destroying critical healthcare infrastructure and threatening food and water security. Air pollution alone, driven by fossil fuel combustion, claims millions of lives annually through respiratory and cardiovascular complications, proving that human health is inextricably linked to environmental health. The greatest health risks of today are complex, systemic, and heavily influenced by the environment we have built. Mitigating the dangers of chronic diseases, mental illness, and climate change requires looking beyond the walls of traditional hospitals. It demands a holistic reevaluation of urban design, food systems, digital environments, and environmental policies. Protecting public health in the modern era is no longer just a task for doctors, but a collective responsibility requiring systemic global action. Sugary drinks - gastric cancer Sugary beverages are very popular, especially among the young. New studies reveal that “The regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of developing gastric (stomach) cancer, yet a similar link is not observed with beverages containing artificial sweeteners, despite carcinogenic warnings about the sweeteners.” To my knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and gastric cancer incidence. This study was reported by the authors in the study, published recently in Gastro Hep Advances. “In this prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up, higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, but not [artificially] sweetened beverages, was associated with a higher risk of incident gastric cancer,” they wrote. Sugar-sweetened beverages have previously been linked to a variety of cancers, including those of the colorectum, breast, and liver; however, research regarding gastric cancer has been lacking. I have written several articles on soft drinks, which I called ‘poison liquid candy,’ responsible for countless cases of metabolic syndrome, especially among children as they grow up to adulthood. There is no healthier drink than reverse osmosis filtered water in glass bottles, not in plastic containers, which contain a lot of microplastics. Coffee or tea, not more than 4 cups a day of either, are also considered healthy drinks.
Eczema- intense itching Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, erythematous patches and intense pruritus. You will be itching to see your dermatologist when your eczema flares up. Diagnosing eczema relies primarily on a thorough clinical evaluation rather than specific laboratory tests. Dermatologists evaluate the patient’s medical history, checking for a genetic predisposition to atopic conditions like asthma or hay fever. Diagnostic criteria, such as the Hanifin-Rajka guidelines, require the presence of hallmark signs, including chronic or relapsing intensely itchy rashes that follow age-specific patterns—often presenting on the face in infants and in the flexural skin folds of the elbows and knees in older children and adults. Treatment follows a stepwise, individualized approach aimed at restoring the skin barrier and controlling inflammation. The cornerstone of baseline management is intensive hydration using fragrance-free moisturising cream (not lotion), thick emollients applied immediately after bathing to lock in moisture and trigger avoidance. During acute flareups, topical anti-inflammatory therapies are required. Low- to moderate-confidence evidence demonstrates that potent topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (like tacrolimus), and Janus kinase inhibitors (like ruxolitinib) are highly effective in reducing pruritus and clearing rashes. For severe or treatment-resistant cases, systemic solutions—such as targeted (super expensive) biologic injections like dupilumab (Dupixent) or oral immunomodulators—provide advanced, longterm therapeutic relief.
*** 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. *** PPhilip S. Chupeutic relief. a, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
Pastor’s Notes Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas FRIENDS, Our God calls us to love Him all the days of our lives—with all our heart, soul, and mind. He asks for our loyalty and fidelity, for a faith that shapes our choices, our relationships, and the way we live each day. In the Book of Exodus, God makes it clear to the descendants of Abraham that fidelity to Him also means caring for their neighbors, especially widows, orphans, the poor, and foreigners. He tells them: “You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry.” God asks His people to re-
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Do I need a Premarital Agreement before getting married? Barrister’s Corner A tty . K enneth U rsua R eyes In the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business. Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to as-
sets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Marriage of Dawley (1976) 17 C3d 342, 349, 131 CR 3, 7; Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party's separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party.Marriage of Dawley, supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party's inheritance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872. Pursuant to Family Code §1612(c ),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event. (4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement. (5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement. (7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b). Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. § 1612(c); Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278,
288–289; Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90. Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c) (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed. (2) One of the following: (A) For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement. (B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language PAGE 10
Let Us Walk the Talk member their own suffering. They knew what it meant to be strangers in a foreign land, to be oppressed, and to cry out for help. Their experience should open their hearts to the suffering of others. Having received God’s mercy, they must now show mercy themselves. God continues: “If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before sunset; for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body. What else has he to sleep in?” That last question touches my heart: “What else has he to sleep in?” God is concerned about a poor person shivering through the night. He sees the needs that others might overlook. He hears the cries that others might ignore. These words reveal the com-
passionate heart of God—the same heart He wants us to have. He deplores injustice, indifference, and dishonesty. He calls us to recognize every person as a fellow child of God, deserving of dignity, compassion, and care. How fitting it is to reflect on these commandments as we continue celebrating October as a month of stewardship. Stewardship includes caring for the material and spiritual needs of our fellow human beings. The blessings entrusted to us carry a responsibility: to share them, especially with those who struggle to meet their basic needs. That is why we are participating in the CROP Hunger Walk this Sunday: to stand in solidarity with other churches and congregations in the work of ending hunger. As we walk the streets of Glendale, we proclaim that no one should have to go without food, clean water, and the necessities of life. We cannot remain indifferent to poverty and hunger. Our faith calls us
FOR RENT
to respond with generosity and human kindness. We walk because we believe in a God who hears the cry of the poor. We walk in gratitude for the blessings we have received. And we walk to express our love for God through our care for His people. May each step remind us that our stewardship continues long after the walk is over—in the food we share, the help we offer, and the dignity we uphold. Friends, let us not simply talk about our faith. Let us walk the talk, living it authentically and leading others by our good deeds. May those who encounter us experience something of the compassionate heart of God. Amen! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California
10 OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2026 • LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL
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Superior Golf Club of Southern California celebrates 2026 season finale, honors top players Filipino-American golf club concludes competitive season with two-day tournament at Terra Lago in Indio INDIO, California — Superior Golf Club of Southern California concluded its 2026 season with a two-day finale held October 17–18 at The Golf Club at Terra Lago in Indio, bringing together members for a weekend of competition, camaraderie and celebration. The season-ending tournament featured favorable weather and excellent course conditions as golfers competed for final standings in four divisions: Class A, Class B, Class C and the Senior Division. Established in 1988 by Lito Vallejo and Rey Perez, Superior Golf Club has grown into an organization with more than 100 active members, bringing together golf enthusiasts from Southern California's FilipinoAmerican community. Under the leadership of President Randy Saldivar and the club's executive board, Superior continues to promote sportsmanship, friendship and community engagement through its season-long tournaments and activities. 2026 Season Champions The club recognized its top performers following the conclusion of the season: •Player of the Year: Patrick Vallejo — 3,058 points •Class A Champion: Jun Lopez — 2,483 points •Class B Champion: Jolly Bakunawa — 1,944.5 points •Class C Champion: Patrick Vallejo — 3,058 points •Senior Division Champion: Alex Carlos — 2,342 points Competition remained close across all four divisions throughout the season, with the final standings determined during the concluding weekend at Terra Lago. Patrick Vallejo earned dual recognition as the club's 2026 Player of the Year and Class C Champion, finishing with 3,058 points. Beyond the competition, the season finale underscored the club's longstanding commitment to fostering friendship and strengthening ties within
the Filipino-American community. For nearly four decades, Superior Golf Club has provided a gathering place for golfers of different skill levels, creating opportunities for friendly competition, lasting friendships and
shared experiences. As the club closes its 2026 season, it continues a tradition established by its founders in 1988: bringing people together through a shared passion for golf and a spirit of fellowship.
PHILCONGEN LA brings Filipino lore to life in new FAHM Exhibit LOS ANGELES, CA – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles opened LORE: A Filipino American Story (Weaving Culture Beyond Borders), its banner exhibit for Filipino American History Month and Museums and Galleries Month, on 7 October 2026 at the Consulate General’s Community Hall. The opening brought together members of the Filipino American community, creatives, cultural advocates and institutional partners, including representatives of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz welcomed the guests and highlighted the work of Filipino Americans who are bringing Philippine culture to audiences in the United States. “One of the things we hope to do through programs like this is very simple: to introduce more people to the talent that is Pinoy. Filipino American History Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate those who are creating, producing, researching, and sharing our culture here in the United States... We are celebrating the history that came before us, certainly. But we are also making Filipino American history now,” Consul General Cruz said in his opening remarks. The month-long exhibit is divided into three sections – The Lore We Tell: Filipino Folklore in America, The Lore We Wear: Inabel Textile in America, and The Lore We Keep: Mountain Spirits in America – exploring how Philippine culture continues to find expression in the United States through storytelling, textile traditions and museum exhibitions. The exhibit and opening session were organized in collaboration with the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF). Facilitated by Lisa Lew, Executive Producer of MIFF, and Winston Tamano, Producer of MIFF, the program placed a special focus on The Lore We Tell, with Filipino American creators sharing how Philippine folklore figures in their respective works. Peter Bautista, author of Tiktik: A Summer of Three Names, spoke about Philippine folklore that inspired his novel and how he adapted its stories and creatures for younger readers. Waverley Lim, co-founder of Kwento Comics, discussed The Mask of Haliya and how the graphic novel series reinterprets Philippine mythology through contemporary visual storytelling. Kirby Araullo, historian and cultural consultant for DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, discussed Philippine folklore and his work with the filmmakers in providing cultural and historical guidance for the film. His presentation also gave guests a closer look at how Philippine mythology and
cultural references were approached in bringing the animated film to international audiences. The Lore We Tell gallery includes artwork, posters and materials from Tiktik: A Summer of Three Names, The Mask of Haliya, and Forgotten Island, along with features on Bautista, Lim and Araullo and their respective works. Lew, a four-time Emmy Award-winning producer and co-founder of MIFF, is also featured for her work in providing a Hollywood platform for Philippine cinema and Filipino creative talent. The second section, The Lore We Wear, features Inabel, the weaving tradition of Ilocos Norte. Building on the Inabel: Living Threads exhibition held in Carson in May 2026, the gallery presents selected textiles provided by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and highlights Filipino American cultural producers Rosie Chua and Ted Benito, who helped bring the earlier exhibition to Southern California. The third section, The Lore We Keep, draws from the Fowler Museum exhibition Mountain Spirits: Rice and Indigeneity in the Northern Luzon Highlands, Philippines, currently on view at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It features Stephen Acabado, Professor of Anthropology, Director of the UCLA Center for Southeast Asian Studies, and guest co-curator of Mountain Spirits. Selected Ifugao textiles and objects from the personal collection of Tim Botengan are also on display. Through LORE, the Consulate General seeks to celebrate Filipino American History Month and Museums and Galleries Month while highlighting Filipino Americans whose work is helping promote greater interest in Philippine culture and heritage in the United States. LORE: A Filipino American Story (Weaving Culture Beyond Borders) will remain on display at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles through 31 October 2026. The Consulate General invites the public to visit the exhibit during office hours.
Do I need a Premarital Agreement...
L-R : Boyet Carlos, Alex Carlos (2nd day Senior Division tournament Champion and 2026 Senior Division Champion) , Superior Club President-Randy Saldivar, Chachi Perez and 2nd Day Tournament Overall Champion Rey Perez
PAGE 9 in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that
My Encounter with De La Salle Brother Armin Luistro
“I remember my father saying that the Luistros are originally from Taal, Batangas,” recalls Brother Armin Altamirano Luistro, the Filipino educator and former education secretary who now leads the De La Salle Brothers from Rome. The family settled in Pangao, Lipa City, where Luistro grew up with seven siblings in their maternal grandmother’s ancestral Aranda home. He remembers the spacious rooms, family chapel and pilgrims who visited. Those recollections are intertwined with Lipa’s religious history, including reports of Marian apparitions and showers of rose petals at the Carmelite monastery in 1948. The Catholic Church has not recognized the reported events as supernatural. Luistro identifies Bishop Alfredo Maria Obviar, then chaplain of the Carmelite monastery, as his granduncle. Obviar later served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Lucena, established in 1950, and became its first residential bishop in 1969. Luistro attended Our Lady of the Rosary Academy and Canossa Academy before completing elementary school at De La Salle Lipa in 1973. He recalls that the school began admitting girls during his high school years and that his graduating class in 1977 included female students. A scholarship took him to De La Salle University in Manila. After a semester studying economics, he shifted to philosophy and letters, influenced by the philosopher Emerita Quito, who also taught this columnist. He completed his bachelor’s degree in 1981 and later earned a master’s degree in religious education and values. He also holds a doctorate in educational management from the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod. He credits the study of philosophy with teaching him to look beyond immediate appearances, test assumptions and ask which values endure. His university education, he says, helped an initially shy student become more confident and critical in his thinking. “I was very lucky. I could say what I am now is a product of
LORE: A Filipino American Story on display at the LA PCG Community Hall
De La Salle Brother Armin Luistro (right) with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina during a commemoration of the death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino.
Pope Leo IV (center) with Brother Armin Luistro (extreme left) in Rome during institute feast of St. John Baptist de la Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and patron saint of teachers.
Holy Angel University (HAU) in Angeles City, Pampanga, confers the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, on Br. Armin Luistro, De La Salle Brother Armin FSC (5th from left). Luistro.
The late President Noynoy Aquino Brother Armin Luistro with with Br. Armin Luistro, FSC during Rogelio Constantino Medina Lasallian Br. Armin Luistro, President Aquino’s visit to De La Salle (right) at People Power Armin Luistro during his grade school days at De La Salle Lipa. F.S.C. Monument in EDSA. University in Manila.
my formation in La Salle. La Salle has a good reputation, a kind of self-assurance,” he says. His religious vocation developed alongside his studies. He began formation with the De La Salle Brothers in Manila in April 1979, received the religious habit in October 1981 and professed his first vows a year later. He made his perpetual vows in May 1988. His early assignments included teaching religion and serving in pastoral roles at De La Salle Lipa and La Salle Green Hills. In 1988, he became district vocation director, guiding candidates for religious life. From 1989 to 1997, he held leadership responsibilities in houses of formation, including the La Salle House of Studies and the novitiate. He then served as provincial superior of the Brothers’ Philippine district from 1997 to 2003, overseeing schools and religious communities. He also helped establish the SIDHAY Foundation for Street Children. His work took him beyond the Philippines. In August 2000, he co-founded De La Salle Catholic University in Manado, Indonesia, with Bishop Josef Suwatan. Luistro subsequently became president of De La Salle University in Manila, serving from 2004 to 2010, and Philippine secretary of education from 2010 to 2016. Travel took him across Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas. He describes travel less as a pleasure than a requirement of his vocation. As provincial superior, he visited schools and communities and participated in regional gatherings with other Lasallian leaders. “I do that because of my work,” he says. When his schedule permits, he prefers reading stories that illuminate human ex-
perience, finding time alone with books restorative. Elected the 28th superior general of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in May 2022, Luistro assumed responsibility for the worldwide religious institute. Pope Leo XIV appointed him on June 24, 2025, to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, which handles matters involving religious institutes and their communities. Across his years in classrooms and leadership offices, Luistro has challenged the idea that quality education must be costly or confined to established campuses. He points to the Lasallian Volunteer Program, through which graduates and other volunteers work alongside underserved communities to provide educational support. The program, established in 1994, has served communities in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Its early work included Canumay in Antipolo, where volunteers lived alongside residents and supported community development. He describes volunteers living among the communities they assist rather than treating outreach as an occasional campus activity. He also cites initiatives for children who have experienced homelessness and for families unable to afford conventional schooling. Such programs, he argues, reflect the mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle, whose educational work emphasized access for the poor. He says he came to appreciate the university’s motto, Religio, Mores, Cultura—religion, morals and culture—more deeply after entering religious life. He sees
those ideals as practical obligations rather than ceremonial language. Luistro acknowledges that some people associate Lasallian schools with privilege. For him, that reputation makes it especially important to examine whom the institutions serve and whether educational opportunities reach those who need them most. The same questioning applies to institutional leadership. Luistro believes that even successful organizations must remain open to criticism from within, including by the people entrusted with running them. For leaders, he says, challenging familiar ways of working is not simply a matter of pursuing change for its own sake. “If an institution has reached the point where it can say, we are doing everything so well, I think that is the beginning of its decline,” he says.
*** 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. *** Associate Professor III Rogelio Constantino Medina is an award-winning Filipino international journalist, columnist and academic. He is well regarded for his extensive contributions to Philippine media and major international news publications. His career spans several decades and covers a wide range of fields, including news, business, travel, lifestyle, science, sports and health. He has written for major international publications such as the Far Eastern Economic Review in Hong Kong, The Japan Times in Tokyo and Gulf News in Dubai. Notably, he made history as the first Filipino journalist to interview Japan’s first astronaut, Dr. Mamoru Mohri. He is also credentialed with the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Centers in New York City and Washington, D.C. *** Email: rogelio.medina@asianjournalinc.com
the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information. (4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement. (5) Any other factors the court deems relevant. A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Family Code § 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory require-
ment are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section, Estates and Trusts section, and Immigration law sections of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
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LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2026
LOS ANGELES JOURNAL
11
O C TO B E R 24 , 2 0 26
LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE
Kris Aquino set for two-part TV interview with Boy Abunda by AJPress MANILA — Kris Aquino will join longtime television collaborator Boy Abunda for a two-part interview airing October 28 and 29 on GMA Network. The appearance will bring the former talk-show partners together in person on television for the first time since their joint program ended in 2015. Abunda confirmed the special during the October 21 episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, following a network teaser about the reunion. The interview is part of a weeklong series of episodes marking his October 29 birthday. At an October 20 media briefing, Abunda said the recorded conversation lasted more than two hours. He said they discussed Aquino's health, her work and finances, personal relationships, political views and family. Her younger son, Bimby, also participated. Abunda said Aquino described having better days but still experiencing periods when a day of work leaves her bedridden for several days. On October 16, Aquino disclosed on Instagram that she had undergone an operation after completing work commitments. She also reported symptoms she associated with another autoimmune condition. Aquino, who has publicly discussed treatment for multiple autoimmune illnesses, did not specify the new condition or the procedure. Abunda said he asked what might persuade Aquino to re-
Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino
turn to television. He recounted her reply: “I will only go back to television with a king.” Abunda is known as the “King of Talk.” Although he said they discussed potential collaborations, no new regular television program has been announced. Aquino has resumed selected commercial projects amid continuing treatment. She appeared in an August promotional campaign for Netflix Philippines as a fictional content executive and returned as a Shopee brand ambassador in September. During a September media appearance, she expressed hope of taking on more entertainment work in 2027 while emphasizing the need to choose projects carefully because of her health. The interview also covered Aquino's sons. According to Abunda, Bimby spoke of his intention to care for his older brother, Josh, in the future.
by AJPress
In a discussion of politics, Aquino expressed interest in serving as health secretary if given the opportunity, Abunda said in remarks reported by the Philippine Entertainment Portal. His account did not amount to an announcement of a government appointment. Aquino and Abunda previously co-hosted programs including The Buzz, Boy & Kris, SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon and Aquino & Abunda Tonight. They remained in contact after their last joint program: Abunda visited Aquino in California in 2023, she appeared remotely on his show, and he attended her birthday gathering in February 2026. Fast Talk with Boy Abunda airs on GMA Network at 4:05 p.m. Philippine time. The second installment of the interview is scheduled for Abunda's birthday.
Photo from Instagram/@claubarretto
characterized the remarks as “untruthful, scandalous, and damaging” and demanded that the commentators stop making similar statements. Speaking to reporters at the NBI, Barretto said she had objected to Fermin's commentary since last year. “Last straw na ito,” she said. “I'm very hurt.
My children are very hurt. My fans are very hurt.” Asked whether she would reconsider if the commentators apologized, she said no. Barretto announced her intended legal action through a statement read during GTV's Kalurks on October 18. Other entertainers, including Bea Alonzo and Sharon Cuneta, have filed separate cyberlibel complaints involving Fermin. Those disputes are unrelated to Barretto's allegations. A complaint submitted to the NBI is subject to investigation and does not establish that the individuals named committed a crime. Fermin earlier questioned the complaint's merits. In comments published October 22 by Pilipino Star Ngayon, she said: “Anak, hihintayin na lang namin ang kopya ng reklamo niya at sasagutin namin. Sa korte na lang kami magtutuos.”
Jackie Lou Blanco reflects on marriage regrets, renewed ties with Ricky Davao Actress recalls unresolved disagreements, their separation and the relationship they later rebuilt by AJPress MANILA — Jackie Lou Blanco says she regrets that she and her late husband, actor-director Ricky Davao, did not resolve their disagreements before separating, recalling prolonged silences and the difficulties their children experienced. In an interview on journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes’ Usapang Real with Luchi this month, Blanco said she usually sought discussions during disputes, while Davao, in her account, sometimes stopped speaking to her for as long as two weeks. “We played a big part in not fixing our marriage,” she said. Blanco added that they never sought marriage counseling. “Love grows cold because you let it grow cold,” she said, describing their failure to work through conflicts together. The actors married in 1989 and had three children: Kenneth, Rikki Mae and Ara. Blanco said they continued
Her appearance in Los Angeles follows Kelsey Merritt’s historic walk in 2018 by AJPress
Claudine Barretto files cyberlibel complaint against Cristy Fermin PASAY CITY, Philippines — Actress Claudine Barretto filed a cyberlibel complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday, October 21, against entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin and her Showbiz Now Na! co-host Rommel Villamor, known as Rommel Chika, over remarks allegedly made about her online. Accompanied by lawyer Lance Abrahm Mateo, Barretto disputed statements concerning her health, finances and a recent hospitalization. She contends that the remarks damaged her reputation. The truth of the disputed assertions has not been established. Barretto's lawyer earlier sent Fermin and Villamor a ceaseand-desist letter concerning a video posted on Fermin's YouTube channel. The letter
Filipino-British model Christina Nadin makes Victoria’s Secret runway debut
Photo from Instagram/@jackielou.blanco
sharing a house for a time after their relationship deteriorated, although they slept in separate rooms. One daughter sometimes passed messages between her parents when they were not speaking, she recalled. Blanco eventually moved to a nearby home. Over time, the former cou-
ple established a more cordial relationship. Blanco recalled inviting Davao and his then-girlfriend on a family trip to Boracay, an experience she acknowledged was initially uncomfortable. They also resumed attending family occasions together. Blanco had previously expressed regret about the separation in a 2023 television interview, particularly its effect on their children. Asked about her comments later that year, Davao said the breakup was not planned and that they had to move forward. The actors also appeared together in GMA’s 2023 drama Love Before Sunrise. Davao died May 1, 2025, at 63, following complications related to cancer, according to his family. Speaking at his wake, Blanco recalled visiting him in the hospital before his death. She said she promised to care for their children and asked his forgiveness for anything she had done.
CULVER CITY, Calif. — Filipino-British model Christina Nadin made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut on Sunday, October 18, joining Kelsey Merritt among the models of Filipino descent who have appeared in the lingerie brand’s runway production. Nadin walked in the show’s PINK segment at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. She wore a bright pink bra with heart details, black sequined flared pants and a metallic silver jacket, accessorized with silver jewelry and a pale pink handbag. Philippine fashion and entertainment publications identified Nadin as the second Filipina to walk in the show. Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt became the first in November 2018, when she appeared in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York, also participating in the PINK segment. Ahead of Sunday's event, Nadin announced her participation on Instagram, sharing photographs and videos of preparations for the show. Merritt subsequently congratulated her in the comments, according to PhilSTAR Life. The 2026 production marked the show's return to the Los Angeles area after its two previous editions were staged in New York. The event featured performances by KATSEYE, Megan Moroney, Tate McRae and Megan Thee Stallion. Victoria’s Secret executive creative director Adam Selman told Reuters that the runway presentation was organized around seasonal themes, with the PINK segment separating portions of the main show. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also attended the event. Victoria’s Secret Philippines had previously announced her participation as a special guest representing the Philippines. Born in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Nadin is the daughter of a Filipina mother from Legazpi, Albay, and an Irish-British father. She grew up in the United Kingdom and spent summers visiting relatives in the Philippines, according to a 2022
Photo from Instagram/@christinanadin
interview with The Third World. Nadin began pursuing modeling as a teenager after being approached by a scout in London. At 17, she traveled from Aylesbury, England, to attend castings in the British capital. Her career includes a runway appearance for L’Oréal Paris in September 2025, a 2022 lookbook for Kith and a 2021 advertising campaign for Guess Originals, according to the fashion industry database Models.com. In her 2022 interview with The Third World, Nadin discussed her Filipino upbringing and her interest in supporting initiatives in the Philippines. “I would love to be involved in a project that in some way gives back to the Philippines,” she said. Outside modeling, Nadin founded Bahay Kubo, a Los Angeles-based hair accessories brand whose concept draws on her Filipina mother's fashion style during the 1990s. According to the company's website, a portion of its sales supports community-led initiatives in the Philippines.
12 OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2026 • LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL
THE VOIC3S: THE REPEAT Heads to Beverly Hills Following Sold-Out U.S. Shows Martin Nievera, Sofronio Vasquez and Jed Madela Unite for a Spectacular Night of Music on October 25 by AJPress LOS ANGELES — Following sold-out performances across the United States, THE VOIC3S: THE REPEAT is coming to the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. The concert brings together three of the Philippines’ most celebrated vocal powerhouses: Martin Nievera, the legendary Concert King; Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino to win NBC’s The Voice, as champion of Season 26; and Jed Madela, an internationally acclaimed singer and grand champion of the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). Back by popular demand, the highly anticipated concert promises an electrifying evening of extraordinary vocals, timeless hits and unforgettable musical chemistry. Representing different generations of Filipino musical excellence, the trio will take audiences on a nostalgic journey through beloved classics of the 1980s and 1990s, alongside contemporary favorites. From Nievera’s signature romantic ballads and Madela’s soaring vocals to Vasquez’s dynamic contemporary performances, the concert celebrates the richness of Filipino artistry. More than a showcase of exceptional talent, THE VOIC3S: THE REPEAT offers audiences a refreshing escape from everyday stress—a chance to unwind, revisit cherished memories and experience the uplifting power of live music. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Opening performers include Jessica Lauren, Kevin Amores and Sharon T. The concert is presented by TMR Dream Productions, led by Mylene Fajardo; MC Cartwright Production, led by Mavel and Chantal Cartwright; L & L Home Healthcare Services, represented by Marilyn Dolan; Family Care Home Health Agency, represented by Maricris Soria; and Tofer and Associates, represented by Eliza Brillante. The event is produced by Starmedia Entertainment, under the leadership of Anna Puno, in cooperation with MTS Law Firm, Belo Medical Group and Philippine Airlines. The production also acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors and partners, whose contributions help bring this celebration of Filipino musical excellence to the Los Angeles community. Diamond sponsors include All Home Mobile Entertainment, Khloe’s Boutique, Ivyensures Insurance Services, Cartwright & Associates, iSkin Med Spa, Leo Bato & Associates Real Estate Group, Sendwave, Island Pacific and Michelle Molina Make Up Artistry. Emerald sponsors include Darkhorse Insurance Solutions, Kitchen’s Best Saladmaster and Department of Tourism – LA. Sapphire sponsors include MRP Auto Broker, Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante, Upgrade Financial Group, Pacific Plaza Pharmacy and Seafood City.
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Manny Pacquiao mentioned in Marvel’s ‘VisionQuest’ by AJPress FILIPINO boxing champion Manny Pacquiao receives a brief mention in Marvel Television’s VisionQuest, when a conversation about an injured hand turns to his record in the sport. The reference comes in “Reboot,” the third episode of the Disney+ series, released October 21. Thomas Shepherd, played by Ruaridh Mollica, tells Vision (Paul Bettany) that he can manage an injury to his right hand because he is a southpaw, or left-handed. E.D.I.T.H., an artificial intelligence persona played by Emily Hampshire, responds with Pacquiao’s name and a reference to eight world titles. Vision repeats the information, prompting Thomas to ask whether he follows boxing or is merely trying to make conversation. Pacquiao does not appear in the episode. The distinction in the dialogue refers to a central achievement of Pacquiao’s career. Guinness World Records recognizes him for winning boxing world titles in eight different weight divisions. He reached that milestone in November 2010, defeating Antonio Margarito to claim the World Boxing Council super welterweight title.
Photo: Screengrab from Disney+
Created for television by Terry Matalas, VisionQuest follows a rebuilt Vision as he searches for meaning and becomes involved with Thomas, a young man whose identity is tied to his past. Disney describes the series as the final installment of a trilogy that began with WandaVision and continued with Agatha All Along. The eight-episode season is scheduled to conclude November 11. The reference follows other Filipino connections to Marvel screen productions. Filipino American actor Jacob Batalon plays Peter Parker’s friend Ned Leeds in the Spider-Man films. Shanti Dope’s song “Amatz” was heard in the 2021 Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Bianca Manalo cites public duties in breakup with Win Gatchalian Actress says she remains friends with Senate president and continues to support him despite their separation by AJPress
Community partners include Starlink Promotions, Radiant Beauty and Bamboo Bistro. Food sponsors include Titas of Manila, Max’s Restaurant, Angge’s Kitchenomics, Jollibee, Dollar Hits and Max and Lucy’s Baked Goods. Media partners include Unleash International, Tulong Ko Pasa Mo Global TFC, IMPrints, BFF LA Productions Media Celebrity Coverage, Philippine News Today, Philippine Post, Cerritos Community News, US Asian Post, Weekend Balita and Asian Journal. With three extraordinary voices sharing one stage, THE VOIC3S: THE REPEAT promises an unforgettable celebration of music, nostalgia and Filipino pride. For tickets and sponsorship inquiries, call or text (818) 669-5816, (818) 918-1582, (818) 4220460, (562) 217-9158, (818) 298-9781 or (818) 392-0160. Tickets are also available through www.AXS.com or at the Saban Theatre box office.
MANILA — Actress and former beauty queen Bianca Manalo said her former partner, Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, devoted much of his attention to public service, which she cited as a factor in their separation. In an interview broadcast Thursday, October 15, on GMA Network’s Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Manalo described Gatchalian as hardworking and said she understood his commitment to serving the country. She expressed continued support for him despite the end of their relationship. Manalo did not specify when they separated. The two began dating in 2018. Asked about their current relationship, Manalo said they remained friends and continued to share responsibility for their three dogs. She said she could still turn to Gatchalian for assistance and that they remained in contact. Questions about their relationship surfaced in 2025. Gatchalian attended the State of the Nation Address alone that July and declined to comment when asked about Manalo. During a January 2026 interview with broadcaster Korina Sanchez, he described his love life as “non-existent,” without mentioning Manalo. In June, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Manalo’s talent management agency, stated that she was single and rejected rumors involving her and another couple. After Gatchalian was elected Senate president on June 17, Manalo congratulated him
Photo from Instagram/@biancamanalo
publicly. Gatchalian thanked her during a radio interview two days later. Manalo also addressed speculation about her personal life during the television appearance. She said she was not ready to enter another relationship and was concentrating instead on spending time with her mother, sisters, nieces and nephews. She appeared on the program with fellow former beauty queens Ariella Arida and MJ Lastimosa to promote Red Crown, a GMA Pictures film set in the world of beauty pageants. Directed by Dominic Zapata, the satirical comedy-thriller is scheduled to open in Philippine cinemas on October 28.
LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2026 13
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Pechanga Resort Casino earns top honors from Condé Nast Traveler and AAA Resort Named Among Southern California’s Best and AAA’s Top 10 Casino Resorts TEMECULA, Calif. – Pechanga Resort Casino is celebrating a standout year of recognition from two of the travel industry’s most respected organizations, earning honors from both Condé Nast Traveler and AAA for its resort experience. Pechanga was recently named one of the Best Resorts in Southern California in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Pechanga was one of just 15 properties recognized on the prestigious travel publication’s list, earning a reader score of 94.02. The resort was also the only resort/casino in California to earn a spot on the list and one of only two resort/ casinos in the entire United States to make the cut. Nearly 800,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers cast votes in the publication’s 39th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, rating their favorite experiences across the travel industry, including resorts, hotels, airlines, spas, cruise lines and destinations. The recognition comes on the heels of another major honor from AAA, which named Pechanga one of AAA’s Top 10 Casino Resorts. The newly introduced list recognizes casino destinations across the country that combine gaming with a broader resort experience, including accommodations, dining and other amenities. Along with being named among AAA’s Top 10 Casino Resorts, Pechanga earned its 25th AAA Four Diamond Award in 2026. Pechanga remains one of only two hotels in Temecula to achieve Four Diamond recognition this year. Hotels must meet AAA standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality to be part of the AAA Diamond Program. Pechanga’s signature Great Oak Steakhouse also received its 15th AAA Four Diamond Award. Great Oak Steakhouse is the only restaurant in Temecula to earn the Four Diamond Award in 2026 and has received the distinction every year since 2011. As one of the largest resort casinos in the country, Pechanga offers a full destination experience
Pechanga Resort Casino Resort & Casino Towers with The Cove pool oasis in foreground. Photo credit Pechanga Resort Casino
Photo credit Pechanga Resort Casino
in Southern California’s Temecula Valley. Located near Temecula Valley Wine Country, the resort welcomes guests from throughout the region, across the country and around the world for gaming, accommodations, dining, entertainment, golf and spa experiences—all within one destination. About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best resort/casino in America by Condé Nast Traveler and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features an unrivaled destination in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the
Robi Domingo says he and John Lloyd Cruz have reconciled
TV host credits actor with efforts to resolve reported disagreement following wedding reception by AJPress MANILA — Television host Robi Domingo said he and actor John Lloyd Cruz have resolved their differences following reports of a confrontation at the December 2025 wedding reception of actors Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo. Domingo confirmed the reconciliation during an October 20 appearance on GMA Network’s Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. When host Boy Abunda expressed relief that the two had settled their differences, Domingo replied, “Yes, yes. We're good.” Domingo characterized the earlier disagreement as unintentional but did not elaborate on its circumstances. He said Cruz had contacted managers at Star Magic, ABSCBN’s talent-management arm, to help resolve the matter. He added that the issue had also been settled within their circle of friends. “And doon sa circle of friends namin, okay na. All is well,” Domingo said. Reports of an alleged confrontation emerged in January after entertainment commentator and talent manager Ogie Diaz recounted an account of an exchange between the two at Atayde and Marudo’s December
Photo from Instagram/@iamrobidomingo
22, 2025 church wedding reception. According to Diaz's account, the disagreement reportedly involved a remark Domingo made while hosting the celebration. The precise exchange and circumstances surrounding the alleged encounter have not been independently established. In a January 16 interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal, Domingo neither confirmed nor denied the reported incident, saying his main concern was that the newlyweds and their families were satisfied with the celebration. Atayde, speaking to ABS-CBN News in January, said she had been unaware of any disturbance. “If something happened between them, they kept it away from me,” she said. “It wasn't something that disrupted the event or anything.”
PH Embassy, DOE Secretary Garin Advance Energy Security Cooperation Talks With US Officials
PHILIPPINE Secretary of Energy Sharon S. Garin and Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on 15 October 2026 to discuss ways to deepen PH-U.S. energy cooperation, including in civil nuclear energy
and fuel security. Secretary Garin leads a Philippine delegation for an Advanced Civil Nuclear Energy Reverse Trade Mission organized by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). (Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Energy)
Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www. Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and on X @ PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort Casino is open 24 hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino. (Advertising Supplement)
Sixth million dollar jackpot struck at Pechanga Resort Casion on DRAGON LINK™ slot by ARISTOCRAT GAMING™ in 18 months San Diego County woman wins a $1,153,944.82 Thursday, October 1 at Pechanga Resort Casino
TEMECULA, Calif. – A San Diego County, Calif. woman started off October with a massive jackpot win of $1,153,944.82 after a recent visit to Pechanga Resort Casino. She enjoyed the casino floor, tried her luck on a Dragon Link Happy and Prosperous™ slot by Aristocrat Gaming, then hit it big. The guest bet the minimum amount able to be wagered for the machine - $25. Moments later, gold coin images continued to fill up across the screen during her bonus round until the entire screen filled with coins, signaling she won the progressive jackpot and would be $1,153,944.82 richer. The winner chose to keep her plans private, but her milestone win continues a run of exciting jackpot payouts at Pechanga Resort Casino. This winner’s major jackpot is the sixth $1 million+ jackpot on Aristocrat’s popular Dragon Link slot game at Pechanga Resort Casino in 18 months. The last seven-figure jackpot on the game hit for a Riverside County, Calif. winner on April 21, 2026. Eleven days prior to that on April 10, a guest from San Bernardino County collected $1,010,344.48. In March 2026, a guest walked away with $1,339,477.30. In May 2025, a winner from Temecula took home $1,044,559.11. A guest who played the exact same machine on March 13, 2025 hit the progressive win totalling $1,232,300.19. Winners are made every day at Pechanga Resort Casino and one of the easiest ways to get great perks when playing favorite slots and table games is to be a member of Pechanga Rewards. Signing up for Pechanga Rewards is free and easy. Simply stop by the Rewards desk to start earning. Guests must be 21 or older. About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest
and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best resort/casino in America by Condé Nast Traveler and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features an unrivaled destination in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, on Instagram and on X @PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort Casino is open 24 hours. Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino. (Advertising Supplement)
14 OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2026 • LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL
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