110125 - Los Angeles Edition

Major union urges Congress to pass clean bill and end shutdown

Federal employees’ union renews appeal for immediate reopening as shutdown nears five weeks; workers miss paychecks and the economy loses billions

WAshiNGtoN, D.c — the American federation of Government employees (AfGe), the nation’s largest federal employ-

ee union, has renewed its call for congress to pass a “clean” continuing resolution (cr) to end the ongoing government shutdown, now approaching its fifth week. the union is urging lawmakers to restore operations and guarantee full back pay for the hundreds of thousands of federal employees affected.

AfGe National President everett Kelley said the focus should be on “helping the American people, not assigning blame.” the union, which represents over 800,000 federal and D.c. workers, maintains that a short-

26 states and DC sue Trump administration to restore food aid during shutdown

States move to keep food aid flowing

tWeNtY-six states, together with the District of columbia, have sued the U.s. Department of Agriculture (UsDA) under President Donald trump’s administration to restore supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sNAP) benefits that were halted amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. filed on october 28, 2025, in the U.s. District court for massachusetts, the lawsuit seeks an emergency order requiring the UsDA to release contingency funds for November sNAP payments that provide food aid to more than 42 million Americans.

A coalition across the nation the case is led by california Attorney General rob Bonta, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and massachusetts Attorney General

ICI recommends filing of graft and plunder cases in flood-control program

The ICI’s probe into the P545-billion flood-control program led to graft and plunder case recommendations. The Ombudsman and DTI move ahead with coordinated actions

by AJPress

Marcos calls APEC 2025 a turning point for trade and digital growth

by AJPress

GYeoNGJU, south Korea — President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. described this year’s Asia-Pacific economic cooperation (APec) summit as a “critical juncture” for the region, underscoring the Philippines’ effort to strengthen its role in global trade, digital transformation, and connectivity.

“We stand ready to work with all APec economies and partners to uphold an open, connected, and future-ready region,” mar-

Senate achieves full compliance on wealth disclosure

All 24 senators release latest Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth

by AJPress

mANiLA — the senate of the Philippines, acting after a key policy shift by the office of the ombudsman, has achieved full compliance with the constitutional mandate on wealth disclosure. All 24 senators of the 20th congress have released their latest statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (sALNs) - a landmark for transparency that continues to test enforcement and verification mechanisms. the milestone fulfills the di-

rective under Article Xi, section 17 of the 1987 constitution and republic Act No. 6713, the code of conduct and ethical standards for Public officials and employees. earlier this month, the ombudsman reaffirmed that sALNs are public records accessible for reasonable inspection, restoring transparency after several years of restricted access.

A renewed commitment to open government Public disclosure of wealth declarations is more than a procedur-

Philippines

cos told fellow leaders during the first informal dialogue in Gyeongju. the president joined counterparts from 21 economies for the 32nd APec economic Leaders’ meeting hosted by south Korea, where discussions focused on innovation, supply-chain resilience, and sustainable growth.

Philippines pitches itself as a reliable regional partner Before leaving manila, marcos said his goal was to present the Philippines as “open for

assumes ASEAN chairship for 2026: A strategic pivot for Manila and the region

by AJPress

mANiLA — the Philippines has formally assumed the chairship of the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) for 2026, marking a milestone in the country’s regional leadership and its commitment to promote unity, stability, and inclusive growth across southeast Asia. the ceremonial handover took place at the closing of the 47th AseAN summit and related summits in Kuala Lumpur on october 28, 2025, where malaysian Prime

minister Anwar ibrahim symbolically handed the gavel to President ferdinand r marcos Jr. the Philippines’ term as AseAN chair formally takes effect on January 1, 2026, under the theme “Navigating our future, together.”

A new chapter in ASEAN leadership President marcos Jr. described the chairship as an opportunity to deepen partnerships and reaffirm AseAN’s central role in a rapidly changing world. the Philippines’ leadership will focus on advanc-

Los Angeles City Hall shines in Philippine colors for Filipino American History Month

As Filipino American History Month comes to a close, Los Angeles City Hall lit up in the colors of the Philippine flag. Mayor Karen Bass reaffirmed the city’s commitment to cultural representation and announced a new Echo Park Library named after Carlos Bulosan

by AJPress

by Jose Rodel Clapano Philstar.com

mANiLA — Victims of rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs have called for the former president’s immediate trial on charges of crimes against humanity before the international criminal court (icc).

“At last, the Pre-Trial Chamber has decided that the ICC has jurisdiction in the pending case against President Rodrigo Duterte for crime against humanity. Let the trial begin,” lawyer Neri colmenares, co-counsel for the families of victims of extrajudicial killings, said in a statement.

colmenares also called for the immediate issuance of a warrant of arrest for sen. ronald dela

rosa, the chief of police when Duterte was mayor of Davao city and later president.

“The next step is the issuance of arrest warrants for Duterte subordinates like Ronald dela Rosa. We are glad that the ICC has finally laid to rest this oft repeated issue of jurisdiction. The fundamental principle of the Rome Statute of the ICC is that criminals who committed crimes at the time that his country is a member of the ICC must be made accountable,” colmenares said.

It’s the simple implementation of the rule that, you did the crime, then you do the time. This is contrary to Duterte’s claims that even if he ordered the EJK and other crimes, he cannot be punished be-

ICI recommends filing of graft...

tration among a small number of firms and questionable billings in multiple regional projects.

Ombudsman reviewing evidence ahead of filing the ici forwarded its report to the office of the ombudsman, which will determine which charges to file before the sandiganbayan. the ombudsman said the first batch of complaints will be filed by November 25, 2025, and that plunder counts will not be included initially while prosecutors continue their assessment.

officials emphasized that the ici’s recommendations are advisory and that prosecution decisions depend on the strength of the evidence.

Officials and contractors named in referral in its public briefing, the ici named senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy estrada, former Ako Bicol rep. elizaldy “Zaldy” co, former DPWh Undersecre-

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION

AUTHORITY

(LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LAcmtA will receive Proposals for Ae135067 - environmental services Bench via email at Bids@metro.net.

A virtual Pre-Proposal conference will be held on thursday, November 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m., see Loi-05 in the rfP for virtual meeting information. All Proposals must be submitted via email at Bids@metro.net on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific time on thursday, December 4, 2025. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected. 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 Pedro talles at tallesp@ metro.net.

11/1/25

cNs-3980624#

AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

tary roberto Bernardo, and commission on Audit official mario Lipana, among others, in its charging matrix. All those identified have denied wrongdoing and pledged to cooperate with the investigation. the ici clarified that inclusion in its referral does not imply guilt, which can only be established in court after due process.

P545-billion flood-control program under scrutiny the ici reviewed flood-control projects valued at about P545 billion, awarded mostly between 2022 and 2024. one flagged case involved a P289.5-million roaddike in Naujan, oriental mindoro, cited for falsified documentation and cost irregularities. the case formed the basis for recommending graft, malversation, and falsification charges. Administrative sanctions filed against contractors in parallel to the criminal referrals, the Department of trade and industry (Dti) has filed administrative complaints against eight contractors allegedly linked to the irregularities. these cases could

result in blacklisting, license suspension, or revocation under procurement regulations.

Special courts to handle infrastructure cases the ombudsman reiterated its independent role in reviewing the ici’s findings and will finalize the list of charges only after a complete evaluation of evidence. if prosecutions proceed, respondents may face preventive suspensions under the Anti-Graft and corrupt Practices Act. the supreme court has designated special anti-corruption courts to fast-track trials involving infrastructure-related cases and ensure judicial efficiency. flood-control infrastructure is essential to protecting communities in a disaster-prone country. the coordinated actions of the ici, the ombudsman, and the Dti mark one of the most significant anti-corruption initiatives in public-works oversight in recent years. the ici’s recommendations are not a finding of guilt. All persons named are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court. n

ICC urged: Start Duterte trial...

cause he withdrew the Philippines from the ICC. That is not justice,” he added.

colmenares also asked Duterte to stop delaying proceedings in the icc

The recent decision practically destroyed the claim of the Dutertes that he was kidnapped because the ICC has no jurisdiction. We ask president Duterte to stop employing delaying tactics and instead allow the confirmation of charges and trial to push through,” colmenares said. he said the families of the victims have long yearned for the justice which they were deprived of by Duterte. It is about time that the victims are allowed to submit their evidence and the stories of how their loved ones were mercilessly and brutally killed in the war on drugs.  We believe that president Duterte is delaying the trial because he knows that he has no evidence to prove that he has nothing to do with the war on drugs.  We wait with bated breath what he will present in the ICC trial to escape

from being the first Asian convicted in the ICC,” colmenares said. colmenares reiterated his long-held position that Article 127 declares that the icc has jurisdiction even if the Philippines withdrew from the court.

The Philippines signed the Rome Statute which contains a provision in Art. 127 that any withdrawal ‘shall not xxx prejudice the continued consideration of any matter which was already under consideration by the Court prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective’... Since the matter is already ‘under consideration’ by the Court before the Philippines effectively withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the ICC’s investigation and therefore, jurisdiction, had already set in,” he said.

“Otherwise, the ICC will be toothless if presidents and prime ministers charged in the ICC can simply escape by withdrawing from the ICC.  If Duterte won his argument, then his case will be a blueprint for dictators around the world on how to escape justice and accountability,” he added. n

Los Angeles City Hall shines in Philippine colors for...

Bass honors Filipino leadership and legacy mayor Bass, addressing the crowd at the city hall forecourt, praised city controller Kenneth mejia, the first filipino American elected to a citywide office, and councilmember Ysabel Jurado, the first filipina to serve on the Los Angeles city council. Every October, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of Filipino Americans whose work has shaped Los Angeles,” Bass said. Bass also acknowledged her fellow filipino American city leaders and commissioners, including miguel sangalang, General manager of the Bureau of street Lighting, emphasizing their growing influence and commitment to public service. she paid tribute to the late Dr. fred cordova and Dr. Dorothy Laigo cordova, co-founders of fANhs, whose decades of scholarship and advocacy led to the establishment in 1992 of filipino American history month and its subsequent formal recognition by the U.s congress. Paying tribute to Filipina trailblazers

mayor Bass also posthumously honored remarkable filipinas whose advocacy and leadership helped shape civic life in Los Angeles and beyond – includ-

ing helen Brown, remedios Geaga, susan Dilkes, sumi hara, and ester soriano, a community organizer whose son, edo soriano, who now serves as part of her staff at city hall. their collective work in education, labor, and women’s rights, Bass said, transformed the landscape of social change in both Los Angeles and the Philippines.”

Because of their courage and persistence,” Bass added, “leaders like Kenneth Mejia and Ysabel Jurado now stand on the shoulders of those who came before them.”

A commitment to representation and culture Bass reaffirmed the city’s broader commitment to cultural representation, announcing that the echo Park Branch Library will be renamed in honor of carlos Bulosan, the filipino American author of America is in the heart, whose writings helped lay the foundation for Asian American studies in the United states. she noted that this renaming fulfills a commitment she made to the community upon taking office, working with longtime filipino American civic leaders rose and florante ibanez, and Jaime Geaga. Bass also recognized Larry itliong, the filipino labor lead-

er whose organizing alongside césar chávez and Dolores huerta helped launch the United farm Workers movement.

Jurado leads the 2025 lighting councilmember Ysabel Jurado, representing District 14, led the 2025 lighting ceremony, calling it both an act of remembrance and resistance.” she described the event as a living tribute to the resilience of filipino Americans, honoring ancestors who endured exclusion and discrimination while paving the way for today’s generation of leaders.

Jurado acknowledged her fellow filipino American politicians and LA city public servants, serving in city departments.

“Tonight, we honor those who continue to open doors,” she said. “And we celebrate the awardees who carry our story forward through art, culture, and the daily work of representation. Honorees carry the story forward this year’s filipino American history month honorees were recognized for advancing culture, identity, and advocacy:

• Faith Santilla, San Diego-based poet and activist whose spoken-word performances give voice to working-class and migrant com-

u PAGE 5

Major union urges Congress to pass clean...

term, clean cr—free from policy riders—would allow agencies to resume services while congress continues broader budget talks.

Unions call for clean funding

measure

AfGe, joined by the AfL-cio and more than 300 labor and public service organizations, is calling for a clean bill that maintains current spending levels and excludes partisan add-ons.

the coalition emphasized that such a measure “does not favor one side over another” but prioritizes the national interest.

the unions also insist that both furloughed and “excepted” employees working without pay be fully compensated once the government reopens. many families, they warn, are living paycheck to paycheck and are now turning to food banks and community relief programs.

Federal workers and services under strain

the shutdown has disrupted operations in multiple agencies.

About 1.4 million federal workers nationwide have missed paychecks. thousands remain on the job without pay in critical agencies such as the federal Aviation Administration (fAA), transportation security Administration (tsA), and U.s customs and Border Protection.

Air traffic controllers reported receiving paychecks marked “$0,” underscoring the financial toll on essential staff. some state Department offices, in-

cluding passport centers, have begun self-furloughs despite being fee-funded.

service reductions are also being felt in areas such as food inspections, public safety, and benefit processing, with ripple effects extending to small businesses that rely on federal contracts.

New developments and legal actions

A federal judge in california this week extended an injunction blocking mass layoffs or “reductions in force” during the shutdown. the ruling followed reports that thousands of federal workers had already received preliminary notices of termination.

several states have stepped in with relief programs. illinois, for example, announced a $50 million low-interest loan fund to help unpaid federal employees meet daily expenses. Local credit unions and nonprofit groups have also begun offering emergency aid and temporary loans.

economists estimate the shutdown has already caused at least $7 billion in permanent losses to the U.s. economy, reflecting stalled productivity, delayed projects, and reduced consumer spending.

Divided Congress stalls reopening

Negotiations in Washington remain deadlocked. the house passed a temporary clean cr to extend funding through

mid-November, but the senate has failed multiple times to move the measure forward amid partisan disagreements.

republican leaders favor reopening the government first and addressing policy issues later. several senate Democrats, however, insist that any deal must also include healthcare and domestic spending measures. the White house has said it would sign a short-term cr if it reaches the president’s desk.

The people behind the numbers

As the impasse drags on, millions of Americans are feeling the impact. federal employees are missing rent payments, applying for food assistance, and cutting back on spending. small businesses that depend on federal contracts face payment delays, while community aid programs are stretched thin.

Nutrition programs such as sNAP and Wic have warned they could run out of funds if the shutdown continues into November. Labor leaders stress that every day of delay weakens public confidence and threatens essential services.

Passing a clean bill doesn’t favor one side—it favors the American people,” Kelley said.

Union officials maintain that reopening the government on a clean cr is the only way to restore stability, protect federal workers, and prevent further damage to the economy.

( AJPress )

Philippines assumes ASEAN chairship for...

ing the AseAN community Vision 2045, strengthening cooperation on trade and security, and fostering people-centered growth throughout the region.

the president emphasized that the country’s leadership year will reflect the nation’s genuine character and aspirations. he said the Philippines’ role is not merely to host meetings but to drive meaningful dialogue and consensus that benefits the entire AseAN family.

Key priority areas

As the Philippines prepares to lead AseAN in 2026, government planners have outlined several early priorities that highlight both continuity and progress.

A foremost concern is maritime stability and respect for international law, with the Philippines expected to lead discussions toward a legally binding regional framework that ensures peace and cooperation in shared waters. this initiative reflects the country’s long-standing position that regional security and economic prosperity must rest on rulesbased governance and mutual respect among AseAN members.

economic resilience will form another key pillar of the chairship. the Philippines aims to promote regional integration, digital trans-

formation, and inclusive growth, emphasizing opportunities for small businesses and women entrepreneurs. National planners see innovation, connectivity, and food security as vital to strengthening AseAN’s competitiveness and improving the quality of life across southeast Asia. in terms of continuity, the upcoming chairship seeks to build upon the accomplishments of malaysia’s 2025 theme of “inclusivity and sustainability.” Philippine leaders have said the goal is to sustain ongoing programs while advancing fresh initiatives that align with AseAN’s community Vision 2045. to ensure smooth coordination, the government has established a National organizing council composed of inter-agency committees overseeing logistics, finance, hospitality, and communications for next year’s meetings. early preparations are already underway for the AseAN tourism forum in cebu, one of the first major events under the Philippine chairship. together, these priorities frame a cohesive strategy—one that strengthens AseAN’s unity, promotes equitable growth, and demonstrates the Philippines’ readiness to guide the region through the next stage of cooper-

ation and integration.

Shaping regional direction in 2026

As the Philippines assumes AseAN’s chairship, the challenge is to transform consensus into concrete action. the coming year will test manila’s ability to balance diplomacy and delivery—advancing trade, maritime cooperation, and inclusive growth while sustaining the bloc’s unity amid regional tensions.

Under the theme “Navigating our future, together,” the marcos administration is expected to steer discussions toward practical results that strengthen AseAN’s resilience and relevance. from modernizing trade frameworks to empowering small enterprises and improving digital connectivity, the Philippines aims to ensure that regional cooperation translates into real benefits for its citizens and neighbors. the success of this chairship will be measured not merely by declarations or summits, but by progress felt across southeast Asia. for manila, leading AseAN in 2026 is both an honor and a responsibility—to shape the region’s direction with purpose, and to reaffirm that AseAN’s enduring strength lies in unity and shared progress. n

26 states and DC sue Trump administration...

Andrea campbell, joined by Arizona, colorado, connecticut, Delaware, hawaii, illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New mexico, North carolina, oregon, Pennsylvania, rhode island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of columbia.

the coalition argues UsDA violated the food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Administrative Procedure Act when it refused to use $5 to $6 billion in contingency funds to continue benefits already appropriated by congress. Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide,” said Attorney General Letitia James.

A first in SNAP history

the lawsuit notes that November 1 could mark the first missed sNAP payment in the program’s 60-year history. UsDA estimates it needs $9 billion for the November cycle, exceeding the available

reserve.

california, where 5.5 million residents rely on calfresh, faces about $1.1 billion in monthly food assistance at risk.

We cannot allow political brinkmanship to push families into hunger,” said Attorney General Bonta. in Nevada, which has about 500,000 residents depending on sNAP, Attorney General Aaron ford called the UsDA’s move “deliberate, cruel, and extraordinarily harmful.” he said contingency funds exist “for this exact scenario,” and that federal officials “have abdicated their responsibility to Nevadans by refusing to fund SNAP benefits.” USDA and White House response the UsDA, led by secretary charles herbert, maintains that contingency funds cannot be used for normal benefits during a funding lapse and insists that new appropriations must come from congress. the agency said Wic (Women, infants, and children) programs continue tempo-

rarily under separate authority.

White house officials echoed that view, saying the administration “will not circumvent appropriations law” and urged congress to end the shutdown.

The broader stakes for food security the shutdown, now in its fifth week, has disrupted multiple federal programs and furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers. food banks nationwide are already bracing for shortages, while grocers warn that cutting off sNAP could trigger a “cascading effect” on local economies. Analysts note the case tests how the federal government protects safety-net programs during political stalemates. economists warn that halting sNAP would deepen hunger, slow retail sales, and strain charities already near capacity. for the 26 states and the District of columbia, the lawsuit is both legal and moral: a call to keep food on the table for millions of Americans who depend on it each month. (AJPress)

Marcos calls APEC 2025 a turning point for trade...

business” and committed to partnerships that drive investment and inclusion. he emphasized that the country’s progress depends on connecting people and industries to regional opportunities through technology and education.

At the APec ceo summit, marcos highlighted reforms designed to prepare filipino workers for emerging industries shaped by artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-commerce. he said new programs on education and workforce development aim to ensure that filipino talent remains competitive in a digital economy that demands continuous adaptation.

The Philippine agenda: Digital, inclusive, and open in Gyeongju, the Philippines advanced a cohesive agenda centered on digital transformation, small business growth, and open trade.

officials stressed the need to expand digital infrastructure and integrate financial technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness, especially among micro, small, and medium enterprises (msmes). empowering these enterprises, marcos noted, is key to ensuring that innovation benefits all sectors of society and supports inclusive economic progress.

At the same time, the Phil-

ippines reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and rules-based trading system that promotes stability and investor confidence across the region. together, these priorities reflect marcos’ broader vision for an “inclusive and innovation-driven APec economy” where growth is shared and no member is left behind.

Reading the global temperature the 2025 APec gathering comes at a period of economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical priorities. marcos observed that decisions made by major economies today will shape the regional economic landscape for years to come. the Philippines seeks to strengthen its trade and investment profile while maintaining balanced ties with both Western and Asian partners. With major economies steering talks on connectivity and digital cooperation, manila is focused on ensuring that its development goals align with broader regional progress.

Key developments to monitor APec leaders are expected to issue the Gyeongju Declaration, outlining shared commitments on digital trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. Philippine officials are pursuing bilateral meetings on infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy

that could turn the administration’s “open for business” message into tangible projects.

At home, the next step will be translating these pledges into action through coordinated policy implementation, funding support, and regulatory reform. the challenge is to ensure that filipino workers and entrepreneurs experience the real benefits of global engagement in their businesses and communities.

The long game for the Philippines for marcos, APec 2025 is more than a diplomatic gathering, it is a platform to redefine how the Philippines engages with a fast-changing regional economy. his focus on digital inclusion, msme empowerment, and open trade reflects a broader ambition: to position the country as a contributor to Asia-Pacific growth rather than merely a participant.

“We convene at a time of great challenge and great promise,” marcos said. “Let us choose cooperation over competition, progress over paralysis.” turning that vision into reality will require sustained commitment beyond the summit, building digital infrastructure, empowering small businesses, and ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every filipino household. n

For the Love of Californians: Covered California Celebrates Filipino Communities Through Culture-First Campaign

As Open Enrollment approaches, Californians are reminded of the importance of protecting their health and supporting their families. It’s a season that reflects Covered California’s mission to make quality, affordable care accessible to everyone. During a time when federal changes are shifting the scene of healthcare, it’s more important than ever for Covered California to offer guidance and support.

To honor our mission, we’ve launched a new Tagaloglanguage advertising spot as part of our “For the Love of Californians” campaign — a culture-first initiative that highlights the state’s diversity and shared values. The campaign celebrates what unites us: a deep commitment to caring for one another. Through authentic, in-language storytelling across broadcast, digital, and community media, it reflects the richness of everyday life in California and how care connects us all. Honoring the Filipino Community of California

Among California’s many cultural communities, Filipino Americans have long exemplified the strength and compassion that define our state. As Open Enrollment begins, the Filipino community remains at the heart of our outreach and storytelling. Filipino Californians make up 14 percent of our Asian enrollees — more than 42,000 members — a testament to their commitment to health, family, and community care.

This year’s new Tagaloglanguage spot was written

first in Tagalog, developed alongside cultural experts and community leaders. It honors the journey, resilience, and multigenerational values that define Filipino families: from the first immigrants who sought opportunity in the “golden land” to the generations who have helped shape California’s social and cultural fabric. Stories of Care and Connection At its core, the story reflects a universal truth: that good health is built on connection. The spot’s theme, “Pusong

kapwa-Californian” — FellowCalifornian Heart — celebrates the shared humanity that binds us all. It’s an acknowledgment that health care isn’t simply about policies or plans; it’s about people taking care of one another. When a mother helps her parents navigate coverage options, or when a young worker enrolls for the first time, those acts of care echo across generations. Covered California draws inspiration from these stories, reaffirming that a healthier future begins

with empathy, understanding, and access for all.

For the Love of Community

As Covered California prepares for Open Enrollment, our commitment remains clear: to meet Californians where they are — in their homes, in their languages, and in their communities. Through partnerships with trusted voices, we continue to make sure every Californian knows that affordable, quality care is within reach.

At its core, “For the Love of Californians” is about

connection, a reminder that caring for one another is what defines this state and the communities that call it home. Together, we can make sure that every Californian, in every community, has access to the care they deserve.

DAteline PhiliPPines

Ombudsman releases reversal of dismissal order vs Joel Villanueva

by dempsey Reyes Inquirer.net

mANiLA — the office of the ombudsman on thursday publicized the highly anticipated reversal of the dismissal order against sen. Joel Villanueva over the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf) in 2008 when he was still a member of the house of representatives. the reversal of the dismissal was contained in a 10-page order signed in 2019 by then-ombudsman samuel martires, who critics called out for not making it available to the public back then. the current ombudsman, Jesus crispin remulla, vowed to release the reversal of the dismissal order against Villanueva and even questioned the veracity of the screenshot of documents shown by the senator to the media to counter the earlier plan to enforce the dismissal order against him. in the order, martires said there was “no adequate evidence on record” showing that Villanue-

va was actually involved in the alleged embezzlement of the P9.7 million of his PDAf, or popularly known as pork barrel funds.

Villanueva, then a ciBAc partylist representative, was charged with administrative and criminal charges over the alleged misuse of his discretionary public funds.

Administrative charges against Villanueva include grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, which would have led to his dismissal from public service, as well as his perpetual disqualification from holding public office ever. for criminal charges, Villanueva was charged with malversation of public funds, malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents, and graft.

martires said in his 2019 order that there was “cogent basis” to grant the motion for consideration filed by Villanueva contesting the earlier findings by former ombudsman conchita carpio-morales.

martires said the signature of

Villanueva that appeared on top of his name in the acceptance reports for the projects using his PDAf was “forged.”

In fact, there is no adequate evidence on record showing that Villanueva was actually involved in the embezzlement of the P9,700,000.00 in public funds,” martires said in his order he signed on sept. 13, 2019. for the criminal charges, martires, in a separate order he signed on oct. 18, 2019, said that investigators failed to prove the alleged conspiracy to embezzle the public funds between the public officials charged, including Villanueva, and the private respondents. this resulted in the office of the ombudsman in 2019 granting Villanueva’s supplemental motion for reconsideration to contest his criminal charges.

martires also dismissed the charges against his co-accused. this ultimately led to the reversal of the 2016 dismissal order against Villanueva over the criminal charges filed against him by the office of the ombudsman’s field investigators. n

Los Angeles City Hall shines in Philippine colors for...

Senate achieves full compliance on wealth...

al duty, it is a safeguard against corruption and a measure of integrity. the sALN system ensures that public servants remain accountable and free from conflicts of interest.

for ten years and allow inspection during reasonable hours, but access remains mostly paper-based and limited.

the release of all 24 sALNs is a milestone in open government, yet transparency must evolve into verifiable accountability. integrity requires more than compliance, it demands the willingness to subject records to scrutiny and to correct discrepancies when found. As public access improves, the challenge is to make openness routine rather than symbolic, ensuring that transparency becomes a lasting culture of governance. n munities.

• Ruby Ibarra, Bay Area hiphop artist and scientist whose music celebrates identity, language, and women’s empowerment.

• Chef Josh Espinosa, co-founder of sampaguita LA, honored for reimagining filipino cuisine for a new generation.

• The Filipino Workers Center (PWc), a historic filipinotown institution championing immigrant and labor rights for nearly three decades.

Jurado said the honorees “ remind us that our history is not static,  it lives through creativity, courage, and service. They are the continuation of a story written by those who came before us.

From Garcetti to Caloza: A tradition of recognition the lighting tradition began in 2019 under then-mayor eric Garcetti, through the initiative of Jessica caloza, then commis-

sioner on the Board of Public Works. caloza, now a california Assemblymember representing District 52, described the inaugural event as “a historic celebration that connected the community, business, and government. since then, the annual lighting of city hall has become a defining tradition of filipino American history month in Los Angeles, symbolizing unity and partnership between city leaders and the community they serve.

Remembering history, shaping the future

As the lights dimmed over the downtown skyline, the ceremony marked not only the close of filipino American history month 2025 but the continuity of its meaning - remembrance as resistance, and celebration as commitment. for the city’s leaders, the event underscored a living legacy, one that connects early fil-

ipino laborers and activists to today’s artists, advocates, and public officials.

• The Philippines remains the third-largest source of immigrants to california, and filipino Americans are among the largest Asian American populations in the state and the city of LA.

• The lighting of City Hall affirms filipino identity in civic spaces, honoring generations who have shaped Los Angeles.

• From Carlos Bulosan’s writings to Larry itliong’s organizing and the leadership of Kenneth mejia, Ysabel Jurado, and Jessica caloza, filipino Americans continue to redefine representation and community leadership in the city.

As october turned to November, the glow of city hall lingered, a lasting reminder that filipino American history is not confined to a month but carried forward each day in the lives and work of the community. n

By releasing their sALNs, the senate reinforced the principle that accountability begins with visibility and that transparency is essential to public trust. Inside the senators’ balance sheets summaries filed with the senate secretariat show a wide range of declared wealth — from over P1 billion in net worth for the wealthiest members to below P20 million for those on the lower end. several senators reported extensive property and business assets, while others declared modest holdings. some statements cover valuations as of December 31, 2024, while others extend to June 30, 2025, in line with allowable filing schedules. these disclosures present a snapshot of the financial diversity within the upper chamber and highlight the continuing need for consistent standards and transparent reporting.

Turning transparency into trust

While full compliance marks progress, disclosure alone does not ensure accountability. the law requires submission of sALNs but does not mandate audits of accuracy. the civil service commission requires agencies to keep filings

Governance advocates urge digitized systems, random verification, and penalties for false or incomplete declarations. As of october 31, 2025, there have been no official reports of inaccuracies or pending investigations tied to the latest senate filings.

Transparency is only the beginning

RFP NO. SP639-26

TITLE VI and FARE POLICY SUPPORT

scrrA is seeking proposals for title Vi and fare Policy support. Proposal documents may be downloaded at scrrA's website at http://www. metrolinktrains.com/contracts. Proposals are due on 12/03/25. for further information contact: tammi Phillips, sr. contract and compliance Administrator, at Phillipst@scrra.net.

11/1/25 cNs-3976215# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

RFP NO. SP631-26 COMPLIANCE TRACKING SOFTWARE

scrrA is seeking proposals for compliance tracking software. Proposal documents may be downloaded at scrrA's website at http://www. metrolinktrains.com/contracts. Proposals are due on 1/06/26. for further information contact: tammi Phillips, sr. contract and compliance Administrator, at Phillipst@scrra.net.

11/1/25

cNs-3976994# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

PARA SA MAS MAGANDANG

Kumuha ng edukasyon at suporta para makabuo ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa iyong sarili at sa iyong komunidad.

Sa isang California community college, maaari kang makatanggap ng serbisyo para sa estudyante, tulong-pinansyal, at mga scholarship para matulungan kang maabot ang iyong mga layunin.

Pumili mula sa 116 na community college, kabilang ang higit sa isang dosenang may on-campus na tirahan at isa na ganap na online. At dahil may higit sa 200 na career education programs at garantisadong transfer sa nakalaan na puwesto sa isang kalahok na four-year university, makakakuha ka ng edukasyon na kailangan mo para magtagumpay.

OPiniOn FeAtures

in the Philippines

“It’s not the gravity of punishment that will make people respect or follow the law; it is the certainty of punishment.”—

Anna Dominique “Nikki” M. Coseteng, former Senator of the Philippines

Laws in the Philippines are many, but enforcement remains weak. former senator Nikki coseteng’s words capture a truth about justice that still resonates today: a society does not become law-abiding through fear of punishment but through faith that justice will be certain, swift, and fair.

Editorial

The weight of experience behind her words coseteng’s insight reflects her long experience in public service. she represented Quezon city’s 3rd District in the house of representatives from 1987 to 1992 and later served as senator from 1992 to 2001, chairing the committees on labor, employment and human resources development and education, arts and culture. throughout her career, she earned respect for independence and a willingness to confront inefficiency, corruption, and misuse of funds. her work in oversight and governance emphasized that accountability should not depend on status or influence. When coseteng speaks of the certainty of punishment, she speaks as someone who has seen how impunity corrodes both institutions and public trust. The certainty gap in today’s Philippines

i receNtLY re-read the story many call “Jonah and the whale” and i could not help but compare Jonah and Nineveh with the Philippines. filipinos today are much like Jonah when it comes to calling out what’s wrong in our society. Jonah chose to skip town rather than do what God called him to do. to be fair, it is no easy task to walk up to a city and its king and tell them that your sins are so many, they have reached up to heaven and God is about to wipe you all out. in today’s world, many of us surely see similar sins or errors in judgment being committed by friends and loved ones. But instead of “telling it like it is,” we play nice and choose to be politically correct. We water down the problem, play along or say nothing at all. of course we care, we care so much that we don’t want to risk hurting people’s feelings, losing friends or being cancelled. But in reality, what we do

there is one thing the past has taught us about law and politics in our country. When politicians face criminal charges, they often seek absolution not in the courts but in elections. thus, politics takes precedence over the law, and electoral victory becomes a substitute for accountability. it is what happens when institutions are weak. in such a setup, politicians are treated as a different species—effectively shielded from criminal liability. rare is the judge or the ombudsman who could stand up to politics, impervious to influence and intimidation, and carry the law to its logical conclusion. one such rarity was former ombudsman conchita carpio morales. true to her mandate, morales investigated and filed plunder cases against three sitting senators: Juan Ponce enrile, Jinggoy estrada, and Bong revilla. All

her words remain relevant as the Philippines continues to face systemic corruption. the 2024 corruption Perceptions index by transparency international ranked the country 114th out of 180, with a score of 33 out of 100 - a reflection of persistent public concern over weak enforcement and misuse of public resources. recent probes into infrastructure and flood-control projects have revealed continuing weaknesses in oversight and accountability. reports of overpriced contracts, ghost projects, and substandard works have prompted official reviews, yet few cases reach final judgment. slow prosecution and selective outcomes reinforce the perception that punishment depends on power, not principle.

When wrongdoing goes unpunished, laws lose credibility. citizens begin to view compliance as optional, and moral authority fades. Why consistency matters more than toughness criminological studies support coseteng’s view that deterrence depends more on the certainty and speed of enforcement than on the severity of penalties. People follow laws when they believe violations will lead to predictable consequences.

is cancel our belief, love and concern by being silent. Addicts who recover often credit the people who “intervened,” parents or people who kicked them out or forced them to go to rehab. regret or “sayang” (what a waste) are words i really dislike, even hate, because it is our lack of love and lack of courage that bite us after someone loses it all or loses their life because we wimped out, just like Jonah. But God has greater concerns and when you are “it,” he will not accept a “No” or let you skip town. What’s interesting is that God uses difficult circumstances to make us realize what matters. in running away and boarding a ship to who knows where, Jonah, like many of us, was running away from the problem. then things get worse, the ship encounters a life-threatening storm.

But the storm was not just focused on or targeting Jonah. it threatened the lives of the ship’s crew, who could not believe how Jonah could sleep through the life-threatening storm. it’s the same in our lives. many

times, the consequences of our sins, mistakes or those we fail to correct or guide cause collateral damage and casualties, including us. soon Jonah is told by the crew to pray to his God to save them. many people going through turmoil and challenges have at some point been told by someone or several people “to pray and call on God. this is not just a bunch of people “telling us to pray” but God himself saying, “Call on me and listen to me.” ironically, Jonah would rather be tossed into the sea, same way we toss ourselves to misery, not accept help rather than regret, repent or obey. the whale and being in the belly of the whale half drowning and certain of dying reminds me of people who are also drowning in their hurt, anger, misery or drowning in debt. Like Jonah, we drown our sorrows in drink, drugs or misery. We wallow and swim in self-pity and only after being confronted by the “no contest” situation did Jonah come to his u PAGE 7

certainty produces three key outcomes:

1. Public trust grows when laws are applied equally.

2. Wrongdoing declines when punishment is consistent rather than arbitrary.

3. institutions gain credibility when enforcement is transparent and impartial. harsh penalties without consistent enforcement

the plunderers in flood control and other public infrastructure projects did not commit victimless crimes. some people think that it is not so bad because no person was hurt, as in being murdered or injured. corruption is a way of life in our country. the kalakaran, as it is called, had been accepted for generations. Sumusunod lang naman daw sila sa nakagawian na But that’s a wrong and perverted view. Plundering the treasury is not a victimless crime. We are all victims, all filipinos have been victimized. the label “People of the Philippines vs mr. Plunderer congressman” is most appropriate in the cases we are hoping to see being tried soon. even now, the damage to the economy is palpable. Analysts here and abroad are saying this corruption scandal will result in a cut in our economy’s growth. it is easy to see why. resources needed for the economy’s growth have been waylaid to private pockets. it has also produced

invite cynicism. moderate penalties, when applied reliably, foster genuine discipline and reform. From rhetoric to reliable enforcement Applying coseteng’s principle requires more than declarations. investigative and prosecutorial agencies need stronger capacity and independence. oversight bodies must be insulated from u PAGE 7

a political turmoil that makes the country seem too unstable for investors to consider seriously. it seems capital flight has started, and not only by foreigners but also by locals. the drop to P59-to-the-dollar exchange rate seems to be a harbinger of things to come. ceic Data, a company providing global economic, financial and industry data, observed that the Philippine peso is increasingly out of sync with its ASEAN peers… It diverged from its usual alignment with the Malaysian ringgit, the Thai baht and the singapore dollar.

“This underperformance reflects growing concerns over the Philippines’ external position. There is growing evidence that the corruption scandal is having a material impact on the country’s economy and growth prospects.” finance secretary ralph recto told the senate finance committee that corruption has caused up to P118.5 billion in economic losses since 2023. recto said “anecdotal accounts” put the extent of corruption in the DPWh flood control projects at around 25 percent to 70 percent of the total project cost. these could have translated

to 95,000 to 266,000 jobs for filipinos, recto said. Philippine gross domestic product grew by 5.5 percent in 2023 and 5.7 percent in 2024. “Maybe if that money was spent better, we could have grown by six percent,” recto told reporters. in a broader sense, the public works corruption scandal signals weaknesses in governance, transparency and oversight. And all of those are important determinants for long-term economic growth, investment climate and efficient public spending. corruption in the implementation of public works projects is costing the government large sums of money, forcing the treasury to borrow more. it also reduces effective infrastructure investment, weakening resilience to natural disasters (which itself has economic costs). so, what the senators and congressmen did, in conspiracy with DPWh district engineers and contractors, are clearly crimes against the people of the Philippines. there is no other way of looking at it. “Domestic political uncertainty could affect investment,” fitch ratings said in a peer credit analu PAGE 7

were detained without bail and lost their seats as a result. the cases she built were so airtight that they led to convictions before the sandiganbayan. those found guilty had to wait until the fiercely independent lady ombudsman retired. only then could they obtain their release from detention. But there was one legislator implicated in the Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf) scandal who managed to elude sanctions—sen. Joel Villanueva.

A three-term congressman for citizens’ Battle Against corruption (cibac) patylist group, Villanueva ran and won as senator in 2016 under the administration ticket of President Noynoy Aquino. flushed with victory, he must have thought the case involving the misuse of his 2008 P10 million PDAf allotment would remain buried beneath all other cases pending with the ombudsman. he was mistaken. Defying the unwritten rule that elector-

al wins erase accountability, ombudsman morales pursued the case even after Villanueva had been elected to the senate. though the senator had quickly aligned himself with the new President, rodrigo Duterte, there was little the Duterte administration could do for him while ombudsman morales was in office. to Villanueva’s dismay, in November 2016—barely months into his first term as senator—he was found guilty by the office of the ombudsman of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the service. there were two cases: one administrative, the other criminal. the ombudsman could have ordered his outright dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public office, if he were not a sitting senator. instead, the ombudsman endorsed its findings to the senate for appropriate action. the senate leadership referred the matter to its legal counsel,

i hAVe long been convinced that the history of our present, ill-fated fifth republic is a catalog of the effects of the law of unintended consequences. the result is a catalog of innovations and experiments in promoting good governance and accountability that have failed. impeachment’s a good example. it was made easier in the current constitution compared to earlier ones, but also resulted in maneuvers that have served to bring this instrument of accountability into increasing disrepute—or toothlessness. there’s “self-impeachment,” where the one-year rule to prevent harassment means a defective or dubious complaint can be filed and dismissed, heading off formidable and valid ones. And there’s the innovation of using quo warranto proceedings to eliminate officials who previously were only removable from

office by means of impeachment. in this manner, the supreme court accomplished what had formerly been the sole preserve of congress: the removal of a sitting chief justice. this type of proceeding was going to be used, too, as the fail-safe in the effort to deprive ABs-cBN of its congressional franchise, except congress proved obliging, thus rendering a quo warranto proceeding “moot” in the eyes of the supreme court. Just recently, ombudsman Jesus crispin remulla wanted to provoke a “justiciable controversy” by attempting to execute the dismissal of sen. Joel Villanueva on the basis of an order by former ombudsman conchita carpio morales. this would have been controversial because it asserted authority to dismiss a member of congress when the ombudsman law specifically states dismissal from office by the ombudsman is not allowed for legislators. morales’ successor as ombudsman, samuel martires, himself, of course, had turned the world on its head by using his

position, in the eyes of his critics, to shield rather than prosecute officials, making it virtually impossible to secure copies of their statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (sALNs). this happened when politicians and the media began committing lèse-majesté—the defamation, insulting, or threatening of the monarch, which is a crime in some monarchies but not in our country—against former President rodrigo Duterte. even before he became president, he’d already had to suffer the indignity of being questioned over his bank accounts, while repeatedly facing—and ducking—a simple challenge: “sign a waiver.” he never did and probably never will. When he won, he took the high road (or so people thought) and issued executive order No. 2 dated July 23, 2016, which encouraged officials to make their sALNs available and instituted freedom of information as a policy—so effectively, that by 2022, it could routinely reject foi requests for the president’s sALN.

u PAGE 7 u PAGE 7

Marcos signs law banning POGOs

by alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

mANiLA — President fer-

dinand marcos Jr. has signed a law banning Philippine offshore gaming operators, more than a year after he ordered a crackdown on the PoGos, which have been linked to cyberscams, money laundering, human trafficking and other illegal activities.

republic Act 12312, enacted on oct. 23, institutionalized a policy announced by marcos during his state of the Nation Address last year. the newly enacted measure repealed a 2021 law taxing PoGos.

Also known as the Anti-PoGo Act of 2025, the law prohibits the establishment, operation or conduct of offshore gaming in the Philippines; acceptance of any form of betting for offshore gaming operations, acting as PoGo content provider or service provider, creation and operation of a PoGo hub or site and the introduction, use or possession of PoGo equipment or gaming paraphernalia.

it also bars the aiding, protecting or abetting the conduct of prohibited acts, including the registering of PoGos, providing spurious documents, allowing the use of houses, buildings, establishments, vehicles, computer related devices and digital platforms in support of their operations and

helping in the exit and entry of persons without travel documents or possessing tampered or fake documents. the law revokes the PoGo licenses previously issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming corp., special economic zone authorities, tourism infrastructure and enterprise Zone Authority, freeport authorities and other government agencies.

Any corporation which includes in its purpose any of the prohibited acts is directed to amend its articles of incorporation with the securities and exchange commission within 30 days from effectivity of the law. if a company

fails to do so, its certificate of registration would be deemed revoked. the law also cancels the work permits and visas issued to persons engaged in offshore gaming operations or employed by PoGos, content providers and service providers. All PoGos, content providers, service providers and local gaming agents whose licenses have been revoked shall continue to be liable for all taxes, duties, regulatory fees and other charges up to the last day of their operations. the tax bureau shall conduct an audit to determine any tax liabil-

u PAGE 8

Like Jonah but unlike...

senses enough to confess his sin of running away from God and from God’s will.

so, after all that, Jonah walks to the great city of Nineveh and declared:

“Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” the Ninevites believed God. they declared a fast and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

“When the news reached the King of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.” the king issued a royal proclamation: “Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

“When God saw what they did

and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he threatened. this was a “miscarriage of justice” in Jonah’s eyes because he believed the city deserved to be torched like sodom and Gomorrah. this sounds similar to “Lord, kunin mo na po sila please!”

God ends the argument by pointing out that Jonah had been concerned with his personal comfort while sulking but ignored the fact that “Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” so how is the Philippines unlike Nineveh? Almost a week ago, the Pcec or Philippine council of evangelical churches invited everyone to take part in a

week-long prayer and fasting for repentance in the Philippines. either the announcements were poor or limited or people simply ignored it because fasting for foodie filipinos is like carrying a cross on holy Week. it seems that many people who heard about it treated it as optional or “a matter of personal choice.” if we want God to intervene, then, just like the king and people of Nineveh, we must intentionally make personal sacrifices and not personal choices. We are talking about the future of the Philippines, and we are calling on God Almighty. (Philstar.com)

*

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

E-mail: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com

Joel Villanueva and the politics...

PAGE 6

which opined that (1) the ombudsman had no administrative disciplinary jurisdiction over senators, and (2) Villanueva’s motion for reconsideration— based on his claim that his signature had been forged—made the ruling non-final.

When ombudsman morales retired in July 2018, President Duterte appointed former supreme court Justice samuel martires as ombudsman. sometime in 2019, martires resolved Villanueva’s motion for reconsideration in his favor, reversing morales’ earlier decision. this reversal, which happened almost three years after the mr was filed, acquitted Villanueva of any administrative liability, and effectively precluded the filing of criminal charges with the sandiganbayan. the martires resolution was not publicly disclosed until very recently–when new ombudsman Jesus crispin remulla moved to

enforce the original 2016 dismissal order against Villanueva. Apparently, apart from ombudsman martires, only the senator knew about it. Yet he chose not to publicize his “vindication” at that time. Why? Was he being prudent, thinking silence was the better part of redemption? or did he fear that calling attention to his case might reopen old questions about his innocence? Whatever his reason, the non-publication of the martires ruling has fueled suspicion that the decision was deliberately kept under wraps because it could not stand scrutiny. earlier, in June 2025, the sandiganbayan convicted Janet Lim Napoles and a few other individuals of graft in connection with the PDAf allotment of Villanueva, then cibac congressman. the latter was never charged before the sandiganbayan. What is certain is that the absence of publicity worked in

Villanueva’s favor. When he ran for reelection in 2022, his PDAf record was barely remembered. he won handily. in contrast, his fellow accused—enrile, estrada, and revilla—faced an electorate that had not forgotten. enrile was trounced in 2019. estrada, repudiated in 2019, barely squeaked through in 2022. revilla, who sought reelection in 2025, lost. the moral seems clear: as long as voters remember, they can be trusted to reject the corrupt at the polls. if we cannot always put the corrupt and powerful in jail, then it falls upon the media—and upon all of us—to keep their cases alive in public memory. forgetting is the soil in which impunity festers. (Inquirer.net)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * public.lives@gmail.com

Not victimless crimes

ysis released last monday. the BsP observed: “The outlook for domestic economic growth has weakened. This outlook reflects in part the impact on business confidence of governance concerns about public infrastructure spending.”

Also, the BsP noted that the peso’s decline partly reflects market concerns over a potential moderation in economic growth due in part to the infrastructure-spending controversy.” in a speech/announcement reported by BusinessWorld, BsP Governor eli remolona Jr. was quoted: Governance concerns on public infrastructure spending have weighed on business sentiment.

… We need a credible resolution to this issue.” infrastructure investment might slow, which tends to dampen growth (especially in an economy where infrastructure has a large multiplier). there is a large body of research showing corruption hinders growth, investment and productivity.

Analysts from New York-based Globalsource Partners said massive corruption in flood control projects prevents the country from growing over six percent. These funds — siphoned

through fraudulent contracts and padded budgets — could have built schools, improved hospitals and created up to 266,000 jobs. The resulting drag on productivity meant economic growth of 5.5 to 5.7 percent, when the economy could have expanded closer to over six percent.

“The moral indictment is clear: corruption kills growth, weakens resilience and erodes trust. When infrastructure becomes a source of private enrichment rather than public service, the entire development agenda collapses,” Global source analysts added. for a developing country like the Philippines, they said good governance is an “economic necessity,” not a “moral luxury.”

“Every peso lost to corruption is a peso withheld from productive investment. When public works are marred by inefficiency and fraud, they not only waste resources but also weaken the very foundations of inclusive growth: connectivity, productivity and resilience,” they said. the ombudsman must deliver quickly on its obligation to make corrupt legislators, DPWh engineers and contractors accountable. Not only must these people go to jail, they must return what they have stolen. Accused plunderers must be

Certainty is the true test of...

interference and equipped to resolve cases efficiently. transparency is equally vital. Public reporting of case outcomes allows citizens to see that justice is being done, not merely promised. credibility grows when results, not rhetoric, define accountability. Justice that is both firm and fair certainty of punishment must coexist with fairness. Quick but unjust actions erode legitimacy as much as inaction does. A credible justice system balances firmness with compassion and ensures equality before the law.

the Philippines already has comprehensive laws and capable professionals. What it needs is consistent application so that wrongdoing, regardless of influence or position, leads to the right consequence. The enduring challenge of accountability the quote by former senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” m coseteng serves as a reminder that true reform depends on evenhanded and predictable enforcement. As the Philippines faces renewed calls for transparency and stronger anti-graft measures, her message challenges every branch of govern-

A can of worms

the lèse-majesté was that investigative media not only started studying the former president’s sALNs but also had the nerve to request his latest ones. the gates came crashing down. on the 14th of this month, the ombudsman revoked the policy of his predecessor, which made it virtually impossible for anyone to obtain copies of an official’s sALN. the ombudsman, of course, can only direct and speak for his office. he can only encourage, as he seems to have done, other offices to adopt a similar spirit of transparency. When remulla first broached the possibility of allowing public disclosure of sALNs, he was quoted as saying, “I’m opening a can of worms, but so be it.” executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, who himself had voted in favor of the quo warranto position that expelled chief Justice maria Lourdes sereno, took the opportunity to tell reporters (after the president, who’d left for abroad, stated he’d abide by the ombudsman’s decision and revert to the “old rules” governing sALN releases) to hold their horses. “We cannot just allow the indiscriminate freedom to access these SALNs,” he cautioned. he judiciously emphasized, “You must not ever forget that Cabinet secretaries are the alter egos of the president. They are entitled to a level of security and privacy … because their lives are also at risk. For instance, if someone finds out where they are— how many children they have, where their house is—it’s easy to go after them. And we don’t want

that to happen,” he said. i know for a fact these are actually real and thus legitimate concerns even among honest officials, but they can be addressed. You just have to try. Bersamin added something new: that private sector people would be turned off from public service by transparency requirements (but this would just be one of the many factors making public service an increasingly losing proposition for any sane person).

But it didn’t stop the senate president (and currently, at least nine other senators) or the speaker from releasing theirs, and it can only be hoped a bandwagon effect will ensue. the president convened the cabinet on saturday, and the Palace reiterated that it would follow the ombudsman’s new rules.

the only one confused by the situation seems to be the vice president, who said it was all for show and “for a motive.” “I don’t know why they have orders that would allow access to SALN when SALNs can be obtained even before,” she said; reporters had even accessed her sALN back in 2019! You will just write to the Ombudsman and ask for the SALN of that person,” ignoring the fact that martires put an end to accessing sALNs in 2020.

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @mlq3

ment: justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done, consistently, fairly, and without exception. her statement endures because it articulates a timeless truth about governance. respect for the law is not born of fear but of trust. the real test of justice lies not in how severe the punishment is, but in how certain it becomes. When enforcement is consistent and impartial, the law ceases to be a threat and becomes a promise - a protection for the honest, a deterrent for the corrupt, and a foundation for equality. (AJPress)

subjected to an incisive examination of their finances, tax records, lifestyle checks. those shown to have unexplained wealth should then have to prove their innocence because their guilt should be presumed. their assets must be immediately forfeited in favor of the treasury.

None of these things could have happened without the involvement of high officials. the ombudsman must go beyond the district engineers and throw some high-ranking congressmen and senators in jail as well. Given the adverse impact on all filipinos of what the culprits did, they ought to be shot as traitors. the success or failure of BBm’s tenure hangs in the balance. the People of the Philippines must prevail in all the corruption cases to be filed. the sandiganbayan must play the role it was designed for and not be too generous to the plunderers, as it seems to have been so far. (Philstar.com)

walang fastrak. Ang mga Pay-As-YouGo Notices of toll evasion Violations ay ibinibigay sa mga sasakyang gumagamit ng metro expressLanes nang walang valid na fastrak® account. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, mangyaring bisitahin ang aming website sa metroexpresslanes.net.

11/1/25

cNs-3981078# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)

Comelec: 27 contractors must explain campaign donations

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

mANiLA

— the commission

on elections is set to issue showcause orders against 27 government contractors who allegedly donated to the campaign of senatorial candidates during the 2022 elections.

comelec chairman George Garcia said on october 30 the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) issued the certification from a list of 54 names submitted by the poll body as government contractors. he explained that the rest are not government contractors and therefore not covered by the prohibition under the omnibus election code.

instructions have already been given to the Political finance and Affairs Department to release the show cause orders to the 27 identified contractors.

After they respond, we will also require the candidates who received donations from the 27 contractors to explain,” Garcia said in filipino. efforts are now underway to determine which candidates benefited from these campaign contributions, he added. Garcia clarified that Lawrence Lubiano – who admitted to contributing P30 million to sen. chiz escudero’s campaign – was not among those certified by the DPWh as a government contractor. “He is not a corporation, which

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued the certification from a list of 54 names submitted by the poll body as government contractors.

is why the DPWH did not include him in its certification,” he said. Another list containing 31 contractors who donated during the may 2025 elections has been forwarded to the DPWh for verification, he added. Voter listup suspended in a separate announcement, voter registration activities will be suspended starting noon today (oct. 30) until Nov. 2 in observance of All saints’ Day and All souls’ Day.

the comelec said the pause in registration is meant to honor the solemn tradition and give filipinos time to pray for their departed loved ones.

the national voter registration period will resume after the holidays and continue until may 18, 2026, ahead of the barangay and sangguniang Kabataan elections. through the seven-month registration drive, the poll body hopes to enlist around 1.4 million new registrants nationwide. n

Philippines joins space race

by RanieR allan Ronda Philstar.com

mANiLA — the Philippines has joined the ranks of countries pursuing space exploration and use of outer space as signatories to the Artemis Accords. the Philippine space Agency (PhilsA) signed the accords on the sidelines of the AseAN Leaders’ summit in Kuala Lumpur, malaysia on oct. 27. the Artemis Accords are a multilateral instrument that outlines a set of principles for the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration and use of outer space, including the moon, mars and beyond. the accords build on existing international space law, such as

the 1967 outer space treaty, and encourage cooperation, interoperability, and the sharing of scientific data among nations. through its signing, the Philippines joins the growing community of nations committed to the peaceful, transparent and sustainable exploration of space. By signing the Accords, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to be an active stakeholder in space governance and in the shaping and maintenance of international law. It is crucial to strengthen these principles in the face of emerging technologies and private sector activities that are testing the boundaries of the existing legal regime,” said PhilsA officer-in-charge Gay Jane Perez, who represent-

ed the Philippines at the signing ceremony.

(This) reflects our readiness to stand alongside like-minded nations in advancing transparency, sustainability, and shared benefit beyond our borders and above our atmosphere,” Perez said. the country’s participation in the Artemis Accords aligns with its commitment to uphold international agreements and domestic laws while advancing international partnerships, promoting peaceful uses of outer space, and ensuring that the benefits of space exploration and Yamang Kalawakan are shared by all. this milestone will be highlighted at the Asia-Pacific regional space Agency forum on Nov. 17 to 25, 2025 in cebu. n

BOC to auction off 7 of 13 seized Discaya-owned luxury cars

by Kathleen de Villa Inquirer.net

mANiLA — the Bureau of customs (Boc) has trimmed down to just seven the total number of luxury vehicles owned by contractors Pacifico “curlee” and cezarah “sarah” Discaya that will be auctioned off next month.

customs spokesperson chris Bendijo told reporters on thursday that the Discayas have filed a voluntary forfeiture and would “no longer contest” the seizure of seven of the 13 cars under Boc custody, after a warrant of seizure and detention was issued. the seven vehicles were found to have no records of import entry or certificates of payment. these are the rolls-royce cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, mercedes-Benz G63 and G500, Lincoln Navigator L, and toyota tundra and sequoia.

“That means they are waiving their entire ownership of the vehicles, but they are reserving their right to go after the importers and the car dealers,” Bendijo explained. this also means that the commission would push through with the original schedule of the public auction on Nov. 15, he added, noting that the Boc is planning to livestream the event.

for the other six luxury vehicles, which were found to have

import documents but questionable payment records, the Discayas submitted a “position paper” to challenge the Boc seizure order. They are offering a compromise penalty, and that is being considered by the legal division already,” Bendijo noted. the penalties would include charges on top of a 20-percent fine of the landed cost, which includes costs for transportation, production, and insurance.

Boc estimates the total value of the 13 seized cars at about P200 million, the customs official said. Proceeds from the public auction of Discaya-owned cars would be placed in the forfeiture fund of the Boc before being reverted to the National treasury, he noted. n

Marcos signs law banning...

ity. Any act, omission, series or combination of violations of the law shall constitute unlawful activity under the Anti-money Laundering Act of 2001.

Prison terms the penalties for violating the Anti-PoGo Act are imprisonment ranging from six to eight years and a fine ranging from P300,000 to P15 million for first offense; imprisonment ranging from eight years and one day to 10 years and a fine ranging from P15 million to P30 million for second offense and imprisonment ranging from 10 years and one day to 12 years and a fine ranging from P30 million to P50 million for third offense.

if the offender is a public official, the maximum of the applicable penalty shall be imposed. he or she shall also be dismissed from the service and perpetually disqualified from holding government office.

PoGo buildings, structures or facilities or equipment used in violation of the law as well as the proceeds of the illegal acts would be forfeited in favor of the government.

the labor department was tasked to come up with plans and programs for the transitioning of all workers affected by the PoGo ban.

the law likewise forms an administrative oversight committee composed of the Presidential Anti-organized crime commission and of the departments of justice, information and communications technology and the interior and local government to ensure proper implementation of the law. the commission is expected to submit a report on the implementation of the Anti-PoGo Act to the office of the President and legislature not later than one year after its effectivity. During his third soNA, marcos ordered a halt to the operation of PoGos, citing the need to end their “grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws.

he said the gaming entities have ventured into “illicit areas furthest from gaming” such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder. Overjoyed, elated two of the enemies of PoGos in the senate – senators risa hontiveros and sherwin Gatchalian – welcomed the signing of rA 12312 by President marcos.

“I am overjoyed about the Anti-POGO Act’s passage into law. At last, there will now be a rectifica-

tion of the mistake of the previous administration of allowing POGOs into the country,” hontiveros said. POGOs have harmed our country in more ways than we can imagine,” hontiveros said, citing cases of children forced into prostitution for chinese PoGo workers as well as the activities of scam hubs controlled by now dismissed Bamban, tarlac mayor Alice Guo. Gatchalian said the law would ensure sustained government action against similar entities that continue to operate in the country despite being banned.

“I am elated by the enactment of this measure as the POGOs have brought nothing but a surge in criminalities that include kidnapping, human trafficking and prostitution, among others. This isn’t just an economic issue but a moral imperative,” Gatchalian said. the senator said any revenue from PoGos was outweighed by the social costs of their presence in the country.

We can achieve real progress if we prioritize the good of our countrymen as well as peace and order. This law will eliminate once and for all the scourge of POGOs,” he added.

house Deputy minority Leader and mL party-list rep. Leila de Lima also welcomed the signing of the law banning PoGos.

“We welcome the enactment of Republic Act No. 12312, or the ‘Anti-POGO Act of 2025,’ to institutionalize the total ban on offshore gaming operations in the country,” De Lima said in a statement.

“We have been a vocal critic of the existence of these POGOs – a Duterte administration-sponsored Chinese creeping invasion that catered to the interests of Chinese criminals and pro-China government officials,” she added.

De Lima also cited the social costs of PoGo operations in the country. “But it was tolerated and protected by the previous administration,” she said.

We must ensure that the government will be the one to evict the remaining POGO in the country, along with chameleon operating POGO under other disguise,” De Lima said.

“We must ensure the strict implementation of this law so that it cannot be circumvented by those with selfish interests, especially under future administrations,” she added. for rep. Bro. eddie Villanueva, one of the principal authors of the law, the signing of the Anti-PoGo Law is a “moral and social victory against a

.” (With reports from Neil Jayson Servallos, Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano)

SEX enhancers

There are so many sex aids which come in herbal potions, pills, lotion, gel, and juices, including ginseng and similar herbs. Studies have shown that the best results for those with erectile dysfunction among men, young or old, were obtained by taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. These drugs should be taken only after consultation with a physician, because some prescription medications may interact with any of these three pills and cause serious problems. Data today show that these pills, which have been prescribed more than 2 billion times around the world, are effective and safe for ED in men, used under medical supervision. The fake ones from Pakistan, India, and other countries, which are being sold in the Philippines, the United States, and other countries for a very cheap price, are deemed crude formulas, some with additives, and are dangerous. A healthy lifestyle is a requisite for sex aids to work more effectively.

Healthy dish

Omega-3 Fish Oil (Omega-3

fatty acids DHA and EPA) is a popular supplement to eating fish for its cardio-protective benefits. It can lower blood pressure, help new brain cells regenerate and reduce the risk of the development of Alzheimer’s, minimize inflammation, and is a great aid in the management of cholesterol and arthritis. It also boosts the immune system. When digested, fish oil breaks down to hormone-like ingredients called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation, like in arthritis (inflammation of the joints). This leads to a lesser need for pain medications, as it also lubricates the joints. Fish oil is also good for autoimmune diseases. Indeed, a versatile supplement. Daily exercises, eating fish and vegetables at least 3 times a week, and abstaining from red meat and egg yolk are the healthy way to go, for children and adults alike.

Veggies protect the stomach

Those taking NSAID drugs like ibuprofen and other anti-ar-

Med info capsules

thritis pain medications regularly can be victims of stomach irritation, which could result in ulcers and bleeding complications. That is why medical guidance is essential, even for these over-the-counter pills. To prevent stomach ulceration, ingesting 8 to 10 ounces of vegetables a day can work wonders by protecting the stomach wall lining, according to a researcher at Sweden’s Uppsala University. Crackling brain food

If you want a healthy snack, one that keeps your brain sharp and reduces your risk for the development of Alzheimer’s, nothing beats crunchy celery, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, olives, bell peppers, and other veggies. Eating them uncooked preserves all the phyto-chemicals in them, like luteolin, which prevents brain inflammation, a common condition linked to aging, chronic brain syndrome, multiple sclerosis, etc. So, to stay young, with a sharper mind, stay away from the high-carb snacks, including (and especially) soft drinks, and savor the benefits from these crunchy veggies. And nuts also, like walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds, macadamia, and peanuts. Even your looks and your complexion will shine with your favorite moisturizer, and without the use of glutathione or other expensive herbal products, which may even be dangerous after chronic use. Veggies and nuts are in, especially among teenagers. We, adults, should learn from the younger generation.

Sex could be deadly

Sleeping around indiscriminately, or having multiple sex partners, can be hazardous to health and deadly. A perfectly healthy-looking person could be walking around with HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including Syphilis. And no matter how normal-looking the sexual organs of women or men are, they could be harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses, and sometimes, even parasites, not obvious to the naked eye. Only a medical check-up and laboratory tests could confirm their presence or absence. STD infections in general, affecting the sexual organs, the eyes, and the mouth, are common. Be smart. You do not want a few minutes of pleasure to risk your health

and life for weeks, if not years, of agony and shame. An internet message said, “unlike love, herpes is forever.” That may sound funny, but herpes is really for keeps. Sex is a major and serious responsibility, not only to our body and health but to our family and friends, to all our loved ones, and to society in general.

Great advances Instead of the cumbersome, uncomfortable diagnostic procedures now available for detecting lung cancer, the University of Texas researchers have developed a new lung cancer test that allows the use of “a simple mouth tissue sample, which compares the changes that take place 95% of the time in both mouth and lung cells” among those individuals with lung cancer. This is a fantastic progress in our fight against lung cancer and cancers in general. As always, as with any other illness, prevention is the key, the best option, even compared to the greatest remedy or cure.

A non-invasive “virtual biopsy” technology (using harmless electrical current to better detect skin and cervical cancer, and eliminate the need for surgical biopsy) has been developed by an Australian scientist.

A new ultrasound, “which can catch tiny tumors earlier,” has been evaluated for clinical use in Norway. Second to prevention, catching any cancer in its early stage can lead to a complete cure, for most cancers.

Progress in science, in every sphere of human endeavor, benefits mankind as a whole. We are indeed lucky to be living in this world of today, in spite of all its imperfections and problems, most of which are man-made. For world peace, justice, and prosperity, all we really need is love, understanding, respect for each other, and tolerance. And the best place to start is in our own home.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or

Parent’s right to change child’s residence to another state in custody cases

Barrister’s Corner

PARENTS that are going through divorce and legal separation sometimes have to make a decision to move out of state for various reasons. It may be because their family network is in another state. This decision often have a significant impact on the visitation of the other parent because it would be more difficult for the noncustodial parent to exercise his or her visitation rights in a frequent and continuing manner if the custodial parent moves to a different state hundreds or thousands of miles away from the non custodial parent.

The parent that has Custody of the child has a presumptive right to change the child’s residence unless the non custodial parent can show that the move would be a detriment to the child. In cases where there has not been

Pastor’s Notes

ALL Souls’ Day falls on the Sunday following All Saints’ Day, marking the first two days of November—the most somber month of the year—during which we celebrate the lives of all the saints and remember our deceased family members and friends in our prayers. These subsequent days initiate what is usually a prayerful and contemplative month, as they remind us of the temporal nature of our lives. At the same time, they help us become grounded in faith, making us aware of what it means to live fully and meaningfully, following the examples set by the saints and our departed loved ones.

Ramon, Anna, and Michael Orlina at ManilART 2025

It was nice to see a father and his two children participate in a prestigious art show during ManilART 2025 at the SMX Aura Convention Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Foremost Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Gahol Orlina, considered the Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture, was among the artists featured in the 17th edition of the fair themed “Across Forms, Beyond Borders.” The event showcased over 100 artists and galleries exploring the connections between various creative disciplines, including art, fashion, cuisine, and digital media. He was joined by his equally talented children, Anna and Michael, who are both making their mark in the world of art.

Also, Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City has hosted a special exhibition titled “Eskultura IV: Steampunk,” featuring sculptures inspired by the steampunk aesthetic of gears, steam, and mechanical ingenuity. This group exhibition, which runs until November 28, 2025, includes works by eight sculptors using diverse materials beyond traditional metals, such as wood, resin, and glass.

International Bazaar on Nov. 16 The International Bazaar Foundation, in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of the Philippines, and the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM), will hold the International Bazaar 2025 on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the World Trade Center Tent in Pasay City.

Forty-two countries and organizations will join this annual bazaar with the theme “Shop Global, Help Local,” highlighting the coming together of global wonders and local treasures while promoting entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Participating countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cambodia, China, the Czech Republic, the European Union,

France, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Malta, Moldova, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. SJF in Dubai It was a fruitful forum at the Dubai Knowledge Park Conference Centre/Auditorium in the UAE on October 27 – 30, 2025, which brought together science journalists, editors, academics, scientists, and industry leaders to explore the future of science journalism under the

theme “Science Journalism at a Crossroads – Rethinking Trust, Funding, and Innovation.”

The forum featured multilingual sessions in English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Portuguese, and Mandarin, with contributions from over 40 international partner organizations. Through panels, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, SJF served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in science journalism worldwide.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno leads Christmas lighting At Robinsons Place Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso led the ceremonial Christmas lighting, delighting the children of Manila’s policemen and firemen. Joining him was Robinsons

any final custody order, the court has to make a custody determination using “the best interest” standard. Court will look at the factors and decide what is in the best interest of the child. Custody is usually given to the parent that is more likely to allow frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other parent. On the other hand if there has been a final Custody determination, then the non-custodial parent would have to show a “significant change in circumstances” to change the custody arrangement.

The Court would then consider certain factors laid out in the case Marriage of LaMusga in deciding whether the child would suffer detriment from the relocation and whether a change of custody should be ordered.

The La Musga factors which the Court will consider are 1) the children’s interest in stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement; 2) the distance of the move; 3) the children’s age; 4)the children’s relationship with both parents; 5) the relationship between the parents including, but not limited to, their ability to communicate and cooperate effectively and their willingness

to put the children’s interests above their individual interests; 6) the children’s wishes if they are mature enough to make that inquiry appropriate; 7) the reasons for the proposed move; and 8) the extent to which the parents

On the Somber Days of November

As I reflect on these memorial celebrations, I think of Tomas Halik’s words in his book, Night of the Confessor, our book of the month. Referring to the writings of Edmund Husserl, Halik states:

“Our loved ones never really die—we continue to sense them looking over our shoulders, approving or disapproving of what we are doing. Yes, that’s why I have these pictures here: there have been many occasions when I have stood in front of them, wondering what advice they would give me in a particular situation, how they would appraise the steps I intend to take, or what they would do in my shoes.”

These words remind me of my sister Rina, who passed away last July. She often makes her spiritual presence felt in my

work and journeys. The legacy of love, care, faith, and courage she left us continues to inspire and guide me. Indeed, she often looks over my shoulders, affirming and encouraging me to embrace life fully and to keep loving and caring unconditionally.

I hope that you experience something similar with the special people who have preceded you in this world. I pray that they continue to inspire you to become the best version of yourselves. I also hope that their work continues through their prayers for you, hoping that they are now enjoying eternal bliss in heaven.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, November is a time to deepen our gratitude to God for all His blessings, especial-

Corporation Executive

“I think I’m so fortunate to have a child,” Collins told reporters at a brand event on Tuesday, Oct. 28, when asked how she looks after her mental health. “Because I don’t think about myself anymore. I think about my son. And I know that I have to be mentally stable for him. I feel like it’s easier when you have that kind of motivation.”  The “To Have and to Hold” actress admitted that anxiety remains a common struggle in the entertainment industry. “Anxiety is common in our industry. It’s always anxious to be in front of the camera and in front of people all the time,” she said. “But then, I try to find a way to get through. In my long time in the industry, I’ve kind of mastered dealing with it. I always try to remember that it’s not the end of the world. I just count my blessings. That’s what keeps me going.”

Mental health and online hate became a recent hot topic on the internet following the death of Kim Atienza’s youngest daughter, Emman. My heart breaks. I can’t imagine the pain. My heart goes out to him. And he’s handling it so well. His family also. It’s so devastating,” said Collins.

Collins, who started doing commercials when she was 10, also opened up about one of the toughest challenges she faced early on which was being bullied for not knowing how to speak Tagalog.

“When I started, I couldn’t speak Tagalog. I couldn’t read it. I couldn’t understand it,” she recalled. “Everyone told me, ‘Don’t be an artist. It’s not for you. Just be a model.’ They always made fun of me because I couldn’t understand them. I just cried about it.”

After spending time in the United States, Collins said she realized she was meant to continue her creative path in show biz despite the challenges.  I love being with the people on set. I’m not for the corporate world. That’s why I came back; I realized this is my path,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Collins, who recently finished her lockedin taping for her upcoming series “Master Cutter” opposite Dingdong Dantes, shared that she and her son are heading to Dubai for Halloween.

“We’re going to Dubai because my son wants to go to the desert to see the camels,” she said. “He wants to be a penguin, so I asked him, ‘What am I going to be?’ and he said, ‘Mommy penguin.’ So that’s what we’re going to be, penguins.”  Last year, Collins confirmed that she and actor Pancho Magno are now legally divorced. They share a son, Skye.

Mario Bucaro succeeds Anne Jakrajutatip as Miss Universe Org CEO

THE Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has appointed Mario Bucaro as its new chief executive officer, replacing Thai business mogul Anne Jakrajutatip who held the position since 2022.

The international pageant organization announced this through its website on Wednesday, Oct. 29, saying the change in leadership follows the recent restructuring of the Board of Directors at JKN Global Group. JKN Global Group co-owns MUO along with Legacy Holdings Group of Raul Rocha, the president of the pageant organization.

Jakrajutatip stepped down from her executive posts in JKN Global Group last June 20, after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand issued a complaint against her.

The organization extends its heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Jakrajutatip for her visionary leadership and dedication, which

greatly enhanced MUO’s global presence and commitment to inclusion and diversity. Her efforts have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire the organization’s mission as she now focuses on her family,” the organization said.

Bucaro previously served as MUO’s Vice President for Inter-

national Relations. He has also represented Guatemala as ambassador to Israel and Mexico, and is the concurrent ambassador to Bulgaria and Cyprus. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala as well.

“As CEO of the Miss Universe Organization, Mr. Búcaro will reinforce MUO’s commitment to ex-

cellence and inclusivity while en-

hancing its global outreach,” the MUO stated.

His leadership will focus on strengthening international collaborations, expanding the organization’s presence across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, and enriching the candidate experience while upholding integrity and fairness. He will also work to amplify the organization’s social impact initiatives, empowering women and fostering leadership development through innovation, social responsibility, and global engagement programs,” it added.

The organization also noted in the statement that it has implemented “structural adjustments” to strengthen its internal management.

The appointment of the new CEO comes a few weeks ahead of the 74th Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Thailand on Nov. 21.

The Philippines is fielding pageant veteran Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon in a bid to bag the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown, following Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).

LOS ANGELES

by cecile Baltasar Philstar.com

and Liza Sobera

no will be headlining the voice cast of animated film Forgotten Island due for a theatrical release next year. Manny Jacinto will be assuming a supporting role.

The comedy adventure film tells the story of longtime best friends Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Soberano, who find themselves stranded on a remote magical island called Nakali. The only way home, they discover, may involve having to forget each other and their friendship.

For Broadway star and Tony Award winner Salonga, this gig comes on the heels of her turn in the Netflix worldwide hit KPop Demon Hunters, where she voiced Celine, a retired demon hunter and mentor to current demon hunters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.  Soberano, who has taken her career to Hollywood, was last seen on the big screen playing Taffy in the 2024 horror comedy Lisa Frankenstein.

R&B singer-songwriter-actress H.E.R., born as Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson in California to a Filipino mom and American dad, has numerous award-winning tracks and albums to her name. In 2024, she performed at the Super Bowl halftime show with Usher. Her stage name stands for Having Everything Revealed.

Manila-born Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto was in the Philippines last August to promote Disney’s Freakier Friday, where he plays Eric Reyes, the fiancé of Lindsay Lohan’s char-

acter Anna. He is best known for his recurring role as Jason Mendoza in the NBC comedy The Good Place. Along with the four Filipinos in the Forgotten Island cast are Dave Franco and Jenny Slate. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, one of the co-directors and writers of the film,

along with Joel Crawford, is Filipino-American Januel Mercado, who co-directed another DreamWorks Animation feature Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Mercado based Forgotten Island on a Philippine mythological island.  Universal Pictures is set to release Forgotten Island theatrically on Sept. 25, 2026.

the first international spin-off of the original show Physical: 100.

IN the pilot episode of the Korean reality show Physical: Asia on Netflix, Manny Pacquiao, dignified in a suit and sunglasses, led Team Philippines as they walked into a big room where the rest of the competitors from seven other countries waited.

The reaction to Pacquiao’s superstar status was loud and gave “chills,” said one competitor. There were fellow accomplished athletes in the other teams—including UFC star Dong-hyun Kim of South Korea and MMA fighter Yushin Okami of Japan—but having Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion boxer in history, competing among them… "What an experience," another competitor said.

It's interesting to note how the creators of the show got Pacquiao to say yes and join Physical: Asia,

In its media launch, Jang Ho Gi, Physical: Asia’s producer, said it wasn’t difficult at all to convince the Filipino boxer to be a part of it.

In order to invite Manny, we reached out multiple times,” he said. “I was very grateful because he invited us to his home. And he told us he was a big fan of the show. He was actually watching the show as we [were there] and he [analyzed] each moment. I was grateful that he said yes on the same day.

Welcoming the show’s creators to his home, Pacquiao shared a home-cooked meal with them.

When he was asked at the media launch if it was an easy decision to say yes, Pacquiao said, Kasi may background na ‘ko [sa show]. Nanonood ako ng Physical, ‘yung Physical: 100. Noong

in-explain sa akin ‘yung concept and everything… I said yes. With Pacquiao in Team Philippines are 2019 SEA Games sambo champion Mark “Mugen” Striegl, CrossFit athlete Lara Liwanag, national rugby team player Justin Coveney, 400-meter hurdle champion Robyn Brown, and “the Philippines’ strongest man” Ray Jefferson Querubin.

Unlike Physical: 100, which has had two seasons (2023 and 2024) where 100 contestants went head-to-head in individual challenges, Physical: Asia champions team effort. Teams of six members each from eight countries will be competing.

The show will be weaving elements of Korean culture and history into the different challenges, as well.   Aside from the Philippines, there are teams from South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Turkey, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia.

AFTER years of ups and downs, KC Concepcion shared that she is now on good terms with her mom, Sharon Cuneta, and they are closer than ever. In an interview with Boy Abunda on his talk show, the actress said that she is now happy with how things are between her and the Megastar.

Masayang-masaya dahil after a while, sobrang okay na kami ni Mama. Sobrang nagmamahalan kaming pamilya. Napakasaya ko po. Iba talaga yung feeling pag okay," she said. Concepcion recalled how she shared a room with Sharon during her stay at Amanpulo, Palawan, for her 40th birthday in April. First time kong tumabi kay Mama after 100 million years. And doon ko po na-feel na, 'Nako, nagmamahalan talaga kaming mag-nanay,'" she said. According to her, their reconciliation came when Sharon gave a surprise visit to Concepcion during Christmas and spent the holidays with her.

Nag-start po ulit nung Christmas. So, nagluluto po ako ng adobo. Amoy suka at bawang po 'yung

bahay ko noon. And I said Merry Christmas, nagpadala ko ng mga gift, and biglang nag-ring 'yung doorbell," KC recounted. "Nag-panic 'yung personal assistant ko tsaka 'yung driver, [sabi nila] 'Nandyan po si ma'am Sharon sa harap.' Nakapayong 'yung bodyguard niya, nakatayo na siya," she continued. "Gulat na gulat po ako. And sabi ko, 'Ma, come in.'

Four hours or five hours po kaming nag-usap sa living room ko, and then lahat na pag-usapan po namin. Para kaming mag-best friends," she said.

Sobrang excited ko po. The two of them then spent hours catching up and enjoying each other's company.

When Abunda mentioned the tough times they went through, Concepcion said that it was only "normal" for mothers and daughters to have misunderstandings from time to time, especially since the two of them are both in the showbiz industry. Now, Concepcion highlighted that their conversations flow more naturally.

Kaya ko na po siyang sabihan, 'Ma, I need girl talk. Call me.' Seven ng umaga kapag magigising siya to go to work, natatawagan pa niya ako, 'Anong nangyari? Ma, kailangan ko ng advice mo. Paano to? May na-meet ako. Ganon,'" she said.

Cuneta and Concepcion have been open about having a stormy relationship in the past.

Back in May last year, Cuneta admitted that she was estranged from Concepcion to the point that she was "very, very hurt," but emphasized that she will always love her daughter no matter what.

Eva Noblezada gets married to longtime partner Reeve Carney

by aNNe PasaJol Inquirer.net

Glimpses from the couple’s wedding was shared by her close friend and one of the event attendees, Abby De Philipps, through her Instagram page on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

The two-time Tony award nominee and Grammy award-winning actress looked radiant in a strapless bridal gown, while her groom — also a Grammy award winner — donned a cream tailcoat during the ceremony held in New Orleans in the United States. Their bridesmaids, meanwhile, wore wine-red dresses.

“My HUSBAND!” Noblezada exclaimed on the repost of the clip on the official Instagram page of the musical “Ha-

destown.” “We love you ALL so so much.”

“Also caption correction: Eva Noblezada Carney!!” she added. Carney, for his part, declared his love for Noblezada and wrote, “My WIFE! So so so so thankful for you. I love you, I love you, I love you.”

Noblezada and Carney have reportedly been in a relationship for six years after they met while working together in “Hadestown” in 2018.

Sam Milby diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes

by gideoN tiNsay Philstar.com

SAM Milby revealed that he's now battling latent autoimmune diabetes.

The actor shared the update on his health in an interview with ABS-CBN News published on Thursday, Oct. 30. He said he had himself checked by his endocrinologist and two doctors in Singapore to confirm the diagnosis.

It’s bad. Type 1 is the worst. Tito Gary (Valenciano) has Type 1. It means that your pancreas does not produce insulin at all. So, I may have to start ‘yung insulin shots, eventually. Ganun talaga,” he said.

It’s part of my life. I have discipline naman sa pagkain but it was a bit surprising kasi para sa akin, healthy naman akong tao.

Milby is planning on being more physically active by playing pickleball, working out regularly, and sticking to a healthy diet. According to Mayo Clinic, latent autoimmune diabetes

(LADA) or Type 1.5 diabetes "is a type of diabetes that starts in adulthood and slowly gets worse over time" as it damages the cells in the pancreas. In June 2024, the actor shared that he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In an Instagram post, he opened up about wishing he had acted on it as soon as he found out he was prediabetic—when one has a "higher than normal blood sugar level" but "not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes yet," according to health website Mayo Clinic. At the time, he advised not to ignore any symptoms and shared the warning signs he experienced, which included excessive thirst and frequent urination.

Milby is set to appear in the upcoming Prime Video series The Alibi, starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino.

Kim Atienza slams netizen blaming him for daughter Emman’s death

by haNNah mallorca Inquirer.net

AMID his grief over the death of

his 19-year-old daughter Emman,

TV host Kim Atienza did not let pass a comment of a netizen who blamed him for her passing, calling the commenter an “evangelical bully.”

Atienza and his wife, Taiwanese educator and socialite Felicia Hung continued to mourn Emman’s death, as they expressed gratitude to God for the years that they spent with the teen influencer, who died at their Los Angeles home before the weekend. The Atienza couple announced Emman’s death on Friday.

Her death was widely reported in the U.S. media, at the same time putting to light mental health awareness, compassion and kindness especially on social media.

On Sunday, Oct. 26, Atienza again took to social media to share a clip of his youngest child recording a song.

“‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’ Thank you for the 19 years of my dearest little Emmansky Lord,” he captioned his post on TikTok.

In the comments, a certain @ joy said Atienza should not have said that God took Emman’s life

because it was them who “fell short as parents.” This prompted the “Dami Mong Alam, Kuya Kim!” host to call out the commenter for being an evangelical bully, saying his daughter was clinically depressed.

Meanwhile, Felicia shared photos from Emman’s past photo shoot to honor her memory.

“Bravest hearts build others — not break them. #choosekindness,” she wrote.

The couple received condoling messages from their followers and celebrity friends in the comments, including Iza Calzado, Geneva Cruz, Alex Gonzaga, Karla Estrada, Liz Uy, Vina Morales, Jugs

She

Claudine Barretto sparks dating rumors with Korina Sanchez’s

by Jessica aNN evaNgelista Philstar.com

CLAUDINE Barretto has stirred dating rumors after posting a sweet photo with Milano Sanchez, the younger brother of veteran broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, Barretto shared a photo on Instagram showing her standing and hugging Milano, who was seated and smiling while covering his face. The photo appeared to have been taken at an outdoor food court.

“Can you really wait??? No matter how long??? No one will break me? Swear?” read Barretto’s caption, followed by a lovestruck emoji. She also tagged Milano’s Instagram handle, @onalim_zehcnas. The post also featured Jose Mari Chan’s “Can We Just Stop and Talk a While.”

brother Milano

On his private Instagram account, Milano seemingly confirmed that he is courting Barretto after he re-posted their photo with the caption, “The courtship starts now. No matter how long it takes, I will wait. No one will ever break you again.”

Netizens quickly confirmed Milano’s connection to Korina as they posted photos of the siblings together.

The rumored romance comes shortly after Barretto made headlines over issues involving her former partner, Raymart Santiago, following abuse allegations made by her mother, Inday Barretto.

Santiago has since denied the accusations through a statement on his Instagram page.

As of writing, Claudine and Milano have yet to officially confirm the dating rumors.

Meanwhile, Claudine previously

Heart of survivance: Aloha ‘aina as resistance and renewal

Growing up in the diaspora, I often attempted to ground my identities in a locale that did not speak the same tongue as my ancestors, nor did it love in the same ways I do. Yet the realities of diaspora have always bound me to the places where love is and the spaces that have been able to hold these fragmented pieces of me. As a queer daughter of Filipino immigrants, the concept of home has always been where family is and the Philippines, but this idea became more complex as I began navigating each identity that I struggled to give a voice to or even attempted to silence. Somewhere along the way, California State University Northridge (CSUN) Asian American Studies (AAS) courses equipped me with the language and knowledge of how space and place are reference points to understand the intimacies of interconnectedness within the diaspora and collective responsibilities to nurture the land that holds us. However, underscoring how Pacific Islander (PI) narratives are decentralized within AAS because the frameworks lack a culturally critical lens that reinforces settler colonial logics of Native erasure is crucial. We must embody an alternative framework that would not only evoke community healing, but also Indigenous, land-based healing, which traditional “live, work, and play,” environmental justice frameworks have often fallen short of and have failed to create an intersectional approach that encompasses Native Hawaiian (Kānaka ʻŌiwi) issues. To live in a political and land-conscious way requires that, “relationality is centered and creates notions of responsibility between people (participants) and strives to create responsibilities to place” (Vaughn and Ambo 524). To live in relation with one another explicitly entails an axis of either uplifting or exploiting one another, and whichever one we consciously lean towards is up to us. In this paper, I strive to not only educate on the history of Hawai’i and introduce a praxis we can all embody, but convict you, the reader, to let love guide you to find the intimacies that lie between human connection and the lands that hold our stories. The ramifications of Hawai’i’s sovereign kingdom being overthrown by U.S. interests are deeply intertwined in contemporary environmental justice efforts, seen through challenging settler

colonist ideals, militarization, and economic exploitation. In response to environmental justice’s failure to address Kānaka ʻŌiwi issues, scholars and activists advocate for a shift towards restorative environmental justice that “takes into account the unique experiences of Indigenous Hawaiians” (MacKenzie et al., 37). To understand the depth of this shift, one must analyze the erasure of aloha ‘āina within settler colonialism, militaristic advancements, and scientific projects. Themes of exploration will address the dispossession and restoration of Kānaka ʻŌiwi means of self-determination, proposing culturally responsive remedies for healing and justice by recentering aloha ‘āina in society. Aloha ‘āina, often imperfectly translated as “love for the land” and, in a Western lens, matriotism (love for the motherland), is used at the center of the Kānaka resistance, but embodies a depth that extends beyond this interpretation. In the context of Indigenous rights and autonomy, aloha ‘āina serves as a praxis that “exults the land” through land-centered literacies (Silva 32). One must note that in Western practices, an individual or corporation can privatize land, while Kānaka ʻŌiwi respect ‘āina as communal. Additionally, within PI Studies specific to Hawai’i, Kānaka ʻŌiwi recognizes the ‘āina (land) and moana (ocean) in a genealogical respect in which ‘āina cannot be monopolized but is a teacher and relative. Understanding this framework further, the “survivance of stories, chants, genealogies, celestial and geographical mapping, practical instructions, and prayers” are constituted by the intimate connection and knowledge of the land cultivated through our actions—embodying aloha ‘āina (Goodyear-Ka’opua 36). To cultivate a deeper understanding, analyzing the implications of opposing aloha ‘āina is essential as this examination is integral to comprehending how to resist colonial ideologies that seek to erase and exploit Kānaka ʻŌiwi.

The Great Māhele of 1848 marked a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, laying the foundation for both settler colonialism and militarization of the islands. Intended to socioeconomically “advance” the basis of land ownership, it ultimately enabled the dominance, dispossession, and decimation of Kānaka ʻŌiwi. The majority of the land was sold to haole— facilitating the transition from matriotism to private ownership, propelling the creation of the

by A big A il l opez

U.S.-based corporations and military entitlement in Hawai’i. Agriculturally, this newfound authority led to the decline of lo’i kalo (wetland taro farms) over a span of 200 years from 98% to 0.2% in the early 21st century, eliminating Kānaka ʻŌiwi’s form of sustainable selfdetermination and forcing Hawai’i to be import dependent and undermining Kānaka resilience (Lai, To Steal a Kingdom: Hawai’i). This foreshadowed the future perception of Kānaka as “pupils in need of tutelage rather than as teachers and intellectual leaders” and “eternally childlike” (Goodyear-Ka’opua xiii-xiv). With these colonial hierarchies reinforced, militarization took precedence, leading to the bombing of Kaho’olawe in 1941 and continuing for over 50 years.

Kahoʻolawe highlights the tension between the island’s cultural significance and its historical desecration through militarization, justifying the means of exploitation by its physical characteristics, making it ideal for arms operations (Ho). Prior to its subjugation, Kaho’olawe was a sacred island that nurtured Kānaka ʻŌiwi “celestial navigation, bountiful fishing grounds, and a spot where native priests carried out cultural and religious rites” (Graff). Part of cultivating a familial relationship with the ‘āina entails respecting the life that derives from the ‘āina and moana, which allows for an understanding that all living forms, including Kānaka, are composed of organic material and part of a relationship that is reciprocal. Unfortunately, this was not respected by the U.S. military and resulted in the degradation of sacred land, surpassing the usable traditional frameworks of environmental justice. Kaho’olawe is now uninhabitable due to the lack of nutrient-rich resources, while posing a health hazard with the presence of depleted uranium and its chemical makeup that can damage kidneys. Consequently, neighboring Kānaka are disproportionately exposed to toxins that are not prevalent, or even accessible, in most areas of the world (Murry et al.). In response to all these compounding issues, Protect Kahoʻolawe ‘Ohana (PKO) was created in 1976 to advocate for the protection and restoration of Kaho’olawe by Kānaka ʻŌiwi and supporters to halt further militarization.

To highlight an individual within the collective movement, wahine koa (courageous woman), Moanikeʻala Akaka, was one of the founders of PKO and has been “integral to movements for

Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) political and cultural sovereignty” (Warren). As a notable organizing starting point, Akaka along with 31 activists were arrested after protesting the eviction of Kalama Valley residents in 1971, because Bishop Estate, the largest private property owner in Hawai’i, announced their plans of expanding their business ventures on that land. Additionally, in 1978, Akaka was one of many activists sitting on a Hilo Airport runway in protest of the Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands (DHHL) using ceded lands for decades without benefiting or providing homes for Kānaka (Kokua Hawaii Oral History). These efforts, along with her twelve-year tenure as a trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, were true embodiments of aloha ʻāina and dedication to Kanaka sovereignty—who are still actively in the avid fight for their livelihood in every social, economic, and political sphere. Following Akaka’s legacy, PKO now works toward healing of Kaho’olawe to revitalize its condition to host cultural practices and learning once again for Kānaka, allowing for the resurgence of land-centered literacies of ecological knowledge and agricultural practices. Contemporary movements in Hawai‘i frequently address the commodification of land, critically examining how scientific advancements contribute to the ongoing exploitation and transformation of ‘āina. The ethics of scientific research often come into question especially when agendas leave marginalized communities vulnerable and exploited—inherently supporting racist, colonist ideologies under the guise of “progress.” The development of projects like the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) that was proposed in 2014 on Maunakea exemplifies this ethical issue, as it threatens to disrupt not only the environment, such as the destruction of aquifers, but the sacred value it serves “to connect Native Hawaiians to the cosmos” (Fagan). The proposed placement of the TMT is directly above Hawai’i’s aquifer and if the project’s wastewater were to contaminate the aquifer, it would impact the primary water source of Kānaka ʻŌiwi that live on the other side of the island. In this event, it would strip Kānaka ʻŌiwi means of self-determination through their resources, potentially creating a domino effect of risking the destruction of crop sustainability. This public health hazard supports the traditional frameworks of environmental justice, but is still not a perceived,

valued component to supporters of whether the construction should continue (Grange et al.). These justifications entirely overlook Kānaka ʻŌiwi values and livelihoods, reinforcing a colonial capitalist mindset of entitlement and Western privatization. This has led to the emergence of a movement to protect Maunakea, formed by Kānaka ʻŌiwi and allies, dedicated to protecting the land from exploitation. Recognizing that two educational systems— University of Hawai’i and University of California—support the construction is also crucial. The irony persists as these institutions that encourage the pursuit and questioning of knowledge are funding the active exploitation of sacred lands and the marginalized communities that they supposedly “support.”

In confronting enduring legacies of settler colonialism and militarization, one must center aloha ʻāina as a foundational principle in the fight for Hawaiian sovereignty, because it sustains an Indigenous presence and fuels resistance towards settler colonial frameworks that have benefited from Native erasure (Vaughn and Ambo 524). Working towards cultural competency and standing in solidarity with marginalized communities can start with engaging in curiosity and empathy before judgment. Though learning about history from a non-Eurocentric lens is important, inviting vulnerability in exploring one’s intimacies to their genealogies, especially if you are part of the diaspora, is equally vital. This intentional process of connecting the dots of intimacy to myself, community, and the world around me was how I got to my current topic in the first place.

As I have grown up in the San Fernando Valley, CA my whole life, issues beyond the mainland and Philippines never stuck with me until I began engaging in spaces where conversations of solidarity— that emphasize all of our struggles are interconnected—were the central point of humanizing our lived experiences. Along the line, I realized that I could find home in the diaspora in places that have allowed me to carve out these spaces of compassion, while simultaneously using them as resting sites, conducive to personal and social movement. With the practice of emotional attunement for recognizing where your feelings align in injustice, these are all the first steps to cultivating spaces for open conversations and authentic connection—all of which are components to activism. Activism is often misunderstood as a black-and-white dichotomy of either being wholly invested in a cause or not doing anything at all. In reality, there are layers of organization and a multifaceted framework that consists of individuals resisting oppression through various embodiments such as educating, writing, and radical care. Advocating for new environmental justice frameworks that

Modernizing the State’s Unemployment Program:

Helping EDD Pay Customers Faster and Accurately

SACRAMENTO

— adding a Weekly Wage Reporting Tool to assist unemployment customers to accurately report any earnings they may receive while collecting benefits. The tool combines implementing a wage calculator along with helpful instructions to carefully explain the types of income to report.

Listening to unemployment customers, EDD learned that the wage reporting requirements can be confusing given the vast variety of earnings they may have to report, the differences between when wages are earned and when the individual is actually paid, and between gross wages (earned before any deductions) and net wages.

“Our new Wage Tool is another example of how we’re prioritizing customer-centered improvements. Reporting wages accurately helps Californians get paid faster and minimizes follow-up work from our staff so they can spend more time helping customers where it matters most.”

• EDD Director Nancy Farias

How to Use the Unemployment Weekly Wage Reporting Tool Video

The unemployment program can be complex. It requires that individuals receiving benefits certify, or answer basic questions every two weeks to tell the EDD that they are still unemployed and remain eligible to continue receiving benefit payments. These questions include letting EDD know if the person receiving benefits was working or earning any wages while receiving payments – which could impact the amount of their benefit payment.

Wages must be reported to the EDD the week they are earned, even if they haven’t been paid yet. Unemployment customers who don’t report wages, or inaccurate-

ly report their income, may receive an overpayment – benefits they will have to pay back later. There are many different types of income that workers could receive with the variety of industries in California, including entertainment which has unique income types that are sometimes difficult for unemployment customers to identify and track accurately.

The tool’s wage calculator includes helpful instructions and drop-down menus to assist customers to better understand the types of income to report. Customers are prompted to enter information about their employer, the number of hours worked, and all related wages or income.

Visit Reporting Work and Wages FAQs for more information, including how wages earned impact the weekly benefit amount.

This new wage reporting tool will be followed by more online enhancements to the bi-weekly certification questions in 2026. At that time, EDD will be updating myEDD, making those questions all easier to understand and simpler to complete accurately. EDD is continuing to modernize and transform the customer and employee experience.

EDD’s Modernization Progress So Far…

• Improved the myEDD identity-verification experience for unemployment customers by

expanding the tools, information sources, and algorithms EDD uses to verify identities. EDD is piloting innovative tools from Socure that significantly improve the user experience without the need to upload documents. For those customers that do not pass the automated check, they are referred to ID.me for additional documentation.

• Launched the first phase of a new Document Management System (DMS). In phase one, mailed unemployment forms are processed faster, driving cost savings, and accelerating benefit payments. The new DMS will support more than 10 million EDD documents each year.

• Upgraded the EDD virtual assistant (chatbot) to provide claim status and payment information 24/7 for disability and Paid Family Leave claims – further strengthening the self-service features many customers desire. In just the first day alone, nearly 10,000 customers selected the new option to get claim specific updates. Similar features for unemployment customers are up next.

• Improved EDD’s virtual assistant so it’s now available 24/7 in California’s top eight languages. A pilot project for unemployment customers to chat with a live agent through the chatbot in their preferred language is underway.

PHILCONGEN LA supports golf tournament for a cause

THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles supported the community non-profit group Love To Serve, Inc. in organizing the 2025 ConGen Cup Invitational Golf Tournament, a fundraising event held on 06 October 2025 at the Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park, California.

The tournament drew nearly 200 golfers from across the Filipino-American community, with Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz leading the ceremonial tee-off. In his remarks, Consul General Cruz highlighted the event’s greater goal, which is to support charitable causes that create a lasting impact beyond the sport.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the following organizations:

• ASEAN Women’s Circle of Los Angeles, a socio-cultural organization that fostersfriendship and unity among ASEAN nations;

• Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES), which provides care and support for senior citizens and other vulnerable groups;

• Basilica Minore de San Pedro Bautista, a minor basilica and parish church in Quezon City, Philippines; and

• Modernized disability contact centers so Californians can check their disability or Paid Family Leave claim status 24/7 without talking to an agent. Today, more than 80 percent of customers each week report a positive experience talking with a representative and more than 831,000 customers have used a new self-serve option to get claim updates without waiting to talk to an agent.

• Streamlined the online disability benefits application with simpler questions and instructions for a faster and better customer experience. So far, about 80 percent of customers say they are satisfied with the enhanced

Post-tournament evening reception.

• Love To Serve, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making technology more accessible, including through the refurbishment and donation of IT equipment to deserving recipients.

Following the tournament, participants and guests gathered for an evening reception featuring award presentations, live musical entertainment, raffle prizes, and dancing. The celebration honored the day’s top performers while showcasing the generosity and unity of the Filipino-American community in Southern California.

experience, telling us it was “easy and fast to apply.”

• Made the online unemployment application shorter and easier to use. It now has fewer questions, less confusing language, and clearer instructions.

• Enhanced online eligibility questionnaires to help more than 267,000 unemployment customers resolve their eligibility issues faster and move forward with their claims. These online questionnaires are now available for all eligibility issues, avoiding the need to schedule a telephone interview.

• Now offer unemployment applications in top eight languages:

Armenian, Simplified

and Vietnamese through myEDD, in addition to English and Spanish.

• Expanded EDD’s Voice of the Customer program to gather customer feedback and keep delivering EDDNext improvements that customers want.

• Launched myEDD, a safer and easier way to sign in to all benefit programs.

• Added direct deposit so benefit customers can get their payments faster and in a way that works best for them. Customers can also choose a debit card or mailed checks.

Lokalpinoysila Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Three decades after its first event

shook a community hall on Temple Street in what is now Historic Filipinotown, Lokalpinoysila roared back to life for its 30th-anniversary celebration at Kusina Filipina in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, on October 24 and 25. What began in the mid1990s as a DIY gathering of Filipino American musicians has become a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and kinship of a scene that refuses to fade quietly into nostalgia.

The energy in the air was the same one that sparked a generation of dreamers who once photocopied flyers, hauled their own speakers, and played for the love of music and belonging.

For Le-van De Guzman, the founder and quiet architect behind Lokalpinoysila, this milestone is both surreal and deeply personal.

In the early days, he and his friends formed bands like A-1 (later Milk!), Sisa’s Veil, and Angkan ng Ipugaw—artists yearning for a space that reflected their voice as Fil-Am creatives in Los Angeles.

“At the time, I wanted it to sound like Lollapalooza,” Le-van recalls.

“But more importantly, I wanted to give the scene its own identity. So we called it Lokalpinoy. It sounded cooler than just saying ‘FilipinoAmerican music scene’—that felt baduy,” he laughs.

The first Lokalpinoysila show in 1995 at FACLA on Temple Street was pure grit and community.

“Everything was DIY,” he says. “We designed the flyers, provided the P.A., even sold our own sandwiches and sodas. Around 150 people showed up and there was a mosh pit—I remember thinking, this is cool, parang Club Dredd lang sa Pinas.”

That night marked the beginning of something bigger than anyone realized—a homegrown movement uniting Filipino musicians who didn’t fit into mainstream pop circles but carried stories worth amplifying.

Fast-forward to 2025, and that same fire burned bright at Kusina Filipina. The two-night lineup featured a cross-generational mix: Something Came Up, Acid Rain, New Day in August, Zipcode, and Calratz opened the first night with a punch of pop-punk, grunge, and alternative nostalgia. Day Two spotlighted

Swimming Pools and Movie Stars, Mayday, Armstalk, Fights Without Loss, and Count2Ten—capped by a highly anticipated reunion performance from Sisa’s Veil, the band that helped start it all, still drenched in their signature new wave sound. The restaurant-turnedrock haven became both a time capsule and a bridge, where veterans shared the stage with newcomers who grew up idolizing them.

For drummer Michael Abad, who has been part of Lokalpinoysila since the early days through bands like Sisa’s Veil and New Day in August, the night was more than a gig—it was a homecoming. “It builds a sense of community,” he says. “It’s an avenue for local artists to congregate and showcase their talents. It’s a perfect example of people from different backgrounds and musical tastes finding common ground.” Abad admits the local scene has changed—venues are fewer and opportunities scarcer—but he sees hope in how the old and new bands share the same stage. “It was good to see a combination of OG bands and newcomers. We need the newcomers to carry the torch of Fil-Am music in Los Angeles.”

When asked how Filipino musicians can reach wider audiences, Abad doesn’t hesitate. “We should showcase our talents more in nonPinoy venues. The music is there— we just need to branch out.” His work with projects like No Sisig, No Rakenrol (with Zosimo Quibilan and Allan Santa Cruz) and Indie in the Valley (with Monty Rili) are steps toward that goal. “We have to push more original music, not just covers. Filipinos are natural storytellers, but we need to make our stories universal—longing, family, struggle, hope. The world responds to honesty and authenticity.” He also emphasizes professionalism

and community: “We need to build a stronger creative network. Look at Britpop or the Seattle grunge movement—it wasn’t one artist; it was a scene. Filipino musicians have that raw talent and camaraderie. We just need to be louder and more cohesive.”

That sense of unity was palpable across both nights. Jojo Zipagan, lead singer of Zipcode, captured the spirit succinctly: “Lokalpinoysila serves as a link to unite the local music scene and the Filipino community together.”

For him, every band—from rock to hardcore—shares a single goal: “To give and entertain the Filipino community. Music is a universal language.” Looking ahead, Zipagan dreams of seeing more Filipino music scenes sprouting not just in L.A. but across America—and one day breaking into the mainstream. “Someone to represent the Filipino music scene and be heard throughout the world,” he says. His band plans to release two more albums while continuing to play shows that bridge generations of listeners.

Meanwhile, Richard Del Rosario, frontman of New Day in August, reflected on the night’s deeper emotional pull. “It’s nice to play old songs that we created back then. The nostalgia, the camaraderie—it reminds us of when everything was just starting in the eksena. I hope our set inspired younger bands the way we were inspired back then.”

For Le-van, Lokalpinoysila has always been about giving space to the underground, independent, and unknown. “Anything that falls under alternative, hip-hop, electronic, or loud music—basta no mainstream karaoke pop stuff,” he says with a grin. “Nothing against it, but they already have their own scene.” Over the years, he’s seen

UBOS Presents “Your Taxes Just Changed” Business Seminar in Santa Clarita

Discover How to Navigate the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) with Top Tax Strategist Edward A. Lyon, JD

3.Make

countless bands and promoters come and go—from Red Garage and Ellenwood Productions to Cali Vibes Records and the Tambaycore crew—but the thread of passion remains the same. “We’ve always been the number one supporters of the Lokalpinoy scene. We feature local bands as openers for touring big-name acts.”

Still, he remains realistic. “If lokal bands break out, good. If not, oh well,” he shrugs with a smile. “But I wish more Fil-Am fans would support and appreciate these bands. Like, a Parokya ni Edgar show will be sold out, and the crowd will enjoy watching the local opener like Zipcode—but that’s it. You won’t see them again at a smaller gig. Supporters of the scene are usually friends, families, other bands, and a few others.”

Yet for all its grit and modesty, Lokalpinoysila continues to hold meaning far beyond the noise. It stands as living proof that a community—when united by creativity and love of craft—can shape its own cultural identity. It’s the same heartbeat that pulsed through that first FACLA gig in ’95, now echoing through Eagle Rock’s Kusina Filipina thirty years later. And maybe that’s the point. Lokalpinoysila doesn’t chase fame or formulas. It thrives on shared stories, sweat, and sound. It’s about giving Filipino American artists a place to belong, experiment, and be heard— loudly, proudly, and on their own terms. As the amps cooled and the last chords of Sisa’s Veil faded into applause, you could feel the circle complete itself—past and present, elders and newcomers, all bound by one thing: love of music and love of community.

Thirty years later, Lokalpinoysila remains what it has always been— pure, raw, and profoundly ours.

SANTA CLARITA, CA — United Business Owners Solutions (UBOS) invites Santa Clarita professionals and business owners to an exclusive seminar, “Your Taxes Just Changed – Don’t Miss Out!”, happening on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM PST at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, CA 91355. The event will unpack the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and its impact on business owners, doctors, and high-income professionals. With major tax changes on the horizon, this session aims to equip attendees with the strategies needed to keep more of their income and take advantage of new tax-saving opportunities.

Leading the seminar is Edward A. Lyon, JD, one of the nation’s most widely-read tax strategists. With nearly three decades of experience, Lyon has dedicated his career to helping business owners and professionals legally reduce their taxes. As the Chief Tax Strategist at UBOS and a frequent guest on Fox News, CNBC, and CNN, he brings unmatched insight into how new legislation affects real-world finances.

Top 4 Benefits of Attending

1.Slash Your Tax Liability by More Than 50% — Learn proven strategies to keep more of your money.

2.Unlock Hidden Tax Credits — Doctors and business owners with employees may qualify for credits they didn’t know existed.

Tagalog

Transfer,

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — To strengthen engagement with California’s Filipino community, the California Community Colleges ICanGoToCollege.com (I Can) awareness and outreach campaign has officially launched its full website in Tagalog. The expansion of language offerings aims to better support students and encourage prospective student enrollment, reflecting the California Community Colleges commitment to openness and access.

The new language option provides current and prospective students and their families with a onestop-shop for important in-language information, including the availability of career education programs, guaranteed transfer to four-year universities, bachelor’s degree programs, financial aid, and support services for food, housing, childcare, mental health, and much more. The website also offers information on dual enrollment, a program that provides high school and adult students with the opportunity to take college courses to earn credit toward their high school diploma, or GED, and their college degree at the same time. To access the Tagalog option, visitors can use the dropdown menu in the top left-hand side of the I Can homepage.

“As a proud member of the Filipina/o/x community, I’m both proud and inspired by the California Community Colleges’ vision, which begins and ends with equity and access. Launching this new website in Tagalog is one more way we’re opening doors, so all Californians have the opportunity to engage fully with our colleges and participate. This intentional step aligns with Vision 2030, our strategic plan, to remove barriers to education and unlock opportunities,” said California Community Colleges Deputy Chancellor Rowena Tomaneng. California is currently home to more than 7.3 million Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPHIs)—and that number is on the rise. Within California’s AANHPI community, Filipinos are the second largest group, and Tagalog is one of the most commonly spoken languages, making it important to support this populous community in a culturally responsive way.

Community college is an affordable and accessible way for Californians to attain a high-quality higher education. Studies show that the average community college graduate with an associate degree will see an increase in earnings of $11,300 annually, or roughly $486,00 of a working lifetime when compared to a person with only a high school diploma or equivalent. And many California community college graduates continue their higher education journey and transfer to a four-year university. In fact, 29% of University of California graduates and 51% of California State University

graduates started at a California community college.

Best of all, for many California students, community college can be completed at no cost, providing a solid foundation that can support them wherever they want to go—whether that be a fouryear college or university, into a new career via career education, technical training for career advancement or more. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office appreciates and celebrates the diversity and contributions of the multicultural communities that make up our great state. It remains committed to ensuring students from all backgrounds are supported to reach their goals, enabling them to improve their lives, and the lives of those around them. Providing culturally responsive resources like the Tagalog I Can website helps achieve this vision and ensures students have equitable access to higher education. With the addition of Tagalog, I Can now provides six language offerings including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and English. Learn more about California community colleges and explore the new Tagalog-language website by visiting ICanGoToCollege.com and clicking the tab at the top left.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to serve our students, our communities, and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

9 restaurants earn stars at the Michelin Guide Philippines’ inaugural ceremony

Helm by Josh Boutwood earns two stars, 8 Manila restaurants each get one

by Eric NicolE Salta Inquirer.net

THE Michelin Guide has finally arrived in the Philippines and has unveiled the list of restaurants that have earned stars as well as the establishments recognized with Bib Gourmands in the inaugural ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

“What we discovered was nothing short of extraordinary,” says Gwendal Poullenec, international director of the Michelin Guides.

“What sets the Philippines apart is the new generation of chefs. Many are under 30 year olds,” he adds. “Tonight we celebrate the passionate chefs and teams whose talents have placed the Philippines on the global culinary map.”

Josh Boutwood emerged as the big winner, celebrating a twostar recognition for Helm that elicited loud cheers and applause from the crowd of chefs and restaurateurs.

It was also a big night for Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inato, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, Toyo Eatery, who all earned a star each.

The beauty of this recognition from Michelin is that it recognizes every corner of the landscape,” says Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. “This achievement belongs to all.” Meanwhile, restaurants received Bib Gourmand recogni-

tion (for high-quality food at affordable prices).  No restaurant outside Manila earned a Michelin star. Special awards were also given to Don Baldosano (Young

Chef Award), Erin Recto (Service Award), and Benjamin Leal (Exceptional Cocktails Award). A total of 74 Michelin Guide Selected restaurants were also listed. n

‘PINOY NA KRISMAS’ FEATURES JOSE MARI CHAN LIVE AT PECHANGA THEATER NOV

23

TEMECULA, California —

Multi-awarded Filipino balladeer and renowned composer Jose Mari Chan with ‘The Company’ will highlight the opening salvo of “Pinoy Na Krismas’ for the never-ending long celebration of Christmas at Pechanga Theater on Sunday, November 23 at 2:30pm and at 7:30pm, in a same day two-concert series.

Pechanga Resort Casino, conveniently located off Highway I-15 in Temecula Valley, Southern California wine county, is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience especially, to Filipino American patrons.

Experience like no other, catch the legendary voice of Philippine Christmas performing live— Jose Mari Chan, best known for the signature song ‘Christmas in Our Hearts’, —the biggest selling Filipino Christmas song in history along with the hits he made famous: ‘A Perfect Christmas,’ ‘Beautiful Girl’, and ‘Please Be Careful with My Heart.’

Dubbed as ‘The King of Philippine Christmas Carols,’ Chan has sold two million albums and has garnered 37 platinum records to his credit, becoming one of the best-selling Filipino recording artists of all time.

Chan has been frequent subject of internet memes during the Christmas holidays in the country which traditionally starts in September.

Along with Chan are the famed acapella pop group, ‘The Company,’ who will also render live performances. This live concert is part of the group’s US-Canada Concert Tour 2025.

Asia’s Premier Vocal Group - The Company - Ortiz, Annie Quintos, OJ Mariano, and Sweet Plantado— made popular several hit songs like ‘Everlasting Love,’ ‘Muntik Na Kitang Mahalin,’ and ‘Now That I Have You.’

Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime! Secure your tickets at the Pechanga Box Office, by calling 888-810-8871 or online at www.Pechanga.com.

Shows in the Pechanga Theater at Pechanga Resort Casino offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats, each show features stateof-the-art, acoustically perfected sound, plus comfortable chairs, and an up-close view from every theater seat.

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 un-

paralleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 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.