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DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 Volume 19 - No.50 • 16 Pages
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President Marcos urges priority action on DATELINE USA anti-dynasty, party-list and transparency bills FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Two bills in US Congress reignite scrutiny over dual citizenship
Two separate bills introduced in the U.S. House and Senate are reigniting national debate over dual citizenship, underscoring sharply divergent views on how the United States should treat individuals with allegiance to more than one nation HOUSE bill seeks census data on dual citizens The first measure, H.R. 6486, was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 5 by Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Arizona). The bill directs the U.S. Census Bureau to collect information on dual citizenship status as part of the decennial census. According to the bill text, the goal is to gain a clearer statistical understanding of how many U.S. residents hold citizenship
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by AJPress MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed Congress to fast-track four major political reform measures, marking his administration’s strongest push to date to overhaul systems governing accountability, representation and
fiscal transparency. The directive was issued during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, according to Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro. Marcos asked both chambers to prioritize the An-
ti-dynasty bill, the Independent People’s Commission Act, the Party-list System Reform Act and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act. Present at the meeting were Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Faus-
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Sandiganbayan rules Zaldy Co is a fugitive DFA moves to cancel passport by AJPress
YOUTH VS. CORRUPTION. Youth sector representatives join anti-corruption groups during a protest rally marking International Human Rights Day at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Wednesday (Dec. 10, 2025). The demonstrators called for greater transparency and accountability from government officials, emphasizing the need for reforms to ensure that public funds are used effectively and ethically. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has ruled that resigned Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co is a “fugitive from justice”, issuing an order for the cancellation of his Philippine passport as part of ongoing efforts to enforce an arrest warrant tied to corruption charges involving a flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. The ruling, released through a resolution posted on the court’s official website, directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to revoke Co’s passport to restrict his ability to travel while the cases proceed. The res-
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Bong Revilla submits counterDOJ claims sufficient evidence Contractor Sarah Discaya affidavit as DOJ expands review to charge Atong Ang surrenders to NBI ahead of Bulacan flood-control cases Prosecutors claim there is prima facie evidence to of expected arrest warrant by AJPress
Former Senator Bong Revilla Photo from Facebook/@bongrevillajrph
FORMER Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ), formally responding to allegations linking his office to flood-control projects under government scrutiny. The submission, made on December 10, advances the DOJ’s preliminary investigation into a set of complaints involving public works in Bulacan. Revilla appeared through
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pursue kidnapping and homicide charges in the missing sabungeros case while clearing several individuals, including actress Gretchen Barretto, and signaling potential reinvestigation of a related Manila case by AJPress
MANILA — The Department of Justice claims it has sufficient prima facie evidence to pursue criminal charges against gaming businessman Charlie Tiu Hay Ang, also known as “Atong” Ang, and more than twenty other respondents in connection with the
disappearance of multiple “sabungeros,” or cockfight enthusiasts, a set of cases that has drawn nationwide attention since 2021. In its announcement, the DOJ asserted that prosecutors found prima facie evidence with what it described as “reasonable certainty of conviction” for ten counts
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by AJPress
CEZARAH Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, a contractor accused in an alleged 96.5 million peso ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental, appeared at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday, December 9. Her lawyer, Cornelio Samaniego III, said she surrendered voluntarily as authorities prepare to serve an arrest warrant expected later this week after earlier remarks from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Samaniego added that Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando, an executive linked to one of
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DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
From the Front Page DOJ claims sufficient evidence to charge...
PAGE 1 of kidnapping with homicide and sixteen counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention. Officials stressed that these findings relate only to probable cause and do not establish guilt. All respondents remain presumed innocent. The department noted that its full resolution is not yet public as respondents are expected to file motions for reconsideration, which may temporarily delay the filing of charges in court. Basis for the charges According to the DOJ, a panel of prosecutors reviewed consolidated complaints from families and law enforcement agencies. The panel claims that the evidence includes affidavits, witness accounts and investigative findings from multiple jurisdictions. A number of the individuals identified are current or former police personnel, as well as civilians allegedly linked to security operations in the online cockfighting industry. Each recommended count corresponds to a specific victim whose disappearance was documented in the complaints. The DOJ emphasized that its mandate at this stage is limited to determining probable cause, and that courts will decide whether the evidence ultimately meets the standard
for conviction. The wider ‘missing sabungeros’ investigation At least thirty-four individuals were reported missing between 2021 and early 2022 across Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Manila and nearby areas. Many disappeared after attending cockfights or performing work related to online sabong before the industry was suspended. Public attention intensified in 2025 when witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan submitted sworn statements alleging that some victims were abducted and killed due to disputes tied to e-sabong operations. His testimony also implicated Ang, allegations the DOJ included in its evaluation but said must be tested in court. Two of Patidongan’s brothers have since been accepted as state witnesses in a related branch of the investigation. Separate accounts raised earlier in the controversy suggested that some victims may have been killed and dumped in Taal Lake, though these claims remain unverified and continue to be evaluated by investigators. Ang’s response and claims of extortion Ang has repeatedly denied involvement and claims Patidongan attempted to extort
money from him. His lawyers have argued that the statements linking him to the disappearances are fabricated and that the evidence cited by prosecutors is unreliable. Complaints against other individuals dismissed The DOJ also dismissed complaints against several personalities, including actress Gretchen Barretto, due to lack of evidence. The dismissal was issued without prejudice, meaning it may be revisited only if new evidence emerges. The legal process that follows the DOJ findings The DOJ is preparing to file the corresponding criminal informations before regional trial courts. Judges will independently determine whether warrants of arrest should be issued. Once raffled, courts will assess the credibility of witnesses, evaluate forensic and documentary evidence and hear counterarguments from the respondents. Families of the missing sabungeros welcomed the development but continue to seek clarity on the fate of their relatives. The case now enters a new stage in one of the country’s most closely watched investigations involving civilians, police officers and the former online cockfighting industry. n
Bong Revilla submits counter-affidavit as... PAGE 1 counsel and denied involvement in procurement or implementation decisions. His legal team said his filing includes documentary responses addressing each allegation raised in the complaint. The DOJ acknowledged receipt and said the review process remains ongoing. Scope of the investigation The complaints naming Revilla arise from alleged irregular or “ghost” flood-control projects in Bulacan. According to the DOJ, he and former Ako Bicol representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co are among several respondents in cases involving contracts awarded to private firms, including SYMS Construction and Trading. These cases were referred by oversight bodies that questioned project documentation, physical implementation and procurement compliance. The volume of respondents and supporting records has added to the scale of the DOJ’s review. Prosecutors are as-
sessing filings submitted by all parties before determining whether clarificatory hearings are needed. Revilla’s position Revilla’s legal team maintains that the senator did not interfere in the bidding, selection or execution of any flood-control project. They argue that once appropriations are passed, implementation rests with national agencies or local governments, not lawmakers. In public statements, Revilla said he welcomed the opportunity to clarify the facts and reiterated that he would continue to cooperate with investigators. His spokesperson said the senator believes the evidence he submitted will address the issues raised in the complaint. Developments across related cases Parallel inquiries into other flood-control projects continue across multiple agencies. The Office of the Ombudsman announced this week that it is preparing resolutions in cases
involving two unnamed senior figures but did not identify the individuals or the specific projects involved. At the DOJ, prosecutors confirmed they are evaluating whether additional allegations, including possible malversation or plunder, may be applicable to some Bulacan complaints. Officials emphasized that these assessments form part of standard investigative procedure and have not resulted in new charges. All individuals named in the flood-control complaints are presumed innocent under Philippine law. The filing of a counter-affidavit is a routine step in the DOJ’s preliminary investigation and does not indicate guilt or wrongdoing. Prosecutors must determine whether evidence establishes probable cause before any case may proceed to court. The DOJ has not provided a timeline for resolution, citing the breadth of evidence and number of respondents involved. n
AFFORDABLE RICE. Members of the vulnerable sectors queue up to purchase the PHP20-per-kg. rice at the Bureau of Animal and Industry (BAI) Kadiwa Store in Quezon City on Thursday (Dec. 11, 2025). The Department of Agriculture said the lowpriced rice program is now being implemented in all 82 provinces nationwide. PNA photo by Ben Briones
President Marcos urges priority action... PAGE 1 tino Dy III, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and other senior congressional leaders. The measures central to the administration’s reform push The Anti-dynasty bill seeks to operationalize the Constitution’s mandate for Congress to regulate political dynasties. Nearly four decades after ratification of the 1987 Charter, no implementing law has passed. Pending versions filed in both chambers propose restrictions preventing close relatives from simultaneously holding or successively occupying elective posts within the same jurisdiction. The Independent People’s Commission Act would institutionalize a permanent oversight body to succeed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, created in 2024 to examine irregularities in flood-control and other public works. Lawmakers backing the measure say a statutory commission is needed to provide investigative continuity and a clear legal mandate once the ICI completes its temporary term. The Party-list System Reform Act aims to tighten the rules governing sectoral representation. Reform advocates and legislative researchers have raised concerns that some party-list seats are held by groups not traditionally identified as
marginalized. Proposals seek clearer definitions of qualified sectors and stricter accreditation mechanisms. The CADENA Act intends to standardize transparency requirements across national agencies, obligating the publication of expenditure records, procurement documents and budget execution reports. Supporters say the measure would institutionalize long-needed consistency in public financial disclosure. What is driving the renewed emphasis on reform Castro said the President instructed Congress “to take a closer look at the four bills and prioritize their passage as soon as possible.” She noted that evolving political conditions and growing concerns about abuses of power strengthened the administration’s view that longstanding governance gaps must be addressed. Castro clarified that although the measures are priorities, the President cannot certify the anti-dynasty bill as urgent because constitutional rules allow such certification only during emergencies or calamities. The Palace instead expects regular legislative processing. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto welcomed the reform directive while calling for broad consultations with political groups, civil society and local sectors. Kalookan Bishop and former CBCP president Pablo Virgilio David described the move as
“never too late” and said Congress now carries responsibility for advancing the reforms. Where the proposals stand in Congress The measures remain at various early stages. Anti-dynasty proposals are pending in committee in both the House and Senate. Drafts of the Independent People’s Commission Act and the Party-list System Reform Act await consolidation for committee discussions. The CADENA Act is scheduled for technical review ahead of formal hearings. The LEDAC meeting also finalized timelines for passing the 2026 General Appropriations Bill and preparing the enrolled budget for presidential signature. Where political realities may determine the fate of reform Each proposal must undergo committee hearings, amendments and plenary votes in both chambers before reaching a bicameral conference. Only a reconciled version can be transmitted to Malacañang. While the administration’s directive places the four bills firmly on the legislative agenda, their future ultimately depends on how Congress navigates entrenched political interests, longstanding structural incentives and the complex coalition-building required for reforms that touch core power arrangements. n
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Dateline USA
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Working while collecting Social Security: The “slow fade” more Americans choose More Americans now work while collecting Social Security, creating a phased retirement shaped by rising costs, longer life spans, and multigenerational responsibilities by AJPress
Commercial aircraft prepare for departure at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reflecting continued demand and the need for expanded aviation infrastructure. Photo courtesy of San Miguel Corporation.
The Philippines rebuilds its gateways : A nationwide push to modernize air travel A look at how the Philippines is modernizing its major international airports, the companies and agencies behind the reforms, and what the changes mean for travelers nationwide by AJPress
MANILA — Across the Philippines, a far reaching overhaul of the nation’s international airports is underway, reshaping how millions of travelers enter, exit, and move within the archipelago. The transformation spans Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and represents one of the most ambitious aviation modernization campaigns in the country’s history. The effort responds to the realities of a nation that depends heavily on air travel for tourism, overseas Filipino worker mobility, business logistics, and domestic movement. For years, many airports faced congestion, outdated facilities, and limited capacity. Today, a combination of public reform and private investment is driving significant change across the aviation system. Eight major gateways form the backbone of the country’s international air network: Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu, Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao, Iloilo International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan, Kalibo International Airport in Aklan, and Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte. Each one is undergoing upgrades intended to improve access, safety, and overall passenger
experience. NAIA enters a new era under private consortium management For the first time, the country’s main airport is no longer operated solely by government. In September 2024, the management of Ninoy Aquino International Airport was formally turned over to the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation, a private consortium led by San Miguel Corporation. Under this agreement, the consortium is responsible for running the airport day to day and taking care of its facilities. This includes passenger processing, terminal management, security operations, baggage systems, the upkeep of buildings, and the maintenance of runways and equipment. Oversight remains with the Manila International Airport Authority, or MIAA, the government agency that supervises and regulates NAIA. MIAA ensures the airport complies with national safety rules, service standards, and regulatory requirements even as daily operations are carried out by the private operator. Modernization efforts include reorganizing terminal layouts, updating check in and boarding systems, improving passenger flow, and enhancing airside procedures. These initiatives aim to reduce long standing congestion and prepare NAIA for long term growth in both domestic and
international travel. Clark rises as a modern and increasingly preferred gateway North of Manila, Clark International Airport has rapidly evolved into one of the Philippines most efficient international gateways. The airport is operated by the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation, known as LIPAD, a consortium composed of Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, and Changi Airports Philippines. The consortium brings together leading Philippine conglomerates and one of the world’s most respected airport operators. LIPAD manages Clark’s daily operations and maintenance, ensuring that terminal services, systems, and facilities function smoothly. Clark’s newest terminal, designed for efficient passenger processing, is widely noted for its spacious interior, modern amenities, and streamlined layout. The airport’s location along major expressways also offers quicker and more predictable travel times compared to the heavily congested routes leading to Manila. Connectivity has improved with expanded point to point bus routes from Cubao and Trinoma operated by Genesis Transport. Cebu strengthens its hub status in the central Philippines
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THE changing architecture of retirement More Americans now collect Social Security while continuing to work, creating a phased transition instead of a fixed retirement date. Research from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows that about 40 percent of beneficiaries work at some point after they claim benefits. Rising longevity, higher living costs, and shifting expectations about retirement contribute to this trend. It is also common among Filipino American households, where older adults often support multigenerational families in the United States and abroad. A growing workforce of older Americans Government labor data confirms this shift. The Bureau of Labor Statistics re-
ports that in 2024, 19.5 percent of adults 65 and older stayed in the labor force. Among seniors who worked, 38.3 percent held part-time jobs, reflecting a deliberate move toward lighter schedules rather than complete withdrawal from employment. Economic conditions influence these decisions. Inflation continues to push up the cost of housing, groceries, transportation, and medical care. Many seniors believe the projected 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), currently estimated at 2.8 percent, will not fully cover rising expenses. Surveys show that older Americans continue working to stabilize monthly budgets, maintain savings, and assist family members with childcare, rent, or health-care costs. In Filipino American communities, later-life work of-
ten supports remittances and shared household expenses across generations. How Social Security treats work and earnings The Social Security Administration allows beneficiaries to work while receiving retirement or survivors benefits. Three sets of rules define how earnings affect benefits: the earnings test, taxation, and benefit recalculations. Earnings test Claiming benefits before full retirement age (FRA) subjects earnings to annual limits. In 2025, SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above $23,400. In the year a beneficiary reaches FRA, SSA withholds $1 for every $3earned above $62,160, counting only earnings before FRA month. When the worker reaches FRA, SSA recalculates the benefit, crediting months when payments PAGE 7
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Two bills in US Congress reignite scrutiny... The Philippines rebuilds its gateways... PAGE 1 in another country. The bill does not prohibit, penalize, or redefine dual citizenship. It remains strictly a data-gathering measure. The proposal has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. As of this writing, no hearings or markups have been scheduled. The bill’s sponsor, a freshman congressman, has argued that “the American people deserve to know” how widespread dual citizenship is. Critics of the proposal have raised concerns about potential misuse of the data, although no enforcement mechanisms or penalties are outlined in the current draft. If passed, the measure would apply to the next decennial census and would make dual citizenship a standard census category, similar to race, ancestry, and language. Senate bill seeks to eliminate dual nationality In contrast, a more sweeping proposal in the Senate aims to outlaw dual citizenship altogether. The bill, informally known as the “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025,” was introduced by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and has
been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. According to the published bill text, U.S. citizens would be prohibited from holding any foreign citizenship. Individuals who already possess dual citizenship would be required to renounce one nationality within one year of the law’s enactment. Failure to comply would result in the automatic forfeiture of U.S. citizenship. Furthermore, the bill states that any U.S. citizen who acquires foreign nationality after the law takes effect would be considered to have voluntarily relinquished their American citizenship. The bill also outlines procedures for creating a federal registry of dual nationals and directs agencies such as the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security to coordinate enforcement. Supporters say the measure is intended to clarify exclusive national loyalty. Critics, including legal scholars and immigrant-rights groups, have called it legally questionable and constitutionally vulnerable, citing decades of U.S. Supreme Court precedent that protects against involuntary loss of citizenship.
As of press time, no Democratic senator has co-sponsored the legislation. Legal and policy backdrop Current U.S. law permits dual citizenship. The State Department recognizes that many Americans hold multiple nationalities, particularly by birth, marriage, or naturalization. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that citizenship cannot be stripped unless an individual knowingly and voluntarily relinquishes it. Both bills arrive amid a broader political discourse on national identity, loyalty, and immigration. While the House bill reflects a bureaucratic impulse to quantify and track dual citizens, the Senate measure represents a more ideological approach that seeks to redefine citizenship itself. Whether either bill advances remains uncertain. With a divided Congress and a short legislative calendar, neither chamber has scheduled floor votes. Still, the proposals have already drawn attention from advocacy groups, naturalization experts, and constitutional lawyers monitoring how U.S. lawmakers approach the evolving question of dual allegiance. (AJPress)
Sandiganbayan rules Zaldy Co is... PAGE 1 olution was dated December 10, 2025, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s separate announcement that Co’s passport had already been cancelled and that embassies abroad had been instructed to coordinate with law enforcement agencies. Court says Co failed to submit to its jurisdiction According to the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, Co did not comply with subpoenas, did not file counter-affidavits during the Ombudsman’s investigation, and remained outside the country after charges were filed. The court said these actions reflected a refusal to face proceedings and met established legal standards for declaring an individual a fugitive. The ruling cited jurisprudence explaining that a person may be treated as a fugitive if records show an intentional avoidance of legal process, including remaining abroad after the
issuance of a warrant. The court clarified that this designation concerns jurisdictional matters, not a determination of guilt. Three Sunwest executives also declared fugitives The same resolution applied the designation to three Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. executives named as co-respondents in the case. They include Aderma Angelie Alcazar, identified as company president or chair; treasurer Cesar Buenaventura; and board member Noel Cao. Court records stated that attempts to serve arrest warrants at their listed addresses were unsuccessful. Immigration information attached to the motion indicated that at least two had already left the Philippines before the warrants were implemented. Charges tied to P289.5 million flood control project Co and his co-accused face graft and malversation through falsification charges involving a P289.5 million
flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Prosecutors allege discrepancies between project reports and findings from field inspections. The Sandiganbayan has consolidated the cases for joint trial once all accused are placed under the court’s jurisdiction. Some respondents have already appeared; others remain at large. Implications for enforcement The court’s directive provides the DFA with the formal basis it previously said was necessary before revoking a passport. With cancellation in effect, law enforcement agencies may seek assistance from foreign governments, including notices to partner jurisdictions regarding Co’s fugitive status. Officials emphasized that the fugitive designation relates only to questions of jurisdiction and compliance. All individuals charged in the case remain presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court. n
PAGE 4 In the Visayas, Mactan Cebu International Airport continues to build its role as the country’s second busiest international gateway. The airport operates under a public private partnership that has delivered upgrades to its terminals, commercial facilities, and airside systems. Cebu’s central location makes it a natural hub for both domestic and international routes, particularly those connecting with East Asia and Southeast Asia. Davao anchors Mindanao’s link to international markets In Mindanao, Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City remains the region’s primary international gateway. The airport is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, or CAAP, the national government agency responsible for running many of the country’s airports and enforcing aviation safety standards. Under CAAP management, the airport has improved its runway lighting, navigation systems, and terminal operations to support growing passenger activity and Mindanao’s expanding commercial corridors. Regional gateways support tourism and regional mobility Other major international airports help strengthen regional connectivity and tourism. Kalibo International Airport remains a gateway for travelers bound for Boracay, while Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan offers modern facilities that support domestic flights and international charter operations.
Iloilo International Airport continues to sustain strong regional and occasional international traffic. Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte serves chartered international arrivals and supports regional access in northern Luzon. All four airports are operated by CAAP, which implements ongoing improvements to terminals, runways, and safety systems nationwide. The people and companies driving the transformation Behind these reforms is a mix of public agencies, private conglomerates, and international aviation partners. These include: • San Miguel Corporation, led by Ramon S. Ang, overseeing NAIA through the private consortium managing its operations. • Filinvest Development Corporation, led by the Gotianun family, a major shareholder in LIPAD. • JG Summit Holdings, headed by the Gokongwei family, another key partner in Clark’s operations. • Changi Airports Philippines, bringing global airport expertise from the company behind Singapore’s world renowned Changi Airport. • PAGSS, providing ground handling and aviation services experience across multiple airports. • CAAP and MIAA, the government bodies responsible for regulation, safety oversight, and airport administration. The Department of Transportation, which guides national airport policy, infrastructure planning, and long term aviation reform.
This combination of public oversight and private sector involvement is intended to accelerate upgrades, improve service quality, and support long term infrastructure planning. The challenges and opportunities ahead for Philippine aviation The reforms taking place across the country’s international airports mark a significant shift in how the Philippines manages its gateways. However, aviation analysts note that progress remains uneven and that continued improvements will depend on sustained investment, coordinated planning, and consistent implementation across regions. While new terminals, improved runways, and expanded private sector participation have helped ease pressure on Metro Manila, many airports still face infrastructure gaps, limited capacity, and service variability. Airline schedules and route expansion remain sensitive to market demand, operational constraints, and the pace of modernization. Industry observers say that strengthening the national aviation system will require not only upgraded facilities but also efficient ground transport links, predictable regulatory environments, and long term policies that support competition and connectivity. As the Philippines works to modernize its airport network, travelers may see both improvements and growing pains as the system adapts to shifting travel patterns and broader global aviation trends. n
Contractor Sarah Discaya surrenders... PAGE 1 Discaya’s firms, also surrendered to local authorities earlier in the week and turned over her passport to show she does not intend to leave the country while the case is pending. The NBI has not yet announced whether Discaya will be held once the warrant is issued or allowed supervised release. Officials said coordination continues with prosecutors and the Office of the Ombudsman. Charges tied to alleged “ghost” project The complaints involve a flood control project in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental that investigators report as paid for but not found during field verification. The Office of the Ombudsman has filed charges of malversation of
public funds through falsification and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Discaya and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The case is part of a broader review of flood control spending, which investigators say has revealed inconsistencies between documented accomplishments and on-site inspections in several districts. The inquiry remains ongoing, and no court has issued any final judgment in the cases under review. Discaya previously appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to respond to questions about companies associated with her family. She has not entered a plea and remains presumed innocent unless a
court decides otherwise. Part of a wider anti-corruption effort The Marcos administration has identified alleged flood control anomalies as a priority in its anti-corruption program. Marcos announced that the Court of Appeals issued a freeze order covering bank accounts, properties and aircraft linked to individuals under investigation. Officials from the NBI, the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman said more complaints may follow as they continue to examine contractor portfolios, project records and procurement documents from additional regions. They noted that further individuals, including public officials and private contractors, may be included as evidence develops. n
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DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Opinion
Features
Why the Philippines still needs an anti-dynasty law The promise the Constitution made and the one Congress has yet to keep NEARLY four decades after the 1987 Constitution instructed Congress to regulate political dynasties, the mandate remains unaddressed. It has remained untouched because Congress has repeatedly avoided confronting a system that benefits many of its own members. The result is a political landscape where power continues to cluster in ways that limit competition, narrow public participation and slow the emergence of new leadership. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Congress to prioritize an anti-dynasty measure along with other political reforms. It is among the clearest signals from the executive branch in years. Whether this becomes a turning point depends on whether lawmakers are willing to legislate against
the networks that have long shaped Philippine politics. A reform movement with long roots Human rights lawyer and legislator Chel Diokno has been one of the most consistent voices calling for the enforcement of the constitutional mandate. He argues that
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
regulating dynasties is not about penalizing families but about ensuring equal access to public service. His view sits within a broader field of reform advocates. In the Senate, Risa Hontiveros has filed
The power of dreams Breakthrough
Safe Space
Anna Cristina Tuazon THE end of the year is where dreams and reality meet. The end of things tends to bring out an urge to reflect on the time that has gone by. We evaluate ourselves to see whether we have done the things we set out to do. We think back on the highs and lows of the year that was. Hopefully, we also reflect on the things we have learned and the wisdom we have gained.
While the start of the year is all about dreams and resolutions, by December, our dreams brush up against reality. We see where our intentions took us. Did they lead us to happiness? Contentment? Did they lead us astray and distract us from things that, we belatedly realize, matter more? In organizations, this reflection manifests as the fourth quarter review and strategic planning. We recently had such a meeting at our clinical organization, where we aimed to set our vision for the next five to 10
years. The discussion turned toward each member’s dreams for themselves, as well as the organization, with the hope that improving the alignment between individual and collective visions can lead to better growth. One person brought up a concern: What if their mentee does not dream? I realized then that dreaming has increasingly become a luxury, especially for Filipinos. Dreaming requires space for growth. To dream means to recognize a direction for change or exPAGE 7
the Kontra Dinastiya Act, a renewed attempt to place limits on simultaneous officeholding among relatives. Senator Panfilo Lacson, who now serves as Senate President PAGE 7
A look at the Philippines in the 1800s
Elfren S. Cruz EVENTS during the last few months have reawakened in many Filipinos the feeling of patriotism. We have come to realize that the Philippines is really a beautiful and rich country that is suffering poverty because of the corruption of its leaders, especially its political elite. There are events that have awakened in us this feeling of pride. There is the unexpected victory of social dem-
ocrats like Chel Diokno and Akbayan and courageous reformers like members of the Liberal Party, Kiko Pangilinan and Leila de Lima. There are, of course, events that have made us feel that this is going to be a difficult struggle to remove the network of corrupt family dynasties. One such event is the resignation of former DPWH secretary Babes Singson. However, even with such setbacks, the fight must continue.
One way of recapturing our momentum is the inspiration of our past history, which is a witness to our exceptionally beautiful geography and the rich natural resources we are blessed with. In recent history, the Filipino people has always redeemed themselves as a people from any accusation of lack of love of country. The most vivid examples of this are the People Power movements which have acPAGE 7
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES
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Why the Philippines still needs an... Working while collecting Social Security...
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Pro Tempore, has expressed support for reasonable guardrails on concentrated political power. The late Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago and Aquilino Nene Pimentel filed early versions of anti-dynasty legislation, and former Senator Koko Pimentel, who left office in 2025, repeatedly pursued similar measures. Outside government, retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio, now a public advocate and convenor of the reform coalition 1Sambayan, has continued to remind Congress that it has a constitutional obligation to act. In the House, reform-oriented legislators filed House Bill 5905 in November, proposing a comprehensive framework that bars close relatives from holding or running for office
at the same time. The evidence that now shapes the debate A growing body of research has strengthened the case for reform. Earlier studies led by scholars from the Ateneo School of Government examined provincial-level data and found a repeated correlation between dynastic concentration and areas that struggle with persistent economic distress. These studies also identified what researchers call fat political dynasties, meaning families that hold several elected positions at the same time. The term distinguishes these horizontally expanding clans from socalled thin dynasties, where only one relative occupies an elected post in a given cycle. The scholars stressed that their findings do not prove causation, since pov-
erty is shaped by geography, conflict and long-standing structural inequalities. Even so, their work highlighted a political environment where concentrated power often limits competition and weakens public accountability. More recent research has expanded that picture. A 2025 study titled The Families that Stay Together uses nearly two decades of election data and network-analysis tools to map how dynastic power consolidates and evolves across jurisdictions and election cycles. Unlike the earlier socioeconomic studies, this research focuses on how political families connect with one another, how their influence spreads and how tightly their networks are structured. The study offers the most detailed mapping of dynastic PAGE 8
The power of dreams... PAGE 6 pansion. To dream requires recognition of our potential and trust that the environment can help us actualize it. If there is no such space, there are no dreams. Upward social mobility is a socioeconomic construct built on dreams. The concept of being able to improve one’s economic standing—whether through hard work, luck, or generational wealth—hinges on its possibility. If our experience instead shows us the contrary, that we are stuck in financial precariousness no matter what we do, then what use is it to strive hard to improve one’s lot in life? This is one of the many ways that economics intersects with mental health. If our wages remain stagnant while our cost of living accelerates, how else can we experience it but as a sort of drowning? If our life savings can be wiped out with one hospital stay, how else can we feel about our lives but as a sandcastle swept away by the waves of the sea? In such a state where survival is fragile, one cannot afford to dream of a better life. One does not design their dream life when one is too busy preserving their real one. Last week, I already talked about the infamous P500 ”noche buena” budget. One of the things it did to us was that it robbed us of dreaming of a better experience,
a better life. Pertaining to the dream-reality balance, it slammed us with the reality that that is all we can afford. That idyllic picture of a glazed ham with all the fixings? Stop dreaming and make do. The powerful are afraid of a nation that dreams. There is a final phase of colonization, after external force and coercion, where the colonized internalize their colonizers and start oppressing themselves. Once colonization of the mind happens, we consider colonization complete. The colonizers can sit back and relax and trust that the colonized will no longer fight back. They could even fight on your behalf. To reach this point, however, you must first control their dreams. You can either stop them from dreaming completely or dictate what they can dream about. This is why oppressive governments hate writers and artists, since they encourage people to dream and imagine. This is why Jose Rizal and his writings were such a threat to the Spanish government. This is why censorship—sometimes disguised as antilibel and anticyberbullying—is the weapon of choice for most governments that want to control their nation’s narrative. Without a dream, people stop fighting back. People stop fighting for change.
If you can supplant their dreams with a dream convenient to your regime, even better. If you delude them into thinking that their meager wages are more than enough, you have successfully stopped them from wanting more. If you lead them to think that building more roads and flyovers— while, in reality, pocketing those funds for your own use—leads to less traffic and therefore a better life, you will get no dissent nor any interest in regulating your projects. If you convince your people that corruption is already being successfully rooted out, while being very selective in who gets jail time and who gets a pass, then your people will no longer dream of genuine good governance. Having a dream is a sign of a healthy society. Allowing people to have their own dreams is a sign of a free society. The existence of dreams indicates that people see room for growth and expansion. It also indicates a yearning for freedom. Dreams allow us to explore our potential, inviting us to imagine a better life. (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.
*** aatuazon@up.edu.ph
PAGE 3 were withheld. This recalculation raises the monthly benefit permanently. Income taxes Working while collecting benefits can increase the portion of Social Security subject to federal income tax. Taxation begins when “combined income” exceeds $25,000 for single filers or $32,000 for married couples filing jointly. Up to 85 percent of benefits may be taxable at higher income levels. Higher future benefits SSA calculates benefits using a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings. If new earnings exceed earlier
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low-earning years, SSA replaces those years in the formula and increases the benefit accordingly. The changing architecture of retirement The line between work and retirement has shifted from a single decision to a multiyear adjustment. Many seniors rely on employment to counter rising living costs, maintain health insurance, and support family members. Filipino American seniors often continue working in caregiving and health-care roles that depend on experienced workers. This evolving model brings advantages and tradeoffs. Earnings provide stability,
but they can reduce benefits before FRA, raise Medicare premiums, or increase tax obligations. Physically demanding work may also strain older adults. As retirement becomes more complex, experts encourage seniors to monitor earnings and benefit estimates through a my Social Security account and seek professional guidance when needed. For many households, combining work and Social Security now functions as a deliberate strategy – one that reflects the new architecture of aging, family responsibility, and economic reality in the United States. (AJPress)
A look at the Philippines in...
tually been led, not by family dynasties and elitist groups, but by the youth, religious sectors and the middle class which have led to the overthrow of corrupt and dictatorial regimes. Every time I feel like giving up on the Philippines as so many have done, I read literature on the history of the Filipino people, its geography and its local traditions. One such book is “The Philippines: History, Geography, Customs, Agriculture, Industry and Commerce of the Spanish Colonies in Oceania” by Jean Mallat first published in French in 1846, with the English translation by Pura Santillan-Castrence, published by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2021. This is a monumental work of 19th century scholarship that provides detailed descriptions of the islands’ geography, people and economy during the early to the mid-1800s. Mallat was a French diplomat and traveler who spent several years in the archipelago. It provides a window into how the Philippines was perceived by European observers in the colonial era. It is set during the height of Spanish colonialism in the Philippines, and he approaches the subject with the curiosity of a foreign intellectual eager to understand an unfamiliar world. Though Mallat is largely respectful in tone, his Eurocentric lens is apparent, especially in the way he contrasts “civilization” with indigenous practices. Nonetheless, he is often critical of
Spanish abuses and colonial mismanagement, especially at the local level. One passage stands out for its sharp observation on governance: “Nothing is more fatal to the country than the permission granted to the mayors to trade for their own account; the result is that they think only of making a fortune at the expense of the local inhabitants whose interests, on the contrary, are their first duty to defend.” Mallat’s nuanced perspective is manifest as he is both appreciative of the richness of Philippine society and critical of colonial exploitation. Mallat was in awe of our geography and one shamefully wonders how much of this natural beauty we have preserved or squandered. He romanticizes the landscape, “Nature seems to have exhausted her treasures to give to this savage soil what she has of the richest and the most beautiful...” Mallat’s observations on Filipino customs are among the most valuable sections of the book. He is particularly interested in how indigenous customs interacted with Spanish culture. He notes that while Catholicism was dominant, many pre-colonial beliefs and rituals persisted. His respectful tone sets him apart from more dismissive colonial writers of the time, although he still exhibits an outsider’s gaze. Mallat also pays special attention to ethnic diversity in the colony – mestizos, Chinese merchants, Spaniards and various indigenous groups. His detailed ethnographic notes, though imperfect by modern standards,
remain a crucial source of information for historians. Mallat noted that agriculture was the backbone of the colonial economy and on the limitations of the agricultural system under Spanish rule – poor infrastructure, heavy taxation and lack of modernization. “The Philippines possess inexhaustible agricultural riches, but the lack of roads and internal communication prevents the full development of their potential.” This again leads us to ask – how different is our agricultural scene today? One of the most informative aspects of the book is Mallat’s discussion of trade and commerce. He details how Manila functioned as a trade hub, both within Southeast Asia and globally. He covers the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, though it had declined by his time. He expressed frustration at how most profits from the colonial economy flowed to Spain or to Spanish elites in Manila. While a valuable resource on our colonial past, readers are cautioned to approach the text critically, aware of its historical limitations and the colonial attitudes that underpin parts of its narrative. Modern historiography would benefit from comparing Mallat’s accounts with indigenous sources and postcolonial perspectives. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: elfrencruz@gmail.com
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DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Why the Philippines still needs an... PAGE 7 power to date and concludes that these networks are not only extensive but increasingly embedded in the country’s political architecture. Taken together, the two strands of research show both the social consequences and the structural durability of dynastic politics. One reveals how concentrated power can accompany slower development. The other shows how difficult that concentration has become to unwind. A systemic problem that cannot be solved by personalities Reform advocates do not argue that every political family governs poorly. Many officials from political families serve effectively. The issue is structural. A system that allows one family to hold multiple offices at the same time restricts the space for challengers, narrows policy debate and makes it harder for new leaders to emerge. A democracy that leans heavily on inherited power slowly becomes less responsive to its voters and less capable of adapting to new
demands. This is not a critique of individual officials but a recognition that a political structure built around lineage does not provide the openness and flexibility that modern governance requires. An anti-dynasty law would not remove political families from public life. It would create fair boundaries that allow leadership to circulate and give communities a broader field of capable candidates. A narrowing window for change With House Bill 5905 advancing in the House and the Kontra Dinastiya Act gaining attention in the Senate, this Congress faces a rare legislative opening. Public frustration over corruption and governance failures has fueled louder calls for structural reform. Civil society groups, academics and reform coalitions view this moment as the strongest chance in years to move the issue from constitutional aspiration to actual policy. The country’s most urgent challenges, including climate resilience, economic
restructuring and the growing responsibilities of local governments, require a political system that rewards performance rather than pedigree. Reform advocates like Diokno argue that regulating dynastic dominance is a necessary step toward building stronger and more accountable public institutions. A test of democratic credibility The Philippines does not lack clarity about its political weaknesses. What it lacks is corrective action. After nearly four decades of delay, passing an anti-dynasty law will not resolve every dysfunction. It will, however, affirm a principle embedded in the Constitution. Public office is a public trust and not a family entitlement. Congress now faces a decision that will shape the credibility of Philippine democracy. Reform advocates, scholars and citizens have kept the issue alive. The question is whether lawmakers will finally act on a promise the nation has waited far too long to see fulfilled. (AJPress)
ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. on Wednesday mentioned a two-year timespan for the commission, created by President Marcos to investigate anomalous infrastructure projects over the past 10 years. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
2 more years of ICI work possible – Hosaka by EJ Macababbad Philstar.com
MANILA — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) can continue fulfilling its mandate for at least two years, regardless of the challenges faced by the fact-finding body, according to its executive director. ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. on Wednesday mentioned a two-year timespan for the commission, created by President Marcos to investigate anomalous infrastructure projects over the past 10 years. “The sheer volume itself is huge, so, definitely, maybe that’s where Reyes is coming from when he said two years,” ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka told The STAR’s online show “Truth on the Line” on Thursday, adding, “It can even be longer.” Hosaka said the commission’s different working parts are now beginning to function. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already downloaded P39 million of the ICI’s P41-million budget, enabling the commission to pay staffers who have been working without wages since September. The funding, which is only good until the end of 2025, will also pave the way for the hiring process to commence—a crucial component given the thousands of documents that the commis-
sion needs to scour. “We want to hire as many lawyers, accountants, and even engineers as possible so that we can complete our staff,” Hosaka said. “The more we complete our staff, the better for our operations and efficiency.” Hosaka said he will consult with the Governance Commission on the 2026 budget and other administrative matters, which require approval from the DBM. At a House technical working group meeting, the executive director said the ICI needs about P500 million each year to run its operations on full gear, including deploying validators in farflung areas, which ultimately entails costs. Since its creation in mid-September, the ICI has been zeroing in on 421 ghost flood control projects it considers “low-hanging fruit” in the corruption probe. It further narrowed its target to about 80 projects awarded to the top 15 contractors that bagged the most flood deals nationwide. Fajardo quitting? But two original members of the commission chipped away just three months after its inception. First was ICI special adviser and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, whose tussle with the Palace left him insulted. Then there was ICI commissioner Rogelio Singson, who admitted that his 77-year-old body could not
manage the stress of investigating thousands of anomalous public works. Magalong has been replaced by former police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr., who has proven himself an asset in coordinating with his comrades at the Philippine National Police. “It’s a big thing that Azurin has networks with the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) and contacts with the PNP,” Hosaka said. “That’s why coordination with the police becomes smooth.” Hosaka hopes that President Marcos will appoint an engineer to replace Singson as the ICI moves from examining ghost to substandard projects. “We’re not even going to the nitty-gritty of substandard works. Are the steel and cement used correct? Those are the things that an engineer would be able to help the commission with,” he said. “Maybe if there’s someone to replace Singson, it would be good if we have the technical knowledge and, at the same time, institutional knowledge of the DPWH similar to his,” he added. Cabral subpoenaed Meanwhile, the ICI has summoned, among others, resigned DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral on Dec. 15, the last day the commission will hear testimonies for now. It also coincides with the last day of Singson as ICI PAGE 9
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Lacson: Blue Ribbon flood control probe over soon by Marc Jayson Cayabyab Philstar.com
MANILA — The Senate Blue Ribbon committee investigation on flood control corruption will soon wrap up to give way to the cases filed in court, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson confirmed. In a chance interview, Lacson said his committee would come up with a report and recommend charges, as it would soon be bound by the sub judice rule if the flood control corruption cases go on trial in the Sandiganbayan and other lower courts. However, he said he was glad to have led the committee which contributed to the Department of Justice and Independent Commission for Infrastructure investigations on the alleged kickbacks scheme from substandard or non-existent projects. “By and large, we have contributed a lot to the efforts of the national government to get to the bottom of this,” Lacson noted.
In a separate ambush interview, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the resource persons detained in the Senate due to the flood control corruption probe would spend Christmas and New Year while under custody for contempt. The Senate would provide them noche buena or a Christmas feast if it comes to that, he said. Among those under Senate custody for contempt are dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and flood control contractor Curlee Discaya. Sarah Discaya: I feel safe at NBI Meanwhile, Curlee’s wife Sarah on Wednesday said she is confident about her safety under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as she awaits the possible issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects. In an interview with ABS-
CBN News, Discaya said she voluntarily went to the NBI on Tuesday but stressed that her appearance should not be taken as surrender. “This is more of safekeeping. Only those who run away are guilty,” she said. Discaya admitted that the situation has taken an emotional toll on her and her children. “My kids are affected. I try to stay strong for them. You want to cry but you stop yourself so they won’t see it,” she said. Discaya added she felt “some relief” after being placed in NBI custody, saying she is now “somewhere safe.” Discaya and several DPWH personnel in Davao Occidental face malversation and falsification charges over a nearly P100-million ghost project. The NBI earlier reported that eight DPWH officials had also voluntarily submitted themselves to the agency. According to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Discaya’s surrender is a “big help”
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2 more years of ICI work possible... PAGE 8 commissioner, with no indication that he will extend until Dec. 31. Cabral has featured prominently in several ICI interim reports, having been recommended by the commission for administrative charges of grave misconduct and gross dishonesty, along with former DPWH top brass, over anomalous flood works. In the most recent interim report, the ICI found that Cabral and former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan had direct supervision of questionable insertions from the very beginning of the budget process. Cabral, according to the ICI, took care of her own allocations, while Bonoan’s were handled by former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. Hosaka did not disclose why the ICI subpoenaed Cabral, but he said that “there is information that the commission would want to get from her.”
Cabral resigned in September. After Dec. 15, the ICI will focus on case build-up, scouring thousands of documents turned over by the PNP. Hosaka has no definitive number for how many more referrals the ICI will make before the Ombudsman, but he explained that once there is enough evidence for a particular case, the commission can refer it already. As to private citizens submitting complaints, the ICI will have to assess their veracity and completeness before taking action. “We accept them for whatever it’s worth, but we have to verify it,” he said at a press briefing on Thursday. And the probe on anomalous infrastructure projects would persist despite contractor Sarah Discaya surrendering to the National Bureau of Investigation. “The problem is not only attached to the Discayas. There are a lot more. We will
continue our investigation regardless of who the personalities are,” Hosaka said. For now, the ICI is thankful that Discaya has turned herself in and the passport of resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co has been canceled. Asked about these developments, ICI chairperson Reyes said on Wednesday: “We’re being blessed by God.” With President Marcos speeding up Congress to deliberate bills creating an independent commission with more teeth, Hosaka expressed a preference for the powers listed in the House’s version. From a lawyer’s perspective, he said, the proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption has the authority to hold witnesses in contempt, issue hold-departure orders, cancel passports and seize assets. Commission members are also immune from lawsuits to prevent harassment.
to authorities, as it demonstrates good faith even as the case now moves to the courts.
According to Remulla, law enforcement agencies are working in sync in the flood
control investigations. (With reports from Mark Ernest Villeza)
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Nationwide waterway cleanup DILG chief on Bato: We know where he is gains momentum as DPWH targets major flood chokepoints by Emmanuel Tupas Philstar.com
The DPWH accelerates Metro Manila waterway clearing under Marcos’s directive, expanding nationwide dredging to improve flood resilience ahead of future rainy seasons by AJPress MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is intensifying the clearing of major waterways in Metro Manila and key provincial cities as part of continuing instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to reduce flooding and restore long-neglected drainage systems ahead of future rainy seasons. The expanded effort follows repeated storms that have overwhelmed urban drainage networks in recent years. Officials say sustained clearing is necessary because waterways lose capacity quickly when clogged by silt, debris and illegal structures. Expanded clearing stems from earlier launch The ongoing campaign builds on the government’s earlier rollout of the Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations, where Marcos and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon supervised dredging at Balihatar Creek in Parañaque City. San Miguel Corporation president and CEO Ramon Ang joined the launch as SMC participated in the opening-day operations alongside national and local government agencies. The program covers more than 140 kilometers of rivers, creeks and esteros and over 330 kilometers of drainage linesacross Metro Manila. Many of these channels had become heavily constricted after years of accumulated silt and obstructions, contributing to chronic flooding across several districts. Focus on high-risk chokepoints DPWH engineers are targeting specific corridors where restricted flow contributes to severe and recurring floods. Priority work includes: • Restoring depth in frequently overflowing rivers
MANILA — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been monitored in six places for the past three weeks, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. Authorities are tracking Dela Rosa’s movement amid reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for him. Remulla said officials are aware of the senator’s location, but they “have to play it cool” since Dela Rosa is not yet considered a fugitive. “We know where he is and we’re still waiting to see if the court has actually issued an order (for his arrest),” Remulla told GMA News. If an ICC warrant is formally transmitted, Remulla said the Supreme Court’s ruling on extradition procedures will
apply. Dela Rosa has been absent in the Senate since Nov. 11, after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that the ICC had ordered his arrest in the crimes against humanity case of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte. Citing information they have received, Remulla said Dela Rosa has been hiding at his friends’ houses. “When he relocates, they drive different cars,” he noted. Remulla declined to disclose Dela Rosa’s current location since it is confidential. On Facebook, Dela Rosa’s wife Nancy posted a photo of them together. “Thanks for dropping by. Missed you,” Nancy wrote. With Dela Rosa incognito, Remulla said authorities will not arrest him unless there is an actionable document from official sources.
“Extrajudicial means of prosecuting the law are outdated. You do it according to the book,” he said. Roque appeals passport cancellation As for the fugitive Harry Roque, the former presidential spokesman said he filed on Tuesday a motion for reconsideration of the cancellation of his passport. A Pasig court canceled the passports of Roque and his co-accused Cassandra Li Ong over human trafficking charges. Roque insisted that he is not a fugitive and his continued stay in Europe is justified as he has applied for asylum in the Netherlands. Roque lodged his asylum application on March 19, long before a complaint was filed with the court. (With reports from Bella Cariaso, Mark Ernest Villeza)
Indonesia, PH to bid jointly for Olympics? by Joaquin M. Henson Philstar.com
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and San Miguel Corporation president and CEO Ramon Ang, shown here with DPWH officials in a file photo during the dredging operations at Balihatar Creek in Parañaque City during the launch of Oplan Kontra Baha in November. Malacañang photo
• Removing blockages in esteros constricted by encroachments • Rehabilitating drainage lines that regularly back up during intense rainfall • Improving flow toward key pumping stations. Officials say these interventions are necessary to give the capital’s drainage network a stronger chance of holding up during peak weather events. Cleanup model now being applied nationwide President Marcos has instructed DPWH to replicate the clearing model in other flood-prone cities and provinces. District engineers were ordered to update inventories of clogged waterways and identify immediate dredging needs. Older assessments show that many provincial rivers have not undergone significant maintenance in years, making them vulnerable during typhoons and prolonged monsoon rains. The ongoing nationwide rollout aims to close those long-standing maintenance gaps and strengthen the country’s overall flood-mitigation capacity. Reforms accompany the cleanup
The waterway clearing comes alongside institution-wide reforms within DPWH. As part of the administration’s oversight measures, Dizon ordered senior officials to submit courtesy resignations and said contractors found responsible for substandard flood works would be barred from future government projects. New flood-control proposals must also undergo stricter hydrological and engineering validation before approval. Officials say these safeguards are intended to ensure that public funds are directed to effective, evidence-based solutions. Progress tied to real-world outcomes DPWH acknowledges that clearing and dredging alone will not eliminate flooding, but engineers say the work is essential for longterm management. The key benchmark is whether neighborhoods drain faster, major roads remain passable and communities experience fewer disruptions when the next major storm arrives. Residents are expected to judge the effort by those real-world results rather than by the total number of kilometers cleared. n
MANILA — It was a landmark meeting of the minds between PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir during the SEA Games in Bangkok the other day as they discussed a dream plan of bringing the Olympics to Southeast Asia. Gregorio said the bid for the 2036 Olympics is still open and Thohir will raise the possibility when Indonesia hosts a sports ministers meeting in Bali on Feb. 6-8. The plan is for a joint hosting of Indonesia and the Philippines, similar to the three-way arrangement with Japan for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The next Olympics will be in Los Angeles in 2028 then the Games will be held in Brisbane in 2032. The only Asian countries to
host the Summer Olympics were Japan in 1964 and 2020, South Korea in 1988 and China in 2008. “Can Southeast Asia host the Olympics?” said Gregorio. “Yes, of course, we can. It’s about time. Over 700 million population. Five Olympic rings for the five original ASEAN members – Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. We’re discussing the possibility of a joint SEA region hosting which will be more exciting.” Gregorio described the plan as aspirational. “I’ve mentioned this idea to President Marcos and informally to POC President Bambol (Tolentino),” he added. “It’s all in the brainstorming phase yet. As sports ministers, we need the ‘goahead’ of both our Presidents. This is a plan we can pursue when the Philippines hosts the
ASEAN Summit in 2026.” Gregorio said he broached the idea to FIVB chairman Michael Payne when Manila hosted the Men’s Volleyball World Championships last September. “Michael’s the guru of the new-age Olympic marketing thrust and his reaction was it’s a great narrative,” said Gregorio. “That bidding is already a major achievement and winning is another.” Gregorio disclosed that he also talked to Thohir about organizing an ASEAN marathon circuit. “Erick’s a big dreamer and he loves the Philippines,” he said. “His first love is basketball. We’ve been brothers since 20 years ago. Bangkok was our second meeting the past two months. We met in Indonesia last month during the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and at his daughter’s wedding.” n
GLOOMY WEATHER. Dark rain clouds hover above Pasig City, as seen from the 19th floor of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority head office on Thursday (Dec. 11, 2025). The weather bureau said no low-pressure area is being monitored for tropical cyclone formation, but Metro Manila will experience isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 12-18, 2025
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY DECEMBER 12, 2025
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people events arts culture entertainment
Queso de bola: The symbol of a Filipino Christmas Making the flavor of the holidays last longer by AJPress WRAPPED in bright red wax and shaped into a perfect sphere, queso de bola is more than just cheese. It is a symbol of celebration, heritage, and anticipation. For many Filipino families, Christmas does not feel complete without it. Unlike everyday cheeses used in sandwiches or cooking, queso de bola appears almost exclusively during Christmas and New Year’s. This limited presence gives it a powerful emotional association. Children grow up recognizing that once the red wax ball appears in the refrigerator, Christmas has truly arrived. In my mom’s house, where we celebrate Noche Buena, the table is not complete without a little queso de bola, even if not that many people actually eat it. Ask many Filipinos what would make Christmas feel “incomplete,” and queso de bola will be mentioned alongside ham, bibingka, and parol lanterns. It has earned its place not because it is extravagant, but because it has become emotionally essential. Part of a deeply rooted tra-
dition Queso de bola comes from the Spanish Edam cheese, originally produced in the Netherlands and later introduced to the Philippines during Spain’s 300-plus years of colonial rule. The name itself reflects this history: Queso means cheese in Spanish, and bola means ball, referring to its iconic round shape. Edam was prized for its long shelf life and durability—traits that made it perfect for long sea voyages during the age of exploration and colonial trade. When it reached the Philippines, it eventually became associated with special occasions due to its rarity and cost, and over time, it transformed from an imported luxury into a deeply rooted Christmas tradition. Today, queso de bola is commonly produced locally as well, but it still retains its festive status. Its distinct salty, creamy flavor cuts through the sweetness of many Filipino holiday dishes, making it a perfect counterbalance at the Christmas table. Meant for sharing Queso de bola is a cheese meant to be shared. Rarely eaten alone, it is sliced, cubed,
Queso de bola dip Ingredients • 1 tablespoon butter • 1/4 wedge queso de bola • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt Procedure 1. In a hot pan, add the butter and grated queso de bola. 2. Slowly stir in the yogurt, making sure the mixture doesn’t burn. 3. Turn the heat down and continue mixing so that the cheese melts and combines with the yogurt. 4. Serve warm.
Inquirer.net photo by Mikey Yabut
Claudine Barretto denounces revived tale involving sister Gretchen by AJPress
melted, and folded into dishes that bring the family together. Its round shape itself symbolizes completeness, unity, and abundance—fitting themes for the season. In many homes, queso de bola is not opened immediately. It may even sit under the Christmas tree or on the dining counter for days, building anticipation until Noche Buena. For generations, queso de bola also symbolized aspiration. In earlier decades, when imported goods were expensive and access was limited, having queso de bola on the table was a sign that Christmas was truly special. For many parents, being able to provide it for their children became a quiet marker of success and stability. Even today, when queso de bola is more accessible, it still carries that emotional weight. It represents a reward after a long year, a taste that signals celebration. Modern Filipino Christmas celebrations continue to evolve, but queso de bola remains constant. While younger generations experiment with new ways of serving it— queso-stuffed pastries, gourmet cheese boards, or melted queso sauces for parties—the core symbolism remains unchanged. In a country that values food
AJPress illustration by Kendrick Tan
as an expression of love and community, queso de bola represents how something once foreign can become fully Filipino—not just through taste, but through shared memory. More than just cheese In the end, queso de bola is more than a holiday ingredient. It is a symbol of how tradition survives quietly, year after year, in refrigerators, in midnight tables, and in the hands of families slicing it open together. It reminds Filipinos that Christmas is not just about gifts or decorations, but about continuity, gratitude, and shared joy. As long as Filipino families continue to gather for Noche Buena, as long as children wait for the midnight feast, and as long as the red wax ball appears each December, queso de bola will remain at the heart of every Philippine Christmas. At the end of the holidays, we are left with remnants of these celebrations—a bit of lechon, some slices of ham, and that odd wedge of queso de bola. But once the New Year is over, the festivities die down, and life goes back to normal, I hope that with this queso de bola dip recipe, you can not only recycle food but also extend the flavor of the holidays a little longer.
MANILA – Actress Claudine Barretto has condemned the renewed circulation of a decades-old rumor involving her sister Gretchen Barretto and banker Vivian Yuchengco. She called the story false and urged the public to stop repeating it. The rumor, widely known online as the elevator incident, claims that a confrontation took place more than twenty years ago inside the RCBC Building in Makati. The tale has circulated in different forms for years even though no official record, sworn statement, or verified account has ever confirmed that such an incident happened. Vivian Yuchengco has now addressed the matter directly. She has finally shut down the long-standing rumor, calling it fake news and rejecting how the story portrayed her. She said she was never the “old lady” people imagined in the circulating versions. The tale, which has been repeated for about twenty years and often framed as a confrontation sparked by Gretchen, has persisted without evidence. Yuchengco stated that the
Claudine Barretto
entire account was made up and contributed nothing but confusion and unnecessary speculation. Claudine also issued a clear denial. She defended her sister and criticized the spread of a narrative that she considers unfair and harmful. She reminded the public that circulating unverified claims can damage individuals who have consistently rejected the alleged events. Together, the statements from Claudine and Yuchengco represent the strongest effort to correct the public record. Both emphasized that the story has caused harm despite having no factual foundation. Their denials highlight that the individuals named have consistently rejected any link to the alleged incident in the RCBC Building. The episode reflects a broader challenge in the digital age. Old and unverified stories can easily resurface online and be mistaken for fact simply because they are familiar. The absence of documentation, combined with clear denials from those involved, underscores the gap between celebrity folklore and verifiable truth.
Photo from Facebook/@ claudinebarretto45
12 DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Alden Richards navigates modern Ramon Tulfo backs brother Raffy amid indecent proposal claims fan culture with gratitude by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net
ALDEN Richards is aware of how much fandom culture has evolved since entering the entertainment industry, noting that everyone has the platform to be opinionated. Yet he would rather choose silence when it comes to dealing with negativity. “We’re given types of platforms to be opinionated. Everyone is a certified critic. With all of the negative ones, I tend to really have a closed ear about it. Mas inaalam ko lang where they’re coming from. [Do they] come from pure and good intentions? Are their [opinions] factual?” Richards told Inquirer Entertainment in an interview ahead of his upcoming fan meeting on December 13. Since Richards has been in showbiz for 15 years, he learned the importance of not paying attention to negativity, and dedicating his time to other things instead. “Kung hindi dapat bigyan ng space to pay attention to
it, that’s where I get over those situations because I’ve been here for quite some time. I’ve experienced a lot. Walang ginawang maganda to retaliate and talk back (Nothing good happens when you retaliate and talk back),” he said. The actor — who chuckled when he was noted for his “kind” way of dealing with negativity — said he realized that silence is the best way to take back his power and own his story. “At the end of the day, whether the comments are good or bad, it’s a matter of how you respond to it. And the best way to respond — especially with the negative comments we get as celebrities — is to stay mum about it,” he continued. “At the end of the day, you know yourself. You know what you’re doing. There’s a bigger picture despite all this hate.” Richards also explained that he witnessed some of his colleagues answering back at critics through the years. And while he under-
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
Alden Richards Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02
stands where they come from, he doesn’t want to fuel the fire. Richards also explained that he witnessed some of his colleagues answering back at critics through the years. And while he understands where they come from, he doesn’t want to fuel the fire. “These people that say hurtful things about you or current issues, wala naman silang mukha. The celebPAGE 13
MANILA — Broadcaster Ramon Tulfo came to the defense of his brother, Sen. Raffy Tulfo, following speculations that the politician was the one being alluded to by a rising actress who claimed about receiving an indecent proposal from a senator. Vivamax actress Chelsea Ylore claimed on the "Tiyo Bri Podcast" last week that she received indecent proposals from a senator and a "popular" mayor. Chelsea said the latter was aged around 50 and 60 years old, served a city somewhere in Northern Luzon, and had offered her P150,000 to stay overnight. "Si senator, tip pa lang, paldo na!" Chelsea quipped. The sexy star said the politician would tip up to P300,000, prompting the host to joke the senator was likely generous as the money would have come from taxes. Upon mild pressue from the host, Chelsea teased the senator's first name started with
Composite photos of Ramon Tulfo, Chelsea Ylore, and Raffy Tulfo IMKTOfficial via Facebook, Chelsea Ylore via Instagram, STAR / Jesse Bustos
"R" and had a "Y" while the surname had an "F." Filipinos quickly took to social media to share their deductions, piecing together that the senator in question might be Raffy. Ramon, however, backed his brother, sharing on Facebook that he found the speculations linking Raffy hilarious. "Hindi ako maka-paniwala sa balita dahil takusa (takot sa asawa) ang kapatid ko kay Joc-
elyn," Ramon said, referring to Raffy's wife and ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo. "Pero pagpalagay na natin na totoo: Eh, ano ngayon kung nambabae siya?" The broadcaster said it would be more embarrassing if Raffy messed around with other men similar to what he claimed about another male lawmaker, whom he did not name, with basketball players. PAGE 13
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KC Concepcion ready to share life with Mr. Right by Boy Abunda Philstar.com
KC Concepcion affirmed that she intentionally took a break from show business, but she never planned for it to last for seven years. The daughter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion said that losing her beloved grandmother, Elaine Cuneta, profoundly affected her, causing her to quietly step back and focus on herself — both physically and mentally. “It was a long time, but 2020 (the start of the global pandemic) was included in that. So, I never thought it would last another three years,” KC said during our conversation on “The Talk” segment of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” “I’ve read a book, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. And it says there, ‘Your thoughts turn into feelings, and your feelings turn into actions, and your actions turn into results,’” added she. “So, if your thoughts become negative, they will also turn your feelings negative, and the same goes for what happens to your actions and the results of your choices in life.” She continued, “And there was a time na parang wala na akong ligayang nakukuha. Kasi parang siguro nung time na ‘yun nawala din ‘yung lola ko, si Mita Elaine (who passed away in 2014). And then, nag-cope talaga ‘yung buong family.” KC recalled how her grandmother would support her whenever she had a show by consistently being the first to arrive and the last to leave the studio or auditorium. “Ang next ko po noon na hosting was Binibining Pilipinas. It was the year after Pia Wurtzbach won. I was so affected when I saw the audience, and there was no Mita Elaine there anymore. Doon kasi siya unang-unang pinaka-excited manood, lalo kapag mga beauty contest at ako po ‘yung host.” KC admitted she felt physically weaker. She was no longer feeling the same passion for her work. “And I learned that you can feel that way when you are sad. So, I decided to take a rest because of that.” While on a temporary break, KC spent most of her time reading books and
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 13
Ruby Rodriguez calls out ‘malicious’ fake post, explores legal options Ruby Rodriguez rejects a fabricated post linking her to Tito Sotto and issues an exclusive statement to Asian Journal defending her family and condemning the misuse of her child’s photo by AJPress
KC Concepcion (with your columnist) thinks she has enjoyed her life so much and wants to share it with someone deserving. She describes her ideal man as someone she already knows, caring, a provider and very masculine, who will make her feel truly feminine. Photo from Instagram/@kristinaconcepcion
learning about business management. Her relationship with her mom has also improved, and she described it as “so okay now.” It’s well known that mother and daughter once had a rough patch. She said they made up when Sharon showed up at her house on Christmas Day, and they talked for five hours. “It’s normal (to go through tough times), but now we’re doing so much better. We talk like best friends. I can now say to her, ‘Ma, I need girl talk. Call me.’” KC always keeps in mind the lesson her mom taught her about love. “May mga dumating sa buhay ko na talagang sabi niya sa akin, ‘Anak, when in doubt, don’t.’ So, sabi ko, ‘Bakit may na-fe-feel ka ba?’ And she said, ‘Basta, kung meron kang doubt, kung nag-da-dalawang isip ka, ‘wag na.’” Her dad, Gabby, on the other hand, advised her to have a small, intimate wedding whenever she feels ready to settle down. Is KC ready to get married? “Yes na yes with Mr. Right,” replied KC without disclosing if she is currently in a romantic relationship. She added, “I am ready to share my life with someone. I think I’ve enjoyed my life so much, I want to share it with someone deserving.” Her statement motivated
her to share her discoveries about herself, including how she loves and wants to be loved. “With every relationship I’ve had, I truly learned how to trust and love. I discovered my weaknesses, what’s missing, what needs work, and my past fears. When you’re scared, you put up your defenses and build a wall. And I think I was like that before.” Now, KC is more open, and she feels more feminine because, according to her, “Mas nagiging soft ako habang i-na-accept ko ‘yung pagkukulang ko, parang ay, p’wede na akong maging babae ulit. I now know my role in a man’s life.” She prefers to see her man as the provider, unlike others who want to be equal with their partners. “Alam ko po ‘yung kaya kong i-contribute, pero masarap din po ‘yung feeling na babae na (she proceeded to act sweet and cute) ganon ka lang.” KC described her ideal man as someone she already knows, caring, a provider and very masculine, who will make her feel truly feminine. Has KC found her Mr. Right? “I think he’s just there. The one I will end up with, the one I will marry, is simply waiting there for me,” replied KC, and she promised to reveal to the public once she found her Mr. Right.
LOS ANGELES / MANILA — Actress and former Eat Bulaga host Ruby Rodriguez is considering legal action after a fabricated social media post falsely linked her to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. The claim alleged that she had a child with Sotto and circulated on Facebook using a layout designed to resemble a legitimate news report. The false graphic was created by an account using the name “Pinas Star.” It spread across several Facebook pages before Rodriguez publicly rejected the allegation and described the post as malicious and harmful to her family. In a statement provided exclusively to Asian Journal, Rodriguez addressed the fabrication and the photo used in the circulating post. “My child in the photo being used is a special child and the reason my family and I migrated was to pursue better education and medical treatment for his rare autoimmune disease. Please do not fabricate stories at the expense of
my child. Rumors have been spreading on Facebook linking me to what Anjo Yllana claimed. I brushed it aside and laughed it off. But using my child for fabricated news is below the belt. It saddens me that some kababayans believe those fake, false and unverified posts. I never spoke to any reporter.” Rodriguez said the incident has caused distress within her family and placed her child, who is a private individual, at the center of an invented narrative. She confirmed that she has begun consulting legal counsel to determine possible action under Philippine laws on cyber libel and falsified online content. Public reactions have been largely supportive, with many social media users condemning the rumor as reckless and urging others not to share posts that imitate news formats to spread unverified claims. There has been no indication that Sotto was involved in the rumor or commented on the circulating material. No evidence has been presented to support the allegation.
Ruby Rodriguez at a recent community event in Los Angeles. Photo from Ruby Rodriguez–Aquino social media account
Rodriguez is now based in Los Angeles, where she works at the Philippine Consulate General while continuing occasional entertainment work. She reminds the public to remain vigilant about false content online and to avoid amplifying posts that cause harm to families and public officials.
Alden Richards navigates modern fan culture...
PAGE 12 rities who are very much public — especially with all of the things we do, say, or post — are always put in the spotlight. Kaya [it’s not for me] to dignify the comments and the person behind that because wala namang mawawala,” he continued. (I witnessed colleagues who probably couldn’t control themselves from talking back or answering them to give a statement. I don’t want to fuel the fire. These people who say hurtful things about you or current issues, they
don’t have any faces. The celebrities who are very much public — especially with all of the things we do, say, or post — are always put in the spotlight. It’s not me to dignify the comments and the person behind that because I have nothing to lose anyway.) As the topic shifted to his upcoming fan meet, Richards explained that his experience as a concert producer allowed him to be exposed to different kinds of shows and what the audiences want. “You should always think about your supporters. Com-
ing from [my experience], it’s about being with all of them in the past 15 years. I get to learn about their stories and so I want them to be highlighted in the fan meet. Gusto kong makita nila ang effect nila sa’kin and sa aking journey (I want them to see their effect on me and my journey),” he said. Richards will hold his “ARXV: Moving ForwARd: Ultimate Fanmeet Experience” show on Dec. 13 at the Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in his hometown in Laguna.
Ramon Tulfo backs brother Raffy...
PAGE 12 "Kung totoo man ang balita — granting but not admitting, ang sabi pa ng mga abogado — eh, ano ngayon?" he repeated. Ramon pointed out that Raffy, like fellow entertainer
Willie Revillame, is known to be generous. Raffy gives out thousands of pesos on his programs straight from his own pocket, Ramon said. He also said that Raffy and Jocelyn were wealthy before they even entered politics;
hence, their combined Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth worth of P1 billion. "Kung ako pa ang napabalita na nag-offer ng indecent proposal, kapani-paniwala pa," Ramon quipped.
14 DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS As far as health is concerned, the majority, if not all, of us want the best health minus the sacrifices needed to achieve it effectively and safely. We want to be healthy without exercising, dieting, or abstaining from smoking and without disciplined alcohol intake. We want to have good blood pressure and good cholesterol levels without skimping on our salt and fat intake and quitting cigarettes. We want to lose weight without cutting down on our calorie intake and exercising daily. Everybody wants to get to heaven without dying! For expediency, any pill or juice or gadget that comes along with the claim that it is good for our health becomes a “must-buy” crutch, believing it will confer upon us good health and longevity, without lifting a finger, moving a muscle, or getting off the couch and putting down the remote control and the potato chips. Unfortunately, the manufacturers of these “health” lotions, potions, pills, juices, and gadgets are mostly interested in making their bank accounts healthy, and least interested in the health of their consumer-victims. Otherwise, they won’t continue to prey on the unsuspecting public and sell their useless products, which may even have severe long-term side effects. And organ failure and cancer are some of those possibilities! It is one thing to pay for a costly pill or juice, or a machine, and find out years from now that it was not effective. It is another to discover years down the line that its use has caused a debilitating or deadly disease. Now comes the water ionizer, the “ionized” alkaline water it produces, the “special drinking water.” Not only are these marketed waters and the ionizing machines expensive, but they are, according to scientists, “medically baseless and worthless.” Most of the good effects these manufacturers claim for their products are available in healthy food items, like fish, fruits, bran, wheat, nuts, vegetables, and water purified by the most advanced multiple-stage reverse-osmosis filtration system. It might come as a surprise to many, but boiled water, minus its sediments, is safer than some of this expensive drinking water. Using the
The “Ionizer” scam
commercially available home water filtration pitcher or the below-the-sink multiple-stage reversed osmosis filtration system, and then boiling the water, will even double the protection. This will certainly not cost $1500-$2500 like the ionizers. When it comes to health, there is no better guide than our modern science, where extensive and rigidly controlled laboratory testing and double-blind, randomized, human clinical trials are the standard before any medication or device gets official approval and goes out to the market. Anecdotal reports (usually solicited) or testimonials (usually from paid endorsers) are not scientific proofs. This is misinformation used to market the product with some semblance of “truth.” Candidly, these are nothing but deception to sell. If not approved by the US-FDA, RPBFAD, or any other similar national health agencies, any product is a potential suspect. So, public, beware! As far as the water ionizer is concerned, here is “the bottom line” as objectively explained in a detailed scientific paper, which aims to educate and protect the public: Here, in a nutshell, are few basic facts that anyone with a solid background in chemistry or physiology would concur with: (1) “Ionized water” is nothing more than sales fiction; the term is meaningless to chemists; (2) Most water that is fit for drinking is too non-conductive to undergo significant electrolysis; (3) Pure water can never be alkaline or acidic, nor can it be made so by electrolysis; (4) Ground waters containing metal ions such as calcium and magnesium can be rendered slightly alkaline by electrolysis, but after it hits the highly acidic gastric fluid in the stomach, its alkalinity is gone; (5) The idea that one must consume alkaline water to neutralize the effects of acidic foods is ridiculous; we get rid of excess acid by exhaling carbon dioxide; (6) The claims about health benefits of drinking alkaline water were not supported by credible scientific evidence; (7) There is nothing wrong with drinking slightly acidic waters such as rainwater. Body pH is a meaningless concept in this context because different parts of the body (and even individual cells) can have widely different pH value; (8) If you really want to de-acidify your stomach (at possible cost
of interfering with protein digestion), why spend hundreds of dollars for an electrolysis device when you can take calcium-magnesium pills, Alka-Seltzers or Milk of Magnesia, under your doctor’s care? (9) Electrolysis devices or ionizers are generally worthless for treating water for health enhancement, removal of common impurities, disinfection, and scale control.” Talking about liquids, here is a warning: Soft drinks (cola or un-cola, diet or regular), for instance, are poison to all of us, especially to children; they cause metabolic syndrome, which leads to major chronic illnesses. They are killing us softly! Among “killer foods,” processed foods, especially meats (almost all deli), increase the risk for cancer; and sweets and sugars are most unhealthy for us, responsible for most major chronic illnesses among us. To protect our health…and pocketbook, we must use our wisdom and due diligence. Caveat emptor! *** 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 treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
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Nadine Lustre isn’t ready to be a mother—but you can call her one For award-winning actress Nadine Lustre, family isn’t always defined by blood, but by presence and respect by Allan Policarpio Inquirer.net
BEFORE Nadine Lustre became the Nadine Lustre, she was just like any other showbiz hopeful, shuttling across the city for auditions. Almost every day, she and her mother would take the MRT from Quezon City to Makati for her VTRs. The lines were long, and the days even longer. By the time they were finished, night had already fallen. But before braving the commute back home, they would stop at a mall for a quick dinner of fried rice and siomai—“with lots of chili oil,” she recalls. This routine would go on and on. But though seemingly mundane, the accumulation of these moments turned into an indelible memory. “I won’t forget that. Now that I’m older, I look back on those times with fondness,” she says at a recent press conference. “It was simple but happy.” Not done growing up But more than nostalgia, reminiscing about that part of her life also made her realize what motherhood entails. There she was, pursuing her dreams, guided by a woman who had to give up hers. Lustre is now 32, and her mother was 21 when she had her. She could only imagine what that must have been like. “I’m wondering what she went through during her 20s. I know things weren’t easy for her because she had to give up a lot for my sake,” she says. Lustre spent her 20s figuring herself out and discovering life; her mother had to do the same while raising another life. It’s an immense responsibility. And she must admit that even now, that’s something she doesn’t think she could do. “I’m already 32, but I feel like I’m still not done growing up,” she says. “I discovered a lot about myself during my 20s—things I don’t think I would have been able to learn had I become a mother early.” While real-life motherhood is beyond her at this stage in her life, she’s willing to take on that role, even if only in front of the cameras. Fears of typecasting In “Call Me Mother”—a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry she co-headlines with Vice Ganda—Lustre plays Mara, a former teenage
Mara (Nadine Lustre) in Call Me Mother Photo courtesy of Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Compan
beauty queen who lives a life of regret after giving up her son Angelo (Lucas Andalio) to work as a high-fashion model. Twinkle (Vice Ganda) contacts Mara to finalize the adoption so he can take the kid with him for his new job overseas. But Mara insists that she will sign the papers only if Twinkle agrees to train her and help her win the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant. Lustre wasn’t planning on joining this year’s MMFF. In fact, she wanted to take a break from acting for a year to focus on her other passions and business ventures. And at first, the thought of portraying a mother didn’t help her case. In the local industry, an actress transitioning to mother roles is often—and unfairly—perceived as a sign of her aging or a decline in her status as a romantic lead. “People feared that I might get typecast in that kind of role in the future. Baka biglang mag-mature ang tingin sa ‘kin,” says Lustre, a three-time FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards) acting award winner and recipient of multiple other accolades. But the prospect of working with Vice Ganda is an opportunity too good to pass up. Her first film, “Petrang Kabayo” (2010), saw her playing support for the superstar comedian. Reuniting now, this time on equal billing, would be a full-circle moment. And so, when director Jun Robles Lana pitched her the project, all she needed to see was Vice Ganda’s name to get on board. Sure enough, the script eventually showed that she made the right decision. Although the film is primarily a comedy, the subjects it explores are no laughing matter. Lana says it aims to depict
the adoption process—the complexities, tedium, and the mental and emotional toll that come with it—as honestly as possible. It’s challenging enough for traditional couples or single individuals, and even more so for queer people, he points out. Chosen family The film also challenges the definition of motherhood, portraying it as something not solely based on gender, but on presence; not on control, but on letting go. It also asks us to rethink what family and sacrifice actually mean. “My character, Mara, taught me that not being ready for motherhood doesn’t make you a bad person,” Lustre shares. “It’s a beautiful story about motherhood and its different faces and forms. I think it’s important to have this kind of material because it might spark a conversation.” Working on the film was a learning experience, but it hasn’t necessarily changed her feelings about becoming a mother. What it did, however, was reinforce the importance of the word “mother” not only as a label, but as a term of respect. Lustre herself is no stranger to being called one. She’s “mother,” as her fans and colleagues would hail her, for her acting chops, progressive takes on femininity and relationships, her outspokenness on politics and social issues, and even her social media “estetik.” In turn, she calls nurturing people she looks up to— those who “inspire you and make you feel so loved and cared for”—“mothers,” too. After all, Lustre would like to believe that family isn’t always determined by blood. “You can choose your family, and I think that’s such a beautiful thing,” she says. n
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 15
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Looking Forward to FIFA World Cup 2026
My P.E.P.
(People, Events,Places)
Rogelio Constantino Medina I WAS grateful to the Washington DC Foreign Press Center for the FIFA World Cup 2026 media briefing led by Andrew Harold Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association, which is the French name for the International Federation of Association Football. It is the international governing body for the sport of football (soccer) and is responsible for organizing events like the FIFA World Cup. There were many credentialed media members of the Foreign Press Center who attended onsite and online thru Zoom, including me. Online, I saw those 71 press members from La Croix-France, Hungarian Publication, Catalunya Radio, Aljazeera Media, TV 2 Norway, Xinhua News Agency, Asahi Shimbun (where I was a stringer), Fuji TV Japan, NHK Broadcasting Japan, Kyodo News, Mainichi newspaper, Jiji Press, TASS, German Presse Agency dpa, YTN South Korea, La Republica Italy, The Shaka Speer covering Africa, La Politica Online from Argentina, and a lot more. I realized I was the only Filipino journalist who was participating. I did not see a representative from The Japan
Times newspaper in Tokyo where I was a correspondent and columnist when I was based in Tokyo as a journalist. Thanks to Gim Staab, Bryce and Zina Wolfington, all from the Foreign Center, for the assistance. *** More on FIFA World Cup The White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 is dedicated to leading and coordinating federal efforts in support of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026. In collaboration with executive departments and agencies, the Task Force will facilitate comprehensive planning, organization, and execution of the largest sporting events in the history of mankind. Through interagency cooperation, information sharing, and strategic support, the Task Force aims to ensure the successful hosting of worldclass international events that reflect the values, security, and hospitality of the United States of America. *** Pres. Trump Receives the 1st FIFA Peace Prize FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald J. Trump the inaugural 2025 FIFA Peace Prize. The said Peace Prize is dedicated to an individual who achieved exceptional and extraordinary action to promote peace and unity around the world. *** John Rey Malto's Birthday Talent manager John Rey Malto expressed his gratitude after a recent memorable birthday celebration with
When the United States hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026, it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the greatness of America and world-class athletic competition as USA celebrates the nation's 250th year.
showbiz stars, directors, entertainment production and media personalities. Among the attendees were singer Joice Espinoza, Hasna Cabral (former Pinoy Big Brother housemate from ABSCBN), Sarkis Obeid, Vivamax artist Denise Esteban, beauty queen Jefahlyne “Jaja” Del Rosario, social media star Jiniah “Arya” Manalang, Albert Langitan (director of the TV series Totoy Bato), Cinepop director Benedict Salgado, independent film directors Aldwin Bonggao, Vic Tiro, Mark Jason Sucgang and Bon Labora, Viva directors Johnrey Ramos and Marvin Medina, award-winning international film director Arvin Belarmino, and talent manager Paula Qui. Also in attendance were the Solaire Girls composed of Samantha Gracioso, Rose Ann Laquindanum, Abigail Reyes, Abigail Manahan, April Rose Geres, Dianna Marie Agbu, Cristina Tan, Rishma Luba, Francine Comadizo, Marissa Galima, Maria Ederlyn “Aya” Escoreal, Ailene De Jorge, Francesca Jamella Ramirez, Aurielle Mary Joy Tagura, Arlene Jade Eliseo, Sigrid Rafael, Ira Dizon, Angelica Redito and Marjorie Ebio Cagro, and Viva Entertainment director Kristian Paolo Selga with Viva associate producer Catherine Dela Cruz. The event turned into a joyful gathering of creative and passionate individuals who continue to make meaningful contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry. *** Katrina Ponce-Enrile's Corgi LUKE
US President Donald Trump.
Congratulations to LUKE who finished the year as the #1 Pembroke Welsh Corgi in the Philippines. This achievement meant more than just a ranking for it represented "our passion, our dedication, and our love for the breed. This also reflects the heart and soul of everyone who supported Team LUKE." Wency Vilanueva, the trainor of the pet, began showing Luke in the Philippines only nine months ago, but "it feels like we’ve shared a lifetime already. From the very first time I held the end of his lead, I felt that instant bond, that unspoken understanding. Our hearts connected right away. And from that moment on, I knew we were meant to chase dreams side by side in the show ring. I bring him all around the country, some part in Asia and also in the amazing America. We’ve built so many unforgettable memories along the way, and every single one of them will stay in my heart." Wency attributed this success to "Ms. Katrina C. Ponce-Enrile, who has been our guide, our #1 supporter, and the visionary behind this journey. I remember the day we first talked about this dream, and now, look where we are." Added Wency, "She’s an extraordinary owner, like myself. She also always believes in her dog! We share the same passion, the same love for the breed, and the same unwavering heart. I am truly thankful for her trust, her encouragement, and the love she has shown to us." *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Andrew Giuliani with his wife and kid.
Luke with Wency Villanueva and Katrina Ponce-Enrile.
Wency Villanueva with corgi Luke.
Next year’s FIFA World Cup 26 matches, hosted by the U.S., are going to be the greatest in history. The U.S. is expecting up to 10 million international visitors, generating US$30 billion for the U.S. economy and 200,000 American jobs.
(From left) John Rey Malto, singer Joice Espinoza and journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
(From left) John Rey Malto, director Vic Tiro and Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
16 DECEMBER 12-18, 2025 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426