122625 - New York and New Jersey Edition

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 Volume 19 - No.52 • 16 Pages

133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • Tel. (212) 655-5426

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

Flood-control spending probe becomes DATELINE USA defining Philippine story of 2025 States sue to block FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

funding move that could shutter Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A COALITION of 21 states and the District of Columbia has filed suit seeking to block actions they say could force the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to suspend operations by cutting off its primary funding source. Filed in federal court in Oregon, the lawsuit names the bureau, its acting director, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as defendants. The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the challenged funding posture unlawful and to prevent what they describe as an imminent disruption to the agency’s operations. Statutory funding mechanism becomes focal point of dispute At the center of the case is the interpretation of a Dodd-Frank Act provision governing how the CFPB is funded. The statute authorizes the bureau to draw quarterly funding from the Federal Reserve in an amount the CFPB direc-

u PAGE 4

by AJPress

MANILA — The Philippines’ defining story of 2025 was not a single election or diplomatic breakthrough but the sustained scrutiny of flood-control spending that followed repeated flooding and a growing body of official audit

findings, legislative inquiries, and inter-agency investigations into public works projects worth billions of pesos. What began as renewed concern over monsoon- and typhoon-driven inundation evolved into a broader examination of governance: how flood-control funds were planned, awarded,

implemented, and audited, and whether institutions tasked with oversight could credibly account for outcomes on the ground. Scale of spending under the spotlight In his State of the Nation Address in July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the gov-

u PAGE 2

Plunder, graft complaints filed vs Recto, ex-PhilHealth chief over P60 billion fund transfer by AJPress

HOLIDAY EXODUS. Passengers, mostly bound for Bicol and the Visayas, troop to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Monday (Dec. 22, 2025), three days before Christmas. The PITX management is expecting the passenger volume to peak on Tuesday (Dec. 23), the last working day before the long Christmas holidays. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

MANILA — A citizens’ group has filed plunder, graft, and related complaints with the Office of the Ombudsmanagainst Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and former Philippine Health Insurance Corp. president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., seeking a criminal and administrative investigation into the transfer of P60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury. The complainants, who publicly identified themselves as a private citizens’ coalition, allege that the remittance violated laws governing the use of PhilHealth resources and re-

u PAGE 4

YEAREND 2025: Senate denies holiday furlough Cabral case becomes focus of police, for Curlee, DPWH engineers anti-graft, and congressional review The foreign affairs front on by Marc Jayson Cayabyab Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Contractor Curlee Discaya and sacked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza will spend the holidays in Senate detention after their request for Christmas furlough was denied, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said. “I recommended to the Senate President that their request

for Christmas furlough be denied mainly for security reasons, owing to the repeated media statements from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that arrest warrants against them will be issued before Christmas,” Lacson said of the four, who were cited in contempt and detained for lying before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee flood control probe. “So the risk of escape becomes greater – not to men-

u PAGE 4

Police cite toxicology findings as the Ombudsman takes custody of DPWH records and lawmakers move to open a House inquiry. by AJPress

POLICE, anti-graft investigators, and lawmakers have opened parallel reviews in the case of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral, following disclosures on toxicology findings, the turnover of her official records, and a congressional move to examine the circumstances of her death alongside broader

infrastructure oversight issues. Police confirm antidepressant detected in toxicology screening The Philippine National Police said toxicology tests detected citalopram, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in specimens examined in Cabral’s case. Police officials stressed that toxicology findings alone do not establish intent or explain the circumstances of death and must be assessed

u PAGE 4

sovereignty, scandals and the long arm of the law

by Charie Abarca, Jason Sigales, John Eric Mendoza, Tetch Torres-Tupas Philstar.com

MANILA — The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte is among the surprise developments in the country that gained world attention in 2025. East Timor’s extradition of expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves, the collision of Chinese ships in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the extradition appeal

u PAGE 2

2

DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page The foreign affairs front on sovereignty... Flood-control spending probe... PAGE 1 ernment had allocated roughly P545 billion for flood-control projects from mid-2022 through early 2025, citing submissions from the Department of Public Works and Highways. The disclosure, covering thousands of projects nationwide, placed the scale of investment at the center of public debate as flooding again disrupted communities despite years of infrastructure spending. The administration said the figures reflected an unprecedented commitment to flood mitigation. Critics, however, pointed to persistent inundation in several areas as grounds for closer scrutiny of how projects were selected, executed, and maintained. Audit findings drive formal reviews That scrutiny intensified after the Commission on Audit, the country’s constitutional audit institution, ordered fraud audits of flood-control projects in Bulacan, one of the provinces that received substantial allocations. COA directives required district offices to submit full documentation and to allow physical inspections to verify project existence, completion, and compliance with approved plans. Subsequent COA reports cited irregularities in several contracts, including projects flagged as non-existent or relocated without proper authority, payments for structures that pre-dated the contracts, and incomplete supporting documents. The audit body referred multiple findings to a special fact-finding body for further evaluation, stressing that its reports were subject

to due process and did not constitute final judicial determinations. Creation of an independent fact-finding body In September, the government established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, an ad hoc panel mandated to consolidate findings on flood-control and other infrastructure projects implemented over several years. The commission was tasked with reviewing audit reports and coordinating with enforcement agencies to determine whether administrative, civil, or criminal action may be warranted. As part of that coordination, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti-Money Laundering Council examined transactions linked to projects under review. Authorities said asset-tracking and preservation measures were intended to secure evidence while investigations continued. Legislative inquiries and public confidence Both chambers of Congress held hearings on flood-control spending and project implementation, examining procurement practices, contractor performance, and coordination between national agencies and local governments. Lawmakers cited COA findings and DPWH submissions during sessions that were broadcast and transcribed as part of the official record. Public confidence was further tested by survey data indicating widespread belief that corruption had affected flood-control spending, though respondents were not asked to assess specific cases.

Analysts noted that the convergence of visible flooding and detailed audit documentation gave the issue unusual resonance across regions and income groups. Budgetary consequences and policy signals Amid the controversy, the administration said it would rely on previously appropriated funds to continue flood-control works and signaled that new allocations would be reviewed more closely in subsequent budget cycles. Lawmakers also raised the prospect of tighter conditions on future appropriations, citing the need for clearer project justifications and post-implementation evaluations. COA, for its part, announced internal measures to strengthen audit coverage, including enhanced geotagging and documentation requirements for infrastructure projects. A governance benchmark going forward As 2025 ended, investigations remained ongoing. No final court rulings had been issued, and officials emphasized that findings were subject to established legal processes. Still, the year marked a shift in how flood control is discussed in public life. Flooding, long treated primarily as a natural hazard, became a benchmark for assessing institutional performance. For many Filipinos, the central question moved beyond why floods occur to how public money intended to prevent them is managed— and whether accountability mechanisms can deliver answers grounded in evidence rather than assurances. n

HOLIDAY EXODUS. Passengers, mostly bound for Bicol and the Visayas, troop to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, three days before Christmas. The PITX management is expecting the passenger volume to peak on Tuesday (Dec. 23), the last working day before the long Christmas holidays. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

PAGE 1 made by the United States government against Apollo Quiboloy, Harry Roque’s disappearance, resigned legislator Zaldy Co’s involvement in the flood control scandal and news reports, protested by the government, branding the Philippines as an ISIS hot spot also hogged 2025’s international headlines. The fall of ‘the Punisher’: Duterte’s arrest by the ICC In 2024, former President Rodrigo Duterte dared the International Criminal Court (ICC) to speed up its investigation into the killings connected to his administration’s brutal war on drugs. Last March, the global tribunal appeared to have heeded Duterte’s request. Duterte was returning home from an event with overseas Filipinos when he was met by a police team at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in the morning of March 11. The police, led by thenMaj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at the time, was implementing an ICC warrant to arrest Duterte. The former president was transferred to the nearby Villamor Airbase to negotiate for hours. Tension flared up between the police team and Duterte’s camp especially as common-law partner Honeylet Avanceña allegedly hit a Special Action Force (SAF) officer and his youngest daughter Kitty Duterte cursed at Torre. Nonetheless, law enforcement brought their former commander-in-chief to a private jet that took off late night on March 11, en route to the Hague, the Netherlands. In a press conference that same night, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. explained that the government surrendered Duterte to the global tribunal due to the country’s commitments to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), through which the ICC arrest warrant was channeled. The Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained that Duterte’s arrest was only in line with its duty to the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime in implementing the Interpol red notice against the former president. Further, the PNP said Torre and its then-Chief Gen. Rom-

mel Marbil were ready for any possible charges against them over the former president’s turnover to the ICC. Arnie Teves: The long road home Expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. was identified by then Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the “mastermind” in the killing of Governor Roel Degamo, a Teves political rival, and eight others in 2023. Teves, who went abroad for medical reasons, denied involvement. His travel authority expired on March 9, 2023, but he still refused to return to the country, citing threats to his life. The legal battle: In 2024, Teves sought political asylum in Dili, Timor-Leste. He was arrested but eventually placed under house arrest. But in May 2025, Timor-Leste ordered Teves’ return to the Philippines tagging him as an undocumented alien facing multiple criminal complaints and thus posing “threats” to the island state’s national security and interests. On May 29, 2025, after two years as a fugitive, Teves was deported from Timor Leste. Current status: The Manila Regional Trial Court entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Teves who refused to enter a plea during his arraignment for illegal possession of explosives. In June, Teves was allowed to post bail by another Manila court on a 2019 murder case. However, he remains in detention for multiple murder for the death of Degamo and eight others. Let the chips fall where they may: The year since the Pogo ban The government gave Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) until Dec. 31, 2024 to shut down operations amid explosive allegations of criminal activities in the facil-

ities. Nonetheless, the fallout from the Pogo mess reverberated throughout 2025. Chief among the developments in the saga was the conviction of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court over crimes in connection with the POGO there. After a commitment order following her conviction, Guo was transferred from the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City on the night of Dec. 5. In another POGO case, last May, the Angeles City Regional Trial Court issued warrants to arrest former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, businesswoman Cassandra Ong and 49 others over alleged trafficking in connection with a gaming hub in Porac, Pampanga. This prompted the CIDG to form teams to track down the 51 accused, capturing at least two of them later that May. Then, in November, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cancelled Roque and Ong’s passports in compliance with an order from the Pasig City Regional Trial Court. Where exactly was Roque? The former presidential spokesperson had flown to the Netherlands last March to seek asylum. Then-CIDG Director Torre said last May that they had sought an Interpol red notice to bring Roque home. The request was later confirmed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission in November. Just hours after the DFA’s cancellation of his passport, the former presidential spokesperson refuted reports that he was arrested by Dutch authorities, saying he was set to take a flight to Austria before he was declared unfit to fly by doctors following a recent surgery.

u PAGE 8

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026

3

4

DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

States sue to block funding move that could... Senate denies holiday furlough for Curlee... PAGE 1 tor determines is “reasonably necessary” to carry out its responsibilities, subject to a statutory cap. The states argue that CFPB leadership has adopted a new reading of the law that effectively treats available funding as zero when the Federal Reserve operates at a loss. According to the complaint, that interpretation departs from prior practice and would prevent the bureau from requesting funds needed to continue routine supervision, enforcement, and data-collection work. What the CFPB does and why its funding matters Created by Congress in 2010 after the global financial crisis, the CFPB serves as the federal government’s primary watchdog over consumer financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and debt collection. The agency enforces federal consumer protection laws, supervises financial institutions, and maintains national databases used by regulators and law enforcement. Unlike most federal agencies, the CFPB does not receive annual appropriations from Congress. Instead, it is funded through quarterly transfers from the Federal Re-

serve, a structure lawmakers designed to insulate consumer protection enforcement from political pressure. That funding model, however, has repeatedly been challenged in court and is now central to the states’ lawsuit. States challenge interpretation tied to Federal Reserve losses The plaintiffs contend that the statute does not condition CFPB funding on whether the Federal Reserve posts operating profits. They argue that once the CFPB director determines a funding level is necessary, the Federal Reserve is legally required to transfer that amount, regardless of recent losses recorded by the central bank. Absent court intervention, the lawsuit says, the CFPB could face a shutdown or sharp curtailment of activity, undermining its ability to carry out congressionally mandated duties. Attorneys general warn of disruption to consumer enforcement State attorneys general say a suspension of CFPB operations would have immediate consequences for state-level consumer protection efforts. In their filing, the states cite reliance on CFPB infrastructure, including the national

consumer complaint database and mortgage lending data collected under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. They say those resources are routinely used in investigations, enforcement actions, and coordination between federal and state authorities. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief and does not request monetary damages. States and District of Columbia joining the suit The plaintiffs include the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. The District of Columbia is also a named plaintiff. Case adds to long-running legal battles over the bureau Since its creation, the CFPB has faced repeated legal and political challenges to its structure, authority, and independence. The Oregon case adds to that history and could determine whether the agency remains operational under its existing funding framework while broader disputes over its role continue to move through the courts. (AJPress)

Plunder, graft complaints filed vs Recto... PAGE 1 sulted in prejudice to the state health insurer. The filing asks the Ombudsman to determine whether the respondents bear liability for plunder, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, technical malversation, and grave misconduct. The complaints stem from a 2024 remittance made by Philippine Health Insurance Corporation following the implementation of a Department of Finance circular and a special provision in the 2024 national budget authorizing the transfer of what the government then characterized as “excess” or unused funds. Supreme Court ruling on the fund transfer The controversy reached the Supreme Court of the Philippines, which later ruled on the legality of the transfer mechanism. In a decision summarized by the Court, the justices declared void the budgetary and executive issuances used to justify the remittance and ordered that the P60 billion already transferred be returned to PhilHealth through the

2026 General Appropriations Act. The ruling also permanently barred further transfers under the challenged framework. The Court’s summary emphasized that funds earmarked for universal health care and related statutory purposes must be used strictly in accordance with the law. At the same time, the ruling did not adjudicate criminal liability, which the Court said falls outside the scope of its review in that case. Several justices, in separate opinions referenced in the Court’s public briefers, expressed the view that criminal liability should not automatically attach to officials who implemented the budget provision in good faith. Recto cites good faith, legal mandate Recto, who was finance secretary at the time of the remittance and now serves as executive secretary, has publicly said he will cooperate with any Ombudsman inquiry. In statements carried by Philippine media, Recto has maintained that the trans-

fer was carried out pursuant to a congressional mandate and implementing rules then in force, and that he acted in good faith in executing the budget provision later struck down by the Court. Ledesma, who led PhilHealth during the period in question, has not issued a detailed public response as of publication. Asian Journal will update this report if a statement is released. What the Ombudsman process entails A complaint filed with the Ombudsman undergoes preliminary investigation to determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with criminal charges or administrative sanctions. At this stage, respondents may be directed to submit counter-affidavits, after which the Ombudsman may dismiss the case or elevate it for prosecution. As of publication, no finding of liability has been made. The complaints reflect allegations by private complainants, and the respondents are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in appropriate proceedings. n

PAGE 1 tion that it makes no sense to grant such requests for Christmas leave if indeed warrants are coming out by then,” he added. The detained resource persons, however, were allowed to attend mass at the Senate and to be visited by family within Senate premises. They will not be allowed to leave Senate custody, Lacson said. “That’s the most that we can allow, given the circumstances,” he said. While Curlee Discaya is under Senate custody, his contractor wife Sarah has been arrested and is now detained

[Spouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya] arrive at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Padre Faura, Manila, on Friday, Dec. 19, for the preliminary investigation into the P7.1-billion tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The STAR / Edd Gunman

at the Lapu-Lapu city jail for a non-bailable malversation case involving an alleged

P96.5-million “ghost” flood control project in Davao Occidental. n

Cabral case becomes focus of police... PAGE 1 alongside autopsy results, scene evidence, witness statements, and digital records. Authorities said the case remains under review and that no final determination has been announced. Ombudsman takes custody of Cabral’s government-issued devices and records Separately, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the turnover of Cabral’s government-issued computer equipment and official files as part of a broader investigation into alleged irregularities involving flood-control and other infrastructure projects. The Department of Public Works and Highways said it complied with the subpoena and delivered the materials to the Ombudsman. Officials said the devices and records were sealed and placed under Ombudsman custody for digital forensic examination. Investigators said the review will focus on the authenticity, integrity, and provenance of electronic files under Cabral’s official control, including documents related to project listings and programming requests. Securing the materials under Ombudsman custody is intended to preserve chain of custody and address concerns about possible alteration or deletion of records. Lawmakers file resolution seeking House inquiry into Cabral’s death A group of lawmakers has filed a resolution in the House of Representatives of the Philippines calling for a congressional investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cabral’s death and issues connected to infrastructure projects under review. The resolution was led by Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice

and joined by Leila de Lima, Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Leandro Leviste, and Elijah San Fernando, among others. The measure urges relevant House committees to examine whether Cabral’s death had any connection to her official duties at the DPWH, particularly her access to records involving flood-control and other public works projects. It also calls for a review of whether government agencies acted promptly to secure documents, electronic files, and other material information in her custody. Sponsors said the proposed inquiry is fact-finding in nature and does not presume wrongdoing. They said it aims to clarify the sequence of events leading to Cabral’s death, assess the handling and preservation of potential evidence, and review institutional safeguards for officials involved in sensitive oversight and review functions. The resolution also calls for a broader examination of how infrastructure projects are identified, listed, and funded amid longstanding concerns over alleged budget “insertions.” Lawmaker claims possession of alleged DPWH “insertion” documents The case has taken on added political significance following public statements by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, who said he possesses DPWH documents he described as secret “insertion” files that he claimed came from Cabral. Officials and lawmakers have urged that any such materials be submitted through formal investigative channels rather than disclosed selectively. Authorities have said documents attributed to Cabral must undergo forensic examination and authentica-

tion before any determination can be made as to whether they reflect unlawful budget practices or routine programming requests allowed under existing rules. Cabral’s death and role at DPWH Former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral died on December 19, 2025, after she was found unconscious following a fall in Tuba, Benguet, authorities said. She was discovered on the evening of December 18 in a ravine along Kennon Road, taken to a hospital, and pronounced dead shortly after midnight. Investigators said the physical findings were consistent with a fall, while noting that the case remains under review. Cabral’s death drew attention because of her senior role at the DPWH, the agency responsible for implementing large-scale infrastructure and flood-control programs nationwide. As an undersecretary, she had access to internal project listings, programming requests, and budget-related records now being examined amid broader scrutiny of infrastructure spending. Status of investigations Authorities have confirmed the toxicology finding cited by police and the Ombudsman’s custody of Cabral’s government-issued devices and records. Claims involving alleged DPWH budget “insertions” remain unproven pending forensic review, authentication of documents, and formal findings by investigators. Officials said further updates are expected as digital examinations are completed, the congressional inquiry proceeds, and investigative steps continue. n

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USA

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026

New York street named after José Rizal in honor of Filipino migrants

5

An intersection in Woodside, an area in Queens with a large Filipino population, has been named Dr. José Rizal Way

NEW YORK — An intersection in Woodside, an area in the New York City borough of Queens with a large Filipino population, has been named Dr. José Rizal Way in honor of the Philippine national hero and Filipino migrants. Elected officials joined residents, members of the Knights of Rizal and other Filipino American organizations in New York last week at the ceremony co-naming the corner of 58th Street and Woodside Avenue in Woodside. The celebration was led by Philippine Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile, Assemblyman Steven Raga, City Councilwoman Julie Won and Rep. Grace Meng. The street co-naming was made possible through the initiative of Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Assembly, and the efforts of Council Member Won to advance its legislation. Won said the co-naming reflects the growing Filipino presence in her district and Woodside’s identity as a community shaped by generations of immigrants. “It’s an honor to co-name an intersection in Woodside after Dr. José P. Rizal, the national hero for Filipinos in my district and beyond,” Won said. “This co-naming speaks to our ethos as a district of immigrants and honors the

contributions and culture of our neighbors in the Filipino diaspora.” In his remarks during the unveiling ceremony, Mangalile said Rizal’s fight was not limited by geography, as the ideals he championed – including the pursuit of equality, anti-colonialism and women’s rights – remain relevant today. “The renaming of this intersection is a beautiful and inspiring result of our community working together toward a common goal,” Mangalile added. “It stands as a testament to the power of unity and our collective pride in our heritage.” (Inquirer.net)

In celebration of Filipino heritage, Consul General Senen Mangalile and Assembly Member Steven Raga sign a replica of the Jose Rizal Way street sign. Photo by Michael Magsombol/Knights of Rizal – Astoria Chapter

Consul General Senen Mangalile, Council Member Julie Won, Assembly Member Steven Raga and Congresswoman Grace Meng join members of the Knights of Rizal and other Filipino American organizations in New York at the naming ceremony. Photo by Michael Magsombol/Knights of Rizal – Astoria Chapter

The new street sign honors the Philippine national hero and celebrates the vibrant Filipino community that calls Woodside home. Photo by Michael Magsombol/Knights of Rizal – Astoria Chapter

6

DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Opinion

Christmas without illusions

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Features

CHRISTMAS arrives in the Philippines and the United States under different skies but with the same invitation: to pause without pretending that the world has been temporarily fixed. The season does not suspend reality or erase the pressures of governance, economics, and public trust. It brings them into sharper view. In the Philippines, Christmas has long served as a cultural anchor. The extended season reflects more than religious observance. It underscores the primacy of family, community, and resilience amid persistent challenges, from inequality to disaster vulnerability. These traditions sharpen expectations that leadership must be competent, accountable, and focused on the needs of ordinary households. Celebration, in this context, does not excuse failure. It heightens scrutiny. In the United States, the holiday carries a parallel civic meaning. In a plural society, Christmas functions as a shared interval in public life, reinforcing values that extend beyond faith: fairness, restraint, and respect for difference. Stability depends not only on markets

and laws, but on confidence that institutions can still command trust. Across both nations, families gather at tables defined by familiar customs. Meals are prepared, conversations repeat themselves, and routines continue. These ordinary acts matter. They form the first layer of social order, reminding us that national strength begins with responsibility practiced at home long before it is demanded in public. The relationship between the Philippines and the United States rests on more than treaties and formal alliances. It is sustained by education, work, and community ties that endure beyond election cycles. Christmas offers an opportunity to reaffirm that relationship not

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

through sentiment or ceremony, but through shared expectations: steady governance, peaceful engagement, and opportunity that is broadly shared. More than a century ago, an editor at the

Untimely

FIRST PERSON Online scams and the elderly public lives Randy David

A FEW years ago, when the threat from COVID-19 had begun to recede, more and more elderly people reported being victimized by scams. The pandemic and the need for connection it accentuated had led many of them, for the first time, to experience the advantages of the mobile phone and the internet. But this new connectedness also exposed areas of vulnerability that online scams were purposely

designed to exploit, especially among new entrants into the digital universe. One of my sisters-in-law, a senior citizen like myself but a few years younger, fell prey to one of these scams. One day, she got a text message supposedly from her bank telling her that the reward points she had earned from her credit card purchases were due to expire. She was told she had a few days left to use them or convert them to cash. She clicked on a link that instructed her how to do it. It was a fatal move that led to an extended call from the bank’s supposed

customer relations officer. Over a period of more than an hour, she lost all her savings through a series of bank transfers. The bank refused to return her money because, according to them, by sharing her one-time password (OTP), she had effectively authorized these transfers. The same pattern, with a minor variation, entrapped my neighbor, who was in her early eighties. The text message she received warned her that her bank account had been used in a dubious transaction. She was informed that the bank PAGE 7

New York Sun responded to a child’s question with what became the enduring affirmation, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” The essay, published in 1897, was never intended as PAGE 7

Alex Magno THE case of Catalina Cabral could not possibly be closed – even if all evidence gathered by the police point to a suicide. In this country, corruption has risen to the level of a highly organized crime. The staggering amounts looted from public works projects were made possible by a sophisticated conspiracy involving contractors, bureaucrats and politicians. Cabral was

perhaps the most important cog in the network that made large-scale looting possible. A civil engineer with two PhDs, Cabral was highly intelligent. She was, from what we now know, a very efficient operator. Also a most amoral one. She dealt with both highly placed legislators, senior bureaucrats and big contractors with ease. She identified corruptible projects and saw to it they were included in the National Expenditure Plan. She found a way to make congressional insertions even before Congress inserted them. She

apportioned the loot and supervised their delivery to the plunderers. Had Cabral chosen to confess her crimes instead of taking her own life, she could decimate the political elite with her revelations. That makes her, for many of the most corrupt, a very dangerous person. For the most corrupt, her death was a convenient one. Rep. Leandro Leviste claims he is in possession of the entirety of Cabral’s “secret” files and will release them if authorized by the DPWH secretary. PAGE 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

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board Main Office: Asian Journal Publication 611 North Brand Blvd Suite 1300 Glendale, CA 91203 Tel: (818) 937-9981 (818) 937-9982 (213) 313-8600 (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0847

New York and New Jersey: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

With offices in Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind. ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026

DFA warns vs. misleading characterizations of PH amid Bondi tragedy by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA – The public is advised to “exercise care against misleading characterizations” of the security situation in the Philippines while facts related to the Bondi Beach shooters’ visit to the country are still being established. In a statement Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Australia and the Philippines are in close coordination to verify information related to the matter. “The Department calls on media organizations to ensure accuracy, balance, and

PAGE 6 It turns out, the same exact files have been copy furnished the ombudsman and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) – in addition to the original soft copies in the custody of the DPWH. These files, supposedly containing the complete list of power brokers who dealt with Cabral, must have explosive evidentiary value. But for some reason, their contents have been kept “secret” rather than disclosed to the public. There should be enough excuses to keep them from being made public. Prosecutors may argue that premature disclosure could compromise the investigations being undertaken. But while these files are kept away from the public, ill-gotten wealth could be squirreled away ahead of any freeze orders being issued. Some trade-off will have to be reached if we still hope some restitution is possible. To date, an executive secretary, a budget secretary and the previous public works secretary have resigned. Several undersecretaries have resigned as well – including Jojo Cadiz, who Zaldy Co claims is the President’s bagman. A minor DPWH official in southern Luzon committed suicide. Now Cabral is gone. Very little has been disclosed about the resignations of very senior administration officials, all of them tightly within BBM’s orbit. Much effort has been invested in trying to downplay Zaldy Co’s allegations. But every official he names, it seems, disappears from the public eye very quickly. Clearly, tight management

context in their reporting, and to avoid sweeping generalizations and amplifying speculation that may spread misinformation or inflame prejudice,” the DFA said, noting local and media reports referring to the Philippines’ connection to the incident “The Philippine Government has made a lot of significant strides in improving the domestic security situation in order to promote and sustain peace and order, and socio-economic development around the country,” it added. The Philippine government, it said, will continue

Untimely... is exercised over what is disclosed to the pubic. The Cabral files is an instance of this. To date, there is very little official acknowledgement about the existence of these highly explosive files. So much for transparency in governance. For a government functionary, Catalina Cabral appears to have accumulated vast wealth. She owns several homes, including one reportedly being built in Forbes Park with a five-level basement. She is neighbors with Martin Romualdez, Zaldy Co, Edwin Gardiola and others whose names have been associated with the public works scandal. She can afford to choose her neighbors well. A few months ago, she bought a hotel in Baguio – the same hotel she checked into hours before she died. That property alone is worth over half a billion pesos. Cabral’s estate is in the billions. That is not bad for a government functionary. Recovering anything from this vast estate will require the filing of civil suits and enduring many years of litigation. To this day, we are still chasing Ferdinand E. Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth four decades after he fled. Her family is not expected to be cooperative in helping government retrieve Cabral’s unexplained wealth. They were initially reluctant to authorize an autopsy or surrender her phone and laptop. They have every reason to avoid cooperation. Cabral’s death may soon be ruled a suicide. There are no signs of violence in the crime scene. She was not killed before being thrown off into a

contributing to regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism. These include sustained information sharing, law enforcement collaboration and border security cooperation with Australia and other partner countries. The gunmen Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram were earlier confirmed to have traveled to Davao City, but the Armed Forces of the Philippines said there is no indication that they underwent training there or that foreign terrorist activities took place in the area. (PNA)

deep ravine. But we cannot yet be convinced she was not induced to kill herself. This makes proper interrogation of Cabral’s driver so important. He was most proximate to Cabral in her final hours. He could not avoid overhearing her phone conversations in the car. He might be able to corroborate whatever information may be recovered from her phone and laptop. Right now the driver might be entitled to police protection. Police investigators are not the most talkative persons around. They are reluctant to share information with the public. They are hesitant to disclose information relating to powerful persons. Whatever we might want to know about Cabral and her role in the plunder scheme, we will have to pry from the official gatekeepers of information. This administration is not the most forthcoming. To the contrary, it has tried to suppress information whenever possible – all the while professing adherence to transparent and accountable governance. Those crusading for honest government should engage in every tactical issue that crops up. The Cabral files is one important tactical issue. The information here should give us a clear idea of how wide the network of plunder actually is. Cabral’s death was untimely – but also too convenient. (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.

7

MOBILITY UPGRADE. The construction of the Kamuning footbridge in EDSA, Quezon City ongoing as of Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. The project, including the nearby EDSA Busway station, began in October and is eyed for completion by January 2026. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Christmas without illusions...

PAGE 6 a literal claim or a defense of fantasy. It framed belief as a moral and civic choice, arguing that some truths cannot be proven or enforced, only lived. Goodwill, trust, and moral responsibility endure because people choose to uphold them. That insight remains relevant precisely because it rejects illusion. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of order and

trust in daily life. Prosperity is not just growth, but the ability of families to plan and invest with confidence. These conditions cannot be legislated into existence. They depend on conduct, restraint, and credibility over time. As the season draws to a close, the question is not whether symbols endure, but whether responsibility does. For both the Philippines and the United States, the work of

sustaining trust, accountability, and peace does not pause for the holidays. It resumes immediately, without illusion, in the year ahead. The lights will be taken down. The calendar will turn. What should remain is the discipline the season demands: to govern seriously, to strengthen institutions, and to honor the familiar customs that hold families and nations together. (AJPress)

Online scams and the elderly...

PAGE 6 had taken the precaution of temporarily freezing her account pending verification. She was then provided with a link to enable her to reactivate the account without having to physically visit the bank. The source of the message seemed authentic, as it came from the same number her phone associates with the bank. Prompted by urgency, she clicked the link. She, too, lost a lot of money. In both instances, what followed is strikingly similar. A caller purporting to be from the bank gets in touch with the would-be victim. She has a pleasant voice and conveys just enough authority to assure you that she is the person who could help you. She prompts you to share your full name and date of birth for verification purposes. Then, in a portal she opens for you, you are asked to type your account number, the OTP you will be receiving, the transaction number, and so on. You do exactly as you are told, secure in the thought that you are not sharing your account number and password—as you are often reminded—with any caller. But scam analysts say that something insidious happens in this seemingly harmless exchange: the victim is quietly shifted from being a decision-maker into becoming a

task-performer. My sister-in-law reports being mesmerized, or even hypnotized. My neighbor says she felt impatient but compliant, just wanting to complete the task at hand. The scammer’s detailed instructions and requests for information, supposedly in aid of verification, transform the would-be victim from a discerning decision-maker into an obedient task performer. What is at stake here are three basic elements of cognition—attention, memory, and executive control—that ordinarily allow us to pause, assess, and decide. Your attention is hijacked by urgency, your short-term memory is overloaded by detail, and your desire to follow instructions leads you to surrender control of your critical faculty. Trust reduces complexity. In moments of stress, that reduction feels like relief. You don’t need to be elderly to be victimized by scams. But being old can make you believe you are wise enough to protect yourself against the swindlers of this world. You go about your daily life as though nothing has changed—until one day, decline announces its presence like an old friend that has shadowed you all these years. You learn to adjust—by writing notes to yourself, by

pausing to take a breath when something turns out to be more complicated than you imagined, and by asking a family member for assistance, even if only to confirm what is going on. But scammers tend to be a step ahead. They exploit not ignorance, but willingness to comply. Not stupidity, but trust. They seize upon the habits of politeness, patience, and deference to authority that older people have learned over a lifetime. In that regard, the elderly are not accidental targets. They are the intended ones. I have always thought of myself as an early convert to the digital world. I have no trouble using online banking apps and digital wallets, and I value the convenience they offer. Still, I know that one day—when my attention falters or urgency catches me off guard—I could be the next victim. Perhaps the most important lesson of growing old in a digital world is learning when to pause, and when to ask for help, before taking the next step. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** public.lives@gmail.com

8

DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

No holiday visits for Duterte The foreign affairs front on sovereignty... by Bella Cariaso Philstar.com

MANILA — Detained former president Rodrigo Duterte will be spending Christmas and New Year without his family, following International Criminal Court (ICC) rules barring visitation during the holidays. Duterte’s youngest daughter Veronica or Kitty confirmed the news on vlogger Alvin & Tourism’s Facebook page, saying that she had informed her father about it. “He just learned of it a while ago. Honestly, he was quite disappointed…when I told him that we couldn’t visit on the days which are Christmas and New Year, but I did tell him that I’ll just wait for him there and shout or something. I told him that we’re close, we’re just close. We’re outside. His family, Mira, my mother and I will be outside along with his Filipino supporters. Also, obviously, his foreign supporters,” Kitty said. Kitty said the detainees hold their own celebration inside the detention cell. “I do not know when or how they’re going to do it. I

Former president Rodrigo Duterte on October 28, 2024.

just know that they usually gather together. It’s up to him if he wants to join,” Kitty said. Kitty arrived in The Hague on Dec. 19. “I think (the visit) today was better, also longer since I arrived before the time started. I arrived around 1:15 (p.m.) Better in a way also because it was less emotional. I mean, always the first visit is the most emotional. So, today was good. Today was more lively,” Kitty added. Kitty said that she updated her father about the Philippines. “There were lots of talks,

STAR / Jesse Bustos

mostly about family but he did ask news about the Philippines, of course, and Davao most of all. I updated him with some of the important news and as usual, knowing him, he gave his opinions, he gave his thoughts about it,” she added. According to Kitty, her father is OK as they ended the visit with a prayer. “He seemed OK. Obviously, not in the best state but he is strong as usual,” she said. The former president is facing charges of crimes against humanity for his bloody war on drugs. n

PAGE 2 In another development, where was Ong? Although the Bureau of Immigration maintains that there were no records of Ong leaving the country, Remulla said she may already be in China. This prompted the PNP to step up efforts to track down Ong and the rest of the accused in the Porac Pogo case. Despite these recent developments, the full implementation of the ban and the enactment of the Anti-Pogo Act, law enforcement teams are still monitoring scam hubs that have since reorganized into guerrilla-style operations. Further, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group said Filipinos, who were formerly Pogo workers, learned how to take over the scams and have since been running the schemes by themselves; as well as selling equipment they took from the hubs. When the ‘appointed Son of God’ meets earthly justice: Apollo Quiboloy’s extradition Alleged rapist and self-proclaimed appointed son of God Quiboloy is still behind bars following his arrest in September 2024, but now a dramatic change in his case has transpired. In June 2025, the United States sent extradition documents to the Philippine government as part of its proceedings on the trafficking cases that Quiboloy faced in the U.S. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez confirmed it, saying that the US government sent documents to the Philippine Department of Justice pertaining to Quiboloy’s extradition. Prior to the extradition request made by the US government, the Pasig Regional Trial Court denied Quiboloy’s motion for house arrest, asserting no compelling justification for such a setup. In the same year, Quiboloy was hospitalized after claiming to experience difficulty breathing. He was diagnosed with pneumonia, but was later returned to jail care. The televangelist is the founder of Philippines-based religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ. He is wanted for alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forcing members to solicit donations for a bogus charity and which were actually used to finance

church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. The US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation said members who proved successful at soliciting for the church, allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round. Female members of the Quiboloy-led church were also alleged to be recruited to work as personal assistants or “pastorals,” for Quiboloy and that victims prepared his meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called “night duty.” Quiboloy was indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana, California, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. On November 10, 2021, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest. Quiboloy is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail. He was arrested at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City after months of hiding. From disappearance to an Interpol notice: Harry Roque’s fate In 2024, former presidential spokesperson Roque fled the country through back channels amid rising scrutiny over his alleged ties to illegal Pogos. Now, a Philippine court has an outstanding arrest warrant against him. Shortly after the Angeles City Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant, Roque announced that he would seek asylum in the Netherlands, citing alleged political persecution being made against him. In November, the Philippine government confirmed that it has requested a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) against the former presidential spokesperson. According to the Interpol, a red notice is a “request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country.” Roque countered the Philippine government’s submission, particularly asking the

Interpol to reject the request, insisting that he is “a protected bona fide asylum seeker under Dutch and European Union law.” Reports also out that Roque had been arrested in The Hague, Netherlands but he debunked this by saying that he was not allowed to fly to Austria because doctors had not cleared him to travel. Then lawmaker, now fugitive: Hunt for Zaldy Co continues Ex-Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co was named as one of the key personalities in the country’s flood control scandal with allegations saying that he maneuvered massive insertions in the national budget. Early this year, Co became a focal figure in the widely reported flood control anomaly probe, including alleged irregularities in multiple infrastructure projects that cost billions and were meant to protect communities from storms and floods. Amid intensifying scrutiny from the public and lawmakers alike, Co resigned from his post as a congressman. He likewise denied receiving funds from government projects and promised to return to the Philippines. But despite his attempts to clear his name,the Ombudsman in mid-November filed graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Co and others at the Sandiganbayan, marking the first formal criminal actions over the flood control mess. Subsequently, arrest warrants and hold departure orders were issued for Co and others, including Department of Public Works and Highways officials and contractors linked to the controversial projects. In November, the National Bureau of Investigation also confirmed that it had already requested the Interpol to issue a red notice against Co. At present, Co’s whereabouts remains unclear and authorities have yet to apprehend him. Chinese ships’ collision in Scarborough In recent years, Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea became a regular headliner that sustained local news cycles. But the extraordinary collision of a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and its navy warship in Panatag Shoal grabbed international headlines. On August 11, the 80-me-

u PAGE 9

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026

9

DOT logs 5.6M tourists, expects The foreign affairs front on sovereignty... return of Chinese market in 2026 by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA – The Philippines has recorded 5.6 million in foreign visitor arrivals as of Dec. 20, nearly equal to the inbound figures it logged in 2024. The number remains short of the 2019 recorded levels prior to the pandemic, but the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday expressed optimism for 2026 as the country anticipates an increase in the Chinese market with the recently resumed e-Visa for China. Data showed that China ranked sixth in tourist arrivals with 262,144, behind South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada – a performance, the DOT said, was “largely influenced by visa disruptions, security perceptions, and limited air connectivity.” Tourism Attaché to China Ireneo Reyes said the reintroduction of the Philippine e-Visa in November marks a critical step toward restoring confidence and easing travel for Chinese tourists, with

stronger gains expected in early 2026. “The e-Visa resumption is a critical step forward and a clear signal that the Philippines is open, ready, and eager to welcome our Chinese friends,” he said. “While the timing meant that its full benefits could not be felt within the peak booking periods of 2025, we expect a more visible impact beginning the first quarter of 2026." Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco earlier attributed to the suspension of e-Visa and weak Korean won the decrease in Chinese and Korean arrivals – the country’s top markets prior to the pandemic. The DOT added that recovery was “constrained by reduced flight capacity, with China-Philippines routes operating at only about 45 percent of pre-pandemic levels,” but engagements with airlines and aviation stakeholders are ongoing “to gradually restore routes and seat capacity.” “The Department is working closely with aviation and tourism stakeholders to gradually

rebuild connectivity and confidence,” it said. “With China being one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets, improving air connectivity presents a major opportunity." Despite budget constraints and market-specific challenges, the agency said Philippine tourism remains resilient, generating PHP3.86 trillion in receipts in 2024 and supporting 6.75 million of tourism-related job for Filipinos. “The DOT remains optimistic that improved access, safety measures, and connectivity will drive a stronger rebound of the Chinese market and help lift overall arrival figures moving forward,” it said. (PNA)

PAGE 8 ter CCG ship with hull number 3104 chased 44.5-meter BRP Suluan and performed a risky maneuver on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship. However, this move led to a collision with a 157-meter People’s Liberation Army-Navy warship with hull number 164. Both Chinese ships suffered damage, but CCG-3104 had greater damage with its forecastle being crushed. On the other hand, BRP Suluan managed to evade the maneuver, and the PCG awarded the ship’s crew for “professionalism.” A number of CCG personnel fell overboard after the collision, according to PCG, but Chinese authorities have not confirmed any casualties to date. The incident sparked fears that Chinese forces would ramp up its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea in retaliation. Almost a month after the Aug. 11 collision of two Chinese ships, Beijing also announced plans to establish a so-called “national nature reserve” at Panatag Shoal.

This is in line with what experts call Beijing’s “exclusion zone enforcement” around Panatag Shoal, barring Filipino fisherfolk from entering in an outright disregard of the 2016 Arbitral Award which declared the area a traditional fishing ground for the Philippines, China, and Vietnam. PH as ISIS hotspot, terror training ground Australian authorities were trying to piece together the puzzle on the Bondi Beach attack — and the Philippines got entangled in the jigsaw. Sajid Akram, 50; and his son Naveed Akram, 24, opened fire in the Austrailain beach that killed 15 people and wounded dozens more. But a month before the terror attack, the Bureau of Immigration confirmed that both suspects went to Davao City, staying there for weeks. Citing security sources, the Australian Broadcasting Company also reported that the father and son duo underwent “military-style” training when they arrived in Mindanao which has had the presence of groups linked to Islamic State (IS).

However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the IS-linked groups there have been decimated, its leaders killed and the groups reduced to fragments. Due to this, the AFP said IS terror groups in the country no longer have the capacity to conduct recruitment efforts, large-scale attacks and even training activities, making the reports doubtful. The National Security Council (NSC) took exception to the claims, saying the duration of the suspects’ stay “would not have allowed for any meaningful or structured training” anyway. American tabloid New York Post even described the Philippines as a “Third World ISIS hotspot” in light of the gunmen’s travel history. NSC also called such reports “outdated and misleading”, noting that the last major IS-linked activity was during the Marawi Siege in 2017 — a conflict which killed more than a thousand people, mostly militants — and no recorded terrorist training activities or significant operations occurred since then. n

10 DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

‘Zaldy’s Forbes Park house has five-floor vault’ by Emmanuel Tupas Philstar.com

MANILA — Resigned Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co was building a house with a five-story basement at the exclusive Forbes Park subdivision in Makati City, allegedly to store large sums of money, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on Tuesday, December 23. Remulla said authorities learned of the construction through their investigation, including documents submitted to the village association related to the house. While basements are typically intended for parking vehicles, Remulla said they received information that Co planned to use the structure as a storage facility for money. He noted that the basement was designed to be waterproof, a feature that could protect its contents in case of fire. “To our knowledge, it was going to be used for storage of money, because fires go upwards so they put the money below, in the lowest point of the house,” Remulla said during a press conference at Camp Crame. The interior secretary added that maintaining a five-level basement would be difficult, leading authorities to believe that Co intended to store cash there rather than deposit large amounts in banks, where transactions could be monitored. Construction of the house was stalled after Co was im-

Former Rep. Elizaldy Co admits inserting P100 billion in the 2025 budget in a video released on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 while abroad. Zaldy Co / Philstar.com's screenshot

plicated in anomalous flood control projects. He is believed to be hiding in Portugal, where he reportedly holds a passport. Remulla said the house is among Co’s properties that will be subjected to civil forfeiture in favor of the government. Apart from canceling Co’s passport, Remulla said the government is also exploring other legal options to arrest the former lawmaker. P20 million from Syms In a separate development, private contractor Sally Santos turned over a total of P20 million in cash to the Department of Justice as part of her commitment to restitute the government for her involvement in the alleged flood control scam. DOJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo Martinez said Santos, of Syms Construction Trading, delivered P15 million on Dec. 22, in addition to the P5 million she turned over on Dec. 4.

The P20 million has already been deposited with the Land Bank of the Philippines, Martinez said. “The final amount to be surrendered will be equivalent to the royalty fees Sally Santos received from the Hiram Lisensya scheme,” he added. Santos is facing five cases before the DOJ for her alleged involvement in “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, particularly in the towns of Pandi and Balagtas. The charges include malversation of public funds through falsification under Article 217 in relation to Article 171, paragraph 4 of the Revised Penal Code; perjury under Article 183 of the RPC and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. She has also been charged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue with tax evasion involving P14 million. (With reports of Daphne Galvez)

SAFE REVELRIES. Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. points to samples of legal firecrackers and pyrotechnic products during an inspection in Barangay Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. The activity, joined by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alex Castro, raises public awareness on fireworks approved for sale and use to ensure a safe celebration of the holiday season. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

BOC launches online tracking portal for 'balikbayan' box deliveries by Ferdinand Patinio

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched an online tracking portal for the door-to-door deliveries of "balikbayan" boxes to the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) nationwide. In a social media post, the bureau said the public may access https://customs.gov. ph/home/overseas-filipino-worker-ofw/, regarding the status of their boxes. Upon accessing the website, the beneficiaries will be able to get information including the Bill of Lading, the container number, consolidator, de-consolidator, country

of origin, and the status of the delivery. At the same time, the bureau reminded the public that no payment of fees will be required for the delivery of the boxes and the site is continuously updated with each door-to-door rollout. The people are also advised to send an email to bayanibox@customs.gov.ph for inquiries regarding balikbayan boxes. Earlier, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the agency would be conducting door-to-door delivery of boxes sent by OFWs. This was in compliance with the orders of President

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to release the some 130,000 balikbayan boxes as a gift to OFWs and their families in the country. The rollout started on Dec. 18 and is targeted to be completed by early January 2026. (PNA)

Public told: Remain vigilant vs. Nicolas Torre appointed as MMDA general manager corruption even after budget nod by Jean Mangaluz

by Leonel Abasola

MANILA — The public should remain vigilant in guarding government projects even after the approval of the proposed PHP6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Tuesday. "We have reconciled the numbers, but vigilance must continue from budgeting to implementation if we are to purge corruption from the bureaucracy," Gatchalian said in a statement. The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has been approved by the bicameral conference com-

mittee and now awaits ratification by both chambers of Congress before sending it to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his approval. The chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Gatchalian said that while safeguard provisions have been included in the proposed 2026 GAA, there is no substitute for vigilance. "Vigilance builds a culture of integrity and accountability," he said. "We painstakingly instituted transparency measures in the entire budgeting process. We hope these measures will help encourage our people to be engaged in the implementation of government projects."

He pointed out that in the case of infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Senate made sure that each project item has unique station numbers and a project description, including coordinates, to enable public monitoring and deter ghost and substandard projects. The Senate has extended its session calendar to give lawmakers more time to review the proposed national budget. The Senate is expected to ratify the proposed 2026 GAA on Dec. 29 once the enrolled bill is finalized and circulated to all members. (PNA)

Philstar.com

MANILA — Former police chief Nicolas Torre III makes his return to government as the general manager of the Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Palace confirmed on Friday, December 19. Asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had appointed Torre as the new MMDA general manager, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the reports. Torre replaces retired police colonel Procopio Lipana as the MMDA general manager. The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief had gained fame from leading

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III at the Rizal Memorial Stadium for a boxing match on July 27, 2025 in this photo posted by the PNP on its Facebook page pnp.pio via Facebook

efforts to arrest doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy, as well as overseeing the turnover of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. This made Torre’s firing

from the PNP all the more shocking to many. Details of Torre’s firing remain murky, but tensions with the National Police Commission had reportedly contributed to his removal as PNP chief. n

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

11

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026

NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY DECEMBER 26, 2025

11

people events arts culture entertainment

Rikki Mae Davao mourns death of uncle Bing How to keep your Bibingka simple and classic Davao; family faced multiple losses in 2025 by AJPress

by Dolly Dy-Zulueta

RIKKI Mae Davao, the daughter of the late actor-director Ricky Davao, is mourning the death of her uncle, veteran actor Bing Davao, adding to a year marked by a series of family losses. Bing Davao died on December 20, 2025, at age 65. He was the elder brother of Ricky Davao, who died earlier this year. Rikki Mae acknowledged her uncle’s death in a public social media post, describing 2025 as a period of “so much loss.” Her statement came months after the passing of her father, Ricky Davao, one of the most respected figures in Philippine film and television. Ricky Davao died in May 2025 at age 63 following complications related to cancer, according to family announcements at the time. His career spanned more than four decades and included extensive work as

THROUGH the years, the bibingka, or rice cake that is most closely associated with Christmas, has undergone quite a lot of transformation. From its simple OG reci-

Philstar.com

Rikki Mae Davao

both an actor and director across film, television, and theater. The family’s bereavement earlier in the year also included the death of Rikki Mae’s maternal grandmother, music icon Pilita Corrales, who died in April 2025 at age 87. Widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ most influential vocalists, Corrales’ career extended over six

decades and earned recognition across Asia and internationally. Rikki Mae is the daughter of Ricky Davao and actress Jackie Lou Blanco. While the family has publicly acknowledged the death, no formal statement has been issued regarding funeral arrangements for Bing Davao as of publication.

Performing this simple gesture would be the best gift Inquirer.net

POPE Leo XIV told the young people of Italian Catholic Action that they can perform a simple gesture that would be the best gift this Christmas: make peace. “Before the holy night of Christmas, think of someone with whom you can make peace,” the pontiff urged members of the organization, founded in 1868, which has established itself as one of the main lay organizations

make a really good bibingka base, so that even when you keep it simple and classic, it can stand on its own. Chef Greggie Mercado shows how to cook a simple and classic bibingka that is sure to please the palate, as chef did for a recent demo featuring holiday flavors.

Classic Bibingka

The ‘most valuable’ gift to give this Christmas, according to Pope Leo by Victoria Cardiel | ACI Prensa

pe, it now comes in various loaded forms, with toppings or add-ons, such as leche flan, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and candy sprinkles to go with the usual salted egg, cheese, butter, freshly grated coconut, and muscovado sugar. But what’s important is to

of the Church in Italy. ‘A gift more valuable than those you can buy in stores’ “It will be a gift more valuable than those you can buy in stores, because peace is a gift that is truly found only in the heart,” he added. He said peace is the “Catholic action par excellence,” because it is “the gesture that transforms us as witnesses of Jesus, the redeemer of the world.” In this way, Leo made it clear that peace “is not only the absence of war” but above

all “a friendship between peoples founded on justice.” “We all desire this peace for the nations wounded by conflict, but let us remember that harmony and respect begin in our daily relationships, in the gestures and words we exchange at home, in the parish, with our schoolmates and teammates,” he explained. Christians, called ‘to be better every day’ The pontiff also asked them that when they pray before the Nativity scene, they “ask to be able to be like

Ingredients: • 1 1/2 cup Rice Flour • 1/2 cup Glutinous Rice Flour • 1/2 cup Caster Sugar • 1 tbsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. salt • 5 eggs • 1 400-ml, can coconut milk • 3 tbsps. melted margarine or butter • Cheese for topping • Salted egg, cut into thin wedges • Muscovado sugar • Grated coconut Procedure: 1. Prepare all of the ingredients, pre-heat the oven to 170°C. 2. In a bowl, mix together rice flour, glutinous rice flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 3. In another bowl, mix together melted butter, eggs and coconut milk. 4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients together using a wire whisk. Do not overmix the batter. 5. Line ensaymada molders those angels who announce the glory of God and peace to men.” This peace, he continued, is the “commitment of every person of goodwill, and especially of us Christians, who are called not only to be good but to be better every day.” Leo thus invited his listeners to “become saints” and gave the example of the two young Italians: Pier Giorgio

Classic bibingka

Contributed phot

with banana leaves, measure 1/2 cup batter and pour into each molder, and top with cheese and salted egg. 6. Bake in preheated oven

for 20 to 25 minutes. 7. Serve with muscovado sugar, butter and grated coconut. *Yield: 8 to 10 pieces.

Frassati — who was part of Catholic Action — and Carlo Acutis, whom he canonized together on Sept. 7. “I encourage you to imitate their passion for the Gospel and their works, always inspired by charity. By acting like them, your proclamation of peace will be radiant, because in the company of Jesus you will be truly free and happy, ready to reach out to your

neighbor, especially those in difficulty,” he emphasized. Italian Catholic Action has more than 229,000 members and is present in approximately 5,000 parishes in almost all the dioceses of the country. This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

12 DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Chavit Singson eyes acquisition of Boots Anson-Roa, Charo Santos lead Miss Universe: ‘If the price is right’ Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Until She Remembers’ by Jessica Evangelista Inquirer.net

DESPITE the recent controversies attending the recent staging of the Miss Universe pageant, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson confirmed he is currently in discussions with former executives of the pageant organization in order to acquire the brand. Singson said former Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Paula Shugart and former vice president Shawn McCLain will be coming to the Philippines in January to talk about the prospect of buying out the global firm from its current owners, Mexican Raul Rocha and Thai Anne Jakrajutatip. “Sinabi ko, I’m interested in buying. Kinausap ko ‘yung mga dating officials ng Miss Universe. They will be arriving here next month after the holidays. Sila ang maghahandle kasi sila ang sanay diyan,” he said at a press conference at his residence in Quezon City on Monday, Dec. 22. Singson said he intends to give Shugart a new role in the organization if the deal pushes through. In 2023, Shugart stepped down as president of MUO after a 22-year tenure amid alleged differences in policy direction with Jakrajutatip. The businessman-politician refrained from giving out an exact figure for the acquisition, but said he is willing to shell out the money “if the price is right.” He said he intends to pursue this even if this sets him back a few million pesos, if

the reward would be to uplift the Philippine tourism industry. “Willing akong malugi for the country. Maski malugi ng $1 million or $2 million. Kasi bagsak lahat, tourism, foreign investment, so mahirap… Kukunin namin [ang MUO] para pagandahin ang Pilipinas. Maski malugi kami, basta maganda,” he explained. In January 2017, Singson and his daughter, Rep. Richelle Singson-Michael, staged the Philippine hosting of the 65th edition of the then New York-based pageant, wherein the country fielded Maxine Medina as candidate. Medina finished in the Top 6, Iris Mittenaere of France won the crown. For mounting the event, he said that he shelled out a total of $13 million (approximately P656 million) just to acquire the rights to hold the pageant in the Philippines, excluding the actual expense needed to bankroll the entire endeavor in the country. “Akala ko yung binayaran ko yun ($13 million) na ang gastos, hindi pa pala. Kung nag back-out ako, lugi na ako kase nonrefundable na ang na-deposit ko. So tinuloy ko na. Pagdating dito, I provided the yachts, the planes (to transport the beauty queens)… Ang ending, the 2017 Miss Universe was the most successful ever,” he said. MUO controversies Singson said he’s well aware of the controversies marring the 2025 edition of the pageant held in Thailand, but said he is more focused on the betterment of the organization.

He said that he hoped to succeed in managing the pageant where Thailand, and later on Mexico failed. “Nagkaproblema ang Thailand, hindi ata nakabayad. Sa Mexico, pinagbintangan sila sa judging. So sabi ko bilhin ko na lang, tayo nalang magpa takbo,” he said. While he is not entirely sure if the MUO is really up for sale, he said he is the one who initiated the discussions with the pageant executives following the issues that Rocha is facing. Should the deal pushes through, Singson said his daughter Richelle would likely manage the pageant operations in coordination with the American team of Shugart and McClain. As for the controversial reigning queen Fatima Bosch, he gave assurance that he would not cause the revocation of her crown. “Wala na rin tayong pakialam doon dahil sila ‘yung nag decide dyan,” he said. The idea of putting MUO on sale was first broached by Rocha during a live interview, saying he will sell his shares as he has grown weary of running the organization, and that he was just only “looking for someone to pass on [his MUO shares] to.” The interview, which was conducted in Spanish, included discussions regarding the accusations of fraud and rigging involving Bosch’s win. But Singson said that he intends to buy the entire organization, and not just become a co-owner. “Mas mahirap kapag may ka-sosyo ka.”

Chavit Singson (left), and former and present Miss Universe presidents Paula Shugart and Raul Rocha.

File photos

by Jessica Evangelista Inquirer.net

BOOTS Anson-Roa, Charo Santos-Concio, and Barbie Forteza are set to headline Brillante Mendoza‘s new movie “Until She Remembers.” The first teaser for the film was released on Thursday, Dec. 25, offering glimpses of the three women in intimate, emotional roles. The teaser opens with Forteza reciting Pablo Neruda’s poem “Tonight I Can Write (The Saddest Lines)” while she pulls out Anson-Roa and Santos-Concio’s old photos from storage. The short teaser progresses with clips of Forteza, Anson-Roa, and Santos-Concio sharing separate personal moments. In one of the scenes, Forteza is seen pushing Anson-Roa’s character in a wheelchair while Santos-Concio tries to spoon-feed the former. Forteza’s narration of the poem continues until the end of the teaser as sequences of a melancholic Anson-Roa in a wheelchair flash on the screen. The veteran actress also shares a brief dance with Santos-Concio’s character. While the plot details remain under wraps, the teaser suggests themes of queerness or possibly just an intimate portrayal of women in a family or close relationship. The project, which is slated for a 2026 release, also features Angel Aquino, Albert Mar-

Boots Anson Roa, Charo Santos, and Barbie Forteza in Brillante Mendoza’s “Until She Remembers.” Screengrab from YouTube/Solar Watch Now

tinez, Eric Quizon, and Vince Rillon. Forteza recently starred in the GMA series “Beauty Empire” and appeared in the films “P77” and “Kontrabida Academy.” The film marks her reunion with Anson-Roa, with whom she worked in the series “Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune.” Meanwhile, the upcoming project also marks the reunion of Anson-Roa and Santos-Concio following their collaboration in the 1978 film “Camerino.” This is the first time that Santos-Concio and Forteza are working together. The ABS-CBN executive last worked on a movie with Dingdong Dantes called “Only We Know.” Mendoza, meanwhile, is best known for his award-winning films “Kinatay,” “Ma’ Rosa,” and “Thy Womb.”

Olivia Rodrigo, Louis Partridge reportedly split after two-year romance by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net

WHAT many fans online once framed as a storybook romance has reportedly reached its final chapter. Filipino American pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo and British actor Louis Partridge are said to have split after two years of dating, according to multiple reports circulating this week. The pair, who managed to keep much of their relationship away from the public eye despite Rodrigo’s global superstardom, were often described as low-key and grounded. That’s why news of the breakup came as a surprise. A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column that the separation caught many off guard, saying, “They made such a lovely couple, so people who know them were shocked when they heard.” Behind the scenes, however, things were reportedly not as smooth as they appeared. According to the same source, “It’s not been the easiest few weeks for them, and they decided it’s better to be apart for now.” While the wording suggests a mutual decision, the emotional toll has not gone unnoticed by those around the singer. Another insider claimed Rodrigo has been leaning on her inner circle during this time. “Olivia was at Lily’s party and emotional when she was talking about it. Her friends have rallied around her, but it’s just been pretty rough. It’s really sad right now.” Neither Rodrigo nor Partridge has addressed the reports publicly. No official statements have been released on social media.

Olivia Rodrigo

Photo from Instagram/@oliviarodrigo

Earlier this year, Partridge spoke openly about navigating public perception while dating one of pop music’s biggest names. At the time, he described the pair as “very happy” and shared that he had no issue being viewed as “Mr Olivia Rodrigo.” The reported breakup has inevitably reignited fan speculation, particularly around Rodrigo’s songwriting. Known for transforming heartbreak and vulnerability into chart-topping anthems, the singer has long blurred the lines between her personal life and her music, leading many to wonder – quietly, for now – whether this chapter may echo in her future releases.

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 13

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Celebs share Christmas Film Academy of the Philippines vows wishes for a better Philippines push for workers’ rights, going global by Charmie Joy Pagulong

by Hannah Mallorca

Philstar.com

LOCAL celebrities have expressed their Christmas wishes for a better Philippines amid the controversies, alleged corruption issues and natural calamities the country has faced in recent months. Several of them joined the Trillion Peso March anti-corruption protests held on Sept. 21 and Nov. 30 in various parts of Metro Manila. Kapamilya stars Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Darren Espanto and Donny Pangilinan, along with Andrea Brillantes, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Catriona Gray, Elijah Canlas, Maris Racal, Ben&Ben and many others participated in the mass demonstrations, calling for justice and accountability over alleged corruption in government flood control projects. Some showbiz personalities also extended financial aid and offered prayers for victims of the powerful earthquakes that jolted Cebu and Davao Oriental on Sept. 30 and Oct. 10, respectively, as well as for those affected by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan which hit the Visayas and Luzon in early November. The calamities claimed hundreds of lives. Cebuanas Kim Chiu and Vina Morales, BINI Aiah and Colet, celebrity couple KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde, among others, donated relief goods and provided financial assistance to earthquake and typhoon victims. The STAR collated celebrities’ responses from various interviews about their Christmas wishes and here are their answers: Vice Ganda: “Aside from my family’s good health, I want our Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) film (‘Call Me Mother’) to be a commercial success. Kailangang-kailangan ng ABS-CBN kumita ng pelikulang ito para sa pagpapatuloy ng pagseserbisyo ng kumpanya sa mamayang Pilipino. And of course, the greatest wish of everyone, and I’m really sure of what I’m going to say, maging maayos ang sitwasyon ng bansa natin.” Nadine Lustre: “I hope that every family will spend time together this Christmas. Like what Ate Vice said, sa daming nangyayari sa Pilipinas ngayon, I’m wishing that this time around, kahit sa Pas-

Inquirer.net

Vice Ganda

Nadine Lustre

ko medyo maging positive naman tayo. And I hope that you will watch our film ‘Call Me Mother.’” Richard Gutierrez: “I wish that every Filipino will be happy this Christmas. Sana wala ng delubyo, sana wala ng nakaw and peace and love for everyone this Christmas.” Matteo Guidicelli: “Sana maging masaya tayong lahat and also have good health. I also prayed that we will see change because people are already tired. And we need to create content, produce material that inspires, represents the country, not just locally but for international purposes. “Because sobrang nakakahiya na yung pangyayari. Our country, internationally, looks very bad. So, we have to rebuild this and seek accountability from the people that need to be accountable. It’s our job, (as) the media, to represent the good stories and represent the Philippines the best way possible.” Jessy Mendiola: “Nagkasunod-sunod yung mga calamities, typhoons this season. I hope that people will find warmth and happiness kahit papano. That’s my wish and I hope that we will greet the New Year with peace… Hard-working people deserve the best and I believe that Filipinos are hard-working.” Luis Manzano: “Same. I wish that Filipinos will get what they deserve. We deserve nothing but the best and more. So, sana yun ang makuha natin this Christmas.” Rhen Escaño: “Well, hindi naman matatapos ang problema natin sa Pilipinas but sana mas maging matalino na yung mga tao. I hope next election, we will choose the right candidate na papaupuin natin because what’s happening now is overwhelming.”

Randy Santiago: “We’re just praying that whatever problems we have now in the country will be resolved. Ma-resolve and maging maganda for the entire Philippines.” On the other hand, some celebrities have shared their personal wishes for this Christmas, such as hoping for the MMFF to be a success and spending time with their families. Piolo Pascual: “My Christmas wish is for the festival (MMFF) to be a success. A lot of people are working just to reach the deadline. I hope the people will flock to the cinemas. All of us are working and we’re doing this not just for the art but also for our country. “As much as cinema is an escape, it’s something that we’re proud of as Filipinos. We’re doing everything just to, you know, bring the ante up and raise the standards in terms of filmmaking. So, I hope people get to appreciate that. I hope that people will support Filipino films.” Ashtine Olviga: “My family usually celebrates Christmas in Quezon Province. One of my wishes is for us to travel out of the country or to other parts of the Philippines. Siguro ngayon, hindi man ngayong Christmas, makapag-travel kami.” Andrea Brillantes: “Pahinga lang and just to be with my friends and family.” Ariel Rivera: “My Christmas wish is the same every year — just to be with my two boys who live in Canada. My Christmas wish to myself and to my wife (Gelli de Belen) is to spend our time with our two boys and my family in Canada.” Nina: “Of course, I will spend Christmas with my family. Mas masaya if you spend it with your family kahit na out of the country or here in the Philippines.”

THE revived Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) vowed a more aggressive push to protect film workers’ rights and campaign for international recognition, as director general Paolo Villaluna stated that the agency hopes to empower the local film industry. In a launch event for the revamped FAP, Villaluna announced that the agency will be a stronger institution for film workers, guilds, and independent filmmakers, noting that its members “have worked in the industry and are part of the community.” With this in mind, the FAP will push for film-worker professionalization, training, workshops, and international award support. “Here’s the thing — in three years time, we feel like we’ll be the leading film work force in Southeast Asia. We have one big advantage. We all talk in English. Imagine if foreign film producers found out that we have certified workers and they’re properly skilled and trained,” he said. “Hindi lang kami ahensya lang pero meron kayong tatakbuhan para sa mga programa (We won’t just be an agency but we’ll be a platform for the community to lean on in terms of programs),” he continued. Underscoring the need to protect film workers, Villaluna reiterated that FAP won’t be just a mere agency catered to the film industry, as it’s important for them to

feel “protected” in the spaces they’re working on. “Napakaimportante that our workers feel empowered na may sumbungan sila (It’s important for our workers to feel that they have a platform to rely on). And not just the workers, but producers can also complain. Grievances and training. We really need to train our people,” he said. “[FAP] is tasked to professionalize the Philippines’ film and audio-visual industry workforce, recognize excellence, and provide sustained support through education, training, and industry assistance. It is an institution for workers, guilds, and independent practitioners,” he said. International push While the FAP is chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to select the Philippines’ entry to the Oscars, Villaluna said 2025 is the beginning of the agency to aggressively push for the local industry to gain recognition in the famed awards ceremony and other international awards. One of which is going for an earlier announcement of the country’s entry to the Academy Awards, to allow more time for filmmakers to mount campaigns for international recognition. “This year will be the first in our steady journey towards acclaim for Filipino film at the Oscars and other big-ticket industry awards. We have many beautiful, internationally-acclaimed films made by Filipinos that have been overlooked by the Oscars and

by offering substantial government support to deserving filmmakers, we can enhance their means to do intensive campaigning to reach more Academy voters, which is a necessity for getting the elusive Oscar nod,” he said. Even though Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” is unable to advance to the Oscars’ shortlist, the FAP will beef up its efforts for filmmakers to earn “due recognition” as it’s crucial for the local film industry’s continued goal to go global. “[FAP will give] due recognition to outstanding cinematic achievements and serve as the authorized agency that oversees the selection and support of the official Philippine entry to the Academy Awards and other major international, industry-led awards,” Villaluna said. When asked what would urge the public to return to the cinemas, Villaluna said while it’s not part of the FAP’s mandate, he hoped that there would be opportunities for cinemas to “put a window” on ticket prices. “I have no doubt about the quality of films. Hands down. But we also have to consider our economy. Baka may opportunity to lower the prices, we also have to be realistic and understand na nageevolve ang industry,” he said. “We have to understand na aside sa cinema, [umaangat] na rin ang streaming. We have to strengthen our theatrical industry. Babalik ang tao but we just have to [make it stronger]. They can coexist,” he further added.

Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) director-general Paolo Villaluna at the agency’s launch event in Quezon City. Photo courtesy of the Film Academy of the Philippines

14 DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS OUT of the 195 countries around the world, 160 celebrate Christmas, invariably, honoring the birth of the Prince of Peace, Santo Niño, which took place between 6 and 4 BC, in a manger in a cave in Bethlehem, now beneath the Church of the Nativity, Christianity’s oldest site. The actual manger relic is currently housed in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The first recorded Christmas celebration was on December 25, 336 A.D., in Rome, about 2,000 years ago, and all the festivities were religious and social, with Baby Jesus at the center. Fast forward to today, where the lack of reverence during Christmas, sadly, appears to be common: The Uninvited Celebrant When the international celebrity Marilyn Monroe, in her sexy tight-fitting gold gown that hugged her shapely figure, in May of 1962, sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” the attention of the world was momentarily focused on her, but John F. Kennedy, 45, on whose honor the party was being given, was still center stage, the man of the hour, where the spotlight was redirected. And rightly so. After all, he was the honoree. During this season, jolly old Santa Claus, with his famous white moustache, beard, and long curly hair, red baggy outfit, and winter black boots, a most popular figure at Christmas, is given the glory. Every year, he gets the honor, and men, women, young and old, and children of all ages, have accepted him as a symbol of Christmas itself --- holiday cheers, gifts, food, and merriment. He appears to have a monopoly on the reverence, and the spotlight was mostly on him all throughout the festivity. It almost seems that without Santa Claus, there would not be any reindeer, no sleigh, no stockings, no gifts, and no Christmas. Ask any child, and that would invariably be the answer you get. Santa Claus is very important during this holiday. Without him, there wouldn’t be any Christmas. There won’t be any gifts. He is, after all, the bearer of gifts from the North Pole. That’s

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Irreverence at Christmas Jinkee Pacquiao’s PA speaks up on claims Eman grew up unsupported by dad Manny

what the children are led to believe, unintentionally, I am sure, but nonetheless, that’s the subliminal vibe they get from us adults as they grow up in this material world where priorities are sometimes twisted. Everything during the Christmas season, including our conversation and greetings, is about Santa, about parties, food, drinks, and gifts, and about all the material things we can buy in this highly commercialized world of today. Many of us hardly talk to our children and amongst ourselves about the true meaning of Christmas, the Birthday Boy, the celebrant Himself. About His wonders, His greatness, and His ultimate sacrifice for us. Are we off track, focusing too much on ourselves, on the material and earthly things, and too little on the sacredness of Christmas? Yes, I think we are, and, sadly, most inappropriately. We seem to have lost our focus, and Jesus, the celebrant, is often relegated to the background, even forgotten during His own birthday party. Shopping, food, and merriment preoccupy and overwhelm everybody’s mind during this holiday. The honoree, the Main Event, the very reason why we are celebrating in the first place, is no longer on center stage. Sometimes, I feel that we have even neglected to invite Him to His own party. In many cases, He is nowhere to be found, because He may not be a conscious priority on our mind on this busy and festive occasion. The sheer joy of the celebration and the loud Ho! Ho! Ho! seems to have drowned Him out. We seem to be missing the significance and the holiness of it all. Isn’t it time to put the birthday Boy back on center stage, where He belongs, and to honor Him in the right spirit? After all, this is His party. And we are only His guests. To one and all, a Merry Christmas, and to our Santo Niño in the manger: Happy Birthday, and thank you for the gift of life and for blessing us once again with the privilege of being invited to your celebration this year. From us at MALAYA. And as we celebrate this sacred day and hydrate ourselves, here are some vital medical tips: Distilled water: unhealthy

Drinking distilled water as the main source of liquid daily is not as healthy as one might think. The widespread misconception that distilled water, being the “purest,” is the best water for drinking is scientifically and medically flawed. Drinking distilled water regularly every day is a health risk to everyone, especially to children. In the Philippines, popular bottled distilled water includes brands like Absolute, Wilkins, and Nature’s Spring. Distilled water may be used temporarily or occasionally as drinking water if filtered water purified through an 8-stage reverse osmosis is not available. Distillation removes all valuable minerals like fluoride, calcium, and magnesium, etc., which are vital to our health. Distilled water is for machines and laboratory use, not for human consumption. Distilled versus filtered waterDistilled water, as we have alluded to above, is the purest water one can get. But for drinking, our body needs the minerals naturally present in water from Mother Nature. What we need, which modern-day 8-stage reverse osmosis filtration does to water is the removal of the chlorine and other contaminants, such as harmful heavy metals, parasites, bacteria, and odor, to make drinking water safe and palatable. Drinking distilled water regularly leads to a 15 percent deficiency in calcium (osteoporosis), a 30 percent deficiency in magnesium (heart rhythm, abnormality), and almost 100 percent in fluoride, which results in tooth decay. Distilled water is not the best for the human body. Glass (not plastic) -bottled filtered water (not distilled), manufactured by reputable companies, is the safest water to drink today. Tap water, in general, is no longer safe because of environmental pollution and contamination. Alkaline water: a waste of money The hype about alkaline water as a healthier choice is nothing but a profit-motivated scam victimizing misinformed, unsuspecting, gullible consumers. Ingesting alkaline water daily is dangerous for healthy people. Conditions where drinking alkaline water is justified: when a person has cancer or other illnesses, which make their blood pH PAGE 15

by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

A PERSONAL assistant of Jinkee Pacquiao defended her and Manny Pacquiao from allegations that they did not provide financial support to rising star Eman Bacosa Pacquiao, the national boxing icon’s son outside of their marriage. The 21-year-old Eman recently signed an exclusive contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center and has given a few interviews wherein he stated his preference to use his mother Joanna Rose’s surname, despite his good relationship with his father. Some fan pages, however, gave malice to Eman’s remarks and alleged that he grew up lacking the finer things in life. But Malou Masangkay, Jinkee’s longtime assistant, could not let that pass without setting the record straight, while sharing a Facebook post. “Ako talaga isa ako na maka witness kasi PA ako ni madam for how many years. Kung tulong ang pag uusapan, sobra-sobra ang tulong ni sir Manny at Madam Jinkee kay Eman. Pinag-shopping ni sir Manny kasama ng kapatid ni Eman, halos sila nag shop-

(From left) Jinkee Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao, and Eman Bacosa Pacquiao. Photos from Instagram/@jinkeepacquiao, @emanbacosapacquiao

ping, damit [at] sapatos,” she said. (I was one of the witnesses because I’ve been Madam’s PA for how many years. When it comes to financial help, Sir Manny and Madam Jinkee go out of their way to help Eman. Sir Manny would even shop for Eman’s sibling, and would take care of their shopping bill for his clothes and shoes.) Masangkay added that Manny and Jinkee have always granted Eman’s wishes, while appealing to the public to stop making such accusations against the couple. She also pointed out that

the couple never wanted to publicize how much they spend to help Eman and his family on social media. “Kahit kailan di pinabayaan ni sir Manny ang anak niyan [si] Eman. Sana naman po wag po kayo mang husga or husgahan man sila. Alam ko na napakabait ng mag asawa. Kung sa iba nga tumulong sila di naman siguro kailangan pa na ipa social media. Kung ano man ang naitulong nila sir Manny at Madam Jinkee kay emman,” she said. (Sir Manny never stopped PAGE 15

AiAi delas Alas sells rings from exhusband Gerald Sibayan to Boss Toyo by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

COMEDIENNE AiAi delas Alas earned extra cash after selling the rings given to her by ex-husband Gerald Sibayan. As seen in a new video by content creator Boss Toyo, AiAi approached the entrepreneur seeking closure and to "turn pain into hope." AiAi revealed she was selling her engagement and her third wedding ring from Gerald. The actress revealed that she lost her two other rings, taking it as a sign that their relationship was not going to last. The comedienne said proceeds from the purchase will go to cancer patients at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila. While she admitted that there were happy moments in her 10-year relationship with

AiAi delas Alas presents her rings to Boss Toyo

Gerald, AiAi said she no longer wanted to feel bitter about things her ex-husband did. "Alam kong naman na wala akong pagkululang sa kanya," AiAi continued, claiming that when Gerald cheated on her she still accepted him. The starting price AiAi gave for both rings was P350,000,

Boss Toyo via YouTube

prompting Boss Toyo to joke that more people in failed relationships will start selling him their rings before giving a counter-offer of P200,000. AiAi responded with a P250,000 offer, which Boss Toyo quickly accepted, much to the comedienne's surprise. PAGE 15

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 15

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Jessica Sanchez marks first Christmas as a mom My first time judging a Christmas group presentation by Anne Pasajol Inquirer.net

My P.E.P.

(People, Events,Places)

Rogelio Constantino Medina I ARRIVED on time for the Mass officiated by Fr. Bong Guerrero, widely known as the “Happy Priest,” one of the most dynamic preachers of the Diocese of Cubao. A stalwart of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Fr. Bong is also the author of several books and a popular series of humorous reflections on life and faith. It was my first time meeting him during the Orlina Atelier Christmas Party. Following the Eucharistic celebration, opening remarks were delivered by renowned Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, often hailed as the Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture, together with his wife, Lay Ann Lee Orlina, a London-educated lawyer. Six gift certificates were then awarded, followed by a prayer before a sumptuous dinner. Raffle prizes came next, and every employee went home a winner, whether with a minor or major prize. The program continued with children’s games and a

series of group performances inspired by Shakira, K-pop Demon Hunters, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. One of the most entertaining segments was the search for Ms. Grand Orlina 2025, featuring male contestants dressed in feminine attire. Judging proved to be no easy task. In the end, there was a tie for first place between the Shakira and K-pop Demon Hunters groups. All the performers deserved recognition for the creativity, preparation, and effort they poured into this annual Christmas tradition.

Joining me on the judging panel were Lay Ann Orlina, Anna Orlina, Michael Orlina, and Dr. Ysabella Veniece Ponce, M.D., of the UP-PGH Department of Medicine. Closing remarks were delivered by Ramon and Lay Ann Orlina, bringing the evening to a warm and festive conclusion. *** 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

FILIPINO-AMERICAN singer Jessica Sanchez is overwhelmed with joy as she marked the first time she and her husband Rickie Gallardo celebrated their Christmas with their daughter Eliana. Sanchez gave a glimpse of their celebration, showing the three of them in front of a Christmas tree and surrounded by gifts through her Instagram page on Friday, Dec. 26 (Dec. 25 in the United States.) “This Christmas is extra special! it’s our very first one with our baby girl, and our hearts are overflowing,” she wrote. “There’s no greater gift than family, love, and these precious moments together,” she added. “Wishing you all a joyful and blessed Christmas from our family to yours.” Sanchez has been savoring their mother-and-daughter moments, taking some time off social media and focusing

Jessica Sanchez (middle) with her husband Rickie Gallardo and their daughter Eliana. Photo from Instagram/@jessicaesanchez

on motherhood. Prior to this, Sanchez’s last post was in November when she gave an update six weeks after she gave birth, saying she was changed in ways she could not explain. At the time, she also teased that she has been gearing up for her return to the music

scene through a new album. Sanchez gave birth to Eliana in October, just weeks after she was hailed the “America’s Got Talent” Season 20 champion. Sanchez is set to fly home to the Philippines for a New Year’s countdown event in Pasay. n

AiAi delas Alas sells rings from ex-husband... The Orlina family (from left): Michael, Lay Ann, Ramon, and Anna.

PAGE 14 Boss Toyo, his wife Mary Jhoy, and AiAi made the purchase official with a certificate of authentication, as well as

AiAi's signature on the rings' boxes. AiAi announced her engagement to the much-younger Gerald in April 2017. The ex

couple has an almost 30-year age gap. They tied the knot later that November, but officially confirmed their separation in November last year.

Jinkee Pacquiao’s PA speaks up on claims... Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Orlina with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.

Lay Ann Lee Orlina with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.

PAGE 14 supporting his child Eman. I hope you would refrain from making such judgments against them. If only you know how kind the couple is. They’re willing to help others in their own way. And I don’t think Sir Manny and Miss Jin-

kee need to post them on social media.) She likewise addressed Eman. “Ikaw [naman] sana Eman, alam mo sa sarili mo kung gaano ka kamahal ng daddy mo! Mahal na mahal ka ng daddy mo, alam mo yan!” she continued.

(As for you, Eman, I hope you know to yourself how much your dad loves you. Your dad loves you so much.) Aside from acting, Eman is also making a name for himself as a boxer. He said to have started boxing at the age of 9. n

Irreverence at Christmas...

A proud mother whose child won the “Bring Me” game. (From left) Anna Orlina, Dr. Ysabella Veniece Ponce, and Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.

Yanizjha Mendoza (right) with his wife.

Fr. Bong Guerrero, known as the “Happy Priest.”

Rogelio Constantino Medina with Michael Orlina.

PAGE 14 level too acidic because the acid-base buffer system is not functioning properly. Some of the life-threatening complications of regular consumption of alkaline water are metabolic alkalosis, which could lead to gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle twitching, and skin irritation. A bit acidic stomach works best in killing bad bacteria, and alkaline water will deprive the stomach of its normal physiology and protection…and leave your wallet with less money. Today, nothing beats clean, 8-stage filtered water in glass or stainless steel containers (no microplastic contamination!)

*** 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.

16 DECEMBER 26, 2025 - JANUARY 1, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426