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IN FULL BLOOM.
IN METR MANILAO
Performers in colorful traditional dresses perform during the 29th ‘Panagbenga’ in Baguio City on Saturday. The festival is expected to draw a record a recordbreaking 43 floats in today’s grand parade. Nickie Wang
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 12 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES FEBRUARY 23, 2025
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Pope Francis
POPE FRANCIS NOT YET OUT OF DANGER—VATICAN
U.S. SET TO DEPORT FIRST WAVE OF ILLEGAL PINOYS A
ROMUALDEZ SAYS MOST FROM CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY
N UNIDENTIFIED number of Filipinos are up for deportation as the Trump administration starts its massive campaign against illegal aliens in the United States. In an interview on Saturday, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez said “a number of Filipinos” – newly arrived ones in the US – have already been informed that they are set for deportation. He said they would be among the first deportees under the sec-
ond Trump administration, which has promised to mount massive arrests and deportation of illegal immigrants. He said there is no information about the number, the current status, or the date of deportation but most of them are from California, New York, and New Jersey.
“I don’t know what status it is right now, but I keep on saying the same thing – if there is no legal path, my suggestion is voluntary departure,” he said. “If they have a legal path, then they should find an immigration lawyer or somebody that can help them file a case because they have rights for their case to be heard,” Romualdez added, addressing those who went to the US on a work visa that expired. The US Department of Homeland Security this week announced a nationwide ad campaign warning illegal aliens to
leave the US now or face deportation with the inability to return. Earlier, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said the government could tap the department’s Assistance to Nationals fund, as well as the Department of Migrant Workers’ Aksyon Fund, which is used for legal, medical, financial, and other forms of assistance for overseas Filipino workers. In November, the DMW said it would assist over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US who are at risk of being deported.
VATICAN City — Pope Francis “rested well” during his eighth night in hospital, where the 88-year-old is being treated for double pneumonia, the Vatican said Saturday. Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, but it turned into pneumonia in both lungs, causing widespread alarm. The pontiff’s doctors had told a press conference on Friday there was no imminent risk to his life but that he was “not out of danger.” The Vatican’s early morning update Saturday was shorter than usual, without mentioning that he had eaten, saying simply: “Pope Francis rested well.” The Gemelli’s Professor Sergio Alfieri told reporters Friday that the pontiff’s condition has been slightly improving, allowing doctors to incrementally lower the amount of medication he is taking. “The question is, is the pope out of danger? No, the pope is not out of danger,” Alfieri said. “If you then ask whether he is in danger of dying at this moment, the answer is still no,” he added. His hospitalization has cast doubt over Francis’s ability to continue as head of the world’s almost 1.4 billion Catholics. AFP
‘SUNSHINE’ STARRING MARIS RACAL WINS AT 75TH BERLINALE
MARCOS: PH WILL ALWAYS CHOOSE PATH OF PEACE, STABILITY
By Ratziel San Juan
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will always choose the path of peace as he led the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig on Saturday. “Filipinos paid the highest price for democracy to be preserved and for democracy to flourish. Standing on this hallowed ground, we are reminded of our solemn duty to always do what is necessary to ensure that we bequeath a sovereign and proud country to future generations,” Mr. Marcos said. “The Philippines, deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and among nations, has always chosen the path of peace, and I can assure all of you that we will continue to do so... Through diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation, we have successfully maintained a region that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous,” he added. The event saw the participation of representatives from the United States government, Filipino dignitaries, and World War II veterans to honor those who passed away in one of Philippine history’s deadliest battles. The Battle of Manila in February 1945 marked the end of Japanese occupation in the country but at the cost of thousands of Filipino lives.
REMEMBERING THE BRAVE. President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Liberation of Manila at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City on Saturday, February 22, 2025. US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson joins representatives from the US government, Filipino dignitaries and World War II veterans in paying tribute to those who lost their lives in one of the deadliest battles in Philippine history.
It also left the capital in ruins with historic landmarks including churches, schools, and government buildings destroyed — leaving entire com-
munities displaced. “May the light of their sacrifice, their nationalism, their love of country forever scatter the shadows of war, tyranny, and oppression,” Mr. Marcos said. The President said he is gratified by the Philippines’ “enduring alliance, partnership, and friendship” with the US as they share the same goal of achieving peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. “In peace and war, through natural disasters and pandemics, Philippine-US relations are firmly anchored on the values and principles that we cherish – peace, democracy, fairness, social progress and justice,” the President said. “Whether we gather, as we do today, to remember the liberation of Manila some 80 ago, or during joint military exercises as our armed forces will in a few weeks’ time for Balikatan, there is no doubt that our relationship is robust, with our two countries continuing to work together to address common challenges.” The Manila American Cemetery, the largest of its kind, is a solemn tribute to those who fought and died in WWII, serving as the final resting place of over 17,000 American service members and commemorates nearly 36,300 individuals missing in action. Among those honored are Medal of Honor recipients, and Filipino scouts and families who served in battle.
PH EXITS ‘GREY LIST’ AMID ADMIN’S STRONG ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING EFFORTS By Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz THE Philippines has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force “grey list” of countries under increased monitoring for money laundering and terrorism financing, a status that can hamper global financial transactions. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who chairs the National Anti-Money Laundering Coordinating Committee, said the country’s removal from the list is
expected to ease financial flows, reduce compliance barriers, and enhance transparency. “For so long, our investment attractiveness has been dragged down by this dirty money haven label. This hardfought administration win in its battle against money laundering will be preserved and protected through consistent compliance with global standards,” Bersamin said. The FATF, an international watchdog monitoring financial crimes, placed the Philippines on its grey list in
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2021 due to deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing measures. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor and Anti-Money Laundering Council chairman Eli Remolona Jr. credited the removal to strong cooperation between government agencies and the private sector. AMLC singled out President Ferdinand Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2023 signing of an executive order targeting money laundering and “counter-terrorism financing” as having played a key role in
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the decision. Mr. Marcos last year also banned offshore gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, that were said to be used as fronts by organized crime groups for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings, and even murder. “This seal of good financial housekeeping benefits overseas Filipinos as it would make cross-border transactions faster and cheaper as layers of compliance barriers are removed,” Bersamin said.
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Maris Racal
By Angelica Villanueva ACTRESS Maris Racal reached a new milestone in her career as the Filipino film “Sunshine,” in which she plays the lead role, won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). Berlinale recognized outstanding films that explore themes relevant to younger audiences, including “Sunshine.” On her Instagram story, Racal dedicated her milestone to her mom. “Mom we won,” she wrote. According to the jury’s statement, “Sunshine” takes “a sensitive view on its modern and socially critical topic.” The jurors noted the film “touched us not only through the acting performances, but also with its dark, yet hopeful and empowering atmosphere, which the filmmakers created with their way of storytelling.” “It raises our awareness by confronting us with the reality of the social and political problems it addresses, which unfortunately still exist today. The film’s balance of different moral perspectives and impressive stylistic elements creates an immersive reality that feels authentic and deeply moving.” Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, “Sunshine” follows the struggles of a young gymnast, played by Racal, who faces a life-changing decision to terminate her pregnancy ahead of her tryout for the national team. The film also features Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat, Annika Co, and Jennica Garcia. Prior to its Berlin debut, “Sunshine” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year and later screened at the Palm Springs Film Festival.
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