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06/10/2025

Gina Ortiz Jones Makes History as First Filipina American Mayor of Houston, Texas

HOUSTON, TX — June 10, 2025 — In a landmark victory that echoes far beyond the Lone Star State, Gina Ortiz Jones has been elected Mayor of Houston, becoming the first Filipina American and first openly gay woman to lead one of the largest cities in the United States.

A proud daughter of an Ilocano immigrant and a former U.S. Army intelligence officer, Ortiz Jones has long stood at the intersection of service, identity, and leadership. Her election marks a historic moment for the Filipino American community, LGBTQ+ individuals, women veterans, and progressives nationwide.

Born and raised in Texas, Ortiz Jones first gained national attention when she ran for Congress in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District in 2018 and 2020—coming close to flipping the traditionally conservative seat. Her dedication to public service was soon recognized at the highest levels when President Joe Biden appointed her as Under Secretary of the Air Force in 2021, making her the highest-ranking Filipino American in the Department of Defense at the time.

With a campaign built on a foundation of inclusion, infrastructure, public safety, and economic empowerment, Ortiz Jones secured her mayoral win by defeating former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos in a June 7 runoff—earning a decisive nine-point lead.

Upon taking office, she will not only make history as the first Asian American woman to serve as mayor of a major Texas city, but also as Houston’s first openly gay mayor and the first woman veteran to lead the city.

“This is not just a personal win,” Ortiz Jones declared during her victory speech. “This is a victory for every child of immigrants, every LGBTQ+ American, every woman who served in uniform—and everyone who believes that service and heart can lead us to a better future.”

Ortiz Jones’ story is one of grit, purpose, and unrelenting dedication to public good—from the battlefields as an Army intelligence officer to the halls of the Pentagon, and now to the Mayor’s Office of Houston.

As she prepares to take the reins of leadership in America’s fourth-largest city, Gina Ortiz Jones stands as a powerful symbol of what it means to serve—and to lead—with honor, courage, and conviction.

06/02/2025

Knights of Rizal Astoria Chapter Champions Filipino Heritage in New York City

NEW YORK CITY — In the heart of one of the world’s most diverse cities, the Knights of Rizal Astoria Chapter continues to serve as a steadfast pillar of Filipino patriotism, civic responsibility, and cultural pride.

Founded with the noble mission of upholding the ideals of Dr. José Rizal — the Philippines’ national hero — the Astoria Chapter of the Knights of Rizal has emerged as a dynamic organization within New York’s vibrant Filipino-American community. The chapter remains deeply committed to promoting the values of nationalism, education, and community service that Rizal himself exemplified.

Under the leadership of dedicated officers and members, the Astoria Chapter actively organizes cultural events, educational forums, community outreach programs, and public commemorations of national historical milestones. Their activities not only honor the legacy of Rizal but also provide a platform for younger generations of Filipino-Americans to engage with their roots.

“The Knights of Rizal is more than a brotherhood — it’s a living reminder of our heritage and responsibility to uphold the ideals of freedom, integrity, and intellectual pursuit,” said the Chapter Commander. “Here in New York, we are proud to represent Rizal’s teachings and adapt them to modern times.”

The Astoria Chapter welcomes professionals, community leaders, and youth to join its growing network. Through lectures, cultural exhibits, flag-raising ceremonies, and partnerships with local organizations, the chapter continues to make a meaningful impact within and beyond the Filipino community.

For more information on upcoming events or membership inquiries, contact the Knights of Rizal Astoria Chapter via their official social media pages or email: [email protected].

05/22/2025

JUST IN: 10 Confirmed Monkeypox Cases Reported in South Cotabato

SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines — The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato has confirmed 10 cases of monkeypox across several municipalities and cities in the province, prompting immediate contact tracing efforts to prevent further spread.

The breakdown of cases is as follows:
• T’boli – 4 cases
• Surallah – 2 cases
• Banga – 1 case
• Koronadal City – 1 case
• Tantangan – 1 case
• Lake Sebu – 1 case

Health authorities have already initiated contact tracing and are closely monitoring individuals who may have been exposed. The IPHO is also coordinating with local government units to implement containment measures and inform communities about safety protocols.

The public is urged to remain vigilant, observe proper hygiene, and report any symptoms to the nearest health facility. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.

05/22/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Cabinet Members Tender Courtesy Resignations Following President Marcos’ Call

MANILA, Philippines — In a sweeping move that could lead to a major reshuffle in the administration, several members of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet have submitted their courtesy resignations as of 1:00 PM today, following the Chief Executive’s call for a government-wide review of leadership and performance.

The announcement came just hours after President Marcos publicly requested courtesy resignations from his Cabinet and top officials in a bid to realign priorities and intensify governance reforms.

Here is the list of officials who have confirmed their resignation:
1. DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon
2. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian
3. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla
4. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes
5. DOT Secretary Christina Frasco
6. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman
7. DOF Secretary Ralph Recto
8. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra (pending formal memo)
9. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac
10. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda
11. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
12. PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz
13. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
14. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma
15. TESDA Director General Jose Benitez
16. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
17. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan
18. Presidential Adviser for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go
19. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III
20. DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla
21. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara
22. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga
23. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum
24. DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
25. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año
26. DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque
27. DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo
28. CFO Secretary Dante Ang II
29. ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez
30. PLLO Chief Secretary Mark Mendoza

The Palace has yet to announce whether the resignations will be accepted or if a Cabinet revamp is imminent. Political analysts say this may signal a realignment of priorities ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

This is a developing story. Updates to follow.

05/18/2025

A Mexican navy sailing ship on a global goodwill tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, snapping its three masts, killing two crew members and leaving some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air waiting for help.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment.

Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media early Sunday.

The cause of the collision was under investigation.

05/17/2025

05/16/2025

NEWS: Court Orders Arrest of Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong Over Human Trafficking Charges

MANILA — The Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118 has issued arrest warrants for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, businesswoman Cassandra Ong, and 47 others for qualified trafficking in persons in connection with the operations of a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) in Porac, Pampanga.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the charges are non-bailable, although the accused may still file a petition for bail.

Also named in the warrant is Duanren Wu, the alleged “big boss” of the operation, who is currently in hiding. The court ruled that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

According to investigators, the POGO facility allegedly served as a scam hub and was involved in trafficking workers.

Roque admitted that he previously served as legal counsel for Whirlwind, the real estate firm that leased the property to Lucky South 99 POGO, and also assisted Ong in coordinating with Pagcor for license renewal. However, he denied any involvement in human trafficking.

The arrest order also includes Dennis Cunanan and several former government officials linked to a separate trafficking case involving another POGO in Bamban, Tarlac.

Roque is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, seeking asylum, and the Philippines has no extradition treaty with the Netherlands.

Authorities continue to investigate the case.

05/16/2025

De Lima Questions Court of Appeals Ruling on Acquittal in Drug Case

MANILA — Incoming Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has expressed confusion over a recent Court of Appeals (CA) resolution that nullified the decision of a Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) acquitting her in one of the drug cases filed against her under the Duterte administration.

In a statement, De Lima, a former senator and justice secretary, clarified that while the CA resolution remands the case back to the RTC for clarification, it does not reverse or invalidate her acquittal.

“We have reviewed the CA’s decision ordering the RTC to revisit one of my cases where I was already acquitted. This move is puzzling, as it appears the CA is asking the RTC to rewrite its ruling due to alleged lack of clarity,” she said.

De Lima believes that the answers to the CA’s concerns are already found in the case records and noted that her legal team would file a Motion for Reconsideration to highlight the relevant portions.

“My acquittal is final and unappealable under the constitutional protection against double jeopardy. The CA’s decision, on the other hand, is still appealable before the Supreme Court. For now, the RTC’s acquittal stands and holds more weight,” she explained.

She emphasized that the CA did not explicitly overturn her acquittal but merely asked the trial court to revise or clarify its decision — something she believes is unnecessary.

“This is simply a matter of clarification. We will respond accordingly to the CA’s queries, but I want to make it clear that this won’t deter me from returning to public service,” De Lima said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to continue preparing for her new role in Congress, vowing to pursue justice and reforms in her upcoming term.

05/16/2025

P204M Worth of Shabu Seized in Bulacan Hotel

A total of 30 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P204 million, were confiscated during a buy-bust operation conducted at a resort and events place hotel in Norzagaray, Bulacan on Thursday, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

In its official report, PDEA confirmed the arrest of three individuals during the entrapment operation. The suspects were identified as “Jessie,” 44 years old; “Kristina,” 36; and “JB,” 21.

The arrest took place after the suspects allegedly sold two kilograms of shabu, worth around P13.6 million and packed in plastic bags, to an undercover agent posing as a buyer.

Upon further inspection of the suspects’ belongings, authorities discovered an additional 28 kilograms of shabu valued at P190.4 million.

Confiscated during the operation were the buy-bust money, a vehicle, a mobile phone, and several identification cards.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if the suspects are part of a larger drug trafficking network.

CTTO: PDEA

05/14/2025

NEWS: Binmaley Vice Mayor Sammy Rosario Resigns from Post

BINMALEY, PANGASINAN — In an unexpected development, Binmaley Vice Mayor Sammy Rosario has formally resigned from his position.

His resignation was confirmed on Tuesday, marking the end of his term as the town’s second-highest elected official. According to reports, Rosario’s decision to step down was prompted by unresolved conflicts and irreconcilable differences between him, the incumbent mayor, and the current members of the municipal council.

Speculations have also surfaced that Rosario was allegedly causing division within the local leadership and was unable to accept the public’s clear desire for change and improved governance.

An official statement from the local government is still awaited regarding Rosario’s replacement and the next steps to be taken.

This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.