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Marcos urged to allocate aid for children left behind after US bases

A group of Filipino-American leaders have appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allocate a portion of recently announced U.S. humanitarian funds to support an estimated 50,000 Filipino Amerasians, who are children and descendants of American military personnel once stationed in the Philippines.

In an open letter dated Friday, October 10, the Filipino Amerasian Coalition urged Marcos to recognize the decades-old plight of Amerasians who were left behind after the withdrawal of American bases in the Philippines in 1992.

The group called for education, healthcare and job programs to be funded through the humanitarian and defense cooperation frameworks between the Philippines and the United States.

“We respectfully appeal for your leadership in addressing the long-neglected plight of an estimated 50,000 Filipino Amerasians,” the letter read.

“These men and women were left behind following the end of the U.S.-Philippine Military Bases Agreement in 1992, marking a painful chapter in our shared history.”

The advocates are proposing main actions for the Philippine government:

First is an executive order recognizing Filipino Amerasians and including them under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement’s (EDCA) humanitarian provisions, with access to training and jobs at U.S.-supported bases.

The other is the allocation of 10% of the $250-million U.S. humanitarian assistance package announced in September to fund education, health and vocational programs through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Open letter. The letter, signed by Filipino and Fil-American leaders including Filipino-American philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, former U.S. Consul General Santiago “Sonny” Busa, and advocate Eric Lachica, described the proposal as both “a humanitarian act” and a “moral obligation” that could strengthen the U.S.-Philippine alliance.

The coalition noted that the Philippines, despite being the United States’ oldest ally in Asia, was excluded from the Amerasian Act of 1982, which granted benefits to Amerasian children in other countries such as Vietnam, Korea and Thailand.

“Addressing this issue would show that our partnership is grounded not only in strategic and military cooperation, but also in shared humanity and moral responsibility,” the group said.

“It was profoundly unfair that the Philippines-the oldest U.S. ally in Asia and home to the largest number of Amerasians-was excluded from the Amerasian Act of 1982, which extended benefits to Amerasians in other countries,” they added.

Nwoye nullifies Enugu suspensions in Enugu APC, calls for unity

The newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has announced the nullification of all suspensions previously imposed on party members by the recently dissolved Ugochukwu Agballa-led executive committee.

The chairman also declared the suspensions ‘null, void, and of no effect.’

Nwoye, who returned to the helm of the party following the dissolution of the Agballa-led executive by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) last Thursday, made the announcement while addressing a large gathering of party leaders and supporters at the APC Secretariat in Enugu on Saturday, shortly after returning from Abuja.

Among those affected by the earlier suspensions were former Senate President, Ken Nnamani. former GovernorSullivan Chime; former Speaker and current Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Barr. Eugene Odoh; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, among others.

Describing the series of suspensions under the Agballa leadership as a ‘political caricature’ that weakened the party’s cohesion, Nwoye said such actions were counterproductive and inimical to progress.

‘How can you suspend the very people you need to win elections?’ he queried.

He declared all forms of suspensions, whether issued through letters, audio messages, or radio announcements, as invalid, emphasizing that the party must now embark on genuine reconciliation and reintegration of all aggrieved members.

According to Nwoye, the national leadership of the APC had given him a clear mandate to return to Enugu and rebuild the party’s unity ahead of critical political contests in the state.

The caretaker chairman further observed that the political atmosphere in Enugu had significantly changed with the emergence of Governor Peter Mbah, describing his coming as a ‘new political dawn’ for the APC in the state.

He warned that the party could no longer afford division or complacency in the evolving political landscape.

‘With the right strategy and unity of purpose, APC will not remain on the sidelines in Enugu. We will be the party that sets the agenda and defines the next political direction of this state,’ Nwoye stated.

On arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Nwoye told reporters that with Governor Peter Mbah’s entry into the APC, Enugu would ‘regain all that it had lost in the past.’

He described Mbah as a transformational leader who had achieved remarkable progress across various sectors within two years in office, adding that the governor’s move to the APC was for the collective good of his people.

Our correspondent reports that there was wild jubilation at the airport as enthusiastic APC members trooped out in large numbers to welcome Nwoye and members of his caretaker committee back to the state.

P1 million at stake in ICTSI leg

Florence Bisera heads into the ICTSI Del Monte Championship unfolding Tuesday brimming with confidence, riding a wave of momentum and a game trending steadily upward.

After a dramatic come-from-behind win in Negros Occidental followed by a breakthrough international triumph in Thailand, the rising Davaoeña has emerged as one of the hottest names on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

With a P1 million purse at stake, Bisera steps into the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon as a marked player.

Standing in her way are Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson, Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda and Harmie Constantino, among others.

Defections: Those remaining in PDP are undertakers – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has described party leaders remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as undertakers waiting for the final burial of the opposition party.

The APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said this while reacting to the recent defection of some PDP leaders into APC.

Oladejo urged the former ruling party to stop downplaying ‘the wave of defections currently rocking its already fractured structure’.

He said: ‘The PDP’s claim that defections cannot break it is not only laughable but also betrays the party’s chronic state of denial , delusion and self-deception.

‘What is happening to the PDP today is not mere political migration, it is the inevitable consequence of years of internal deceit, lack of ideology, and serial betrayal among its leaders.

‘When a house is built on quicksand, it does not take much for it to collapse.

‘The ongoing exodus from the PDP is only a confirmation that even its loyalists have lost faith in a party that has consistently failed to reform itself or offer a credible alternative to Nigerians.

‘The few remaining members of the PDP are perhaps the undertakers – staying behind only to perform the final rites and fittingly dispose of what remains of a once-dominant but now lifeless political carcass.’

According to him, the APC is not surprised at the wave of defections from PDP as the opposition party has only thrived on propaganda and empty rhetoric.

He claimed that the former ruling party had mismanaged the nation for 16 years before the coming of APC.

Oladejo said that PDP could not suddenly reinvent itself as a credible opposition ‘when it remains a cesspool of confusion and leadership vacuum’.

‘The recent defection of key figures from the PDP to the APC is a testament to the growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘It will serve the PDP’s best interest to start learning to walk alone on the dark, bumpy road to 2027.

‘The party is obviously over for the former ‘largest party in Africa,’ and the sooner it confronts that reality, the less humiliating its final exit will be,’ he added.

According to him, PDP should look inward, conduct an honest post-mortem of its failures, and come to terms with the reality that its relevance in Nigeria’s political space has drastically waned.

‘The opposition cannot claim to be unshaken when its members are fleeing in droves to a party that represents progress, stability, and genuine leadership.

‘For the APC, these defections are not just political victories – they are endorsements of our party’s enduring commitment to national renewal and people-centered governance.

‘The Nigerian people are speaking loudly and the message is clear: the era of deceitful opposition politics is over,’ Oladejo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a number of PDP governors and members of the House of Assembly as well as other key figures have recently dumped the party for APC.

On Thursday, two remaining PDP members in the Ondo State House of Assembly,defected to APC, citing internal crisis in the opposition party.

They are former House Minority Leader,Mr Olajide Oguntodu, representing Akure South 1 Constituency, and his deputy, Mr Oluwatoyin Daodu, representing Akoko South West 1 Constituency.

EDITORIAL – Other needs

According to a report in this newspaper, a family of 12 in Barangay Gibitngil, Medellin Town, reportedly tried to take their own lives after suffering from mental distress following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu.

Medellin police chief Police Major Manuel Cabanlit said they immediately responded along with personnel from the local government unit and the Municipal Social Welfare and Services Office after receiving a report that the family members –including an eight-year-old child and a pregnant woman– were reportedly unable to communicate properly and were poised to commit suicide.

A team from the Regional Health Unit and the visiting Manila medical team has reportedly provided psychological first aid to the family.

This should remind us that following a disaster, there may be needs other than food, water, building materials, and the other essentials. What needs are we talking about? Psychological care.

Not all of us respond the same way to a natural disaster. While others shrug it off and move on, others develop deep emotional trauma and shut down. Mind you, this isn’t necessarily an indication of weakness; how people react to life-changing events depends on many factors like how they have been brought up, what they have previously experienced, and what emotional support they have, among others.

There’s no doubt that the recent quake caused trauma in many people. Seeing your house destroyed, your neighborhood in ruins, and friends and family injured, or even dead, is bound to cause distress on a different level.

Quakes are also different from other natural disasters. You can go to high ground away from floods or seek shelter indoors from rain and high winds during typhoons, but when the very ground beneath your feet shakes there’s almost nowhere safe.

Of course, we hasten to add that such relief must be provided by personnel who have had training when it comes to counseling disaster victims. Yes, nothing should stop you from asking someone you know personally to talk about what happened to them, but those who have been left deeply scarred by events may be best handled by an expert.

Following disasters like these not all scars and wounds can be seen.

Film maker Ololade Ebong shines with prestigious American approval

The delectable and hardworking filmmaker, actress, and cinematographer Ololade Tijani-Ebong’s talent goes international as the USA approves her as a person with extraordinary ability in her field.

Ololade has once again made herself and the country proud by earning this remarkable approval from the United States. This approval is reserved for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics – particularly those with a proven record of exceptional achievements in the motion picture or television industry.

This is one of the most distinguished forms of professional recognition in the global entertainment space. It is awarded to talents who have not only excelled in their craft but have also gained national and international acclaim for their work. This milestone confirms Ololade Tijani Ebong’s status as one of the most talented and visionary voices in contemporary African cinema.

This process is rigorous and merit-based. It involves the submission of an applicant’s professional body of work, career achievements, and recognitions to an authorized guild within the United States. In Ololade’s case, her evaluation and endorsement came from the Producers Guild of America (PGA) – one of the most respected professional organizations in Hollywood. The guild’s approval of her credentials signifies that she meets the highest international standards of excellence in filmmaking. The beautiful filmmaker is also expected to serve as a lead producer for a film production company on the feature film Alienated and in the Land of Ghosts, to be produced in the United States of America.

This approval, however, comes as no surprise to those familiar with Ololade Tijani Ebong’s stellar career. Over the years, she has built an impressive portfolio as a producer, director, actress, and cinematographer, contributing immensely to the growth and global appeal of the Nigerian film industry. Her works have not only won multiple awards at home and abroad but have also showcased the depth, creativity, and resilience that define the new wave of African storytelling.

Known for her dedication, artistic versatility, and passion for visual storytelling, Ololade continues to inspire a generation of young filmmakers who look up to her as a role model. This American approval further cements her place as a trailblazer and ambassador of African excellence in the global film space.

With this milestone, Ololade Tijani Ebong joins the ranks of a select few Nigerian creatives whose talents have been acknowledged at the highest international level – a testament to her hard work, consistency, and remarkable impact.

Reacting to the recognition, Ololade Ebong expressed deep gratitude and humility, saying:

‘This recognition means so much to me because it validates years of hard work, sleepless nights, and unwavering belief in the power of African stories. I’m grateful to God, my family, and everyone who has supported my journey. This is not just my win – it’s for every young creative who dares to dream beyond borders.’

Marcos activates disaster management agencies after Davao quake

President Marcos ordered disaster management agencies and security forces to evacuate residents in coastal areas and to work with local governments in responding to the impact of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental yesterday.

Marcos said search, rescue, and relief operations were being prepared and would be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so.

‘We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe,’ the President said.

‘I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines and coordinate closely with local governments,’ he added.

Marcos said the social welfare department is pre-positioning food and non-food items, while the health department is ready to extend emergency medical assistance to affected residents.

He urged residents in quake-hit areas to undertake safety measures and to cooperate with authorities.

‘To our kababayans in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm. Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,’ the President said.

‘We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,’ he added.

For its part, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Friday said that its Southern Mindanao satellite office is closely monitoring the situation following the earthquake in Manay, Davao Oriental.

‘We are currently on standby to assist any local government unit (LGU) in providing relief to evacuees, should the need arise,’ the OVP said.

The OVP also urged those affected by the earthquake to seek psychological first aid to help alleviate anxiety and fear, especially for children who may be more vulnerable.

‘It is also important to ensure that Go Emergency Bags are prepared and accessible, in anticipation of possible aftershocks. We will continue to pray for the Philippines and anticipate coordination efforts to support the local communities,’ the OVP added.

Rights groups, Enugu disagree over alleged ?50,000 justice review fee

Two leading human rights organisations, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), have accused the Enugu Ministry of Justice of demanding a ?50,000 ‘review fee’ before accepting a petition seeking a review of a criminal case, a claim the state government has strongly denied.

In a joint petition dated October 7, 2025 to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the groups described the alleged demand as a ‘shocking case of injustice and official misconduct’ that undermines citizens’ faith in the state’s justice system.

According to the petition, signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, and CRRAN’s President, Barr. Olu Omotayo, the alleged fee demand arose when their representatives attempted to submit a petition over what they described as the ‘wrongful arrest and prosecution’ of one Mr. Godwin Odey, a 27-year-old OND graduate from Benue State.

Odey is facing charges of murder and unlawful possession of Indian hemp (Charge Nos. MEN/566C/2025 and MEN/565C/2025) after his arrest at Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area, on September 20, 2025.

The police reportedly claimed that Indian hemp was found in the vehicle he boarded while returning from a friend’s traditional wedding.

‘Credible evidence and witness accounts confirm that Mr. Odey was at the wedding ceremony throughout the period the alleged crime was committed. He was simply a victim of police extortion gone wrong,’ the petition stated.

RULAAC and CRRAN alleged that officials in the Attorney-General’s office refused to accept their petition unless the ?50,000 payment was made.

They called on Governor Mbah to order a full-scale investigation into the matter, discipline any officials involved, and direct the immediate review of Odey’s case to avert a miscarriage of justice.

‘It is inconceivable that an office established to uphold justice would impose a monetary barrier before receiving a public petition, especially one concerning a potential miscarriage of justice in a capital offence,’ the rights groups stated.

However, the Enugu State Government has denied the allegations, describing them as ‘wicked, false, and malicious.’

In a statement on Friday by the Director of Information at the Ministry of Information and Communication, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, the government said no such fee exists and that the Ministry of Justice does not charge for receiving or reviewing petitions from citizens.

‘The Ministry only requires practitioners applying for certified true copies, fiats, and related reviews to pay statutory processing fees into prescribed government accounts, as obtained in other public institutions,’ Nebo clarified.

He explained that the processing fees do not apply to crime victims or lawyers acting pro bono, adding that such payments are long-standing administrative charges that do not go into private pockets.

The statement described the rights groups’ claims as ‘a smear campaign by detractors opposed to the government’s reform-driven justice agenda,’ while reaffirming that ‘justice in Enugu State remains free, accessible, and transparent.’

It further commended the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, for his ‘impeccable integrity’ and listed ongoing justice reforms, including digitalisation of court processes, establishment of citizens’ rights and mediation centres across LGAs, and creation of the Witness Support Fund.

‘All complaints and petitions are treated 100 percent free of charge and expeditiously. The Mbah administration is committed to ensuring justice delivery that is fair, efficient, and transparent,’ the government insisted.

National Museum now hosts 6 of 7 Philippine meteorites

The National Museum of the Philippines are inviting Filipinos to celebrate Museum and Galleries Month this October by checking out its newly upgraded meteorite gallery.

The “Bulalato: Fragments from Space” exhibition now hosts six of the seven meteorites that have landed in the Philippines following three donations earlier this year for Philippine Space Week.

Mar Christian Cruz, Abraham Catiis, Melvin Lam, and Allen Yu of the Bayanihan Meteorite Recovery Team donated specimens to join the Orconuma, Bondoc, and Pantar meteorites.

The new additions include the first Philippine meteorite Pampanga, the fifth one Paitan, and the seventh and most recent Ponggo which was from Cruz’s personal collection like Orconuma.

The 3.3 gram-Pampanga meteorite landed behind the Santa Monica Church in Mexico, Pampanga back in 1859.

Half a century later Paitan – whose main mass weighs 431.3 grams – landed in San Juan, Ilocos Sur in 1910 and was initially thought to be a part of Halley’s Comet which flew by Earth that year.

Ponggo landed on a house in Quirino Province just last 2022, leaving a palm-sized crater on concrete floor.

The remaining meteorite is Calivo, which landed in Aklan back in 1916, as astronomers believe it was lost during World War II.

Also in the special exhibition, which just observed World Space Week, are four specimens donated by David Herskowitz, Ana Ophelia Herskowitz and Ferdinand Jolo Agbayani.

Among these is Northwest Africa 11273, a fragment of the Moon that landed on Earth. The others – Sahara 99753, Muonionalusta, and Brenham – are all meteorites.

The stony Sahara 99753 contains tiny spheres from primordial stardust called chondrules, the iron Muonionalusta was formed in a destroyed asteroid’s core, and the very rare stony-iron Brenham glitters with olivine “space gems.”

The National Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. free of admission fees.

Money brings comfort, not happiness – success coach

If you ask Filipino success coach John Calub, money doesn’t bring happiness to people, at least not exactly.

During the launch of his wellness brand Optimmune, Calub said money rather makes people feel comfortable.

“When you’re comfortable, you have more time to think of brighter, more creative ideas kaya mas madali kang gumawa ng pera, which can make you more happy. Kapag comfortable ka, mas makakadiskarte ka,” he explained.

Calub also said that people who run out of money could resort to bad behavior.

“Kasi ‘pag pressured ka, naghahabol ka. Magnanakaw na lang, mang-i-scam. Kasi gipit na, eh. ‘Pag may pera ka, you’re comfortable, eh,” Calub reiterated. “Then you can think of more creative ways of helping other people.”

He further believed that having more money means more responsibilities

“We all know that having enough is enough. More money means more responsibility. In addition, greed is bad,” Calub said.

And yet for Calub, health remains the real wealth, “Useless magkapera ‘pag tinamaan ‘yung kalusugan mo, eh. I have realized that it’s not about wealth, but having good health is what truly matters.”

“Before puro pera-pera na lang. It caught up on me. Inabot na ako ng time that I was too focused on business. Talagang napabayaan ko ‘yung sarili ko,” Calub ended.