National

Trump’s Tariffs Impacting Filipino Products

Published

4 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

Filman

You don’t expect sticker shock at your local Filipino grocery store. But when a jar of macapuno or ube suddenly costs $8 to $10, you start asking questions.

That’s the reality many Asian American families are facing as President Donald Trump’s new tariffs—ranging from 10% to as high as 46%—take effect. Products from Asia, including food staples and cultural items, are becoming more expensive, directly impacting daily life and identity.

“It’s cheaper to stay home and make root beer floats,” one shopper joked, skipping the now-pricey imported Filipino goods. But for many, this isn’t just about saving money. It’s about staying connected to their roots, their culture, and their families through food and tradition.

The pain is real—and it’s not just felt in the checkout line.

Across the country, protests erupted this weekend, from Boston to Sacramento, as tens of thousands took to the streets to decry the administration’s policies, including the tariff war. Signs read: “Tariffs Cost Us Trillions in Two Days!”—a reference to the $6.6 trillion stock market loss following trade-related announcements.

The economic burden goes beyond consumers. Asian American small businesses—restaurants, grocery stores, importers—are struggling too. Higher import costs make it harder for them to stay afloat and compete, affecting jobs and livelihoods in local communities.

While some lawmakers, even Republicans like Sen. Ted Cruz, are starting to push back, calling the strategy “terrible for America,” Trump presses forward. Economists have criticized the rationale behind the tariffs, calling it outdated and based on flawed trade math that ignores America’s strengths in services.

Meanwhile, countries like China and Vietnam have retaliated with their own tariffs. As global trade tensions escalate, the U.S. risks isolating itself and damaging long-term economic prospects.

For many Asian Americans, these aren’t just numbers—they’re lived experiences. It’s the rising cost of that special sauce for pancit, the specific rice your grandmother used, or the electronics that bring your family closer together.

These tariffs aren’t just about economics. They’re cultural. They’re personal.

And as prices rise and traditions grow harder to maintain, many are asking: What now?

The answer may lie in the growing people’s movement—ordinary Americans pushing back against policies that harm families and communities. Because when economic decisions start to erode identity, it’s no longer just about politics—it’s about who we are, and how we live.

News credit to: INQUIRER.NET

National

Why We Should Vote for Rodante Marcoleta

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2025

News Team

Rodante Marcoleta Campaign Photo

In a time when strong, principled leadership is more important than ever, Atty. Rodante Marcoleta emerges as a compelling choice for the Senate.

A seasoned lawmaker with a PhD in Public Administration, Marcoleta hails from Tarlac, Luzon and proudly represents the Kapampangan community. His background in law and governance has made him one of the most articulate and fearless voices in Congress.

He is best known as the principal author of the “Magna Carta of the Poor” (RA 11291)—a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring the rights and dignity of the underprivileged. Unfortunately, the current administration has failed to implement this vital law, but Marcoleta remains committed to championing the welfare of the marginalized.

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Marcoleta gained a reputation for standing his ground on critical national issues. His firm stance led to the removal of five of his committee positions in the 19th Congress, but he did not waver. One of the key issues he raised was the excessive cost of electricity in the country—a concern that continues to burden millions of Filipino households. Despite being repeatedly ignored in the House, he never stopped fighting for what he believed was right.

Marcoleta’s unwavering commitment to public service draw comparisons to the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, known for her fearless interrogation and mastery of debate. Electing Marcoleta to the Senate means reviving that same level of scrutiny, reason, and passion in the legislative process.

At a time when Filipinos are demanding real solutions and real action, Rodante Marcoleta is the kind of leader we need—principled, experienced, and unafraid to speak truth to power.

Let us give our support to someone who will fight for the people.

Let us bring Rodante Marcoleta to the Senate.

National

President Bongbong Marcos Turns Over 91 Ambulances to Northern Mindanao and BARMM

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 91 modern ambulances to the Northern Mindanao Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) yesterday, held at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Of the total units, 85 were distributed to various municipalities and cities across Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. The remaining six units were allocated to the BARMM.

The turnover is part of a PHP 2.2 billion government initiative to acquire 1,000 ambulances for nationwide distribution, aimed at enhancing the emergency and disaster response capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs).

These state-of-the-art Patient Transport Vehicles were provided through the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients during emergencies.

National

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Jolts Parts of Mindanao

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

News Team

Several areas in Mindanao were rocked by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday night, causing panic among residents and prompting precautionary safety checks across affected communities.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck at around 10:00 p.m., with the epicenter located near the province of Davao del Sur. The tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 15 kilometers.

Strong shaking was felt in various parts of Mindanao, including Davao City, General Santos, Cotabato, and nearby provinces. In some areas, the quake lasted several seconds and caused items to fall from shelves and power outages to occur briefly.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but local disaster response units were quickly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected.

Phivolcs reminded residents in quake-prone areas to review emergency preparedness plans and stay updated through official channels for any developments.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur each year.

Source: PHIVOLCS