VP Sara, Thanks to the Indigenous People and Moro Who Expressed Their Willingness to Ensure Her Safety

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.

Advertisement

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 Economists have criticized the rationale behind the tariffs, calling it outdated and based on flawed trade math that ignores America’s strengths in services.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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

MANILA – The Senate has proposed to start the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 30, following a structured pre-trial process to ensure a fair and orderly proceeding, Senate President Francis Escudero announced on Thursday.

Escudero confirmed that preparations would begin on June 2, when the Senate resumes session. Prosecutors will present the Articles of Impeachment, and senators will approve revised trial rules.

On June 3, the Impeachment Court will convene, and senator judges will take their oaths. By June 4, the Senate is expected to issue a summons to Duterte.

From June 14 to 24, the prosecution and defense will exchange legal pleadings. Pre-trial proceedings will take place from June 24 to July 25, establishing the trial framework and organizing the presentation of evidence.

Advertisement

With the 20th Congress set to open on July 28, after the May 12 midterm elections, newly elected senators will take their oaths on July 29, officially seating them as Impeachment Court judges. The trial will begin on July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Escudero said the Senate is implementing security measures, logistical arrangements, and legal preparations to prevent delays.

“We are ensuring that all necessary resources – from security protocols to legal support – are in place before proceedings begin,” he said.

The Senate has procured robes for senator judges, improved court documentation procedures, and engaged external legal consultants to assist in the case.

The House of Representatives transmitted the verified impeachment complaint against Duterte to the Senate on Feb. 5, triggering its constitutional role as an Impeachment Court.

Advertisement

Escudero assured the public that the Senate will uphold due process and impartiality throughout the proceedings.

“The integrity of this impeachment trial is paramount. We are duty-bound to conduct the process with professionalism and transparency,” he said. (PIA)

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go are facing a second plunder complaint filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. This new complaint, submitted to the Department of Justice, is connected to the P16-billion Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) from 2016.

Trillanes, who is running for mayor of Caloocan City, also accused Duterte and Go of graft, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust. Additional individuals named in the complaint include former defense undersecretary Raymundo Elefante, former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, retired Navy Admiral Robert Empedrad, former Department of National Defense acquisition chief Leodegario Dela Paz, FAP legal officer Marlon Dayao, and Hyundai Heavy Industries officers Kisun Chung, Ki Young Sung, Joung Woo Byun, and Sandra Han.

Allegations of Intervention and Ill-Gotten Wealth

Trillanes alleges that Duterte and Go intervened in the selection of the Combat Management System (CMS) for the frigates, favoring Hyundai Heavy Industries against the recommendations of the FAP Project Management Team and the Philippine Navy. This intervention supposedly led to the selection of a CMS by South Korean firm Hanhwa, against the objections of the Navy.

The complaint claims that this intervention resulted in significant financial gains for the respondents, with at least P50 million of ill-gotten wealth, meeting the threshold for plunder. Trillanes highlighted a P700 million price difference in the CMS deal for the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna from the original P16 billion budget.

Advertisement

Political Implications and Responses

Trillanes argues that the current political environment is more conducive to pursuing these cases, implying that they would have been dismissed during Duterte’s presidency. He is calling for a preliminary investigation and subsequent court action by the DOJ.

Senator Bong Go has dismissed the accusations as “rehashed” and “black propaganda” aimed at influencing upcoming elections. He noted that a previous Senate investigation found no anomalies in the frigate deal and that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had cleared him of any wrongdoing.

“This issue has once again been rehashed and recycled for obvious politicking purposes. This is a clear case of destructive politics and a sure sign of desperation out to malign me and the former President. Nevertheless, I welcome these moves to finally put an end to these lies,” Go stated.

Source: ABS-CBN News, Inquirer.net

Advertisement