A Filipina substitute teacher is currently in custody following an investigation into an alleged improper relationship with a student in Llano County, Texas. The teacher was identified as 27-year-old Angela Louise Palmares. She has been charged with the second-degree felony of improper relationship between an educator and a student. Under Texas law, this is a strict liability offense, meaning the professional boundary is the focus regardless of the student’s age. Last Tuesday

The Court of Appeals (CA) has issued a 20-day freeze order on assets and bank accounts linked to former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, citing probable cause tied to alleged plunder, bribery, graft, and money laundering. Documents obtained by Bilyonaryo show the appellate court found sufficient basis to temporarily immobilize the accounts while an investigation is underway. The order, issued on April 22, strictly prohibits any transactions i

NEW JERSEY — The Borough of Bergenfield has announced the passing of former Mayor Robert Rivas on April 23, 2026. He was 78. Rivas made history as the first Filipino American to serve as mayor of Bergenfield, holding office from 1999 to 2003. Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio paid tribute to Rivas, describing him as “a pioneer, a mentor, and a friend to so many.” “Rivas broke barriers and paved the way for future generations, showing what is possible through dedication and ser

ICC Photo Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court has unanimously confirmed all charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, clearing the way for his case to proceed to trial before a Trial Chamber. In its decision issued Thursday, the Chamber found substantial grounds to believe that Duterte bears responsibility for three counts of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute.

The International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber has affirmed the Court’s jurisdiction over former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, rejecting in full the defense’s challenge in a landmark ruling issued Wednesday, April 22, 2026. In a majority decision, the Appeals Chamber upheld the earlier ruling of Pre-Trial Chamber I dated October 23, 2025, confirming that the Court may exercise jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed in the Philippines while it was still a Sta

BAYAN US NE PHOTO NEW YORK CITY - Anger and defiance erupted outside the Philippine Consulate in Manhattan as Filipino community organizations and anti-war groups staged a fiery protest against the upcoming Balikatan military exercises, warning of rising tensions and deepening hardship for ordinary Filipinos. Chanting slogans and holding placards, protesters demanded the immediate cancellation of the annual war drills set to begin April 20 now expected to be the largest in h

A lighthearted remark from a local resident, Noy Dulay, sparked a broader conversation about the growing presence of vloggers in communities today. “Almost everyone in our town is a vlogger now,” he joked. Though said in jest, his comment reflects a reality shaped by rapid digital transformation. With the widespread availability of smartphones and easier access to the internet, more people are now documenting and sharing their daily lives online. Platforms that once catered t

What was supposed to be a small relief turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. A motorcycle rider died while waiting in line for a ₱5,000 fuel subsidy at the Quezon City Circle on Saturday collapsing under the scorching heat as he struggled to secure much-needed assistance for his family. According to his relatives, the victim is believed to have suffered a heart attack, possibly triggered by extreme exhaustion and the intense midday sun. As early as dawn, hundreds of drivers ha

The Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA), the oldest Filipino American teachers organization in the United States, has congratulated three Filipino American educators on their promotion to assistant principal positions within the New York City Public Schools system, highlighting their achievements as a milestone for the growing Fil-Am presence in educational leadership. Recognized were Melvin Damaolao and Jal Raval of Bronx International High School, and Marlyn Cl

Filipino excellence takes center stage as a law team from the University of San Agustin (USA) clinched the world championship in a prestigious international moot court competition held at the University of Oxford in England. The University of San Agustin-College of Law (USA-COL) confirmed that its Bulahan Price Team emerged as the top contender in the 2026 Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition, defeating teams from around the world in a contest focused on human rig

The FBI has launched a nationwide manhunt and is offering a $25,000 reward for a Filipino citizen accused of being part of a disturbing online child exploitation ring targeting minors through gaming and social media platforms. Authorities identified the suspect as Austin Jan Sy Yatco, who is now wanted by U.S. federal agents for his alleged role in a criminal network that operated between 2019 and 2021. According to the FBI, the group preyed on vulnerable children online man

Fugitive former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co may face two possible outcomes in the Czech Republic deportation or the granting of political asylum according to a retired diplomat familiar with the situation. Co is currently under the custody of Czech authorities after reportedly entering the country without proper documentation. Philippine officials have confirmed that they are coordinating closely with their Czech counterparts to facilitate legal processes that could lea

MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur - Ten members of the ISIS-linked Islamic State of Lanao, also known as the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group, were killed in a joint police-military operation early Friday, April 17, in what authorities described as the deadliest encounter in the region so far this year. The hour-long firefight erupted in Marantao town as government forces attempted to serve arrest warrants against Amerol Mangoranca, a key leader of the Maute-Dawlah Islamiya group. Mangoran

ICE PHOTO A Filipino former green card holder convicted of statutory rape has been kicked out of the United States and sent back to the Philippines under a court-ordered departure, authorities confirmed. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said the man, once a lawful permanent resident, was forced to leave after his conviction made him deportable under U.S. law. In a video posted online, ICE agents were seen carrying out a “verification operation” at Louis Armstron

CALIFORNIA - Filipino pride took center stage in the global music scene as P-pop sensation BINI delivered a historic and electrifying performance at the world-renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026. The eight-member Filipina girl group became the first Filipino act to perform at Coachella, marking a major milestone not just for their careers, but for the entire Philippine music industry. Performing at the Mojave Stage, BINI showcased a high-energy 45-minute s

Queens, New York – Many people in Queens know lawyer Eve Cho Guillergan as quiet but with a ready smile and a steadfast reputation of helping immigrants. She is the familiar face who shows up in important community events lending consistent support. On April 8, 2026, Guillergan was sworn in as Judge of the Civil Court Queens, five months after she won in the hard-fought November 2025 election as the first Korean Filipino American judge in New York. Even before her inaugural,

NEW YORK - Philippine Consul General Senen T. Mangalile joined members of the consular corps in a diplomatic engagement with the New York Police Department (NYPD), underscoring continued cooperation between law enforcement authorities and the international community in New York City. The meet-and-greet session, organized by the NYPD in partnership with the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFCNY), was followed by a guided tour of the NYPD’s Joint Operations Center at O

A 20-year-old Filipino-American man from Harvard, Illinois has been sentenced to prison following a major investigation into the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Authorities began investigating the suspect in April 2025 after the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force flagged suspicious uploads of illegal content on social media platforms. Forensic investigators traced the uploads to an IP address linked to the suspect’s residence in Har

Luke Nathan Phillips | Facebook ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — Filipino American representation is entering the 2026 race for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, as Republican candidate Luke Nathan Phillips challenges longtime incumbent Rep. Don Beyer. Phillips, 32, an Arlington-based writer, outdoorsman, and civic activist, traces his roots to the Philippines through his mother, an immigrant who helped shape his upbringing and values. His candidacy adds to the growing presence of

QUEENS, NEW YORK - From consumer and health protections to environmental and public safety initiatives, Queens Assemblymember Steven Raga is banking on his legislative track record as he sets his sights on the New York State Senate this November. “I have always stood for Queens and my work as an organizer and now legislator has proven that,” Raga said during a conversation at a Philippine gala in Woodside. As the race intensifies, Raga and his team are mounting a grassroots