President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved salary and benefits increases for over 120,000 employees within 219 government-owned and controlled corporations in the Philippines, recognizing their contributions to state revenues.
House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos reprimanded Rep. Paolo Duterte for his absences in the House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of attendance for effective participation in the legislative process. This incident highlights the need for cooperation and engagement among lawmakers for a consultative approach to governance.
Vice President Sara Duterte declined to answer questions about her confidential fund expenditures, citing her impeachment trial preparation during a House hearing in Manila. The proposed budget for the Office of the Vice President is P902.8 million.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged full independence for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to combat corruption in government projects. Meanwhile, Brice Hernandez returned to Senate custody.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III expressed confidence in his leadership despite tensions with the minority bloc, assuring that unity, dialogue, and cooperation remain central to the Senate’s legislative work.
An ICC-accredited lawyer rejected claims by Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team that he is mentally unfit, saying there is no evidence to support their bid for his interim release. Proceedings against the former president continue at the International Criminal Court.
Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat supports lifestyle audits for government officials amid flood control project investigations, urging focus on wealthy mayors of poor towns.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shows emotion in a podcast discussing the struggles of Filipinos, emphasizing their undeserved hardships. Concurrently, the government investigates alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan rejects resignation calls amid flood project allegations, emphasizing accountability and anti-corruption efforts while retaining presidential trust.
China criticizes the Philippines for allowing a visit by Taiwan’s top diplomat, accusing Manila of undermining its One China Policy commitments and questioning its credibility. The Philippines disputes recognizing any Taiwanese officials in the visit.