Headline2

The National Bureau of Investigation filed plunder complaints before the Philippine Department of Justice against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co over an alleged multibillion-peso ghost flood control scheme. The NBI accuses the officials of involvement in nonexistent or overpriced flood control projects funded by public money. DOJ prosecutors will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine probable cause and decide whether to elevate the case to the Sandiganbayan.

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines has intensified its investigation into alleged franchise violations involving Solar Philippines, founded by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, after its sale to businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is examining whether the transfer of controlling interest complied with laws requiring congressional approval for franchise holders and whether the transaction indirectly circumvented legal restrictions. The probe focuses on the sale’s structure, regulatory compliance, possible involvement of public officials, and adherence to franchise and public utility laws.

The Philippine Department of Health on Thursday linked poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy to underweight births, complications, and “brain stunting” among children, as Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa underscored the importance of proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. He said many Filipino pregnant women lack adequate nutritional support, which affects fetal growth, birth outcomes, and long-term child development. DOH programs now focus on improving prenatal nutrition services, food access, and breastfeeding promotion across communities.

The Philippine Senate will investigate allegations that Representative Martin Romualdez of Leyte’s 1st District purchased a Makati City house and lot through top flood control contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya. The probe will examine property records, financial flows, and government project contracts to determine compliance with procurement, ethics, and anti-corruption rules. Lawmakers plan to call witnesses, review official documents, and coordinate with regulatory agencies to establish the timeline, participants, and structure of the alleged transaction and to identify any legal or administrative violations.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division in Manila, Philippines, has denied the motion for reconsideration filed for former lawmaker Elizaldy Co and upheld its earlier ruling declaring him a fugitive from justice. In a nine-page resolution promulgated on January 8, 2025, the anti-graft court ruled that Co, who faces a graft case linked to a road dike construction project in Oriental Mindoro, has no standing to seek affirmative relief while in fugitive status.

The Office of the Ombudsman will determine the authenticity and possible public release of the so-called “Cabral files” after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) turned over the documents as part of an ongoing investigation, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said on Monday, January 12.

Malacañang on Sunday dismissed reports of a possible impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., calling them “unsubstantiated.”

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has repeatedly tried to reach Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who has not responded since stopping his attendance in the Senate last November, following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him.

Cabral died on Dec. 19, 2025, after falling into a ravine along Kennon Road in Benguet. Following her death, government agencies have moved cautiously in authenticating the alleged “Cabral files” and in determining how Leviste obtained the copies.

The Marcos administration will implement a general amnesty on penalties for unpaid contributions to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) for employers, business owners, and self-employed members.