The Commission on Elections in the Philippines announced the 12 winners of the Senate seats for 2025, with Sen. Bong Go and former Sen. Bam Aquino leading. The results showed a diverse political landscape with allies of former President Duterte and liberal opposition candidates making significant gains, alongside an unexpected boost for Vice President Sara Duterte ahead of her impeachment trial.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 17 Taiwanese individuals in Cebu City on May 15 for allegedly conducting a romance scam, in collaboration with Taiwan Police. The operation targeted members of the Four Seas Gang, who faced outstanding warrants related to drug and money laundering charges in Taiwan.
The Department of Justice aims to exhaust all legal remedies to bring former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque back to the Philippines to face charges related to human trafficking linked to a POGO operation. The PNP is considering Interpol’s assistance to ensure his arrest.
The Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) denied Apollo Quiboloy’s camp’s bid for a manual vote recount, emphasizing the necessity for an election protest to trigger such an action. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia announced the decision, underscoring the importance of adhering to legal protocols in election disputes.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved amendments to the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, enhancing registration and reporting requirements for motorcycle owners in the Philippines. The new law outlines specific timelines for registration and reporting sales or dispositions of motorcycles to the Land Transportation Office.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extends cooperation to winners of the 2025 national and local elections in the Philippines, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility in governance. He acknowledges both victorious and non-victorious candidates, focusing on the ongoing mission of public service. The election process, marked by orderly conduct and voter participation, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts for national progress.
A voter was fatally stabbed during an Election Day dispute in Maguing, Lanao del Sur. Authorities are investigating the incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about electoral violence in the region.
The Department of Budget and Management confirmed a P2,000 honoraria increase for teachers and poll workers for the 2025 midterm elections, under President Marcos Jr.’s mandate.
Filipinos from around the world gathered at St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic inauguration of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. Despite initial hopes for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino community embraced the new pope with acceptance, unity, and hope.
Duterte Youth party-list members have filed an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for facilitating the transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the ICC. The move highlights significant political tensions within the Philippines as allies of Duterte challenge the current administration’s decision.