PH Politics

Whistleblower and state witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan says fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, tagged in the disappearance and alleged killing of at least 19 cockfighting enthusiasts, may have already left the Philippines. Patidongan, a former aide of Ang, details his cooperation with investigators as police, prosecutors, and lawmakers pursue leads on the missing e-sabong players and examine Ang’s suspected role in the case. Authorities coordinate with immigration and international police as they track Ang’s movements and continue case buildup.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) projects that the Philippines will add about 15 million people in the next 10 years as it enters a demographic sweet spot, characterized by a rising share of working-age citizens and a relatively smaller proportion of dependents. The agency says this shift can support stronger economic growth if the government aligns investments in education, health, jobs, and social protection with the changing population structure. The CPD plans to provide detailed projections and policy inputs to guide national and local development planning during this demographic window.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has renewed its call for current and former Philippine police officers and other law enforcement personnel to testify in its ongoing investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign, inviting confidential submissions of testimony and evidence under the Rome Statute framework.

International Criminal Court prosecutors renewed their call for Philippine police officers, victims, and other witnesses to testify in the ongoing investigation into alleged killings linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign in the Philippines. The Office of the Prosecutor invited individuals with direct knowledge of drug war operations to contact the ICC through secure channels and assured potential witnesses of available protection measures. Prosecutors continue to gather evidence on alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2019, focusing on potential individual criminal responsibility and the court’s jurisdiction despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and several DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office officials over an allegedly anomalous infrastructure project in Pandi, Bulacan. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced the filing after prosecutors lodged the cases around 2:40 p.m. on Friday. The charge sheets cite alleged violations of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code and related graft provisions. The Sandiganbayan will raffle the case to a division that will handle arraignment, trial, and subsequent proceedings.

The Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) announced that relatives or representatives of gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang may surrender to police the firearms whose licenses authorities revoked. PNP-FEO Chief Brig. Gen. Jose Manalad said Ang’s immediate family, other relatives, or his lawyer can coordinate with the nearest police station or Regional Civil Security Unit for the turnover. Ang remains at large and faces kidnapping charges linked to missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, while the PNP continues regulatory actions on his firearm licenses and maintains custody and documentation procedures for any surrendered weapons.

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.