PH Politics | LAWIN.news

Roque contests passport revocation in new filing

LAWIN.newsDecember 11, 202506 views

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque filed a motion for reconsideration on December 9, 2025, challenging the cancellation of his Philippine passport, which he claims lacks legal basis. In a statement released Thursday, Roque asserted he is not a fugitive and that his stay in Europe is tied to his right to seek asylum. Now based in the Netherlands while working on the legal defense of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Roque urged Philippine authorities to review the timing and grounds of the passport cancellation and requested the restoration of his travel document.

Zaldy Co, 3 others now fugitives, Sandiganbayan rules

LAWIN.newsDecember 11, 2025017 views

The Sandiganbayan has declared former lawmaker Zaldy Co and three other individuals as fugitives from justice in connection with a flood control project case. The anti-graft court issued the declaration after law enforcers failed to arrest the accused on outstanding warrants. The case involves alleged irregularities in the implementation of a government-funded flood control project. The court directed authorities to intensify efforts to locate and arrest Co and his co-accused and ordered that their fugitive status be reflected in official records while proceedings in the case continue.

Bam Aquino raises alarm over alleged education budget cut in bicam

LAWIN.newsDecember 10, 2025024 views

The Philippine Senate on Tuesday agreed in a caucus to oppose any move in the bicameral conference committee to cut the proposed P1.38-trillion education budget for 2025, Senator Bam Aquino said. Aquino, who chairs the Senate committee on basic education, reported that senators formed a consensus to defend the Senate-approved funding levels for the Department of Education, state universities and colleges, and related agencies. The Senate plans to instruct its bicameral panel members to resist any reduction in education appropriations as it works with the House of Representatives to finalize the 2025 General Appropriations Bill.

PH embassies pressed to locate Zaldy Co after passport cancellation

LAWIN.newsDecember 10, 2025033 views

Philippine embassies worldwide have been urged by Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco to locate former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co and help bring him back to the country after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the cancellation of Co’s passport. Tiangco said he had long pressed the Department of Foreign Affairs to revoke Co’s passport following the filing of charges linked to an alleged flood control corruption scandal. He vowed to monitor the investigation and emphasized the role of foreign posts and concerned agencies in enforcing the implications of the passport cancellation.

BI blocks suspected mail-order bride at Naia arrival

LAWIN.newsDecember 9, 2025017 views

The Bureau of Immigration intercepted a 25-year-old Filipino woman at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on December 7, 2024, after officers suspected she was a mail-order bride bound for Beijing on an Air China flight. Authorities reported that inconsistencies in her travel purpose, financial arrangements funded by a foreign contact, and incomplete tourism documents led to her offloading. The BI coordinated with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and cited Philippine laws prohibiting mail-order spouse schemes as it referred the woman for counseling and further evaluation.

Arrest warrant for Sarah Discaya on the way, Marcos confirms

LAWIN.newsDecember 9, 2025018 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on December 9, 2024, that an arrest warrant for controversial contractor Sarah Discaya will be issued within the week. Marcos said authorities have completed the requirements for the warrant and will implement it once the court releases the document. Officials did not immediately disclose the specific charges, the issuing court, or Discaya’s whereabouts. The administration said it will allow the justice system to address the case and determine Discaya’s legal accountability.

DOJ files 26 kidnapping charges vs Atong Ang as defense blasts ruling

LAWIN.newsDecember 9, 2025025 views

The Philippine Department of Justice has ordered the filing of 26 criminal cases against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several police officers over the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, indicting them for kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention in Batangas and Laguna. Prosecutors based the charges on whistleblower testimony alleging Ang masterminded the abductions and killings. Actress Gretchen Barretto was not charged, while some respondents were cleared subject to new evidence. Ang’s lawyer denounced the DOJ ruling and vowed to seek its reversal.

PNP chief: Foreigners trying to revive Pogo hubs underground

LAWIN.newsDecember 8, 2025016 views

The Philippine National Police acting chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, said on Monday that foreign nationals continue to attempt to revive underground Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hubs despite a nationwide ban. He reported that police units conduct surveillance, raids, and joint operations with other agencies to track and shut down suspected illegal Pogo facilities, verify the status of foreign nationals involved, and investigate related cyber-enabled crimes. Authorities monitor former Pogo sites, business districts, and economic zones to prevent the resurgence of offshore gaming operations.

Japan to help accelerate major infrastructure works in the Philippines

LAWIN.newsDecember 8, 2025023 views

Japan on Monday reaffirmed its full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s infrastructure push in the Philippines, following the 4th Technical and Business Cooperation on Road Tunnel Construction workshop in Manila. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said Japanese assistance, coursed through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, will help fast-track key projects to improve mobility, connectivity and economic development. He added that the Department of Public Works and Highways will ensure that Filipinos benefit from the partnership through upgraded infrastructure and enhanced quality of life.

Alice Guo transferred to female correctional facility after conviction

LAWIN.newsDecember 7, 2025014 views

Philippine authorities transferred dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two co-accused to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City on Friday night after their conviction for qualified human trafficking. A Mittimus Order from Regional Trial Court Branch 167 mandated the move from Pasig City Jail. The three women, each sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P2 million, will undergo a 60-day reception, quarantine, and diagnostic process at the CIW before placement in the Maximum Security Camp, according to Bureau of Corrections and CIW officials.