PH Politics | LAWIN.news

Bam Aquino raises alarm over alleged education budget cut in bicam

LAWIN.newsDecember 10, 2025018 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, 2025026 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, 2025014 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, 2025016 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, 2025023 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, 2025015 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, 2025018 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, 2025011 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.

Fil-Ams warned on risks of renouncing PH citizenship amid new bill

LAWIN.newsDecember 7, 2025017 views

The Philippine Embassy in Washington issued an advisory urging Filipino Americans to carefully review the implications of renouncing Philippine citizenship amid the filing of the “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025” in the U.S. Senate. The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, seeks to abolish dual citizenship for U.S. citizens and require exclusive allegiance to the United States. The Embassy stressed that the measure remains a proposal, highlighted prior legal recognition of dual citizenship, and warned that renunciation of Philippine citizenship is irreversible. Filipino Americans are encouraged to monitor the bill and consult the Philippine Embassy or consulates for guidance.

Pag-IBIG honored for Best Sustainability Initiatives at GOCC awards

LAWIN.newsDecember 7, 2025017 views

Pag-IBIG Fund received the Best Sustainability Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) in Parañaque City on December 1, 2025, for integrating sustainability values into its programs, services, and internal operations. DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Board chair Jose Ramon Aliling accepted the award, which recognized the agency’s efforts in responsible governance, resource management, and support for national development goals under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. The recognition forms part of the GCG Awards program that highlights government-owned or -controlled corporations meeting governance, accountability, and sustainability benchmarks in the Philippines.