PH Politics

The National Bureau of Investigation arrested a Department of Public Works and Highways engineer in Oriental Mindoro who is among 18 suspects facing court-issued arrest warrants over an allegedly anomalous flood control project. NBI agents served the warrant, brought the engineer for booking and processing, and prepared to present the suspect to the issuing court. Authorities said the case involves alleged irregularities in the planning, procurement, and implementation of a government-funded flood control project. The NBI continues operations to locate the remaining suspects and coordinates with other agencies as the criminal case moves forward in court.

Philippine authorities reported that Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, charged with qualified human trafficking over her alleged links to the Lucky South 99 offshore gaming hub in Porac, Pampanga, was last tracked in Japan after her release from detention, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, which continues to coordinate with domestic and foreign agencies to monitor her whereabouts and pursue the ongoing case as part of wider efforts against organized crime and human trafficking connected to offshore gaming operations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday highlighted in Manila the role of space science and technology in boosting the Philippines’ climate resilience, disaster response and sustainable development efforts. He outlined how satellite data supports weather forecasting, hazard mapping, damage assessment, resource monitoring and planning for infrastructure and land use. Marcos also stressed the importance of education, research, inter-agency coordination and partnerships with local and international stakeholders to expand space-based services. The government plans to align space initiatives with national priorities on climate action, food security, environmental protection and inclusive growth while promoting innovation and responsible use of public funds.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines, in a 27-page ruling promulgated on March 5, 2025, upheld the forfeiture of approximately P155 million in properties and bank accounts linked to the unexplained wealth of retired Lieutenant General Jacinto Ligot and his family. The court’s Third Division affirmed earlier findings that the assets greatly exceeded Ligot’s lawful income and that the respondents failed to justify their acquisitions with credible evidence. The decision ordered the transfer of the questioned assets to the government and clarified the legal standards and burden of proof in civil forfeiture cases involving alleged ill-gotten or unexplained wealth of public officials and their relatives.

The Commission on Elections will issue a show-cause order to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta next week over possible inconsistencies in his declared campaign expenditures for the 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines. The order will require Marcoleta, a candidate in the upcoming polls, to explain his total reported spending compared with figures in his submitted campaign finance documents. Comelec’s campaign finance office will review his explanation and supporting records to determine compliance with election spending rules and decide whether further administrative or legal action is necessary under Philippine law.