The House of Representatives has established a support group for its prosecution team as it prepares for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impending impeachment trial. Even though the Senate has not confirmed a start date for the proceedings, the House has been proactive in its preparation. Details on the formation and responsibilities of the secretariat are provided by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Senator Risa Hontiveros suggests high-ranking Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) officials may still be in the country, linked to continued illegal operations. Her comments urge a deeper investigation into the persistence of unauthorized gaming hubs despite government crackdowns. The situation highlights broader issues within the Pogo industry, including tax evasion, labor violations, and human trafficking concerns, challenging regulatory bodies and emphasizing the need for transparency and rigorous law enforcement.
In the Philippines, the Supreme Court scrutinizes the government’s decision to move P89.9 billion from PhilHealth’s excess reserves to the national treasury, probing its legality and necessity. The funds were reportedly allocated for unprogrammed appropriations, sparking concerns and debates.
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition calls on Congress to investigate allegations of ‘ghost students’ within the senior high school voucher program of the Department of Education in the Philippines, urging authorities to uncover and address the fraudulent scheme. The Department of Education has expressed support for efforts to tackle this issue.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian voices concern over Filipino-run love scam centers, urging government action. These scams have harmed the Philippines’ reputation internationally, affecting thousands, including Australians. Authorities are called to collaborate internationally to curb the criminal activities.
The Supreme Court has mandated the submission of the original copies of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill and Enrolled Bill from the House, Senate, and Malacañang. This order comes as part of a case examining alleged irregularities in the national budget process. Legal proceedings are underway to address these concerns and ensure transparency in government financial planning.
Allies and supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte, including lawyers from Mindanao and officials from Davao City, have submitted a petition to the Supreme Court. They seek to halt the Senate’s impeachment trial, claiming the complaint is flawed. The petition, comprising 114 pages, represents a collective effort to address concerns surrounding the proceedings. The case has sparked significant interest, highlighting varying political sentiments in the region.
Manila’s Senate Minority Leader, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, urges Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to swiftly convene the Senate impeachment court, emphasizing the constitutional requirement to promptly address the complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has stated its willingness to investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial “kill” remarks, made during a proclamation rally, if a senator requests assistance. While NBI Director Jaime Santiago views the comments as rhetorical, he clarifies that formal action will be taken upon receiving a complaint from the Senate. This development underscores the complexities surrounding political speech and potential legal implications.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict faced criticism from the human rights group Karapatan after releasing a video implicating Kabataan party list Rep. Raoul Manuel as a recruiter for the New People’s Army. Karapatan’s secretary general called the move a misleading tactic against the Kabataan party list. The controversy highlights tensions between government initiatives and party list groups.