The Sandiganbayan court has denied Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s bid to dismiss graft charges, ruling that the trial over alleged misuse of PHP 200 million in pork barrel funds will proceed. Estrada faces 11 counts related to the misappropriation of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
An ICC-accredited lawyer argues that the defense presented by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s counsel in a case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks substance. The lawyer also disputes claims by Duterte’s counsel regarding the nature of his arrest and jurisdictional issues. The ICC continues to assert jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during Duterte’s presidency.
Over a dozen Filipino workers in Qatar arrested for rallying against former President Duterte’s arrest. Migrante Middle East calls for legal assistance for the detained OFWs as the Philippine Embassy engages with Qatari authorities.
Senator Joel Villanueva calls for a Senate investigation into the Department of Health’s handling of medical supplies after P11.2 billion worth of drugs and products expired. The inquiry aims to address concerns over mismanagement and improve accountability and efficiency in the use of public healthcare resources.
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque applied for asylum in the Netherlands, submitting his application at the IND center in Ter Apel. The process includes identification, registration, and a waiting period for a decision, potentially taking six months or longer. An online petition opposing his asylum request gathered over 21,000 signatures, highlighting increasing resistance to his application.
The Federation of Free Farmers in the Philippines has proposed seasonal tariffs on imported rice to protect local farmers and manage the influx of imported grain. The group suggests imposing higher tariffs before and during the harvest season, alongside Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura’s petition to revert rice tariffs to higher rates, as current reductions have not lowered retail prices significantly.
As former President Rodrigo Duterte celebrates his 80th birthday, families of drug war victims continue to grieve. The Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign remains under scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses, with international calls for accountability persisting.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte celebrated his 80th birthday in an ICC detention cell, with supporters rallying for his return to the Philippines amid ongoing investigations into his administration. The case emphasizes international legal challenges and has drawn global attention.
A petition led by Filipino-Dutch writer Joel Vega has gained over 21,000 signatures to block former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum request in the Netherlands. The petition, accompanied by a formal letter to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Services, argues against granting Roque asylum. As the case unfolds, Dutch authorities have yet to make a decision on the application, which follows an arrest warrant issued against Roque in the Philippines.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s children filed habeas corpus petitions with the Philippine Supreme Court for his release from ICC custody. They argue the transfer is illegal, citing the Office of the Solicitor General’s recusal. The case raises questions about the legality of Duterte’s detention and the ICC’s role. The DOJ claims the petitions are moot. The court’s decision is pending.