Malacañang Palace in the Philippines emphasized the need for foreigners, especially social media influencers, to respect local laws and customs following the arrest of Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy for alleged harassment.
Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces deportation from the Philippines for harassing Filipinos during a controversial livestream in Bonifacio Global City. Authorities arrested and detained him at the Bureau of Immigration’s facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.
China has arrested three Filipino nationals on suspicion of espionage, claiming to have dismantled an intelligence network linked to the Philippines. The arrests come amid escalating tensions between the two countries over maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The identities of the suspects remain undisclosed as China investigates further.
The Philippine government pledges support to 20 Duterte supporters detained in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized rally. Coordination with Qatari authorities underway to ensure their rights and release.
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.
The Philippine Embassy in Thailand cautioned against false reports of 10 Filipinos dead in Myanmar following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. They confirmed no Filipino casualties and urge reliance on official updates.
Estelito Mendoza, a renowned lawyer and former Solicitor General of the Philippines, died at 95. Known for defending high-profile figures in major corruption cases, Mendoza was a pivotal legal figure, earning both admiration and criticism. His death was confirmed by the Philippine National Bank.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have signed an agreement to safeguard the source codes for the 2025 national and local elections in the Philippines. This collaboration aims to bolster the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, ensuring the secure storage of critical elements required for automated elections. The move is part of Comelec’s broader efforts to enhance trust in the electoral system and address security concerns, ensuring the 2025 elections are conducted with credibility and transparency.
During a Senate hearing on the alleged crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that 95% of the “wrongful deaths” connected to Duterte’s drug war lacked police documentation. This revelation is part of the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court into the drug war and its human rights implications, focusing on the accountability and effectiveness of the justice system in the Philippines.
Major General Nicholas dela Torre III of the PNP-CIDG revealed in a Senate committee hearing the necessity of using force in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. His admission spotlights the complexities surrounding the application of force during the apprehension of high-profile political figures. The hearing, led by Sen. Imee Marcos, examined the legal and ethical considerations of such actions, raising questions about police procedures and human rights. The event is now under scrutiny as it impacts law enforcement’s role in politically sensitive contexts in the Philippines.