Category: Politics

Philippines

Viral ‘Earpiece’ Photo Rocked Sara Duterte Trial — Then Escudero Revealed What Was Really on Ortonio’s Ear

MANILA, Philippines — A viral image that fueled online speculation that an Office of the Vice President official was secretly receiving instructions while testifying in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial has been publicly debunked by the Senate impeachment court’s presiding officer. Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Tuesday, September 1, that OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio was not wearing an electronic earpiece when he appeared before the impeachment court. What could

September 1, 2026

Philippines

PNP Deploys More Cops as Flooded NLEX Leaves Motorists Stranded—But the Traffic Crisis Isn’t Over Yet

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its deployment along flood-prone roads and expressways after severe flooding stranded motorists for hours and triggered massive traffic congestion in parts of Central Luzon. PNP chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police units to strengthen road monitoring, maintain visible personnel in vulnerable areas and preposition police vehicles where they can respond quickly to emergencies. The move comes as floodwaters cont

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Meet Lindon Bacquel, Sara Duterte’s Young Defense Lawyer — But His Biggest Test May Be Unfolding in the ₱112.5-M DepEd Fund Case

MANILA, Philippines — As Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial moves deeper into questions surrounding confidential funds, one of the younger lawyers on her defense team is increasingly stepping into the spotlight: Atty. Lindon Miguel C. Bacquel. Bacquel, a senior associate at Fortun, Narvasa and Salazar Law, is among the lawyers defending Duterte before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. Although he was admitted to the Philippine Bar only in 2022, Bacquel has already taken a

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Who Is Reynaldo Robles? The Lawyer Now Taking Center Stage in Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial

MANILA, Philippines — As Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial enters a critical phase, one lawyer is increasingly drawing attention inside the Senate impeachment court: Atty. Reynaldo B. Robles, a veteran litigator now serving as one of the private prosecutors assisting the House prosecution panel. Robles is set to lead the prosecution’s examination of witnesses on Day 20 of the impeachment trial on September 1, as the proceedings focus on allegations involving the use of confidentia

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Marcos Tells 21 New PCG Flag Officers to Lead With Integrity — But Their Biggest Test May Be Waiting in the West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has handed 21 newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard flag officers more than new stars and greater authority: he has given them a direct reminder that every promotion carries a heavier obligation to the Filipino public. During their oath-taking ceremony at Malacañang on Tuesday, September 1, Marcos urged the senior Coast Guard officers to lead by example, protect the institution's integrity and prepare the next generation of PCG leaders at a t

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Tarlac Rep. Noel Rivera’s Graft Arraignment Pushed to Oct. 7 — But the Bigger Fight Over His 9 Cases Isn’t Over

MANILA, Philippines — Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera will have to wait longer before entering a plea in graft cases filed against him, after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division moved his scheduled arraignment to October 7, 2026 while the court considers pending motions challenging how the cases should proceed. Rivera is facing nine counts of alleged violations of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Two of those cases are currently before the Sa

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Sara Duterte Trial Day 20 Turns to AFP Witnesses — But One ₱15-Million Question Could Reshape the DepEd Fund Case

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial entered its 20th day and ninth week on Tuesday, September 1, with prosecutors shifting the spotlight to two military officers whose certifications became part of the paper trail surrounding the Department of Education’s controversial confidential funds. Retired Col. Manaros Boransing II is expected to be presented first by the House prosecution panel before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, followed by Col. Magtango

September 1, 2026

Politics

China Warns of ‘Consequences’ Over Taiwan’s Pacific Summit Role — But Palau’s Response Could Set a Bigger Precedent

KOROR, Palau — A gathering meant to showcase Pacific unity has quickly become the latest flashpoint in the widening diplomatic struggle between China and Taiwan, after Beijing warned of unspecified “consequences” over Taiwan’s high-profile presence at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. China’s special envoy for Pacific island affairs, Qian Bo, said Beijing had “serious concerns” after Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attended the forum’s opening ceremony on August 31. Aske

September 1, 2026

Philippines

56 Chinese Vessels Spotted in West Philippine Sea in August—But the Numbers Tell Only Part of the Story

MANILA, Philippines — The presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea increased in August, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitoring 56 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels during the month. The figure represents an increase from the 48 Chinese vessels recorded in July, highlighting the continued presence of Chinese maritime forces around key Philippine-claimed features in the West Philippine Sea. The latest AFP monitoring covers Chinese vessels from the People's Li

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Cayetano Fires Back at Lacson Over ₱3.7-B Taguig Lakeshore Claim: “Show the Evidence”

MANILA, Philippines — The dispute between Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson over infrastructure projects and reclamation areas along Laguna Lake in Taguig City has intensified, with Cayetano challenging Lacson to present evidence supporting his claim that billions of pesos in public funds may have been wasted. Lacson recently said that at least ₱3.713 billion in government funds was involved in completed, ongoing and suspended Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

September 1, 2026