📰 News & Current Affairs

“Civil Case No. 0033-A is hereby DISMISSED with prejudice as between plaintiff Republic and the defendants therein, due to the withdrawal of plaintiff Republic. However, Civil Case No. 0033-A shall REMAIN ACTIVE until the final disposition of Subic Air’s complaint-in-intervention. Civil Case No. 0033-F is hereby DISMISSED with prejudice due to the withdrawal of plaintiff Republic,” it adds. Source: Sandiganbayan dismisses civil suits vs alleged Marcos Sr. ‘cronies’

The wife of a police lieutenant colonel who dismembered the body of a fellow policeman in front of her in Taguig City was left traumatized, which left her unable to speak. “The husband instructed his wife to get a häçksaw and she was present at the time of the killing at (and) during the mu̾tilation,” Fajardo said in a press briefing. Initially, police reports said that Pascua allegedly shot De Asis after supposedly discovering him in “intimate relations” with the lieutenant’s wife. Source: Wife of cop who dismembered colleague at NCRPO HQ left traumatized

Ranking: #1 - OP (4.56 billion) #2 - DOJ (683.8 million) #3 - PDEA (500 million) #4 - OVP (375 million) #5 - National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) [127.4 million] #6 - National Security Council (NSC) [90 million] #7 - Department of National Defense (DND) [78.9 million] #8 - DILG (75 million) #9 - Department of Finance (DOF) [61 million] #10 - Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (49.5 million) #11 - DFA (35 million) Source: COA: Office of the President is top confi, intel fund spender

“We have submitted proposals for two more corvettes, I believe, or two more frigates,” – Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad “That need was noticed by the Philippines years ago. That’s why our Re-Horizon 3 includes more corvettes, more ships, and other anti-submarine warfare capabilities,” he added. Trinidad announced the plan days after “Ufa”, a Russian Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine, surfaced in the South China Sea to the west of the Philippines late last month. Source: The Philippines plan to procure two new anti-submarine vessels - Naval News

“The IAEA’s recognition of our progress reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to developing a robust nuclear power program,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement. He highlighted advances including a formalized national position on nuclear energy through a presidential directive, the drafting of a comprehensive nuclear law, and enhanced capacities in areas such as radiation protection and emergency preparedness. Source: Philippines nears nuclear readiness with IAEA approval

Marcos made the pronouncement after being asked to confirm a text message he supposedly sent to House leaders, which surfaced on Thursday. “Well, it was actually a private communication, but it got leaked. Yes. Because that’s really my opinion,” Marcos said in a mix of English and Filipino. Source: Marcos says he ordered impeachment moves vs VP Sara Duterte stopped

Section 9 Article VII of the Philippine Constitution says that the President has the power to nominate a legislator from the Senate or the House of Representatives to fill the vacancy left in the Office of the Vice President. Whoever is nominated by the President, however, would be subject to “confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.” Source: Sara Duterte: 'If I get impeached, then that’s my end'

Leaders and members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy & Reform (PADER) voluntarily shave their heads on December 7, 2024, as a gesture of support and solidarity with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the challenges faced by his administration at the People Power Monument in Quezon City. Source: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/7/1-dead-5-injured-in-multi-vehicle-collision-in-para-aque-1417

During a phone interview with reporters, Velasco was asked why the two impeachment complaints have not yet reached Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s desk. “Not yet, but we have heard that others would also file impeachment complaints. So we will just do one transmittal to the Speaker,” he explained in Filipino. When asked if he has information on the groups that will file a complaint and when it may be filed, Velasco said he does not have any information but lawmakers told him they intend to file or sponsor another impeachment complaint against Duterte. Source: Impeachment complaints vs VP Duterte not yet sent to Romualdez – House

They say it’s just a holiday dinner, but can they really leave politics out of it? President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed hundreds of lawmakers in Malacañang on Wednesday night, December 4, for a “Christmas fellowship.” The timing can be intriguing, as it comes the same week that two impeachment complaints were filed with the House of Representatives against his 2022 running mate and now political rival, Vice President Sara Duterte. Source: Marcos dines with congressmen for Christmas amid Sara impeachment drama

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque has no plan to return to the Philippines unless ordered by the Supreme Court, maintaining his right to travel as there is no hold-departure order (HDO) against him. “I am waiting for the decision of the Supreme Court or I will wait for the current Congress to end,” Roque said in an interview yesterday over dzBB. Source: Roque won’t return to Philippines unless ordered by SC

Roque subscribed to his affidavit before the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi on November 29. In a video posted on his Facebook page, Roque claimed that he had already left the UAE. “Well, I had to have my sworn statement notarized. I came to [the] UAE just for the purpose of notarizing that,” Roque added, but refused to answer media queries on how he was able to leave the country. Source: Evading House arrest, Harry Roque went to UAE

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who appeared likely to be impeached over his actions, imposed martial law late Tuesday out of frustration with the opposition, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against opponents who control parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Parliament acted swiftly after martial law was imposed, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the law was “invalid” and that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.” Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-yoon-martial-law-997c22ac93f6a9bece68454597e577c1

“The DA, in partnership with the Food Terminal Inc., will deploy Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks in major public markets, including MRT and LRT stations. These kiosks will offer Rice-for-All at an affordable price of P40 per kilo, available from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,” said DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, head of the Kadiwa program. Source: DA rolls out P40/kilo Kadiwa rice at major NCR public markets

“At around 6:30 am, CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003), aiming directly at the vessel’s navigational antennas while it was located 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela said in a statement. “Following this hostile action, CCG 3302 intentionally sideswiped the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side. Shortly thereafter, at 6:55 am, CCG 3302 launched a second water cannon attack on the same vessel,” he added. Source: West PH Sea: Chinese ships fire water cannon, harass PH vessels anew – PCG

The court said it had strong evidence showing that the women intended on having the babies "to sell to a third person in exchange for money, which is an act of human trafficking". The women are not expected to serve any jail time until giving birth, and the court did not say what will happen to the babies when they are born. This case was unusual because surrogates are normally employed in their own countries, not transported elsewhere. Source: 13 surrogate mothers convicted of human trafficking in Cambodia

Around 75 complainants from various sectors filed the second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, citing betrayal of public trust over the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds. Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc -- Reps. France Castro, Arlene Brosas, and Raoul Manuel endorsed the impeachment complaint. Source: 2nd impeachment complaint vs. VP Sara filed in House | Philippine News Agency

“The impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives by several private citizens is clearly the complainants’ independent initiative, and its endorsement [is] the prerogative of any Member of the House of Representatives,” Bersamin said in a statement Tuesday. “The Office of the President has nothing to do with it,” he added. Source: Bersamin: President’s office hands off Sara Duterte impeachment

In a rare sighting, a Russian attack submarine surfaced in the West Philippine Sea last week, multiple security sources told the Inquirer. One of the sources confirmed that the underwater vessel was the Russian Navy’s Ufa, a Kilo II-class diesel-electric submarine. It was first spotted 148 kilometers (80 nautical miles) west off Occidental Mindoro on Nov. 28 and had come from Malaysia, the source added. Source: Russian attack sub spotted in West PH Sea

Escudero noted that the endorsement of an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives marks the beginning of a process to ensure accountability among the government’s highest officials. “Should the Senate be called upon to act as an impeachment court, any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution,” he emphasized. Source: Escudero to senators: Avoid commenting on Sara Duterte’s impeachment

“There is a fracture in government, and only the military can see the solution,” Duterte said during a press conference, livestreamed on his Facebook page, late on Monday evening, November 25. The former president, never one to shy away from controversy, openly called President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a drug addict again. For the first time, he extended this claim to include Marcos’ special assistant, Antonio Lagdameo Jr., suggesting that both were involved in the same illicit activity. Source: Duterte calls for military action, but sidesteps coup talk

“Vice President Duterte deserves to be impeached for her abuse of power and plunder of the nation’s coffers. The Filipino people deserve a vice president who is ethical, accountable, and committed to public service — not one who weaponises authority for personal gain,” Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña, who is endorsing the complaint, said in a statement. The groups, which include Magdalo, Akbayan, Mamamayang Liberal, members of the Catholic Church, and student leaders, want Duterte indicted for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes. Source: Impeachment complaint filed against VP Sara Duterte

US President Joe Biden has decided to issue a pardon for his son, Hunter, on two criminal cases, in spite of his repeated vows not to do so. "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," the US leader said in a statement published by the White House on Sunday. "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," the statement reads. Source: Biden grants son pardon on 2 criminal cases | Philippine News Agency

“My advice to the advocates of revolution or people power is to go ahead to a shop and buy your revolutionary or people power kit, and start the game you like, if you really can do it,” said the man who helped topple Marcos Sr. but who now serves his son as presidential legal counsel. Enrile—who, together with then Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos, led the 1986 People Power Revolution against the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—offered this unsolicited advice on Facebook, after ralliers sympathetic to Vice President Sara Duterte had been gathering at Edsa Shrine since Tuesday. Since: Enrile on People Power talk: Just do it

A disbarment complaint has been filed before the Supreme Court (SC) Wednesday against Vice President Sara Duterte following her statement that she has contracted an assassin to target President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez. “Such statements coming from the second highest official of the land, seen and heard by millions of Filipinos are undoubtedly îllégâl, immoral and condemnable. As a lawyer herself, she should be disbarred,” he said. Source: Gadon files disbarment complaint vs. VP Sara | Philippine News Agency

The Office of the Ombudsman has asserted that it cannot suspend nor investigate Vice President Sara Duterte over her kill threat to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. because it was "personal in nature" and had nothing to do with her office. "We have the authority to suspend, to investigate any government official or employee, but with respect to this particular instance, we do not find it as related to the office," he added. Source: Ombudsman says it cannot investigate VP Sara over threat vs PBBM

Expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.’s lawyer on Sunday said Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusation that the Marcos administration is using the “Arnie Teves playbook” against her is “horrifyingly familiar.” According to Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the administration is employing a systematic strategy to target political opponents, which mirrors the treatment of his client. Topacio also E×ρréššed concerns about the alleged misuse of the anti-terror law. Source: Sara Duterte’s case is ‘horrifyingly familiar’ – Teves’ lawyer

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Board of Directors en banc has approved the inclusion of dental services in their healthcare benefit packages. Among the services included in the landmark package are mouth examination/oral screening, dental prophylaxis or cleaning, and fluoride varnish application. Also covered by PhilHealth are fissure sealants, Class V procedures, emergency tooth extractions, and dental consultations. Source: PhilHealth to cover dental care services

Militant groups gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Saturday, November 30, 2024, not only to commemorate the 161st birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio but also to protest against the government’s policies. According to dzBB’s Mao dela Cruz report, militant groups, such as Migrante gathered in the area on Saturday morning. The groups then marched to Mendiola, near the Malacañang Palace, to conduct their Bonifacio Day protest activities. There, they were able to breach a police barricade. Source: Militant groups hold protests on Bonifacio Day

Binantayan ng mga miyembro ng Quezon City Police District (QCPD) ang EDSA Shrine, dahil sa pagdagsa ng mga tagasuporta nina Vice Mayor Sara Duterte at dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Source: https://remate.ph/qcpd-police-todo-bantay-sa-edsa-shrine/

Sara Duterte's actions trigger 'a chain of events with irreversible consequences not only for the Vice President and for her political future, but the nation as well' Vice President Sara Duterte has just taken the familial precept of extending preemptive absolution to favored aides, advisers, and supporters to the extreme, breaking the limit of acceptable conduct and behavior expected of a ranking public official. She admitted, in a profanity-filled midnight online rant, to ordering the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez. The hit on the Marcoses and the Speaker is conditional. It requires that she be assassinated first, a point that she was quick to point out...

However, on Wednesday, the French foreign ministry appeared to change its tone and claimed Netanyahu had immunity because Israel was not signatory to the statute. “A state cannot be held to act in a way that is incompatible with its obligations in terms of international law with regard to immunities granted to states which are not party to the ICC,” the French statement said. Source: France says Netanyahu is immune from ICC warrant as Israel is not member of court