📰 News & Current Affairs

The Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly opposed former president Rodrigo Duterte's second attempt to disqualify two judges from ruling on a key jurisdictional challenge in his case, calling the defense's claims baseless and harmful to the court's operations. In a filing dated May 22 and made public on Saturday, ICC prosecutors argued that Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin and María del Socorro Flores Liera of Mexico remain impartial despite defense claims that their prior rulings show bias. Source: ICC prosecutors reject 2nd bid to oust judges

Aside from the LP, the supermajority bloc consists of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc., and now, the LP. The latest addition brings the total number of formal signatories to 278. Source: Majority of LP members now part of House’s supermajority bloc

Former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD) said he does not trust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s offer of reconciliation. This was relayed by FPRRD’s youngest brother, Benjamin “Bong” Duterte, to the former’s supporters waiting outside the detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands. “Parang nagkuan siya ‘No way,’ he doesn’t believe it,” he said on May 21, 2025. Source: Former presidential brother reveals that FPRRD does not believe in PBBM’s offer of reconciliation

Guevarra is one of the earliest appointees of Marcos. Marcos emphasized that the order “is not about personalities— it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency.” Source: SolGen Menardo Guevarra to resign as ordered by Marcos

Go said their group which also includes Duterte-allied senators Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, and Robin Padilla, and senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta will vote as a bloc on the Senate presidency. “Marami pa pong ibang nakikipag-usap din po sa amin, but we are open sa lahat po ng pag-uusap basta ang criteria namin unahin ‘yung interes ng bayan, interes ng bawat Pilipino at independent Senate po ito,” Go said in an interview with reporters. When asked if their bloc will field someone for the Senate president race, Go said any senator had the right to run for Senate President. Source: Chiz, Tito reached out to discuss Senate presidency, Bong Go confirms

Following public uproar over the 2025 national budget, President Marcos is personally watching over the 2026 budget process and is even ready to sit at the bicameral conference committee to ensure that the outlay is aligned with government priorities and includes only shovel-ready projects, the budget department said yesterday. In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said as early as January, Marcos already had directives on next year’s budget, which is seen to perform a vital role in achieving economic growth. “In fact, before the election, he already had instructions. We will sit on that (budget process) until the end,” the budget chief said. Source: Marcos may join bicam budget deliberations

In a statement, Cebu Pacific said travelers could book flights to select domestic and international destinations for as low as P1 one-way base fare — exclusive of fees and surcharges — starting Thursday until November 11, 2024. The travel period is from June 1 to October 31, 2025. Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/11/7/cebu-pacific-launches-another-piso-sale-1017

“With regard to the Situation in the Philippines, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang retains leadership over this situation and the case against Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” ICC said in a statement sent to GMA News Online. “The Office of the Prosecutor reaffirms its commitment to the continued effective implementation of its mandate to deliver justice for victims of Rome Statute crimes, across all situations and cases globally,” it added. Source: ICC deputy prosecutor Niang takes over Duterte case

Sweden's parliament on Tuesday passed a new law that prohibits the purchase of sexual acts online, placing restrictions on platforms such as ÒnlÿFánš. Under the new law, it will be îllégâl to offer compensation to another person to perform a sexual act remotely online. The law does, however, allow users to watch and pay for pre-recorded sexual material or live streams that they have not requested. Source: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/technology/946809/

The Prosecution made the request in a seven-page document dated May 14, noting that there is good cause to extend the disclosure deadline in relation to the arrest warrant materials no later than July 1, 2025, as well as withhold witness identities related to Duterte’s case until June 20, 2025. With this request, the Prosecution emphasized that the Chamber “may extend or reduce a time limit if good cause is shown.” Source: ICC prosecution requests deadline extension for disclosure of witnesses

ccto. Impossible na hindi alam ni BBM ang Elephant in the Room. Share if you want this opinion. My Pov. Seeking for the Truth calls for in depth speculative thinking based on logic. This is the case of Comelec Chairman Garcia and Miru Systems. Specifically, it raises concerns about "regulatory capture" or "election system vulnerability due to financial dependency." In this case, Miru Systems' lack of financial capacity to meet the Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC) requirements led to its reliance on local partners for funding. This arrangement creates a situation where powerful local interests—such as political groups or influential figures—could potentially exert pressure on Miru Systems to compromise election integrity in...

“We are filing for a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) against what the Comelec did. We believe that the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion yesterday.” Cardema said in Filipino. “If they had told us last week, we could have done something about it. But it seems intentional—only three or four hours before the proclamation, that’s when they told us we won’t be proclaimed.” said Cardema. The Duterte Youth filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for a TRO and/or Writ of Preliminary Injuction. Source: Duterte Youth party-list seeks TRO vs proclamation suspension

“Hindi ko sabing ma-on hold. It can be processed already. Now as to how it will be implemented, that is up for the Netherlands authorities on how they will treat it,” Dennis Arvin Chan, head of the DOJ Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit, said. “Dito sa Philippines, if we are faced with that scenario, kailangan matapos muna ‘yung refugee application. So may— mangunguna ‘yun above all other proceedings,” Chan said in an ambush interview. Source: Enforcement of Harry Roque’s arrest warrant up to Netherlands — DOJ official

"I don't want trouble. I want to get along with everyone. I have many enemies. I don't need enemies, what I need is a friend," Marcos said in Filipino in a podcast posted on his official Facebook page. "As much as possible, I'm chasing stability and peace so we can do our work. I'm always open to that," he said. "Come, let's work together. Even if we can't agree on policy, even if we don't get along, let's just get rid of the mess," he added. Source: Marcos willing to reconcile with Dutertes

The alleged assault occurred on Jan. 29, 2025, after the official and his assistants attended an event that lasted until early morning the following day, the complaint said. The two junior officers then proceeded to the official’s residence. There, the official allegedly subjected the two junior officers to a series of inappropriate and coercive acts, culminating in the sexual assault, the complaint read. On Jan. 30, 2025, the junior officer filed a complaint with the military. Under Republic Act 516, a general court-martial has the power to try any person subject to military law for any crime or offense considered a felony in a civilian court. Source: Military official faces rape complaints filed by 2 junior officers

As government agencies aggressively push for numerous projects and programs, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported on Monday, May 19, that budget proposals for next year have ballooned to ₱11 trillion, surpassing this year’s ₱9.2 trillion worth of funding requests. “Based on the overall budget submissions, many agencies are requesting increases of 200 to 300 percent. The agency is looking at an approximate total of around ₱11 trillion,” DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran told reporters on the sidelines of the Open Government Week’s opening ceremony. Source: DBM to scrutinize swollen ₱11-trillion budget proposals from gov't agencies for 2026

In March, Kabataan Tayo ang Pag-asa filed an urgent motion for Comelec to resolve the petition to cancel the party-list registration and/or declare the nullity of the Duterte Youth’s registration. Petitioners said the Duterte Youth made untruthful statements regarding the age of their nominees. One of Duterte Youth’s nominees at that time was former National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema, whom the Comelec had disqualified. Source: Comelec suspends proclamation of 2 party-lists

The warrant was signed on May 8 by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118 judge, according to the order that Rappler obtained. “After careful evaluation of the 11 separate informations, the resolution, and the supporting documents attached to each and every case record, this Court finds probable cause to hold all the aforenamed accused for trial for the offenses for which they are respectively charged,” said the order. Source: Court orders arrest of Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong for trafficking

Speaking to reporters after a thanksgiving Mass in Davao City on Saturday, Duterte said her legal team’s preparations were at “full throttle” even though they did not want the trial by the Senate to proceed. “But I told them that I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath,” she said, without elaborating. Source: VP Duterte on impeach trial: ‘I want a bloodbath’

In a four-page order, ICC President Tomoko Akane gave Judges María del Socorro Flores Liera and Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou until May 22 to submit their written observations on the defense plea. She noted that under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, and the ICC’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence, “challenged judges shall be entitled to present written observations on the application.” Source: ICC judges asked to comment on Duterte’s disqualification bid

Khan has reportedly been accused of sexual misconduct towards a member of his office, but he has said there was "no truth to suggestions" of such behaviour. "It was with deep sadness that I understood reports of misconduct were to be aired publicly in relation to me," Khan said in a statement emailed to AFP at the time. Source: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/5/16/icc-prosecutor-under-investigation-steps-aside-temporarily-2324

The US president praised the “very good” discussions and deemed them “a total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner”. Washington is seeking to reduce its $295bn goods trade deficit with Beijing and persuade China to renounce what the US says is a mercantilist economic model and contribute more to global consumption. Beijing has pushed back against what it sees as external interference and wants Washington to lower tariffs and clarify what it wants China to buy more of. Source: Trump claims ‘total reset’ in US-China trade relations after tariff talks in Geneva

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Istanbul on Friday at their first direct peace talks in more than three years, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. Fidan said it was critical to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible. He said he was happy to see the will of both sides to open a new window of opportunity for peace, and it was important that the Istanbul talks form the basis for a meeting between leaders of the two countries. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-ukraine-hold-first-direct-peace-talks-over-3-years-2025-05-16/

The decision revives a legal battle that has spanned nearly a decade and centers on allegations linking De Lima to drug operations in the New Bilibid Prison during her tenure as Justice secretary. In its ruling, the appellate court found that the Regional Trial Court of Muntinlupa City failed to provide sufficient legal and factual justification for clearing De Lima and Dayan last year. The lower court had based its acquittal largely on the recantation of a key witness, former corrections official Rafael Ragos, who withdrew his testimony claiming he delivered drug money to De Lima. Source: Court of Appeals overturns ruling acquitting de Lima, orders new proceedings on drug case

Ayon sa Quezon City Police District (QCPD), sinundo ang aktres ng kanyang boyfriend sa condo bandang alas-12 ng tanghali noong Mayo 5 at mula raw noon ay wala nang komunikasyon sa dalawa. Dahil dito, nagpasya na ang ina ni Karen na i-report sa QCPD ang pagkawala ng anak. Batay naman sa talent manager na si Lito de Guzman, inaasahan umano si Karen sa set ng ginagawang VMX movie noong Mayo 7 ngunit hindi ito nagpakita. Source: VMX star Karen Lopez, BF mahigit 1 linggo nang nawawala

“I will be supporting [it]. Someone already planned to file it. It will only be repetitive if I lodge a similar measure. If need be, I will co-author, and if passed, I will resign,” the lawmaker disclosed in an interview with INQToday on Wednesday evening. “And I would even convince my sister-in-law and my nephew. I’ll tell them: let’s resign. If they argue that others are practicing political dynasties, I’ll tell them not to copy those people. More families are probably more charitable than us and braver than us. Let’s give them a chance,” he added in Filipino. Source: Erwin Tulfo: I will resign if anti-political dynasty bill gets passed

De Lima sent a message to reporters on Wednesday afternoon that Romualdez called her just after she gave a press briefing, where she said she would seriously consider joining the House prosecution panel if the House leadership invites her. De Lima is poised to be a member of the incoming 20th Congress as the ML party list, where she is its first nominee, is currently ranked 14th with 541,000 according to the partial and unofficial count in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) transparency server. Source: De Lima accepts House invitation to join impeachment prosec team

Former president Rodrigo Duterte's overwhelming victory in the Davao City mayoral race signals a total rejection of the Marcos administration's efforts to erase the former president's legacy, according to his lead counsel before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Nicolas Kaufmann. The result, Kaufmann said in a statement, reflected a clear mandate from the electorate calling for Duterte's return to the Philippines. "The people of Davao have spoken," Kaufmann said in a statement. "They want their mayor back. They want their leader back." Source: Duterte win Davao City rejection of govt efforts to erase ex-president's legacy — lawyer

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Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia made the announcement Monday as the poll body closed the voting period for the May midterm elections. “19 orders of suspension and possible that the orders of suspension directed against certain individuals or candidates may increase as we move on with the day,” said Garcia. “’Yan lang muna inaksyunan ang Commission kanina immediately after our convening of the National Board of Canvassers,” he said. Source: Comelec to order suspension of proclamation of 19 bets

Filipinos delivered an upset in the country's midterm elections on Monday, backing the family of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte in much greater numbers than expected in the key race for Senate seats. The results, which are still partial and unofficial, suggest the outcome of the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo's daughter, remains far from certain, dealing a blow to her political foe, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Source: Philippine elections deliver surprise backing for ex-President Duterte

Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, said Monday that lawyers in the Philippines and at the ICC have been discussing the matter ahead of the vote canvassing and official proclamation. “We talked the other day about three options for how he can take his oath,” the vice president told reporters after casting her vote at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School. She did not elaborate on the possible options. “Once we have the proclamation papers, we will discuss how former President Rodrigo Duterte can take his oath. We have until noon of June 30,” she added. Source: Duterte camp mulls oath-taking options as detained ex-president runs for Davao mayor