News

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Dong Gonzales has posted a total ₱270,000 bail for three graft charges over his alleged financial interest in a construction company that secured more than ₱611 million in government flood control contracts. The Sandiganbayan Third Division confirmed Tuesday, Oct. 20, that Gonzales posted ₱90,000 bail for his case.  Gonzales posted bail for his two other graft cases before the anti-graft court’s Second and Seventh Divisions last week. Gonzales denied interfering in government infrastructure projects and said he stopped contracting work when he entered Congress in 2007. “Hindi na po ako nagkontrata kasi po takot po ko sa sinasabi nilang conflict of interest,” he said.  [Translation: I no longer took on contracts because I was afraid of allegations of conflict of interest.] He said he had worked as a contractor since 1987, before entering politics, and returned to the business after losing…

Metro Manila, Philippines — The House prosecution panel is ready to turn over evidence from three withdrawn impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Office of the Ombudsman should these be requested for possible legal action. Lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro said Tuesday, Oct. 20, that the panel would comply with the ombudsman request for records once it receives a formal subpoena. “Wag po tayong manghinayang [Let’s not feel that it was all for nothing] because these articles are not gone into waste,” Luistro said, adding that other government agencies could still pursue accountability outside the impeachment trial. The three withdrawn articles involved the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats against President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. The Senate Impeachment Court accepted the withdrawal of the three articles on Oct. 13. Article II, which concerns alleged unexplained…

Authorities raised an early warning for some northern and southern Luzon areas as Super Typhoon ‘Rosal’ (international name: Champi) moved closer to the country on Oct. 20, Tuesday, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). In a bulletin, the weather bureau said Rosal’s center winds could reach 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and these may be felt within 36 hours. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is up in the following: +Batanes +The eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Camiguin Island, Didicas Island) +The eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Buguey, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca) +The northeastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, San Pablo, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Tumauini, Ilagan City) +The northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto)  Meanwhile, the bureau said a gale warning may be issued within the day, in particular off Catanduanes where waves…

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Bongbong Marcos frowned upon calls to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata despite growing calls from lawmakers for his expulsion over remarks interpreted as a threat of force against the Philippines, Malacañang said Monday, Oct. 19. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos preferred to resolve the diplomatic dispute through dialogue, stressing that decisions involving foreign representatives could have broader consequences. “Alam natin ang pananaw ng pangulo, hindi po niya nanaisin na magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng pagdedeklara kahit kanino pa man na representative ng ibang bansa dito sa ating bansa,” Castro said.  [Translation: We know the president’s position. He would not want this kind of declaration against any representative of another country in the Philippines.] Castro made the statement when asked on whether the administration continued to consider an unwelcome declaration against the ambassador as among the most serious diplomatic measures, given the possibility…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  President Bongbong Marcos appointed Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan as the new Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant on Monday, Oct. 19, pledging continued support to strengthen maritime security capabilities and protect sovereign rights. Marcos made the commitment during the PCG Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila, where Supangan succeeded retiring Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. “Across our waters, the PCG works alongside other maritime agencies to safeguard our people, protect our maritime interests, and uphold our sovereign rights,” Marcos said. The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, maritime security readiness and international cooperation as the agency faces increasingly complex challenges at sea. He highlighted the PCG’s role in responding to maritime emergencies, assisting fishermen and protecting coastal communities. “The Philippine Coast Guard is, in many ways, the face of the Filipino at sea,” Marcos said. “When…