Friday, May 15, 2026


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What then, Juan and Juana dela Cruz? How? 

DC Alviar
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What then, Juan and Juana dela Cruz? How? 

For months in 2014, I was thinking and praying fervently about whether I should exit the Middle East the following year. Voila, in the latter part of 2015, I returned to Manila after eight years of being a Dammam and Jeddah-based OFW, joined what I thought was a simple profession of teaching matured-minded college students, spent a decade working in a higher education institution, and continue until now.  

Our R&D – glory to God – will bestow honors to my research endeavors for the second time in a few days; I told you so, it’s not easy to teach in the university (I cannot speak for my fellow Gawad Pantas awardees, though). 

To be exact, that’s teaching, research, and community extension. You may check the Wardell Chart on What Does Lecturer Do (2021). It shows the three roles in a third of a pie each, with many, many rays outside the pie (like the sun). The rays have labels, e.g., writing grant applications; reading new books and articles; disseminating data for public; public or community service; course advice, career advice, pastoral care for students; collegiality and leadership; organizing conferences; examining theses; serving on professional associations; professional development/training; emails, responding to student queries; setting up and managing e-learning materials; writing or refreshing course content; delivering lectures, seminars, tutorials; and many, many more. 

What did I miss doing abroad? Monitoring Philippine news and current affairs strictly! Check out the adverb I used, because in 2,000 days abroad I would monitor via TFC, GMA TV Pinoy Plus, Inquirer.net, Philstar.com, and other newspapers’ online versions. Subalit nagpapakasubsob ako sa trabaho habang konti-kontinente ang layo sa pamilya. Hindi ko rin inalis ang basketbol sa weekend (Biyernes). Kinalaunan, ibinalik din ako ng Diyos sa Kanyang ubasan. 

Mababaw lang talaga ang pagmonitor ko sa Inang Bayan noon. 

I would have no idea that powerful political clans were just starting to spread misinformation and historical distortion through their publicists. I would have a bit of an idea that that was being propagated too fast on YouTube and Facebook – in that order – but I wouldn’t usually use these social media platforms and would totally abhor their content.  

That was one of the things overseas that I felt sorry about. I felt more responsible for my inaction when some student supporters of then presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte tried to shame me face to face. I used social science, humanities, constitutional and biblical principles in my classrooms on Jhocson Street, but I couldn’t work with some of them. I thought fake news and false narratives were already so powerful and were spread so wide just to implement the extra-judicial killings from Davao City to the entire archipelago. 

Some claimed – without proper context – that I didn’t accept the fact that “pana-panahon lang ‘yan” and that I was Dilawan and later Pinklawan. (Well, UniTeam lost big time in all UAAP member-schools in student and employee surveys and in the elections.) Now that Daughterty has been impeached twice, they asked why we’re so afraid of her in 2028. Can’t they just say that we are just so angry about her impeachable offenses? They may have forgotten “Makibaka! Huwag matakot!” This chant may have weakened, but it seems to be never-ending as long as those greedy for power are around, and the State, according to the 1987 Constitution, “shall free the people from poverty.”  

What about the DDS? (On the worldwide web, it stands for either Diehard Duterte Supporters or Davao Death Squad.) Why can’t they say they are DDS when it’s time to admit it? If they say non-Duterte supporters are so clean and intelligent (“mapagmalinis at matatalino”), does that mean the DDS are really allowing themselves to be fooled by the dynastic Duterte family? 

Now, it’s not so wrong to categorize Duterte supporters as the same as Tokhang General-turned-Tsinator Bato dela Rosa’s. They are the two who initiated the EJKs in the name of the War on Drugs. That’s why they no longer have any differences in using people as rallyists. And if you ask them, they automatically have the same feelings about Digong and Bato: Human rights violations don’t matter if the Republic can be saved from “narco-politics.” 

Many are now distancing themselves from the Dutertes. Whether VP Sara is computer literate or not (she admitted, “I don’t know how to use a laptop.”), whether she can explain her impeachable offenses or not, the fact is that she is not the most qualified and best person to occupy the highest position of service in 2028, although she has high hopes for becoming president as she is the first to declare it. 

Which might lead observers to conclude that after an overwhelming majority of 257 congresspersons voted to impeach her, while 25 voted against and nine abstained, the soon-to-arrested Bato, who has been issued an ICC warrant to be with his boss at the Hague, will surely be protected by the Dutertes, by the DDS, and by the Caldero Senate. 

Let this be clear, however, that there is no such thing as “protective custody” that is more prevailing than what the ICC is bound to protect. As the Ateneo senior research fellow Atty. Michael Henry Yusingco opined: “The notion of ‘protective custody’ by the Senate has no constitutional basis. This is a mere creation of senators and has no legal legs to stand on. Parliamentary immunity is not applicable here. Preventing the arrest of Sen. Bato, therefore, is ultra vires. Senators who are behind this move are violating their oath to uphold the Constitution.” 

Given my experience in the classroom, e-classroom, and my previous “subsob” work experience abroad to the point that I missed strictly monitoring what’s happening in the Filipino information ecosystem, it is important and timely to bring into the conversation the call for students and professors to work hard in learning and teaching in a way that lessens confusion and values responsible citizenship more. When general education (GE) is poorly taught, students will naturally think it is useless. Interestingly, many employers—even in tech and business—are searching for skills that a good GE education often develops such as communication, critical thinking, ethics, research, collaboration, writing, cultural literacy, and artistic expressions. 

How should responsible citizens, for example, express their thoughts on the six-month absence of Bato from the Senate? As a former general out of the Philippine Military Academy, did he genuinely act like a gentleman and an officer when NBI agents were about to arrest him in the august hall of the Senate? Since impeaching high-ranking officials is a constitutional exercise, do people think critically and demand answers to questions like these, including legitimate concerns of transparency and accountability in the impeachment case of Daughterty?

Explainer: How Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment process could unfold

Venus L Peñaflor
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Explainer: How Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment process could unfold

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached once again by the House of Representatives, reviving a constitutional process that was previously dismissed on procedural grounds and setting the stage for a politically charged Senate trial.

The renewed complaint accuses Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, of alleged misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and a former House speaker. Duterte has denied all allegations, with her legal team calling the charges defective and politically motivated.

Under the Philippine Constitution, an impeachment approved by the House is transmitted to the Senate, which then sits as an impeachment court with senators acting as judges. The Senate president presides over the proceedings, although past cases have shown that the process can be delayed, derailed, or politically reshaped.

A similar complaint against Duterte was previously voided after being returned by the Senate for constitutional clarification. Philippine impeachment history also includes cases that collapsed due to resignation or procedural breakdown, including the 2001 impeachment trial of former president Joseph Estrada.

Lawmakers proceeded with the latest complaint after a one-year constitutional ban on repeat impeachment filings lapsed, removing a key legal barrier that had previously blocked progress.

The impeachment process now moves into a Senate that has undergone notable leadership changes, raising questions about how the trial will proceed.

Ahead of the House vote, allies of Duterte helped install Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president, a development that places a known political ally of the Duterte family in a position to preside over the impeachment court.

The return of Senator Ronald dela Rosa to active Senate participation also drew attention. A former police chief under Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, dela Rosa had been largely absent from sessions for months before reappearing to support the leadership change. He has been linked to ongoing scrutiny from the International Criminal Court in connection with the administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Political science professor Jean Encinas-Franco of the University of the Philippines said Senate leadership could significantly influence the direction of the proceedings.

“If you are the Senate President or a senator belonging to the majority, you will have the political space to manoeuvre the proceedings of impeachment in a way that will favour whoever your patron is,” she said.

It remains unclear whether Duterte’s opponents can secure the numbers required for conviction. A two-thirds vote of all senators is needed, meaning at least 16 of the 24-member chamber must vote to remove her from office.

Supporters of the impeachment argue that the evidence is strong and warrants conviction. However, shifting alliances in the Senate and the influence of Duterte-aligned blocs have introduced uncertainty into the process.

Analysts note that political alignments in the Philippines are often fluid, with senators balancing legal considerations and strategic positioning ahead of the 2028 presidential election, in which Sara Duterte has indicated she intends to run.

President Marcos has kept a distance from the impeachment effort, stating that it is a matter for Congress. However, his administration has emphasized that allegations should undergo proper legislative scrutiny and due process.

Duterte is among a small number of high-ranking Philippine officials to face impeachment, alongside former president Joseph Estrada, former Ombudsman Aniano Desierto, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, and a former election commission chair. Only Corona was ultimately convicted by the Senate.

If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and could be barred from holding public positions, potentially ending her presidential ambitions. In the event of a vacancy, the president would nominate a successor from Congress, subject to confirmation by both legislative chambers voting separately.

The Senate’s decision to proceed, delay, or reshape the trial is expected to define not only Duterte’s political future but also the broader balance of power in Philippine national politics.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

Nangako si Sen. Bato na lalabanan ang ICC arrest order kaugnay ng EJK

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Nangako si Sen. Bato na lalabanan ang ICC arrest order kaugnay ng EJK

MAYNILA — Iginiit ni Senador Ronald dela Rosa nitong Martes na hahamunin niya ang anumang hakbang na magpapadala sa kanya sa International Criminal Court (ICC), kasunod ng inilabas na arrest warrant kaugnay ng mga pagpatay sa ilalim ng kampanya kontra iligal na droga ng nakaraang administrasyon.

Ayon sa ICC sa The Hague, inilabas ang warrant laban sa dating hepe ng Philippine National Police dahil sa kasong crime against humanity na murder na kinasasangkutan umano ng hindi bababa sa 32 biktima sa pagitan ng Hulyo 2016 at Abril 2018. Si Dela Rosa ang unang naging tagapagpatupad ng kampanyang kontra droga sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Sa isang panayam sa Senado, sinabi ni Dela Rosa na handa siyang harapin ang anumang kaso sa lokal na hukuman ngunit tumanggi siyang sumailalim sa paglilitis sa ibang bansa.

“Kung may dapat akong sagutin, haharapin ko iyon sa ating mga korte dito sa Pilipinas, hindi sa mga dayuhan,” aniya. “Gagamitin ko ang lahat ng legal na proseso,” dagdag pa niya, at nakiusap kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na huwag siyang ipadala sa The Hague.

Si Dela Rosa ay naging hepe ng Philippine National Police noong 2016 sa kasagsagan ng war on drugs, at dati ring namuno sa pulisya sa Davao City kung saan matagal na nagsilbi bilang alkalde si Duterte.

Giit ng senador, ang kampanya ay wala umanong layuning pumatay kundi pagpapatupad ng batas.

“Ang papel ko ay pamunuan ang war on drugs, at hindi iyon para lipulin ang tao,” aniya. “Kung may banta sa buhay ng mga pulis, kailangan nilang ipagtanggol ang sarili nila.”

Gayunman, kinuwestiyon ng ICC ang kampanya dahil sa libo-libong napatay na karamihan ay mga hinihinalang sangkot sa droga.

Matatandaang umalis ang Pilipinas sa ICC noong 2019 sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte, hakbang na pinuna ng mga human rights groups bilang pagtatangkang umiwas sa pananagutan. Gayunman, nanindigan ang ICC na may hurisdiksyon pa rin ito sa mga krimeng naganap noong miyembro pa ang Pilipinas.

Kasunod ng paglitaw ni Dela Rosa sa Senado matapos ang ilang buwang pagkawala, inilagay siya sa tinatawag na “protective custody” ng mataas na kapulungan.

Ayon sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, maaaring ipatupad ng Pilipinas ang ICC warrant alinsunod sa umiiral na batas sa mga krimen laban sa sangkatauhan, kabilang ang genocide.

“May obligasyon tayo na panagutin ang dapat panagutin,” ayon kay Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro sa isang briefing.

Dagdag pa niya, hindi maaaring gamitin ng senador ang immunity ng Senado upang umiwas sa pag-aresto dahil sa bigat ng mga paratang.

Samantala, halos 350 pulis ang ipinakalat sa labas ng Senado upang tiyakin ang kaayusan, ngunit nilinaw ng mga awtoridad na hindi ito para sa agarang pag-aresto.

Ang kaso ni Dela Rosa ay isa sa pinakabagong pag-usad ng mga imbestigasyon kaugnay ng war on drugs na matagal nang pinagtatalunan sa loob at labas ng bansa, at inaasahang magpapatuloy na maging sentro ng pampulitikang tensyon sa mga susunod na buwan.

Hurt by Iran war fallout, Trump heads to China seeking wins

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hurt by Iran war fallout, Trump heads to China seeking wins

BEIJING, China — United States President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping this week in Beijing as both leaders attempt to stabilize relations strained by trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The May 14 to 15 summit marks the first formal meeting between Trump and Xi since both countries agreed in October to temporarily pause a damaging trade war that disrupted global markets and supply chains.

Political analysts said expectations for the meeting have become more modest compared to Trump’s earlier promises that steep tariffs would pressure China into major concessions. Instead, discussions are now expected to focus on limited trade agreements involving U.S. agricultural products, beef exports, and Boeing aircraft sales, along with mechanisms to prevent further escalation in economic tensions.

Alejandro Reyes, a professor specializing in Chinese foreign policy at the University of Hong Kong, said Trump enters the talks needing diplomatic progress amid mounting domestic and international challenges.

“He needs a foreign policy victory that demonstrates stability rather than disruption,” Reyes said.

Since the previous Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea, China has strengthened its economic leverage against Washington, particularly through tighter controls on rare earth exports that are critical to industries such as electric vehicles, electronics, and defense manufacturing.

At the same time, Trump has faced domestic political pressure over U.S. court rulings challenging his tariff policies and public criticism surrounding the Iran conflict, which surveys indicate has negatively affected his approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections.

The Beijing summit is expected to include ceremonial engagements at the Great Hall of the People, a state banquet, and visits to cultural landmarks including the Temple of Heaven.

Trump will also be accompanied by several American business leaders, including executives from Tesla and Apple, although the delegation is reportedly smaller than during his 2017 visit to China.

Beyond trade, Trump said he plans to discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the detention of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, and the cases of American citizens imprisoned in China.

The meeting also comes amid growing concerns over the Iran conflict. Analysts said Trump is expected to seek China’s assistance in encouraging Tehran to negotiate with Washington to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

China remains one of Iran’s major oil buyers and maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Tehran.

Observers noted that Taiwan will likely remain a major issue for Beijing during the talks. Chinese officials are reportedly seeking assurances that Washington will not support Taiwanese independence or adopt policies viewed as encouraging separatist movements.

Analysts also said Beijing wants the United States to ease technology restrictions, particularly export controls affecting advanced semiconductor equipment and memory chips.

In recent months, China has expanded legal and regulatory measures aimed at strengthening its position in global supply chains, including policies targeting companies relocating manufacturing operations outside the country.

Despite continuing tensions, recent polling from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs showed increasing American support for cooperative engagement with China, with 53 percent favoring diplomatic and economic cooperation compared to 40 percent in 2024.

Scott Kennedy of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the most likely outcome of the summit would be a temporary easing of tensions rather than a major breakthrough.

“The probable result is a superficial ceasefire that largely benefits China,” Kennedy said.

Yakap Lawa, makasaysayang unang pagtitipon para sa kalikasan at kultura ng San Pablo

Venus L Peñaflor
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Yakap Lawa, makasaysayang unang pagtitipon para sa kalikasan at kultura ng San Pablo

Umarangkada ang “Yakap Lawa” sa Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, Laguna bilang makasaysayang simula ng mas malawak na paghubog ng pagkakakilanlan ng lungsod bilang “City of Seven Lakes,” kung saan pinagsanib ang turismo, sining, kultura, at pangangalaga sa kalikasan sa isang malalaking community celebration.

Idinaos ang festival bilang bahagi ng ika-86 na anibersaryo ng San Pablo bilang lungsod, na may layuning yakapin hindi lamang ang Sampaloc Lake kundi pati ang kasaysayan, kultura, at sama-samang identity ng mga San Pableño. Sa temang ito, binigyang-diin ng mga organizer na ang tunay na yaman ng lungsod ay hindi lamang nakasentro sa iisang industriya o tradisyon, kundi sa pitong lawa na bumubuo sa natural at kultural na pagkakakilanlan nito.

Isa sa mga pangunahing tampok ng pagdiriwang ay ang malawak na kooperasyon ng City Tourism Office, lokal na pamahalaan, mga negosyo, B&Bs, at food parks sa paligid ng lawa. Ayon kay City Tourism Officer for Special Projects An Mercado Alcantara, ang inisyatiba ay “unprecedented” dahil sa antas ng kolaborasyon na naganap sa unang pagkakataon, na bagama’t kinilala bilang hindi perpekto ay mahalagang unang hakbang patungo sa mas organisadong tourism development ng lungsod.

Itinampok din ang eco-friendly na pamamalakad ng event, kabilang ang pansamantalang pagbabawal sa pribadong sasakyan sa paligid ng lawa. Sa halip, nagpatupad ng libreng e-vehicle shuttle service sa pakikipagtulungan ng Hotel 101 at lokal na pamahalaan, na nagbigay-daan sa mas maayos at mas makakalikasang daloy ng mga bisita sa festival zones.

Sa kabila ng mga hamon tulad ng kakulangan sa parking at dami ng dumalo, kinilala ang sitwasyon bilang patunay ng tagumpay ng festival at ng lumalakas na suporta ng publiko. Maraming artist at kalahok ang naglakad bitbit ang kanilang instrumento patungo sa iba’t ibang performance hubs, isang karanasang itinuturing ng marami bilang bahagi ng “pioneering spirit” ng unang taon ng pagdiriwang.

Kabilang sa mga aktibidad ang live bands, busking performances, art exhibits, “Harana sa Balsa,” bird watching, Kabyaw sa Lawa, lantern displays, at food parks na nagtatampok ng lokal na negosyo at kultura ng San Pablo. Layon ng mga programang ito na ipakita ang lungsod bilang isang buhay na sentro ng sining, kalikasan, at komunidad.

Bilang bahagi ng mas malawak na sustainability direction ng festival, isinasaalang-alang din ng mga organizer ang mga susunod na hakbang para sa mas eco-friendly na mga aktibidad. Kabilang dito ang planong paghimok o posibleng requirement sa hinaharap na ang Fish Parade entries ay gagawin mula sa mga eco-friendly materials, bilang pagpapatuloy ng advocacy para sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan ng lawa at ng kapaligiran.

Ang Yakap Lawa ay iniuugnay din sa mas mahabang tradisyon ng environmental awareness sa lungsod, kabilang ang Kabyaw sa Kalikasan na sinimulan ng JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes noong 1997, isang environmental cycling event na naging simbolo ng matagal nang pagkilos ng San Pablo para sa ecological responsibility at community participation.

Para sa maraming San Pableño, ang Yakap Lawa ay hindi lamang isang festival kundi isang kolektibong pahayag ng pagmamahal sa lungsod. Mula sa suporta ng simbahan, lokal na pamahalaan, at komunidad hanggang sa aktibong partisipasyon ng mga residente, ang festival ay naging patunay ng nagkakaisang layunin na itaguyod ang kultura, turismo, at kalikasan.

Ibinahagi ng festival ang mensahe ng pagkakaisa at pag-asa, isang paalala na ang mga unang hakbang, gaano man kaimperpekto, ay maaaring maging simula ng isang makabuluhang tradisyon para sa hinaharap ng San Pablo City.

Inaasahang mas mapagbubuti pa ang Yakap Lawa 2027 batay sa mga natutunang karanasan at sa mga positibong mungkahi at konstruktibong puna mula sa unang pagdiriwang.

Mga lokal na musikero na nagtanghal sa Yakap sa Lawa Festival sa Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, na naghatid ng musika at aliw bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng kultura at komunidad sa lungsod.
Harana sa Balsa sa Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, sa Yakap Lawa Festival, na nagtatampok ng tradisyunal na kulturang Pilipino ng panliligaw kung saan ang harana ay sinaunang paraan ng pagpapahayag ng pag-ibig sa pamamagitan ng musika.
Fish Parade sa Sampaloc Lake, tampok sa Yakap sa Lawa Festival sa San Pablo City, na nagpakita ng malikhaing disenyo at makulay na pagdiriwang ng kultura at kalikasan.
San Pablo City Administrator Joseph Marnick de Mesa, a second-generation JCI member, joins Don Fullo of the San Pablo Public Forum and Enyitos Villapando of the Utay-Utay San Pablo Cycling Club during the opening of Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026, an environmental cycling event held in San Pablo City.
Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026, isang environmental awareness cycling event sa San Pablo City, na nagsimula noong 1997 sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni JCI Senator Venus Funtanilla bilang lokal na pangulo ng organisasyon at malakas na sumusuporta sa Yakap sa Lawa Festival.

Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026 sa paligid ng Sampaloc Lake, tampok ang 29-taong environmental initiative ng JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes na sumusuporta sa Yakap sa Lawa Festival at patuloy na nagtataguyod ng environmental awareness sa San Pablo City.

Asia braces for second wave of energy shock as Iran war strains global markets

Venus L Peñaflor
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Asia braces for second wave of energy shock as Iran war strains global markets

BANGKOK — Asia is entering a more severe phase of energy disruption as the prolonged Iran war continues to choke supply routes and push economies across the region into deeper financial strain, according to analysts and international agencies.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil and gas shipments, initially triggered emergency responses across Asia. Governments rushed to secure alternative supplies, ration energy use, and tap strategic reserves, assuming the crisis would be short-lived and energy flows would soon normalize.

That assumption has proven incorrect. With no clear end to the conflict, the initial buffer measures are weakening and a broader economic impact is now unfolding.

Airfares, shipping costs, and household utility bills are rising across multiple countries, placing pressure on growth forecasts and household budgets. The United Nations Development Programme estimates that up to 8.8 million people in the Asia-Pacific region could be pushed into poverty, with potential economic losses reaching $299 billion.

“The countries with the least resources to respond, or the consumers who can least afford to pay, are the ones who feel everything first,” said Samantha Gross of the Brookings Institution.

Before the conflict, Asian governments based fiscal planning on oil prices averaging around $70 per barrel. However, benchmark Brent crude surged to about $120 at its peak, forcing governments to either maintain costly subsidies or pass higher prices to consumers, a politically sensitive trade-off.

Ahmad Rafdi Endut, an independent energy analyst in Kuala Lumpur, said governments now face narrowing policy options as fuel costs strain public finances.

In India, authorities redirected fuel supplies toward household cooking gas, affecting fertilizer production. Rising fertilizer prices combined with climate concerns linked to El Niño conditions have raised alarms for agricultural output in the world’s largest rice exporter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, including working from home and limiting travel.

In the Philippines, authorities implemented a four-day workweek to conserve fuel and expanded targeted subsidies for low-income households. However, Fitch Ratings reported that higher energy costs are already slowing business activity in urban centers such as Manila.

Thailand removed its diesel price cap less than a month after the conflict began after subsidy funds were exhausted, prompting budget adjustments elsewhere. Vietnam extended fuel tax relief measures but has still seen disruptions in aviation, including flight reductions linked to jet fuel shortages. Tourism, which accounts for nearly 8 percent of Vietnam’s economy, has been directly affected.

“Business is not good right now. There are already fewer tourists,” said Hanoi-based tour guide Nguyen Manh Thang.

Pakistan and Bangladesh, meanwhile, are increasingly exposed to volatile global energy markets as they purchase fuel at spot prices, placing additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Experts warn that governments are approaching a fiscal crossroads: either maintain subsidies through borrowing and spending cuts elsewhere or withdraw support and risk inflation and public discontent. Endut described the situation as a potential “fiscal time bomb” once subsidy systems become unsustainable.

The economic consequences are expected to persist even after the conflict ends. Analysts note that energy supply chains will require time to recover, with infrastructure repairs, production restarts, and shipping delays likely extending disruptions for weeks or months.

Henning Gloystein of the Eurasia Group said Southeast Asia is currently experiencing the sharpest impact. “This fuel shortage situation is going to get worse,” he said.

Other regions are also feeling the pressure. Europe is expected to experience similar effects with a time lag, while the United States has seen rising fuel prices. In Africa and parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, higher import costs are widening fiscal deficits and slowing growth.

Beyond immediate economic strain, experts say the crisis underscores structural vulnerabilities in emerging economies. Maria Monica Wihardja of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute noted that parts of Asia’s growing middle class are now at risk of sliding back into poverty.

The Asian Development Bank said the prolonged conflict is reshaping regional economic planning and making geopolitical risk a central factor in growth projections.

“The longer it lasts, the larger those negative effects would be,” said ADB economist Albert Park.

Philippine presidential hopeful Sara Duterte impeached, faces Senate trial

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippine presidential hopeful Sara Duterte impeached, faces Senate trial

MANILA — Philippine lawmakers on Monday overwhelmingly voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the stage for a Senate trial that could bar her from holding public office and derail a widely anticipated presidential bid in 2028.

The House of Representatives approved the impeachment complaint with 257 lawmakers voting in favor, 25 against, and nine abstentions, surpassing the one-third threshold required under the Constitution. The complaint was backed by a coalition of activists, religious groups, and lawyers.

Duterte is accused of misusing public funds, amassing unexplained wealth, and allegedly issuing threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and a former House speaker. She has denied all allegations.

The impeachment now moves to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court. Senators will act as jurors in a trial that could result in Duterte’s removal from office and a lifetime ban from political participation if she is convicted.

Her legal team said it is prepared to contest the charges.

“We are fully prepared to defend the Vice President before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, where it is incumbent upon the prosecution to discharge the burden of proof,” the defense said in a statement.

The political stakes are high in a country where Duterte had been considered the frontrunner to succeed President Marcos Jr., who is constitutionally limited to a single six-year term. The impeachment introduces significant uncertainty into the 2028 presidential race.

The case also deepens a widening rift between Duterte and Marcos, who were once political allies before their relationship deteriorated in recent years.

The impeachment adds to mounting pressure on the Duterte political clan. Former president Rodrigo Duterte, her father, is currently facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court over alleged human rights violations linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths.

This is not the first impeachment attempt against the vice president. A similar move in the House last year was invalidated by the Supreme Court due to procedural issues.

In a notable development during Monday’s proceedings, the Senate experienced a leadership shake-up after a motion removed its president and installed Alan Peter Cayetano, a known Duterte ally. Cayetano previously ran alongside Rodrigo Duterte in past elections, a shift that could influence the conduct of the upcoming trial.

Lawmakers supporting the impeachment said the process reflects constitutional duty rather than political motivation.

“The Filipino people deserve a trial that is fair, impartial and rooted in the rule of law,” said Bienvenido Abante, one of the lawmakers who endorsed the complaint.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmaker Jose Manuel Diokno said the evidence presented warranted accountability.

“We have seen the smoking gun,” he said during the House session following the vote.

The Senate trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched political proceedings in recent Philippine history, with potential implications for both governance stability and the 2028 presidential succession.

Additional reporting from AP

Trump rejects Iran proposal as Hormuz tensions drive oil prices higher

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump rejects Iran proposal as Hormuz tensions drive oil prices higher

DUBAI/WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday rejected Iran’s response to a U.S.-backed peace proposal, deepening uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire and raising fears of renewed disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

The rejection came just hours after Tehran released a response to Washington’s proposal aimed at reopening negotiations and easing tensions in the region. Iran’s response focused on ending the war across multiple fronts, including the ongoing conflict in Lebanon involving Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Iran also demanded compensation for war-related damages, reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and called on the United States to end its naval blockade, lift sanctions, guarantee no further attacks, and remove restrictions on Iranian oil exports.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed Tehran’s proposal without elaborating.

“I don’t like it. Totally unacceptable,” Trump wrote.

The U.S. proposal had reportedly sought an immediate halt to hostilities before discussions on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran defended its position on Monday, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei describing the country’s demands as legitimate.

“Our demand is legitimate: demanding an end to the war, lifting the U.S. blockade and releasing Iranian assets that have been unjustly frozen,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran’s proposals regarding navigation and regional security were “a generous and responsible offer.”

Oil markets reacted sharply to the diplomatic deadlock. Global oil prices jumped by as much as $4 per barrel before easing slightly later in the day, as concerns mounted over the continued disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the conflict erupted on Feb. 28, the strategic waterway handled roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Shipping activity has since slowed dramatically, with only a handful of crude tankers reportedly passing through the strait in recent days.

Shipping trackers Kpler and LSEG reported that several oil tankers exited the waterway last week with tracking systems turned off to reduce the risk of attack.

Although a ceasefire implemented in early April halted full-scale warfare, sporadic clashes near the strait have continued to threaten regional stability.

In the United States, rising fuel prices have increased political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of nationwide elections later this year. Polls indicate that the conflict remains unpopular among American voters.

Washington has also faced difficulties securing broader international backing for efforts to reopen the waterway. Several NATO allies have reportedly declined to deploy naval forces without a comprehensive peace agreement and an internationally sanctioned mission.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Qatar on Tuesday for talks focused on the conflict and maritime security in the Gulf, according to a Turkish diplomatic source.

Trump is also scheduled to travel to Beijing on Wednesday, where Iran is expected to be among the key issues discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid growing international concern over the conflict’s impact on global energy markets.

Trump has urged China to use its influence to pressure Tehran into reaching an agreement with Washington. However, Baghaei suggested Beijing could instead challenge U.S. policies in the region.

“Our Chinese friends know very well how to warn about the consequences of U.S. actions on regional peace and security,” Baghaei said.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conflict was not yet over, citing unresolved concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment, missile capabilities, and regional proxy groups.

In an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu said diplomacy remained the preferred path but did not rule out further military action.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would continue defending its national interests and would “never bow down to the enemy.”

Regional tensions also remained high over the weekend. The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting two drones allegedly launched from Iran, while Qatar condemned a drone strike on a cargo vessel in its waters. Kuwait said its air defense systems intercepted hostile drones entering its airspace.

Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have also continued in southern Lebanon despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced in April.


ICC confirms it has issued an arrest warrant for Sen. Bato

Venus L Peñaflor
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ICC confirms it has issued an arrest warrant for Sen. Bato

THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that it issued an arrest warrant for Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a close ally and former national police chief under ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity tied to the country’s deadly anti-drug campaign.

The ICC said the warrant was issued confidentially on November 6, 2025 by its Pre-Trial Chamber I and is now being processed for unsealing and public circulation. The confirmation was made on Monday, according to court communication cited by international reports.

Dela Rosa is widely known as the architect and top enforcer of Duterte’s “war on drugs,” a campaign carried out during the former president’s term from 2016 to 2022 that drew global condemnation over thousands of killings, many involving police operations and suspected vigilante actions.

The ICC has been investigating the Philippines for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the drug war after determining there were reasonable grounds to believe systematic killings took place under state policy. The case has already implicated Duterte himself, who is currently in ICC custody in The Hague following a separate arrest warrant issued in 2025.

Under ICC procedure, arrest warrants are typically sealed at first to prevent suspects from evading arrest, and are later made public once enforcement measures are in place or court processes advance.

Recent developments in Manila suggest heightened tension over possible enforcement of international warrants. Philippine authorities have previously stated they would assess any formal ICC requests in line with domestic legal processes and Supreme Court rulings, while critics argue the government is obligated to cooperate under international obligations tied to past treaties.

Dela Rosa, who currently serves in the Philippine Senate, has faced mounting legal and political pressure in recent months amid renewed scrutiny of senior officials linked to the drug war. Human rights groups have long pushed for accountability, arguing that the campaign resulted in widespread extrajudicial killings and lacked due process.

Supporters of the former police chief maintain that the operations targeted criminal networks and were conducted under lawful orders during a national security crisis. Dela Rosa has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in past statements.

The ICC case marks a significant escalation in international legal action against figures involved in the Duterte administration’s anti-narcotics campaign, which remains one of the most controversial chapters in recent Philippine history.

Further court filings and possible unsealing of the warrant are expected in the coming weeks, which may clarify charges and next procedural steps, including potential coordination with member states for enforcement.

With additional reporting from Reuters.


House impeaches Sara Duterte; Senate installs Cayetano as new president

Venus L Peñaflor
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House impeaches Sara Duterte; Senate installs Cayetano as new president

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Monday impeached Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.

During the plenary session, lawmakers voted 255-26, with nine abstentions, to approve the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte. Under the 1987 Constitution, only one-third of House members, or at least 106 votes, were required to impeach an impeachable official.

The impeachment complaint stemmed from findings of the House justice panel, which accused Duterte of multiple offenses tied to the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, non-disclosure of assets, continued business interests while in office, alleged bribery of Department of Education officials, and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

According to the Articles of Impeachment, Duterte allegedly misused and irregularly liquidated P500 million in confidential funds released to the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million allocated to the Department of Education during her tenure as Education secretary.

The complaint also alleged that Duterte amassed unexplained wealth disproportionate to her lawful income, failed to fully disclose assets and liabilities in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth from 2022 to 2024, and continued business interests while serving as vice president from 2022 to 2025.

Lawmakers further accused Duterte of giving monetary gifts to Department of Education officials to circumvent procurement and related laws, as well as allegedly inciting sedition and making grave threats involving the alleged assassination of the President, the First Lady, and Romualdez.

House justice committee chairperson and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, in her sponsorship speech, questioned the alleged P6.7 billion in bank transactions involving Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, which she said were not declared in their joint SALN filings.

“May numero ba tayo? Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues. Opo. Meron po tayong numero. Ngunit ang numerong tinutukoy ko ay hindi lamang bilang ng boto. Nasa records po ang numero. P6.7 billion. Iyan ang numerong kailangang maipaliwanag sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Luistro said.

She added that the Senate impeachment court would provide Duterte the opportunity to answer the allegations and present evidence before the public.

Luistro also stressed that the impeachment complaint was based on documented evidence and not political attacks or social media pressure.

“Hawak po natin ngayon ang bunga ng mahabang proseso. Hindi ito nabuo sa isang gabi. Hindi ito produkto ng tsismis, galit, o sigaw sa social media. Bawat pahina ay may bigat. Bawat dokumento ay may implikasyon,” she said.

Hours before the anticipated transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, senators voted to replace Tito Sotto as Senate President.

With 13 votes, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected Senate President, while nine senators voted to retain Sotto. Two senators abstained.

Those who voted for Cayetano were Senators Pia Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Loren Legarda, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Mark Villar, Camille Villar, and Sotto himself.

Voting to retain Sotto were Senators Ping Lacson, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, and Cayetano.

Senators Migz Zubiri and JV Ejercito abstained.

Cayetano later took his oath of office alongside his wife, Lani Cayetano, and Senator Pia Cayetano.

In his speech after assuming the Senate presidency, Cayetano denied that the leadership change was intended to influence the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

“The impeachment will be much, much more than dismissing a complaint because of political affiliation. And it’s also much, much more than convicting someone without evidence. Parehong hindi pwede ‘yun. Kailangan guided tayo by the truth. Guided by evidence,” he said.

Loren Legarda was elected Senate President Pro Tempore, while Joel Villanueva was named acting Majority Leader.

Malacañang, through Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, acknowledged the Senate leadership transition.

“The Senate has decided its own leadership,” Castro said.

Before the Senate session opened, Cayetano had denied rumors that a leadership change was being pushed to stop the impeachment proceedings. However, during his manifestation on the Senate floor, he later confirmed that at least 13 senators supported a leadership change.

Villanueva subsequently moved to declare all Senate leadership positions vacant. The motion passed with a 13-10-1 vote.

The session also marked the first public appearance of Senator Ronald dela Rosa since November 2025 amid reports linking him to a supposed arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

Sotto later said he had expected the leadership change and acknowledged the possibility that it was connected to the impending impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte.

“Basta sa amin, we will continue with the work. We will insist that the Articles of Impeachment, once submitted to us, be taken up,” Sotto said.

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