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Clinical trial shows experimental pill effective against deadly “undruggable” tumor

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Clinical trial shows experimental pill effective against deadly “undruggable” tumor

An investigational oral drug called daraxonrasib is showing early clinical promise in treating advanced pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat malignancies, according to recent oncology research updates.

The drug targets mutated KRAS proteins, which are known to drive tumor growth in a large proportion of pancreatic cancer cases. KRAS mutations have long been considered difficult to target with conventional therapies, making them a major focus of recent precision oncology efforts.

Early-stage clinical trial data involving patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer suggest that the drug may help slow disease progression and improve survival outcomes compared with standard chemotherapy. However, the findings remain preliminary and have not yet been confirmed through large-scale Phase 3 trials.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers globally, with low long-term survival rates due to late detection and limited treatment options. Researchers say that KRAS-targeted therapies represent a significant shift toward more personalized treatment approaches, particularly for patients who have exhausted standard chemotherapy options.

While results so far are encouraging, oncologists caution that the treatment is still experimental. Reported side effects include fatigue, skin reactions, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which are being monitored in ongoing studies.

Daraxonrasib is being developed by Revolution Medicines and continues to undergo clinical evaluation. It is not yet approved as a standard treatment and remains accessible primarily through clinical trials or regulated expanded access programs.

Researchers emphasize that further studies are needed to determine whether early benefits can be sustained and confirmed in larger patient populations.

NBI handang arestuhin si Jinggoy; nagbayad ng piyansa kasunod ng sandiganbayan warrant sa graft case

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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NBI handang arestuhin si Jinggoy; nagbayad ng piyansa kasunod ng sandiganbayan warrant sa graft case

MAYNILA — Handa ang National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) na ipatupad ang pag-aresto kay Sen. Jinggoy Estrada matapos magpalabas ang Sandiganbayan ng warrant of arrest kaugnay ng kasong graft na may kinalaman sa umano’y budget insertions at kickbacks sa flood control projects.

Ayon kay NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, agad nilang ipatutupad ang utos sa sandaling matanggap ang kopya ng warrant.

“As soon as we get hold of the warrant, we will enforce it,” ani Matibag sa isang pulong balitaan nitong Biyernes.

Dagdag niya, kung kinakailangan ay handa silang pumasok sa Senado upang ipatupad ang arrest order, tulad ng nauna nilang naging hakbang sa ibang kaso. Bukas din aniya ang NBI sa posibilidad na sa kanilang pasilidad ikulong si Estrada, ngunit nasa pagpapasya pa rin ng Sandiganbayan kung saan ito ikukustodiya habang dinidinig ang kaso.

Samantala, nagbayad ng piyansang nagkakahalaga ng P90,000 si Estrada matapos ilabas ng Sandiganbayan ang warrant of arrest at hold departure order (HDO) laban sa kanya.

“Posting bail is a legal remedy available to me under our justice system, and I intend to avail myself of every lawful means to defend myself and clear my name,” pahayag ni Estrada.

Naghain din ang kanyang legal team ng mosyon para ipawalang-bisa ang warrant of arrest, habang iginiit ng senador na walang basehan at may malisyang motibo ang mga akusasyon laban sa kanya.

Iniulat na kinokonsidera ng Sandiganbayan Fifth Division ang mosyon bago tuluyang magpatupad ng arrest warrant sa non-bailable plunder case na isinampa laban sa senador.

Samantala, nagpakita rin sa Sandiganbayan si dating Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, kapwa akusado sa kaso, upang magpiyansa.

Nauna rito, sinabi ni Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla na may opsyon si Estrada na sumuko o harapin ang pag-aresto. Binanggit din ni Remulla na isinasaalang-alang ang kalagayang medikal ng senador, kabilang ang umano’y pangangailangan nito ng knee replacement surgery, ngunit iginiit na nasa Sandiganbayan ang pinal na desisyon sa paghawak ng kustodiya.

Nadawit si Estrada sa kaso matapos akusahan ni dating DPWH-Bulacan District Engineer Brice Hernandez na tumanggap umano siya ng kickbacks mula sa mga flood control projects, na mariin namang itinanggi ng senador.

ASEAN leaders to meet Putin at June summit in Russia, says the Philippine foreign minister

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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ASEAN leaders to meet Putin at June summit in Russia, says the Philippine foreign minister

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to hold a commemorative summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia this June, the Philippine foreign minister said Friday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the regional bloc and Moscow.

Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said in a post on X that she held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding preparations for the summit scheduled in Kazan on June 17 to 18.

The Russian Embassy in Manila said the two officials discussed the prospects of expanding Russia’s strategic partnership with ASEAN ahead of the meeting.

ASEAN is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

While most ASEAN member states supported a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the bloc has maintained its designation of Russia as a “dialogue partner” and continues to engage Moscow in regular high-level meetings.

The region remains diplomatically diverse, with some member states perceived as closer to the United States, including treaty ally the Philippines, which currently holds ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship. Others maintain extensive economic and security ties with China and Russia.

Vietnam and Laos abstained from the UN resolution condemning the invasion, reflecting differing foreign policy positions within the bloc.

Several ASEAN members, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, have also explored or increased interest in Russian crude oil imports following volatility in global energy markets.

A Philippine government official said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to attend the summit with Putin, although there has been no formal public confirmation.

Singapore’s participation remains uncertain, as the city-state has strongly condemned Russia’s invasion and imposed sanctions.

Myanmar is also expected to be absent at the leadership level. ASEAN has barred its top officials from attending major summits following the 2021 military takeover, which triggered ongoing internal conflict. Lower-level representatives continue to participate in ASEAN-related engagements.

ASEAN had earlier proposed a five-point peace plan calling for an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, but implementation has stalled amid continuing conflict and lack of sustained dialogue between opposing sides.

Iran, US reach tentative deal to extend ceasefire, pending approval

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran, US reach tentative deal to extend ceasefire, pending approval

WASHINGTON/CAIRO — The United States and Iran are discussing a possible extension of a ceasefire and related measures to ease maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources familiar with the talks, though no agreement has been finalized and approval from both governments is still pending.

The proposed framework would reportedly extend the current truce for 60 days and allow for expanded maritime access through the strategic waterway while broader negotiations continue on disputed issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

Officials cautioned that the discussions remain ongoing and that there is no certainty an agreement will be reached.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said talks were continuing but stressed that an outcome was not guaranteed.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re very close and we’re going to keep on working at it,” Vance told reporters in Washington. “I can’t guarantee that we’re going to get there, but right now I feel pretty good about it.”

Iranian officials, as well as state media, have said that no final text of any agreement has been confirmed, with Tehran continuing to dispute or downplay claims of an imminent deal.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas, has remained a point of heightened concern amid broader regional tensions.

Separately, both sides have continued to exchange accusations over recent security incidents in the region, including reported drone activity and defensive military responses. These claims could not be independently verified.

Regional mediators, including Pakistan and Oman, have continued diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions and supporting maritime security.

Negotiations remain focused on key sticking points, including U.S. sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear activities, which Tehran says are peaceful in nature.

Despite reports of diplomatic momentum, officials on both sides have emphasized that significant gaps remain and that any potential agreement is still under negotiation.

Oplan Balik Eskwela inilunsad ng DepEd para sa pagbubukas ng SY 2026-2027

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Oplan Balik Eskwela inilunsad ng DepEd para sa pagbubukas ng SY 2026-2027

MAYNILA — Inilunsad ng Department of Education (DepEd) ang nationwide Oplan Balik Eskwela bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na pagbubukas ng School Year 2026-2027 sa Hunyo 8.

Ayon kay Education Secretary Sonny Angara, isasagawa ang programa mula Hunyo 1 hanggang 11 upang mapabilis ang enrollment process, matugunan ang mga alalahanin ng publiko, at matiyak ang maayos na paghahanda ng mga paaralan sa buong bansa.

Sinabi ng DepEd na 16 na ahensiya ng pamahalaan at utility partners ang makikibahagi sa preparasyon para sa pagbubukas ng klase.

Kabilang sa mga katuwang na ahensiya ang Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), at Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), na mangangasiwa sa pagpapatupad ng safety, health, at traffic management measures sa mga paaralan.

Nakatakda namang magmonitor ang Department of Transportation (DOTr) sa daloy ng mga commuter sa pagbubukas ng klase, habang tutulong ang Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) sa pagpapalakas ng communication at connectivity services.

Nakaalerto rin ang National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) upang tumugon sa posibleng weather disturbances at iba pang emergency sa panahon ng school opening period.

Samantala, inatasan ang mga utility providers na Meralco at Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) na tiyaking may sapat na suplay ng kuryente at tubig sa mga paaralan.

Upang agarang matugunan ang mga concern ng mga magulang at mag-aaral, mag-ooperate ang Oplan Balik Eskwela Public Assistance Command Center sa pamamagitan ng hotline, text messaging, email, at social media channels sa central, regional, division, at school levels.

Global temperatures projected to hit near-record levels over next five years, UN report warns

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Global temperatures projected to hit near-record levels over next five years, UN report warns

GENEVA — Global temperatures are expected to remain at or near record highs over the next five years, with the Arctic warming significantly faster than the rest of the planet, according to a new climate outlook released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Kingdom’s Met Office.

The annual report, which provides probabilistic forecasts for temperature and rainfall patterns, projects that global mean near-surface temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will range from 1.3°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels recorded between 1850 and 1900.

Scientists involved in the assessment said the findings reflect a continued upward trend in global warming driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions from human activity, including fossil fuel use and deforestation. The Arctic is expected to warm more than three times faster than the global average, a pattern linked to accelerated ice loss and feedback effects that trap heat in the region.

“There is very clear evidence that the climate is warming and that the global average temperature is continuing to rise,” said Melissa Seabrook, a climate scientist at the UK Met Office.

The report highlights growing concern that the 1.5°C threshold set under the 2015 Paris Agreement will be temporarily exceeded more frequently in the coming years. That agreement committed countries to limiting long term global warming to well below 2°C while pursuing efforts to keep it under 1.5°C, a level widely viewed by scientists as critical to avoiding the most severe impacts of climate change.

According to the WMO projections, there is a high likelihood that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 will surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels on a global average. The report also suggests that one of those years could exceed 2024, currently the warmest year on record, when global temperatures temporarily crossed the 1.5°C mark for the first time.

Climate experts warn that even brief exceedances of 1.5°C increase the risk of more intense heatwaves, heavier rainfall events, prolonged droughts, and disruptions to food and water systems. The WMO noted that regional impacts will vary, but extreme weather patterns are expected to intensify across many parts of Asia, including Southeast Asia, which is highly vulnerable to flooding, typhoons, and heat stress.

The Philippines, in particular, has been identified in previous climate assessments as among the countries most exposed to climate-related disasters due to its geographic location along the typhoon belt and its reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.

The WMO emphasized that while short-term fluctuations in temperature are influenced by natural variability such as El Niño and La Niña, the long-term trend remains driven by human-caused emissions. It added that urgent reductions in carbon emissions are necessary to stabilize global temperatures and reduce the risk of irreversible climate impacts.

The findings add pressure on governments ahead of upcoming international climate negotiations, where countries are expected to review their updated emissions targets and adaptation strategies under the Paris Agreement framework.

Japan deepens defense ties with the Philippines amid regional security concerns

Venus L Peñaflor
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Japan deepens defense ties with the Philippines amid regional security concerns

TOKYO — Japan and the Philippines have agreed to expand defense cooperation, including faster discussions on weapons transfers and intelligence sharing, as both countries respond to growing concerns over China’s military activity in the region.

The agreement was reached during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Tokyo, where both sides also elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The upgraded framework is expected to broaden cooperation beyond security to include economic and diplomatic areas.

The visit highlighted Japan’s strong diplomatic reception for Marcos, who met Emperor Naruhito, attended a state banquet, and received one of the country’s highest honors, the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. Japanese officials said the gestures underscored Tokyo’s view of Manila as a key partner in regional security.

In a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Marcos described the upgraded partnership as a milestone, saying it reflects shared commitments to peace, diplomacy, and respect for international law.

Both governments said the strengthened ties are shaped by shared concerns over regional tensions, particularly in the East and South China Seas and the broader Indo Pacific, where China’s expanding maritime and military presence continues to raise alarm among neighboring states.

Japan also signaled its growing role as a defense supplier to Southeast Asia, with the Philippines emerging as a key potential buyer following Tokyo’s decision to ease long standing restrictions on the export of lethal weapons.

Officials said discussions are underway for the possible acquisition of Abukuma class destroyers and TC 90 training aircraft. Philippine defense officials have also shown interest in additional missile systems during recent joint military engagements.

The two leaders agreed to begin formal negotiations on a military intelligence sharing agreement, which would allow closer coordination between their defense forces and strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States, a mutual ally.

Japan has already provided coastal surveillance radar systems to the Philippines under its security assistance program, and officials said an intelligence sharing arrangement would significantly improve maritime monitoring capabilities.

Takaichi said the partnership reflects a long term commitment to regional stability and emphasized that cooperation would continue despite shifts in the global political environment.

Beyond defense, both countries also agreed to expand cooperation in trade, energy security, and supply chain resilience. This includes participation in a Japan backed financing framework aimed at helping Southeast Asian nations stabilize energy supplies and improve infrastructure.

The initiative is expected to support countries like the Philippines as they face rising energy pressures linked to global supply disruptions, including tensions in key shipping routes.

Officials said Japan intends to sustain and deepen its engagement with the Philippines beyond the current administration, as both countries seek to maintain consistent policy direction in the face of evolving regional security challenges.

Iran, U.S. exchange strikes as Trump rejects reported Hormuz proposal

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran, U.S. exchange strikes as Trump rejects reported Hormuz proposal

DUBAI/WASHINGTON — Iran and the United States exchanged military strikes on Thursday, heightening tensions in the Gulf region after U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed reports of a proposed agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest attacks underscored the fragile state of negotiations aimed at transforming an early-April ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement to end the three-month conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.

According to U.S. Central Command, American forces intercepted five Iranian attack drones and struck a drone ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch another aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwaiti authorities later intercepted a ballistic missile reportedly fired toward the country, which hosts a major U.S. military base.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of military operations, described the American response as “measured” and “purely defensive,” saying the actions were intended to preserve the ceasefire.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted the U.S. base linked to an earlier American strike near Bandar Abbas airport. Iranian officials warned that further attacks would trigger what they called a more decisive response.

Kuwait condemned the missile attack and called on Iran to stop what it described as a serious escalation.

The violence marked the second flare-up this week and unfolded during Eid al-Adha celebrations across the region. Several countries have been drawn into the conflict since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on February 28.

Pakistan, which has served as a mediator, announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday, though officials have not clarified the scope or significance of the talks.

The conflict also intensified in Lebanon. Israel said it launched strikes targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah in the southern city of Tyre and carried out an operation in Beirut. The Lebanese army reported that one of its soldiers was killed in a strike, while Israel said air raid sirens sounded in northern areas amid ongoing hostilities.

Global markets reacted sharply to the renewed violence. U.S. crude oil futures climbed more than 2% after a steep decline the previous day, while stock markets weakened and the U.S. dollar strengthened as investor confidence in a peace agreement diminished.

Trump, who has repeatedly expressed optimism about ending the conflict, said during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that negotiations had not yet reached a satisfactory stage. He emphasized that Washington was not considering sanctions relief, a key demand from Tehran.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced additional measures targeting Iran, including restrictions on Iranian airlines’ access to landing rights, refueling services and ticket sales. Washington also sanctioned Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which oversees navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions rose further after Iranian state television reported on an unofficial proposal that would restore shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to prewar levels and place traffic management under joint Iranian and Omani oversight.

Trump dismissed the report and rejected the notion that any single nation could control the strategic waterway. In remarks that appeared directed at Oman, he said the strait remained international waters and warned against any exclusive arrangement.

Oman has not confirmed discussions involving joint control of the strait but has stated that it continues to engage Iran on issues concerning freedom of navigation. Tehran voiced support for Oman following what it described as threats from U.S. officials.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had stopped two vessels and permitted 26 others to pass through the strait over the past 24 hours. Before the conflict, more than 100 ships typically transited the waterway daily under international legal protections.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly told parliament that the country had emerged stronger from the war and urged lawmakers to focus on national unity, reconstruction and economic concerns such as inflation and corruption. Iranian media also said Tehran continued to seek the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad.

Iranian state television claimed that a draft understanding under discussion involved the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iranian ports and broader talks concerning the American military presence in the region. The White House rejected the report, calling it a “complete fabrication,” while Tehran offered no official comment.

Iranian sources said future negotiations may include discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program within a proposed 60-day framework. That possibility may face resistance from some of Trump’s allies, who have called for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes.

“The bottom line is Iran’s never going to have a nuclear weapon,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Laguna, 56 iba pang lugar, nasa ‘danger’ heat index level ayon sa PAGASA

Venus L Peñaflor
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Laguna, 56 iba pang lugar, nasa ‘danger’ heat index level ayon sa PAGASA

Batay sa five-day heat index forecast ng PAGASA, maaaring umabot sa 42°C hanggang 51°C ang nararamdamang init sa mga apektadong lugar, kung saan pinakamataas ang 47°C sa Sangley Point sa Cavite City, Cavite.

Kabilang sa “danger” level ang Tuguegarao City sa Cagayan at San Ildefonso sa Bulacan na may 46°C; Laoag sa Ilocos Norte, Dagupan City sa Pangasinan, Aparri sa Cagayan, Casiguran sa Aurora, TAU Camiling sa Tarlac, Ambulong sa Tanauan, Batangas, at Borongan sa Eastern Samar na may 45°C.

Nasa 44°C naman ang inaasahan sa NAIA sa Pasay City; Sinait sa Ilocos Sur; DMMMSU Bacnotan sa La Union; Calayan sa Cagayan; ISU Echague sa Isabela; CLSU Muñoz; Hacienda Luisita sa Tarlac; Tayabas at Alabat sa Quezon; Coron at Cuyo sa Palawan; Masbate City; at CBSUA Pili sa Camarines Sur.

Samantala, 43°C ang forecast sa MMSU Batac sa Ilocos Norte; Baler Radar sa Aurora; Iba at Clark Airport sa Zambales; Cubic Point sa Subic Bay, Olongapo City; Mulanay sa Quezon; NAS UPLB sa Los Baños; San Jose sa Occidental Mindoro; Romblon; Daet sa Camarines Norte; Legazpi City at Daraga sa Albay; Virac sa Catanduanes; Roxas City sa Capiz; Dumangas sa Iloilo; Tacloban City at VSU Baybay sa Leyte; Guiuan sa Eastern Samar; Surigao City sa Surigao del Norte; at Hinatuan sa Surigao del Sur.

Nasa 42°C naman ang inaasahan sa Science Garden sa Quezon City; Infanta sa Quezon; Calapan sa Oriental Mindoro; Juban sa Sorsogon; Iloilo City; Mactan International Airport sa Cebu; Catarman sa Northern Samar; Maasin sa Southern Leyte; Dipolog sa Zamboanga del Norte; at Butuan City sa Agusan del Norte.

Sa Laguna, inaasahang aabot sa 43°C hanggang 44°C ang heat index na nasa ilalim ng “danger” level, batay sa malapit na monitoring station sa NAS UPLB sa Los Baños. Kabilang dito ang San Pablo City, Calamba City, Santa Rosa City, Cabuyao, at Biñan na inaasahang makararanas ng matinding init sa buong maghapon.

Ayon pa sa PAGASA, may 25 lugar din ang nasa ilalim ng “extreme caution” na may heat index na 33°C hanggang 41°C.

Kabilang dito ang 41°C sa Basco Radar sa Batanes; NVSU Bayombong sa Nueva Ecija; BU Guinobatan sa Albay; Mambusao sa Capiz; Dumaguete City; Siquijor; Panglao International Airport sa Bohol; at Catbalogan sa Western Samar.

Nasa 40°C ang inaasahan sa CVSU Indang sa Cavite; Puerto Princesa City at Aborlan sa Palawan; Zamboanga City; at Davao City.

Samantala, 39°C ang forecast sa Itbayat sa Batanes; Abucay sa Bataan; La Granja sa La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Laguindingan Airport sa Misamis Oriental; at Cotabato City.

Nasa 38°C ang Tanay, Rizal at CMU Agromet sa Musuan, Bukidnon, habang 36°C sa General Santos City at 34°C sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Ang Baguio City sa Benguet ay kabilang sa tatlong lugar na nasa “not hazardous” level na may 26°C, kasama ang BSU La Trinidad na 25°C at Benguet Radar sa Tuba na 21°C.

Ang heat index ay tumutukoy sa init na nararamdaman ng katawan ng tao kapag pinagsama ang relative humidity at aktwal na temperatura ng hangin. Kapag mataas ang humidity, bumabagal ang pagpapatuyo ng pawis kaya mas nahihirapang lumamig ang katawan.

Nagpaalala ang PAGASA sa publiko na limitahan ang paglabas ng bahay, gumamit ng payong o sumbrero, at uminom ng maraming tubig. Pinayuhan din ang pag-iwas sa tsaa, kape, at softdrinks upang maiwasan ang dehydration at heat-related illnesses.


Should Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial continue? 

DC Alviar
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Should Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial continue? 

With the looming VP impeachment trial, citizens, netizens, young, and old are increasingly calling for it to continue to maintain the integrity of the democratic process in the Philippines. In recent months, many political events have raised public doubts about the fairness and independence of some government officials. Because of this, the impeachment trial is becoming more important as a way to show that the law applies to everyone, no matter how high a person’s position in government. 

Impeachment is not a simple attack on a personality or a political party. It is a process stipulated in the 1987 Constitution to ensure that high-ranking officials of the country are held accountable for their actions. When there are serious allegations against an official, it is the duty of the Lower and Upper Chamber of Congress to hear them fairly and in accordance with the law. 

In the case of Sara Duterte, it is important to have a clear and transparent process to answer the questions and doubts of the public. 

The situation has become increasingly controversial due to reports and public observations about the apparent manipulation of some powerful political figures. We have been shocked Alan Peter Cayetano was installed as Senate President in the midst of the impeachment trial. For some, this shows the possibility that political influence is being used to control the direction of the trial. The apparent protection of allied personalities such as Bato dela Rosa has also become a center of discussion. In the view of several quarters, it is becoming clear that some senator-judges are partial instead of remaining neutral and loyal to their sworn duties. Such incidents reduce the public’s trust in government institutions, especially the Senate, which is expected to be a fair court in the impeachment trial. 

The issue has become even more controversial when plans emerged to change Senate rules, including the possibility of online voting by senators without sufficient debate and consultation. That would favor the likes of Bato. 

In a sensitive process like this, it is important to be open, careful, and democratic at every step so as not to lose the credibility of the Senate. Given these developments, people believe that the impeachment trial should be continued even further. If it is stopped or stalled amid controversies, the public may think that there are powerful people who can influence the law and the process of government. 

The impeachment trial is an opportunity to show that checks and balances still work in the country and that no one is above the law. 

Remember that an impeachment trial does not automatically mean that the accused is guilty. Rather, it is an opportunity to hear both sides and assess the evidence fairly. If the allegations are not sufficiently substantiated, they can be proven through due process. But if they are not even heard, public doubts and distrust will remain. Ultimately, what really matters is maintaining the integrity of democracy and the institutions of government. The Senate must remain independent and not succumb to the influence of politics or personal alliances. 

Senators are expected to act not as allies of anyone but as defenders of the truth and the Constitution. 

In sum, the impeachment trial of VP Duterte must proceed to maintain accountability, transparency, and the people’s trust in government. At a time when Filipinos doubt the fairness of some institutions, it is more important than ever that the law prevails over political influence. 

The Supreme Court did not allow the trial last year due to technicalities, but it’s all systems go this mid-2026. 

Need we state the obvious? Nandiyan na iyan, tuloy na iyan. We even saw Senator-Judge Robinhood wear the hood.

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