Saturday, May 23, 2026


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Putukan at lockdown sa Senado: Ano ang nangyari sa gitna ng tensyon kay Sen. Bato?

Venus L Peñaflor
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Putukan at lockdown sa Senado: Ano ang nangyari sa gitna ng tensyon kay Sen. Bato?

MAYNILA — Nauwi sa lockdown, tensyon, at sunod-sunod na putok ng baril ang Senado nitong Miyerkoles ng gabi matapos ang umano’y tangkang pagpasok ng mga armadong lalaki habang umiinit ang usapin kaugnay ng posibleng pag-aresto kay Senador Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa dahil sa warrant na inilabas ng International Criminal Court o ICC.

Mahigit dalawang oras na nanatiling tensyonado ang sitwasyon sa Senado kung saan narinig ang hindi bababa sa pitong putok ng baril sa loob at paligid ng gusali. Sa kabila nito, sinabi ng mga opisyal na walang nasugatan o nasawi sa insidente.

Bandang alas-7:30 ng gabi, inanunsyo ni acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms at retiradong Police Major General Mao Aplasca na may ipatutupad umanong pag-aresto sa loob ng Senado, ngunit hindi nito pinangalanan kung sino ang target.

“We are going to arrest somebody. Please clear the area,” ani Aplasca sa mga mamamahayag.

Kasunod nito ay inilagay sa lockdown ang buong Senado. Pinayuhan ng Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms o OSAA ang mga nais lumabas ng gusali na agad nang umalis habang isinara naman ang mga roll-up doors ng Senate building.

Nakitaan din ng mataas na security presence sa lugar matapos magsuot ng full battle gear at bulletproof vest ang mga tauhan ng OSAA. Dumating din ang ilang armadong sundalo at pulis sa paligid ng Senado.

Ayon kay Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, may mga armadong lalaki umanong nagtangkang pumasok sa ikalawang palapag ng Senado dakong alas-7:46 ng gabi.

Sinabi ni Remulla na napigilan sila ng OSAA at dito umano nagpaputok ng warning shot ang security personnel ng Senado.

“At 7:46 p.m., armed men tried to enter the second floor but was stopped by the OSAA. They have firearms with them, but the OSAA fired a warning shot,” ani Remulla.

Hindi pa matukoy ng mga awtoridad kung ilan ang sangkot sa tangkang pagpasok at kung sino ang nag-utos sa kanila. Ayon kay Remulla, kasalukuyan nang kinukuha at sinusuri ang mga CCTV footage sa Senado at maging sa katabing GSIS building upang matukoy ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga suspek.

“We do not know who is behind this, but we will find him,” dagdag pa niya.

Nag-ugat ang tensyon matapos umugong ang mga ulat na posibleng arestuhin si Senador Ronald dela Rosa kaugnay ng arrest warrant na inilabas ng ICC dahil sa umano’y mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa panahon ng war on drugs ng administrasyong Duterte.

Nauna nang naghain si Dela Rosa ng petisyon sa Korte Suprema upang pigilan ang implementasyon ng warrant sa pamamagitan ng Temporary Restraining Order o TRO.

Ayon kay Remulla, inatasan siya ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na tiyaking ligtas ang lahat ng senador, kabilang si Dela Rosa. Nilinaw rin niyang walang planong arestuhin ang senador noong gabing iyon.

Sinabi rin ni Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano na nasa maayos na kondisyon si Dela Rosa at nagpapahinga lamang sa loob ng Senado matapos ang kaguluhan.

Sa gitna ng pagkalito kung sino ang nasa likod ng kaguluhan, mariing itinanggi ni National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag na may tauhan silang sangkot sa putukan o tangkang paglusob sa Senado.

Ayon kay Matibag, nasa workshop at planning event umano ang kanilang mga tauhan noong mangyari ang insidente at wala silang utos na pumunta sa Senado.

“Sigurado ako na wala kaming tauhan diyan sa Senado,” ani Matibag.

Dagdag pa niya, nakatutok lamang umano siya sa mga Facebook Live coverage nang gabing iyon at wala silang direktang partisipasyon sa mga pangyayari.

Kinumpirma ni Senate President Cayetano na personal na tumawag si Pangulong Marcos upang alamin ang sitwasyon sa Senado habang nagpapatuloy ang lockdown.

Ayon kay Cayetano, tiniyak umano ng Pangulo na hindi mula sa gobyerno ang armadong grupong sinasabing nagtangkang manggulo sa Senado.

Dumalo rin sa Senado sina Remulla at PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III upang tumulong sa pagpapakalma sa sitwasyon at pagtiyak sa seguridad ng mga senador at empleyado.

Nagpatupad ng sweeping operations ang mga pulis at security personnel sa loob ng Senado upang matiyak na wala nang armado o banta sa seguridad ng gusali.

Patuloy din ang imbestigasyon upang matukoy kung sino ang nasa likod ng tangkang pagpasok at putukan.

Ang insidente ay itinuturing na isa sa pinakamalalang security scare na naranasan ng Senado sa mga nakaraang taon at lalo pang nagpasiklab sa tensyon kaugnay ng usapin ng ICC, war on drugs, at pulitika sa bansa.

Ang nangyaring lockdown at putukan sa Senado ay hindi lamang simpleng security incident kundi isang pangyayaring naglantad sa lumalalim na tensyong pulitikal at legal sa bansa. Habang hinihintay ng publiko ang malinaw na resulta ng imbestigasyon, nananatiling mahalagang masagot kung sino ang nasa likod ng kaguluhan, kung bakit nagkaroon ng armadong tensyon sa loob ng isang pangunahing institusyon ng gobyerno, at kung sapat ba ang koordinasyon ng mga ahensiyang dapat nagtitiyak ng seguridad ng estado. Hangga’t nananatiling malabo ang buong pangyayari, patuloy ding mabubuhay ang mga tanong, agam-agam, at haka-haka ng publiko tungkol sa tunay na nangyari sa Senado noong gabing iyon.

Some Japanese snack packages shift to black-and-white as Iran conflict-driven ink supply strain worsens

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Some Japanese snack packages shift to black-and-white as Iran conflict-driven ink supply strain worsens

TOKYO (AP) — Some snack products in Japan are set to appear in simplified black-and-white packaging as global supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran affect access to materials used in colored printing ink.

Tokyo-based Calbee Inc., one of Japan’s leading snack manufacturers known for its potato chips and cereal products distributed domestically and exported to markets including the United States, China, and Australia, said the change is intended to secure stable product supply amid volatile conditions.

In a statement released this week, the company said the adjustment affects 14 products in its lineup starting May 25. Packaging will be limited to two ink colors, significantly reducing the use of multicolor printing.

“This measure is intended to help maintain a stable supply of products,” Calbee said.

The company added that the decision reflects the need to respond flexibly to shifting geopolitical and supply chain risks. It did not specify how long the simplified packaging would remain in place.

The move comes as businesses worldwide continue to face rising costs and shortages of petroleum-derived inputs such as naphtha, which is used in plastics and printing ink production. Market pressures have been compounded by instability in the Middle East, including disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil.

Japan, which depends heavily on imported energy, has so far avoided severe domestic disruption. Authorities have pointed to national oil reserves and contingency measures as buffers against supply shocks, helping to stabilize public concern.

Calbee, founded in 1949 and employing more than 5,000 people, emphasized that the product contents remain unchanged despite the packaging alterations.

The visual difference is expected to be noticeable to consumers. One of the company’s signature products, lightly salted potato chips known locally as “usu shio,” previously featured bright orange packaging with stylized chip imagery and a mascot character. The revised design replaces these with monochrome text-based labeling.

The company, which also produces shrimp chips under the “kappa ebisen” brand, had earlier announced an expansion-focused business strategy in March. It reiterated that it will continue adjusting to external risks while maintaining supply stability.

“Calbee will continue to respond flexibly and promptly to changes in its operating environment, including geopolitical risks, and remains committed to maintaining a stable supply of safe, high-quality products,” the company said. “We ask for your understanding.”

Trump arrives in China for Xi summit with Nvidia CEO and business leaders in delegation

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump arrives in China for Xi summit with Nvidia CEO and business leaders in delegation

BEIJING/SEOUL — President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by senior executives including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, as both sides seek to stabilize strained economic ties and preserve a fragile trade truce.

Trump was greeted with a formal welcome ceremony that included a military honor guard and crowds of Chinese students waving both U.S. and Chinese flags as he stepped off Air Force One in the late evening. He paused briefly on the red carpet as the students chanted a welcome in Mandarin before departing in his motorcade.

The visit marks the first by a sitting U.S. president to China in nearly a decade and comes as Trump seeks to secure economic concessions, including expanded market access for American companies. In a social media post, he said he intended to urge Xi to “open up” China to U.S. business, calling it his top priority.

“I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic,” Trump wrote, referring to the business leaders in his delegation.

The corporate contingent accompanying Trump includes executives from firms with significant stakes in China’s regulatory environment, particularly in the technology sector. Nvidia, for example, has faced hurdles in obtaining approval to sell advanced artificial intelligence chips in the Chinese market.

According to a source familiar with the trip, Huang was invited at short notice to join the delegation and was seen boarding Air Force One during a refueling stop in Alaska.

China’s foreign ministry responded cautiously to Trump’s remarks, with spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying Beijing is prepared to expand cooperation, manage differences and promote stability in global economic relations.

Preparatory discussions between U.S. and Chinese officials had already taken place in South Korea, where U.S. Treasury officials met Chinese counterparts for several hours of trade talks described as candid and constructive by Chinese state media.

The two sides are working to maintain an October truce in which Washington suspended steep tariffs on Chinese goods and Beijing eased restrictions on rare earth exports, materials critical to global manufacturing sectors including electric vehicles and defense systems.

During the Beijing visit, Trump is expected to attend a state reception at the Great Hall of the People, tour cultural landmarks and participate in a formal state banquet. Discussions are also expected to cover sensitive geopolitical issues, including the Iran conflict and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

China reiterated its opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its territory, while Washington continues to provide defensive support under longstanding policy obligations.

Despite diplomatic pageantry, analysts say the negotiations reflect uneven leverage. Trump faces domestic political and economic pressure linked to inflation and trade tensions, while China’s leadership enters the talks with relatively fewer immediate constraints.

“The Trump administration needs this meeting more than China does, as it needs to show to American voters that deals are signed, money is made,” said Liu Qian, a Beijing-based geopolitical analyst.

Public reaction in Beijing was mixed, with some residents expressing cautious optimism about potential policy outcomes while others voiced skepticism about the durability of any agreement reached during the visit.

Gunfire erupts in the Senate, where authorities have tried to arrest Sen. Bato dela Rosa

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gunfire erupts in the Senate, where authorities have tried to arrest Sen. Bato dela Rosa

MANILA — Tension escalated dramatically inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday night after gunfire erupted amid ongoing efforts by authorities to arrest Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

An Associated Press journalist and several witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots inside the Senate complex, where dela Rosa has remained under Senate protective custody since Monday. Authorities have been attempting to serve an ICC-issued arrest warrant against the senator, a former Philippine National Police chief and one of the principal architects of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano briefly addressed reporters following the incident, confirming that Senate security personnel informed him that shots had been fired inside the building.

“The emotions are high here. This is the Senate of the Philippines and we are allegedly under attack,” Cayetano said before leaving without providing additional details.

As of late Wednesday night, authorities had not confirmed whether anyone was injured or what triggered the gunfire. Reuters and other international media outlets reported seeing armed military personnel entering the Senate complex as security forces tightened control of the area.

The ICC earlier unsealed an arrest warrant against dela Rosa, accusing him of crimes against humanity for the killings of at least 32 individuals between July 2016 and April 2018 during the height of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug operations. The warrant, originally issued confidentially in November 2025, alleges that dela Rosa played a key role in implementing policies that led to widespread killings during the campaign.

Human rights groups estimate that thousands of mostly poor drug suspects were killed during Duterte’s anti-drug crackdown, while police maintain that officers acted in self-defense during anti-narcotics operations.

Dela Rosa has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and vowed to challenge the ICC proceedings through all available legal remedies. On Wednesday evening, he appealed to supporters to gather outside the Senate and oppose what he described as his imminent arrest and possible transfer to The Hague.

The standoff began Monday after agents of the National Bureau of Investigation allegedly attempted to arrest dela Rosa inside the Senate complex. CCTV footage released by the Senate showed agents chasing the senator through hallways and stairwells before he reached the plenary hall and sought the protection of allied senators. The Senate later placed the chamber under lockdown and cited several pursuing agents in contempt.

The Department of Justice also reiterated this week that under Republic Act No. 9851, the Philippines may surrender a suspect to an international tribunal such as the ICC, further intensifying the legal and political battle surrounding the senator’s case.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Supreme Court has directed government respondents to comment within 72 hours on dela Rosa’s urgent petition seeking to block his arrest, detention, and transfer to the ICC.

The situation remained fluid late Wednesday, with heightened security around the Senate complex and authorities yet to clarify the circumstances behind the reported gunfire.

Posibleng brownout sa Luzon at Visayas matapos itaas sa red alert ang power grid

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Posibleng brownout sa Luzon at Visayas matapos itaas sa red alert ang power grid

Inaasahang makakaranas ng posibleng rotational brownout sa ilang bahagi ng Luzon at Visayas ngayong Martes, Mayo 13, 2026, matapos ilagay ng National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) ang dalawang pangunahing power grids sa red alert dahil sa mataas na demand sa kuryente at sabay-sabay na pagkawala ng ilang power plant.

Ayon sa NGCP, nasa red alert status ang Luzon grid mula 3 p.m. hanggang 8 p.m., habang ang Visayas grid ay nasa kaparehong alert level mula 3 p.m. hanggang 8 p.m. Sa ilalim ng red alert, mas mababa ang suplay ng kuryente kumpara sa aktuwal na demand, kaya inaasahan ang rotational power interruptions upang maiwasan ang total grid collapse.

Kasabay nito, itinaas din ang yellow alert sa parehong rehiyon bilang paalala na manipis ang reserba ng kuryente. Sa Luzon, ipinatupad ang yellow alert bandang 2 p.m. hanggang 3 p.m. at muling mula 8 p.m. hanggang 10 p.m. Sa Visayas naman, inilagay sa yellow alert ang grid mula 2 p.m. hanggang 3 p.m. at muling mula 8 p.m. hanggang 10 p.m.

Ipinaliwanag ng mga power authorities na ang yellow alert ay inilalabas kapag bumababa ang operating reserve margin ng grid, habang ang red alert ay pinakamataas na antas ng babala na nangangahulugang hindi na sapat ang suplay upang matugunan ang kasalukuyang demand.

Batay sa mga karaniwang paliwanag ng grid operator, ang ganitong sitwasyon ay madalas na sanhi ng kombinasyon ng forced outage ng mga power plant, derated capacity ng ilang planta, at mataas na konsumo ng kuryente lalo na tuwing mainit na panahon at peak hours.

Hindi pa inilalabas ng NGCP ang kumpletong listahan ng mga apektadong planta, ngunit sa mga nakaraang insidente ng kahalintulad na alerto, karamihan ng power shortage ay nauugnay sa sabay-sabay na maintenance shutdown at technical issues sa coal at natural gas facilities.

Patuloy na binabantayan ng Department of Energy at NGCP ang sitwasyon habang hinihikayat ang publiko na magtipid sa konsumo ng kuryente sa mga oras ng mataas na demand, partikular sa hapon hanggang gabi.

Palasyo tiniyak ang proteksyon kay Bato, panawagang sumuko, SC petition vs Senado bilang “taguan”

Venus L Peñaflor
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Palasyo tiniyak ang proteksyon kay Bato, panawagang sumuko, SC petition vs Senado bilang “taguan”

MAYNILA — Tiniyak ng Malacañang na bibigyan si Senador Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa ng proteksiyong naaayon sa batas kasunod ng kumpirmasyon ng International Criminal Court (ICC) na naglabas ito ng arrest warrant laban sa kanya kaugnay ng imbestigasyon sa war on drugs ng nakaraang administrasyon.

Ayon kay Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro, may obligasyon ang pamahalaan na igalang at ipatupad ang batas habang tinitiyak ang karapatan ng lahat ng panig, kabilang ang mga akusado at mga biktima ng umano’y extrajudicial killings.

Nilinaw ni Castro na ang parliamentary privilege ng mga senador laban sa pag-aresto ay may limitasyon lamang habang may sesyon ang Kongreso at saklaw lamang ng mga kasong may kaparusahang hindi lalampas sa anim na taong pagkakakulong, alinsunod sa 1987 Constitution.

Samantala, naghain ng resolusyon sa Senado sina Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, at Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan na humihikayat kay dela Rosa na boluntaryong sumuko sa mga awtoridad.

Sa kanilang resolusyon, iginiit ng mga senador na walang probisyon sa Konstitusyon o sa Senate Rules na nagbibigay sa Senado ng kapangyarihang magsilbing protective custody o santuwaryo para sa isang mambabatas na may kinahaharap na legal na proseso.

Binigyang-diin din nila na ayon sa Article VI, Section 11 ng Konstitusyon, limitado lamang ang immunity from arrest ng mga mambabatas at hindi ito sumasaklaw sa mabibigat na kaso o sa mga prosesong pinahihintulutan ng batas.

Kasabay nito, isang 17-pahinang petisyon ang inihain sa Korte Suprema ng senior high school teacher na si John Barry Tayam upang pigilan umano ang paggamit ng Senado bilang kanlungan laban sa pagpapatupad ng ICC arrest warrant.

Sa petisyon, hiniling sa Korte Suprema na maglabas ng writ of prohibition laban kay dela Rosa at sa pamunuan ng Senado upang hindi maharang ang operasyon ng mga law enforcement agencies sa pagsisilbi ng warrant.

Ipinapanawagan din ng petitioner na utusan ang Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at National Bureau of Investigation na makipag-ugnayan para sa koordinasyon sa pagpapatupad ng warrant.

Hinihiling din sa Korte Suprema na ideklarang walang bisa ang Senate Resolution No. 44, na nagsasaad na walang Pilipinong maaaring isuko sa foreign entity hangga’t hindi nauubos ang domestic legal remedies.

Ayon sa petisyon, hindi umano ito maaaring manaig laban sa Republic Act No. 9851 o Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, na nagpapahintulot ng surrender o extradition sa ilalim ng umiiral na batas.

Patuloy na inaabangan ang magiging tugon ng mga institusyon ng gobyerno sa magkakahiwalay na hakbang na may kaugnayan sa ICC warrant laban kay dela Rosa.

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.

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