By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — House Secretary General Reginald Velasco has requested Senate President Chiz Escudero to provide a space in the Senate building for House prosecutors as they prepare for Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial.
“We request permission to conduct an ocular inspection on March 11, 2025, of the room to be assigned, in order to determine how it will be set up to ensure a comfortable and convenient working environment for the Public Prosecutors and the SSG,” the letter stated.
Earlier, Escudero disclosed the proposed schedule for the impeachment trial as the session resumes.
The trial is set to begin on July 31.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — On Thursday (March 6, 2025), the Senate submitted a manifestation “in lieu of the required comment,” stating that it has the sole authority to decide on impeachment cases under the 1987 Constitution.
The Senate clarified that it cannot comment on the petition filed by Vice President Sara Duterte before the Supreme Court, which seeks to nullify the impeachment proceedings against her.
The manifestation was filed through the Senate’s legal counsel, Maria Valentina Cruz, referencing the Constitution’s directive for the upper chamber to convene as an Impeachment Court to hear and decide on cases involving impeachable officials.
“Respondent Senate, which has the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment under the Constitution, cannot, therefore, possibly make a comment on the Petition and asks the Honorable Court to excuse it from submitting the comment,” the Senate stated in the pleading.
“Respondent Senate further requests that this Manifestation Ad Cautelam be admitted in lieu of the required comment and considered as compliance with the En Banc Resolution dated February 25, 2025,” it added.
A Manifestation Ad Cautelam is a declaration made “out of caution” in response to a petition filed in court.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has shared the proposed calendar for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment.
Below is the timetable released by Escudero:
2 June 2025 – Resumption of session; presentation of the Articles of Impeachment by the prosecutors; and approval of the revised Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials (3:00 p.m.).
3 June 2025 – Convening of the Impeachment Court and oath-taking of incumbent Senator-judges (9:00 a.m.).
4 June 2025 – Issuance of summons.
14 to 24 June 2025 – Reception of pleadings.
24 June to 25 July 2025 – Pre-Trial.
28 July 2025 – Inaugural session of the Senate for the 20th Congress (10:00 a.m.); Joint Session of Congress to hear the President’s State of the Nation Address (4:00 p.m.).
29 July 2025 – Oath-taking of newly elected Senator-judges before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court (9:00 a.m.); plenary session of the Senate (3:00 p.m.).
30 July 2025 – Start of trial (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
Escudero also disclosed that he had signed Special Order No. 2025-015 (OSP) Series of 2025 to establish an administrative support group that will assist the Senate when it convenes as an Impeachment Court for Duterte’s trial.
“This Special Order is vital to ensure that the Senate, in its role as an Impeachment Court, operates smoothly and efficiently. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of justice and due process throughout the proceedings,” Escudero said upon issuing the order.
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By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has filed a petition seeking to nullify the fourth impeachment complaint, which was lodged by 215 members of the House of Representatives.
Duterte-Carpio submitted a petition for certiorari and prohibition, along with an urgent application for a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction, on February 18.
The petition seeks “judicial intervention from the High Court to uphold due process and raises serious legal and constitutional concerns.”
Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is among the lawyers representing her in the impeachment case.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Chairperson Atty. Neri Colmenares submitted a position paper to the Senate calling for the convening of an impeachment trial for Duterte-Carpio.
Senate President Chiz Escudero has stated that there will be no impeachment trial during the session break.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel sent a letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero, urging him to act “forthwith” on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“I write to emphasize the constitutional mandate requiring the Senate to act ‘forthwith’ on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Pimentel said in the letter.
“Since this is a constitutional provision, the term ‘forthwith’ must be interpreted in accordance with the Verba Legis Rule, meaning it should be given its ‘plain and ordinary meaning.’”
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered the Senate to comment on the petition filed before the tribunal.
This followed a petition for mandamus, asking the SC to compel the Senate to convene for an impeachment trial against Duterte.
The SC “required the Senate to comment on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.”
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MANILA – Malacañang announced Thursday that it will allow the legal process to proceed regarding the grave threats and inciting to sedition charges filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed in an interview that the Palace will not intervene in the ongoing investigation. “We are aware of the matter, but we will let the process take its course,” he said. “The Department of Justice (DOJ) has full autonomy in criminal investigations.”
The charges, filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday, stem from Duterte’s claims that she hired someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, following a supposed plot against her.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero urged senators to refrain from discussing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero reminded his colleagues of their role as trial judges, should the impeachment trial proceed.
“My interest is to maintain fairness, the impartiality of the court, and the credibility of any decision the impeachment court may render,” he said.
“That is why I am reminding senators to exercise caution in making statements regarding the impeachment, especially when they have yet to see evidence from both sides or make any final decisions on the matter,” he added.
Escudero previously stated that the Senate cannot immediately begin the impeachment trial, noting it may start after President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero urged his fellow senators to study the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero stated that the articles of impeachment filed by the House of Representatives against Duterte, along with all annexes and evidence, have been distributed to all senators.
He also emphasized that those running for Senate should begin studying the case, in addition to his fellow lawmakers.
The 44-page verified impeachment complaint against Duterte, submitted by the House to the Senate, is now available on the upper chamber’s website.
Escudero announced that the impeachment trial against Duterte will begin after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
He assured that the trial will be held during the 20th Congress to allow sufficient time for preparations.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero announced that the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte will begin after President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Escudero confirmed that the trial will take place during the 20th Congress to allow ample time for preparation.
“Most likely, it will happen when the new Congress begins its functions, meaning after the SONA. I think SONA will be on July 21, so the trial will commence after that,” Escudero said.
The Senate plans to conduct the trial four times a week, potentially lasting five to six hours a day.
“Once the 20th Senate starts, the trial will proceed without further delays,” Escudero added.
The Senate leader assured that the upper chamber will ensure fairness in the trial, based on the evidence presented.
Meanwhile, Escudero stated that there will be no special session held for the trial.
“Who wants us to hold a trial before the elections?” the senator quipped.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero said that the upper chamber should not be rushed on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, pointing out that the House of Representatives did not act on it quickly.
“Mahigit dalawang buwan nilang inupuan ang impeachment complaints at wala silang ginawa. Ultimo ‘yung Secretary General nila, hindi finorward sa Speaker na magkatabi lamang naman halos ng kwarto, mahigit dalawang buwan din. Siguro ipaliwanag muna nila ‘yun bago kami umaksyon,” Escudero said.
“Hindi para sa kanila na madaliin kami pagkatapos nilang upuan ‘yan sa napakahabang panahon,” he added.
Escudero made the statement after being asked about calls for the Senate to act immediately on the impeachment, as indicated in the 1987 Constitution.
The House of Representatives transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on the last day of the congressional session, February 5.
Meanwhile, Escudero said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not expressed any intention to order the Senate to convene for Duterte’s impeachment trial.
“Wala po. Pero siyempre ‘pag nagpatawag ang Pangulo, anong gagawin namin? Eh ‘di kailangan namin mag-attend,” he said.
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By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated on Thursday (06 Feb 2025) that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will have no negative impact on Philippine economy.
“I doubt it very much,” Marcos said when asked about the government’s preparedness for the impeachment.
“Wala naman akong nakikitang magiging effect na ganon,” the President added.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to its investment plans, strategies, and structural changes.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero said that no impeachment complaint would be tackled during the session break.
“If any action or event related to this happens, it will occur on June 2, when the Senate resumes after the elections. The decision will be made by the Senate majority,” the Senate press office said.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate adjourned its session on Wednesday night (Feb. 5, 2025) without addressing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Senate will resume its session from June 2 to June 13 before the sine die adjournment.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said the Senate should have received and reported the articles of impeachment during the session. However, since this was not done, the trial may take place in June.
There is a possibility that the impeachment court could convene even without a session, as long as all the senators agree.
On Wednesday night, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco delivered the articles of impeachment against the Vice President to Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug at the Senate Office in Pasay City.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Four years before the next presidential elections, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, who both made history as the first majority-elected candidates in a multiparty contest, have now suffered a drastic drop in their public approval and trust ratings.
This was revealed on Wednesday (3 April 2024) by the first quarter survey of Publicus Asia’s Pahayag 2024 which attributed the duo’s ratings plummeting to the public’s growing concerns regarding issues such as inflation, corruption and perceived weak leadership.
Marcos Jr. and VP Sara’s approval ratings dropped to their lowest levels since the third quarter of 2022 — from 58 percent for the fourth quarter of 2023 to 44 percent for the first quarter of 2024 for the President and from 59 percent to 53 percent for the vice president.
PBBM notably lost points even in his bailiwick of North-Central Luzon, where his approval rating dropped from 62 percent to 52 percent. In South Luzon, his approval rating dropped from 55 percent to 43 percent, and in the Visayas, from 57 percent to 40 percent.
On the other hand, VP Sara’s rating fall was most notable in South Luzon, from 51 percent to 40 percent; North-Central Luzon, from 56 percent to 47 percent; and the National Capital Region (NCR), from 52 percent to 47 percent.
The NCR recorded the highest disapproval for Duterte at 34 percent.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s approval rating also dived from 36 percent to 25 percent, the poll showed.
It can be noted that Mindanao recorded the highest disapproval rating at 39 percent, closely followed by the Visayas at 37 percent, where Romualdez represents Leyte’s first district.
Romualdez is widely believed to be the most likely “anointed one” by his cousin PBBM for the 2028 presidential race.
Some Visayan political leaders are backing Romualdez to be the country’s first Waray-Waray president.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that the teacher — who went viral on social media for scolding her students — was only human that has a breaking point, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has apparently emphathized with the mentor and said no penalty would be enforced on her.
Duterte said on Wednesday (20 March 2024) that she saw the teacher’s explanation and tasked the regional director to remind only the teacher to just slow down if she feels angry.
“Ang una ko naging reaction is tao lang iyong teacher. Lahat tayo umaabot sa punto na nagagalit tayo, lalo ‘pag nafu-frustrate tayo. This is especially true sa mga teachers dahil ang teachers natin hindi lang isa na tao ang kausap nila. Ang isang klase ay merong from 25 to 45, sometimes 55 students,” the VPES told reporters in Cambodia.
However, Duterte did not say what she will do to address the overcrowded classrooms.
“Nakita ko iyong explanation niya, and then sinabihan ko ang regional office natin na there will be no penalties for the teacher. Just to remind the teacher that if she is angry, she has to pause. Itigil muna iyong klase. And when she’s not angry anymore, saka siya magklase ulit. There’s a need to pause pag galit iyong teacher. Iyon lang ang sinabi ko na i-remind sa teacher,” she added.
Duterte said the teacher was apparently not aware that she was online during the recording of the video.
“Ang sabi niya, hindi niya alam na online siya… Hindi niya alam na naka-online siya,” the VPES further said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Amid the mystery shrouding the presence of investigators from the International Criminal Court, former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV has revealed that the investigation on the primary suspects are nearly complete and that the ICC is in the process of building a case against the alleged co-conspirators.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia on Saturday that in case the ICC has wrapped up its investigation on the “crimes against humanity” filed primarily against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, an arrest warrant can be issued anytime soon.
According to Vera Files, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and two incumbent senators were named in documents submitted to the ICC investigating the killings related to the drug war during the previous administration and when Duterte was mayor of Davao City.
“The vice president’s name was mentioned as knowing and approving the killings when she was city mayor, a post that her father held for more than 20 years. Sara was mayor from 2010 to 2013, and from 2016 to 2022,” Vera Files said in its July 17, 2023 report.
Trillanes argued that despite ex-president Duterte’s cancellation of ICC membership, ICC still has potential jurisdiction for incidents pre-dating the withdrawal.
He claimed that the ICC has gathered the statements of the witnesses as early as February 2023 and that they will be put on record as soon as the trial begins.
“Ang aking tantsa ay finishing touches na ‘yung kaso for some of the principals. Yung iba naman, yung mga nasa secondary level ay bini-build up na o patapos na,” Trillanes revealed.
It can be recalled that then President Duterte cancelled the Philippines’ membership with the ICC following an announcement that a preliminary examination on the thousands of deaths involving the bloody war on drugs was underway.
Human rights advocates claimed that the 30,000 individuals who were victims of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) in line with Duterte’s drug war were not all drug addicts or drug pushers.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Education officials are bracing for a discouraging performance by the Philippines in the upcoming release of Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test scores conducted by the Organization for Educational Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The triennial test evaluates the scholastic performance of 15-year-old pupils in mathematics, science, and reading across both OECD member and non-member states.
This marks the Philippines’ second participation in the global assessment, following its debut in 2018.
The Department of Education (DepEd) underscores that the insights gained from participating in PISA, combined with its National Achievement Test, will inform policy decisions and drive necessary reforms.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has expressed pessimism about the PISA results, stating the need for a departure from repetitive educational approaches.
She emphasized the importance of addressing learning gaps and areas for improvement in basic education.
Despite the challenges posed by the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DepEd has implemented measures to counteract years of learning losses.
Initiatives include the revitalized Matatag K to 10 curriculum, aimed at streamlining the existing curriculum and focusing on key competencies and foundational skills.
Additionally, “Catch-Up Fridays” have been introduced to provide students with dedicated time to review and engage in critical thinking activities, such as book writing, essay writing, and book reviews.
House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Committee Chairman Roman Romulo praised the Catch-Up Fridays concept and highlighted USAID’s ABC+ project, addressing low education outcomes in impoverished areas.
Romulo stressed the importance of legislative initiatives, such as amendments to the E-Gastpe Act, in improving the education system.
Looking ahead to the 2025 PISA assessment, he emphasized the need to focus on students’ foundational skills, aligning them with the new curriculum and enhancing reading comprehension.
(Amado Inigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said she will no longer pursue the P650 million total of confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2024 for the sake of unity and peace.
In reaction, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III praised the Vice President’s decision to give up her request for P650 million in confidential funds, which has divided the senators discussing the proposed 2024 national budget.
During plenary debates on the Office of the OVP’s proposed budget Thursday, the sponsor, Senator Sonny Angara, read Duterte’s statement that the OVP “will no longer pursue the confidential fund” because “it is seen to be divisive.”
VP Duterte conceded that the OVP can only propose a budget to Congress for the implementation of its programs and projects.
“Nevertheless, we will no longer pursue the confidential funds. Why? Because this issue is divisive, and as the Vice President, I swore an oath to keep the country peaceful and strong,” she stressed.
To recall, in October the House of Representatives have decided to realign the P650-million total of confidential funds of the OVP and the DepEd to agencies involved in safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty in the face of Chinese incursions and harassments.
“It is essential to understand that this decision was made for the benefit of the nation and not as a personal affront to any individual, including VP Duterte,” said the congressmen from different political parties which support the leadership of Romualdez.
Notably, the beneficiaries of the House’s realignment of the confidential funds from OVP and the DepEd include the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (P300 million), National Security Council (P100 million) and Philippine Coast Guard (P200 million).
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN with nine senators fully backing Vice President Sara Duterte’s “right” to her P650-million confidential funds for 2024 even as the majority of the 316 members of the House of Representatives have expressed support to the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
Vice President Duterte and Speaker Romualdez are believed to be the main protagonists in the 2028 presidential race, with Senator Risa Hontiveros as the probable “third force” standard bearer of a “center-moderate left coalition.”
At least nine senators reportedly want VP Duterte to have P650 million in confidential funds back despite the House of Representatives earlier decision to channel it to other government agencies.
The “pro-Sara” senators were identified as Sens. Robinhood Padilla, Christopher “Bong” Go, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino, and Cynthia Villar.
To recall, in October the House of Representatives decided to realign the P650-million total of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to agencies involved in safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty in the face of Chinese incursions and harassments.
“It is essential to understand that this decision was made for the benefit of the nation and not as a personal affront to any individual, including VP Duterte,” said the congressmen from different political parties that support the leadership of Romualdez.
Notably, the beneficiaries of the House’s realignment of the confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education include the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (P300 million), the National Security Council (P100 million), and the Philippine Coast Guard (P200 million).
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
CONCERNED THAT CIVILIANS, SPECIALLY CHILDREN, are caught in the crossfire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas armed conflict, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has urged Filipinos to call for a ceasefire and peaceful negotiations amid the escalating violence in the Middle East.
In a video message, Duterte on Thursday, October 19, expressed concern the conflict in the region has impacted civilians, including children.
“Ako ay nananawagan sa aking mga kapwa Pilipino na ipahayag ang isang tigil-putukan at dalhin ang usapin ng kapayapaan sa mesa,” Duterte said.
At the same time, she called for unity among the parties in the country in issuing a collective appeal for lasting peace in the region to end the suffering of civilians.
“Ating ipanawagan ang pagkakaisa ng mga partido upang maglabas ng kolektibong pananawagan para sa pangmatagalang kapayapaan at wakasan ang pagdurusa at kahirapan na nararanasan ng mga sibilyan lalo na ang pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng mga bata,” the VPES further said.
Israel’s latest assault on Gaza began after fighters from Hamas, the Palestinian armed resistance movement governing the occupied Strip, launched a surprise attack on October 7 just outside the besieged enclave on Israeli territory.
(ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of: Inday Sara Duterte (Facebook)
By: Junex Doronio
APPARENTLY AFFECTED by the controversy generated by the P150-million confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) for the Department of Education (DepEd) where she also sits as concurrent head, Vice President Sara Duterte’s popularity as Education Secretary dipped from 66 percent in the second quarter to 60 percent in the third quarter.
This was revealed on Friday by
PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. which said the P150-million CIF for DepEd “is now at the forefront as the most pressing issue hurting her (VP Duterte} overall performance.”
Seemingly, the public being surveyed was not convinced by Duterte’s justification of her CIF that it’s for the DepEd’s anti-insurgency efforts.
“Education is intertwined with national security. It’s important for us to mold children who are patriotic, who will love our country and defend our country,” Duterte said.
The Vice President — eldest daughter of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte noticeably uses her father’s surname instead of her marital name Carpio — is also the co-vice chairman of the government’s anti-communist insurgency task force, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The elder Duterte once vowed to wipe out the communist insurgency within his six-year-term but failed just like his anti-drug campaign.
PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. claimed that the noncommissioned survey was conducted from September 7 to September 12. Its respondents were randomly drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace.
It added that the respondents were spread across five geographical areas — National Capital Region, North Central Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
This latest development was reminiscent of former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay whose popularity declined due to graft charges and eventually lost when he ran for president in 2016.