The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally designated two Filipino human rights lawyers to represent victims of the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs” during upcoming pre-trial proceedings at The Hague. In a 15-page decision issued Monday, Pre-Trial Chamber I directed the court’s administrative unit to appoint Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres as common legal representatives…
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has authorized the filing of criminal tax evasion charges against high-profile contractors Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Cruz Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II. Following a preliminary investigation, the DOJ panel of prosecutors resolved to elevate two separate tax cases to the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA). The charges stem from a…
The Department of Tourism officially launched the 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 on Tuesday, signaling a major push for economic and investment integration under the country’s regional chairship. The forum, themed Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together, positions the Philippines as a primary architect of the region’s long-term travel strategy. …
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is working to verify intelligence reports claiming a Filipino national was killed while fighting for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. The report, originally released on Monday by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), identified the individual as a certain “John Patrick.” According to Ukrainian authorities, the man was killed during…
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Tuesday that it is working to verify reports that a Filipino national was killed while fighting for Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The report originated from Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR), which identified the individual as John Patrick. According to Ukrainian officials, Patrick was killed during…
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially cleared former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for trial, ruling on Monday that the 80-year-old is medically and mentally fit to face charges of crimes against humanity. Following a comprehensive evaluation by a panel of independent medical experts, Pre-Trial Chamber I rejected a request from Duterte’s legal team for…
Two prevailing weather systems are forecast to bring rainfall to most of the country on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The weather bureau reported that a shear line—the point where warm and cold air meet—will cause scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms over Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, the…
Authorities arrested a Swiss national on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 for allegedly attempting to smuggle approximately P40.8 million worth of crystal methamphetamine, locally known as “shabu.” The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported that the suspect, who arrived from Abu Dhabi, was intercepted after a routine X-ray scan of his…
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday called on members of the House of Representatives to prioritize public service over “divisive politics” as he announced that the chamber would officially begin deliberations on a proposed anti-political dynasty law. During the resumption of House sessions, Dy emphasized that lawmakers must be held accountable for tangible…
The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will provide free transportation to participants of the upcoming Philippine Women’s Open, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Monday. In separate advisories, the rail managements said athletes, coaches, and technical officials involved in the international sporting event can avail themselves of…