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Metro Manila, Philippines – The so-called “blue ribbon committee hearing” earlier announced by former Rep. Mike Defensor will not proceed at the Doublegem EDSA Gardens Events Place, the venue’s management confirmed on Tuesday, June 16. The management also firmly distanced itself from the event’s organizers. “We would also like to reiterate that Doublegem EDSA Garden Events Place has no affiliation whatsoever with the organizers, participants, or subject matter of the event. Our role was solely that of an independent events venue provider,” the management said in a now-deleted statement. According to reports from outside the venue, visitors and members of the media were barred from entering the premises. Senator Imee Marcos and former Governor Chavit Singson were among those spotted in the crowd attempting to gain entry. In his June 14 announcement, Defensor had rallied for public support for the 18 bodyguards of expelled Representative Zaldy Co, as well as…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Political uncertainty in the Philippines remains a concern for German investors, although the country’s long-term economic fundamentals continue to attract foreign investment, German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said. Speaking on The Newsmaker, Pfaffernoschke said recent political developments have prompted questions among investors about the country’s direction beyond the current administration. “The political turmoil that we are observing and the perspectives where we don’t know where the country is heading after 2028 definitely raises also questions about the reliability and security of the investment hub Philippines,” he said. The envoy said investors continue to see strong opportunities in the Philippines because of its growing economy, expanding middle class, and skilled English-speaking workforce.  However, political stability and predictability remain important considerations for businesses making long-term investment decisions. Despite the concerns, Pfaffernoschke said he remains optimistic about the country’s outlook. “I remain optimistic that these things will be sorted out,”…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Germany and the Philippines are set to formalize an investment agreement involving aviation giant Lufthansa Technik during the state visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier—a move Berlin views as a strong signal of confidence in the Philippines as a long-term investment destination. German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said the signing of the arrangement for Lufthansa Technik’s investment in Clark would be among the key economic highlights of the visit. “You will see during the visit of the president, the signing of the arrangement on Lufthansa Technik investment in Clark is, I think, a very symbolic act and shows clearly our commitment to the Philippines as an investment hub,” Pfaffernoschke said in an interview on The Newsmaker. The ambassador noted that the planned investment underscores growing German interest in the Philippine market, overriding structural concerns often raised by foreign investors regarding logistics, bureaucracy, and political uncertainty. Lufthansa Technik…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Germany is prepared to discuss a potential Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the Philippines as both nations continue to deepen defense and security cooperation amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said. In an interview on The Newsmaker, Pfaffernoschke disclosed that a VFA remains one of his long-term goals for Philippine-German relations, though he clarified that discussions are still in their infancy. “This is still my dream,” the ambassador said when asked about the prospect of a formal VFA between Manila and Berlin. He noted that Germany has been closely monitoring the Philippines’ efforts to expand defense partnerships with like-minded countries—including fellow European power France, which recently concluded a similar defense pact with Manila. “There are discussions that we are also going in this direction,” Pfaffernoschke said. “Germany definitely is a like-minded country and considered to be a like-minded partner of the…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The House prosecution panel has listed over 30 witnesses for the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Batangas 2nd district Rep. Jinky Luistro, lead prosecutor, said on Monday, June 15.  The list of witnesses is part of the pre-trial briefs submitted by the prosecution panel to the Impeachment Court ahead of the closed-door conference on Thursday, June 18. House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil submitted the document to Senate Secretary Rey Bantug. Luistro’s count is higher than the initial 25 witnesses disclosed last week. She said prosecutors want to make sure that all testimonies will be presented in court. “Ang malinaw po dito, sa ilalim po ng ating rules, kapag ang testigo, hindi mo naisama ang pangalan dun sa pretrial, generally speaking, hindi po siya papayagang tumistigo during the trial,” she said.  [Translation: What is clear here is that, under our rules, if a witness’s…