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Metro Manila, Philippines — Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, two of the senators tagged in the flood control corruption scandal, have been elected vice chairperson and member, respectively, of the Senate blue ribbon committee investigating the controversy.  During the plenary session on Monday, May 25, Estrada announced that he and Senator Rodante Marcoleta have been elected vice chairpersons of the committee, replacing Senator Erwin Tulfo.  Estrada was a former member representing the minority bloc under then chairperson Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.  Senator Pia Cayetano was recently named chairperson of the prestigious committee, replacing Lacson. Pia is the sister of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who assumed the leadership post from now Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III two weeks ago, triggering the committee reshuffle.  Meanwhile, Escudero — who was not part of the Lacson-led committee — has now joined the panel alongside Senators Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Mark Villar,…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The ombudsman has sought a precautionary hold departure order against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and three others with the Sandiganbayan as they face investigations for plunder. The application was raffled to the anti-graft court’s seventh division on Monday, May 25. Also named in the request were his campaign contributors, namely, former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and private individuals Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu.  The ombudsman’s field investigation bureau has reportedly filed the charges against Marcoleta and three others for receiving ₱75 million in campaign donations for the 2025 elections. The ombudsman application also mentioned an investigation for indirect bribery and violation of a presidential decree that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts and any form of benefits in the course of official duties and private persons from giving gifts on any occasion.  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed in March that the senator received a ₱75 million…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  The Supreme Court has denied Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s plea for a temporary restraining order on the implementation of a possible International Criminal Court arrest warrant, ruling that his motion relied heavily on “unverified reports and allegations” and failed to establish a clear legal right that needed protection.   In an eight-page resolution dated May 20, the full court rejected the request for a stay order or status quo ante order that would have barred agencies from arresting or surrendering him to the ICC without a local court warrant.   It said Dela Rosa failed to prove the essential requirements for injunctive relief, including the existence of a “clear and unmistakable right” and an actual threat of irreparable injury.   “Senator Dela Rosa has no right in esse,” the court said, referring to the absence of an established legal right that may be protected by injunction.   The tribunal…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  Malacañang denied Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte’s claim that the city received “zero budget” from the national government over the past four years, saying official records show billions of pesos for projects and services in the city. During a Palace briefing on Monday, May 25, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro cited budget data that showed Davao City received at least P7.856 billion in national government support from 2023 to 2026. “So, hindi po totoo na walang budget or zero ang budget ang Davao City,” Castro said.[Translation: So it is not true that Davao City had no budget or a zero budget.] “Ang Davao City po ay isa sa mga siyudad at areas na talagang inaalagaan ng administrasyon at ng Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” she added.[Translation: Davao City is one of the cities and areas that the administration and President Marcos Jr. continue to take care of.] Castro said…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  Malacañang questioned the state of Davao City’s anti-drug campaign after Mayor Sebastian Duterte accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of bringing back illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption under his administration. During a Reform Alliance for Accountability and Good Governance and Ethics (RAGE) event in Davao City over the weekend, Duterte also accused Marcos of seeking to extend his term through charter change. “Anong achievement nito, binalik ang droga, binalik ang kriminalidad, binalik ang korapsyon at yung p*ina gusto pa magpatagal ng termino niya,” Duterte said.[Translation: What achievement does he have? He brought back drugs, criminality, corruption, and that son of a b** even wants to extend his term.] But Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro cited recent drug operations in Davao City, the political bailiwick of the Duterte family. “Katulad po nito, noong May 14, 2026, meron pong nasabat na halagang ₱15.6 million shabu mismo sa Davao City operation.…