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Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 20, approved on second reading the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, which seeks to prohibit close relatives from simultaneously running for or holding office in the same locality. The bill, principally authored by Speaker Bojie Dy and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, was approved through voice vote. It prohibits spouses or relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking or occupying elective posts in the same national, provincial, city, municipal or barangay government, including congressional seats within the same legislative district. “Kung tunay nating nais palakasin ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa ating institusyon, ipasa na natin ang Anti-Political Dynasty Bill,” Dy told lawmakers during the resumption of session earlier this month. [Translation: If we wish to strengthen public trust in our institution, let us pass the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.] Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chairperson…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano assured his colleagues that he believes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sincerity when he said the recent controversial standoff in the Senate grounds was not an attack from the executive branch. “I don’t doubt the sincerity of President Marcos when he called to check if we were safe and to assure us that it wasn’t an attack from the executive department. I don’t doubt that, that’s why we’re waiting for the full investigation,” he said  “There are matters that when discussed in public will cause more alarm and confusion rather than clarity. But that doesn’t mean na parang walang nangyari [as if nothing happened],” Cayetano added.  During the session, Sen. Pia Cayetano turned emotional in response to Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ remarks condemning the gunshot scare at the Senate on May 13. “Simula noong Lunes, ang pinapakita natin ay para bang walang nangyari,”…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  Sen. Pia Cayetano, sister of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, is the new chairperson for the powerful blue ribbon committee investigating controversial issues including the flood control probe. Cayetano was appointed chairperson of the committee on accountability of public officers and investigations during a session on Wednesday, May 20, replacing Sen. Ping Lacson. All committee positions were declared vacant following a leadership shake up on May 11 where Alan Peter Cayetano was elected via a slim majority lead, ousting Sen. Tito Sotto.  The blue ribbon committee is responsible for investigations on alleged wrongdoings of government officials and agencies in aid of legislation.  Some of the biggest cases the panel has tackled recently include the flood-control project anomalies, overpriced laptops from the Department of Education in 2023, and the Pharmally scandal amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Metro Manila, Philippines – Suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca was recommended for possible charges by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) over a gunfire scare inside the Senate building on May 13. CIDG chief Robert Alexander Morico II said investigators found that Aplasca and two Senate security personnel violated the Private Security Services Industry Act after allegedly firing weapons without sufficient basis causing panic. During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Wednesday, May 20, Morico said the CIDG would transmit its findings to the Department of Justice for assessment.  He said charges were recommended against Aplasca and two of his personnel under the law. CIDG investigators said the actions of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms personnel were contrary to the Rules of Engagement under the law, which requires private security personnel to follow a “force continuum” before resorting to the use of firearms.  Under the guidelines presented by…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Supreme Court has denied Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s plea for a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the crimes against humanity of murder related to the Duterte administration’s drug war. In its resolution released on Wednesday, the court rejected Dela Rosa’s plea for an interim release with a 9-5-1 vote. Dela Rosa earlier filed a “very urgent” manifestation to request the TRO to block an arrest and surrender him to the ICC if granted. The 117-page plea invokes the senator’s “unmistakable right to be protected” after a footchase in the Senate premises as he evaded authorities attempting to serve him the warrant.   Two days later, Dela Rosa fled the Senate after a standoff between Senate security personnel and National Bureau of Investigation agents.  The senator is at-large.