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Metro Manila, Philippines – As another possible leadership change in the Senate hogs the grapevine, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Saturday, May 22, endorsed Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian for Senate president, saying this is backed by what he called the “Solid Bloc 11” minority. In a statement posted on social media, Pangilinan said the group unanimously wants Gatchalian to lead the embattled chamber, citing his performance during deliberations on the 2026 national budget. “Gusto naming lahat na kabilang ng SB-11, o Solid Bloc 11, na maging Senate president si Senator Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian,” said Pangilinan. [Translation: All members of Solid Bloc 11 want Senator Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian to be the next Senate president.] He said Gatchalian proved he could “protect the people’s money” and ensure government funds are allocated to sectors that need them most. Pangilinan also described Gatchalian as “competent, steady, and fair,” and that he could unite a…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Senator Richard Gordon slammed the recent chaos inside the Senate, describing the chamber as a “fortress for those who are guilty” amid the controversy surrounding Senator Ronald dela Rosa and the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Speaking to NewsWatch Plus on The Newsmaker, Gordon said the Senate’s credibility has been severely damaged following last week’s gunfire incident and political turmoil inside the chamber. “What has the Senate done? A Senate that’s become a fortress for those who are guilty so that they can hide them,” Gordon said. “And that is not the only problem. Sa pulis, kabaro. Hindi ko huhulihin ‘yan, kabaro ko ‘yan. Sa Senado, kasama namin sa Senado ‘yan,” he added. [Translation: In the police, they say: ‘I won’t arrest him because he’s one of us.’ In the Senate, it’s: ‘He’s one of our colleagues.’] The former senator added that…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte will remain detained at the International Criminal Court after judges ruled that risks of flight and obstruction of justice have increased following the confirmation of charges against him. In an eight-page decision dated May 22, the Trial Chamber III said there were no “notable change in circumstances” that would justify Duterte’s release with or without conditions. “Accordingly, the Chamber finds that the risks…have increased,” the chamber said. The judges said the confirmation of charges against Duterte last April further raised the risk that he could escape. “The confirmation of charges against the Accused constitutes a change in circumstances,” the chamber said. “It is this Court’s consistent and longstanding jurisprudence that the confirmation of charges increases the risk that an accused may abscond,” it added. Judges also pointed to Duterte’s rejection of the ICC proceedings and refusal to recognize the tribunal’s jurisdiction. The…

Metro Manila, Philippines – National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag on Friday, May 22, said Sen. Bato dela Rosa, tagged by the government as a fugitive, is still in the country.  In a briefing on Friday, May 22, Matibag said the bureau is firm on enforcing the warrant against the senator at large.  “Pero hinahanap namin siya ngayon. That is the problem now because of yung nangyari na protective custody ng Senate,” he said.  “Wala pa naman report ang Bureau of Immigration na lumabas siya so if we base it on that, nandito pa siya,” Matibag added. [Translation: But we are looking for him now. That’s the problem, because of what happened with the protective custody of the Senate…The Bureau of Immigration has not yet reported that he left. So if we base it on that, he is still here.] However, Matibag noted the country’s porous borders for entry…