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Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that the videos of Vice President Sara Duterte’s “kill remarks” and other threats against the president are authentic and are neither edited, spliced, nor generated by artificial intelligence. NBI Director Melvin Matibag affirmed the authenticity of the video evidence during the last day of Duterte’s impeachment hearing with the House justice committee on Wednesday, April 29. “That is authenticated,” he said, pertaining to the videos. “It has already been discussed in the counter-affidavit na sinubmit po ni Vice President Duterte doon sa kaso sa DOJ (Department of Justice). Na-raise na po ‘yang mga issue na ‘yan.” [Translation: It has already been discussed in the counter-affidavit submitted by Vice President Duterte in the case at the DOJ. Those issues have been raised.] During the hearing, Rep. Paolo Henry Marcoleta attempted to show the panel a “more complete” copy of the…

Metro Manila, Philippines — In a unanimous vote, the House justice committee found probable cause for the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte to proceed to the next stage, as it concluded the hearings on Wednesday, April 29. Lawmakers separately voted on the complaints, with 53 members voting in favor of declaring probable cause. The 53 affirmative votes are half of the required 106 votes — one-third of the 318 House members — for the case to reach the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court. The panel will next submit a committee report to plenary, which will decide whether or not to impeach the vice president and send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial. House justice committee chairperson Jinky Luistro said the report and Articles of Impeachment will be provided to the complainants, Duterte, and panel members. She also scheduled the next hearing for May 4.…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Authorities are investigating leads that show Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged hired hitman against the president might be from her security group or close associates, NBI Director Melvin Matibag revealed during an impeachment hearing. Since the bureau is also investigating people from the Vice President’s Security Protection Group (VPSPG), Matibag confirmed to lawmakers that the assassin hired by Duterte may possibly be a military person.  Matibag said it is unusual for a vice president to have hundreds of security details and compared the number to former Vice President Leni Robredo’s 30-member VPSPG. “In other words, tama po ba sahihin ‘di simpleng nag-hire ng hitman ang bise presidente kundi ang hitman na ito ay posibleng miyembro mismo ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)?” ACT Teacher’s Rep. Antonio Tinio asked the NBI representatives.  [Translation: Is it correct to say that the vice president did not simply hire…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The House justice committee decided against opening the box of tax records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Mans Carpio, at the impeachment hearing on Wednesday, April 29. “Let it be placed on record that the committee will not open the box,” panel chair Rep. Jinky Luistro said after announcing the votes of 38 members who were against the motion.  Only six were in favor of scrutinizing the tax records, namely Mamayang Liberal Rep. Rep. Leila de Lima, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co, Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Tingong Rep. Jude Acidre, and Gabriela Women’s Rep. Sarah Elago.  De Lima made the motion to open the box, saying that it may strengthen the probable cause for the impeachment complaints.  The differences crossed affiliations even in the minority.   Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno was against De Lima’s motion “out of…

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced expanded PhilHealth maternity benefits, which will take effect beginning April 30. Upon implementation, coverage for normal deliveries will increase from ₱9,750 to ₱29,000, while coverage for caesarean section (C-section) deliveries will rise from ₱37,000 to approximately ₱58,000–₱62,000. With this adjustment, Marcos noted that ward deliveries—even in private hospitals—might potentially result in zero out-of-pocket costs for patients. Coverage for prenatal checkups will also increase from four to eight sessions, now including vaccinations and laboratory tests. Additionally, up to three post-delivery checkups will be covered under the expanded benefits. “Simple lamang ang ating layunin: nais natin na matiyak na ang bawat ina ay makakapagpanganak nang ligtas at hindi nag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad,” said Marcos. [Translation: “Our goal is simple: we want to ensure that every mother can give birth safely without worrying about where to get the money for…