Duterte defense ‘open’ to unseal BIR box in closed-door session – prosecution
Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team has supposedly expressed openness in unsealing the box containing her tax records during a closed-door session – key evidence in allegations of unexplained wealth, the prosecution’s spokesperson said on Monday, June 29. In a press briefing, Jay Tolosa, private prosecutor and legal spokesperson, said the defense team made this remark in its reply to the manifestation of the prosecution, asking the Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, to open the box during the pre-trial stage. “They changed their stance and said they are open to having the box opened and that we could conduct an inventory of its content and we could mark the same but under specific conditions, which is that it would be done in an executive session and that it be made confidential from the public,” he said. The defense team had said it will refrain from…
Ombudsman wants ex-DPWH chief Bonoan to turn state witness in flood control mess
Metro Manila, Philippines – Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday, June 29, said Manny Bonoan, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary, will turn state witness in the flood control scandal. He said that the office had a standing agreement with Bonoan and that the ombudsman filed a motion to discharge him as an accused so that he can be a witness for the prosecution. Bonoan was a co-accused of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and other public works officials for plunder and graft charges over alleged illegal budget insertions in the DPWH infrastructure projects. “The knowledge that he has about the whole institution is something very important to us to be able to prove many cases,” Remulla told the media at a press briefing. “We will be benefiting from his testimony with regards to so many of the cases that we have filed,” he said. Meanwhile, Remulla said his…
Plunder charges vs. Sen. Marcoleta to be filed this week – ombudsman
Metro Manila, Philippines – Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday, June 29, said his office will file plunder charges in relation to campaign contributions against Senator Rodante Marcoleta with the Sandiganbayan sometime this week. “Hinog na hinog na para i-file sa Sandiganbayan…For resolution na, we’re about to file it already” Remulla said in a press briefing. [Translation: The case is very ripe and ready to file with the Sandiganbayan…It’s for resolution] These charges are related to ₱75 million in contributions for Marcoleta’s campaign in the 2025 midterm elections. The senator said he did not disclose these donations in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures as the contributors – former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and private individuals Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu – wanted to maintain anonymity. Remulla said that Marcoleta’s campaign contributors will also be included in the case. “Kasama yan, kasama sila…Same forum. Same jurisdiction,” he said. [Translation: They’re…
ICC freezes money seized from Duterte after arrest
Metro Manila, Philippines – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has granted prosecutors’ request to freeze any money seized from former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest and transfer to The Hague in March 2025, according to newly released public court filings. The filings also show prosecutors are seeking access to other items taken into the custody of the ICC Registry after Duterte’s arrest. The amount in the freeze order was not disclosed in the public redacted documents. In a response dated June 26, Duterte’s defense lawyer opposed parts of the prosecution’s request, arguing that prosecutors failed to explain why some of the seized materials are relevant to the crimes against humanity charges before the court. “The Defence respectfully requests that Trial Chamber III reject the Prosecution’s Request,” Peter Haynes wrote in the filing. The defense also argued that prosecutors sought access to the materials too late, noting that the Office…
Marcos gov’t seeks ₱7.2-T budget for 2027, prioritizes infrastructure
Metro Manila, Philippines – The Marcos administration is proposing a ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, with infrastructure, flagship projects and key development programs at front and center as the government seeks to sustain economic growth despite fiscal constraints. The proposed budget totals ₱7.2002 trillion, or 21.7% of gross domestic product, representing a 6 percent increase from the current budget of ₱6.7932 trillion, according to National Budget Memorandum 158 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). In a text message to NewsWatch Plus, Budget Secretary Kim De Leon clarified that only the overall budget ceiling has been approved and that agencies’ funding allocations are still being finalized. “What was approved is the budget level for 2027. We are still in the process of preparing the details coming from the proposals of agencies,” De Leon said. The memorandum stated that the 2027 spending plan will focus on programs, activities and…
