Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his penultimate State of the Nation Address to Congress, focusing heavily on his administration's anti-corruption campaign. He also addressed ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, asserting that Filipinos 'do not yield' in the face of external pressures. The speech, reported by The Business Times Singapore, highlights the president's domestic policy priorities and his firm stance on territorial disputes ahead of his scheduled departure from office in 2028.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:39 AM UTC

The foreign ministers of the Philippines and China exchanged strong protests following a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved Philippine marines and Chinese Coast Guard personnel, resulting in a Filipino marine sustaining a head injury. The clash overshadowed the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro protested China's actions, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the Philippines of provocation. Lazaro also condemned an AI-generated video by China Daily depicting Filipinos as a monkey. Wang warned that bilateral relations are at a 'crossroad' and urged the Philippines to avoid external manipulation. US Secretary of State Rubio raised the issue with Wang, reaffirming the US defense treaty with Manila. Quad and Canadian foreign ministers also expressed concern over the incident.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:51 AM UTC

On July 20, 2026, a Philippine Navy marine was struck on the head with a baton by Chinese coast guard personnel during a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila accused Beijing of aggression, while China claimed Philippine forces rammed their vessel and attacked with oars. The incident, captured on video, escalates long-standing territorial disputes and is expected to dominate ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings in Manila, with the U.S. condemning China's actions and reaffirming its defense treaty with the Philippines.

31 reports · 9 sources · Updated Jul 30, 04:04 PM UTC

The Philippine Senate began the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 6, 2026, amid a bitter political feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She faces charges of corruption, misuse of confidential funds, and an alleged assassination plot against Marcos. Over 6,000 police were deployed as protests erupted. Duterte denies all charges, calling the trial politically motivated. A conviction requires a two-thirds Senate majority and would bar her from future office, derailing her 2028 presidential bid. The trial is expected to dominate Philippine politics through late 2026.

9 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:19 PM UTC

A group of Chinese maritime scholars reportedly claimed at a June 30 symposium in Guangzhou that the Batanes Islands, a Philippine province since 1909, belong to China. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed the claims as 'ludicrous' and 'baseless.' However, the claims appear strategically timed, following a May 28 announcement by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to launch formal negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation under UNCLOS. The scholars argued that the Japan-Philippines proposal violates international law and infringes on China's sovereignty, asserting that the Batanes Islands are a 'natural geographic extension of Taiwan' historically administered under Chinese dynasties. The article, published by The Interpreter (Lowy Institute), analyzes the broader geopolitical implications, noting that even seeding doubt about sovereignty could have strategic consequences in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait region.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:00 PM UTC

A group of Chinese maritime scholars reportedly claimed at a June 30 symposium in Guangzhou that the Batanes Islands, a Philippine province since 1909, belong to China. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed the claims as 'ludicrous' and 'baseless.' However, the claims appear strategically timed, following a May 28 announcement by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to launch formal negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation under UNCLOS. The scholars argued that the Japan-Philippines proposal violates international law and infringes on China's sovereignty, asserting that the Batanes Islands are a natural geographic extension of Taiwan, historically administered under Taiwan prefecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Batanes' northernmost point, Mavulis Island, lies just 142 km from Taiwan. The article suggests these academic claims may be a calculated maneuver by the Chinese government to challenge Philippine-Japanese maritime cooperation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:00 PM UTC

A group of Chinese maritime scholars reportedly claimed at a June 30 symposium in Guangzhou that the Batanes Islands, a Philippine province since 1909, belong to China. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed the claims as 'ludicrous' and 'baseless.' However, the article argues the claims may be a calculated maneuver, occurring after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced formal negotiations to delimit their maritime boundaries under UNCLOS. The scholars argued that the Japan-Philippines proposal violates international law and infringes on China's sovereignty, asserting that the Batanes Islands are a natural geographic extension of Taiwan, administered under the Taiwan prefecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Batanes' northernmost point, Mavulis Island, is only 142 km from Taiwan. The article suggests that even seeding doubt about sovereignty could have broader regional impact.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:00 PM UTC

This analysis highlights the significance of a recent trilateral meeting in Cebu between the Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand during the 48th ASEAN Summit. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., serving as ASEAN chair, facilitated dialogue between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Unlike previous externally pressured agreements, such as the US-influenced Kuala Lumpur ceasefire which quickly unraveled, this engagement exemplifies ASEAN's preferred approach to conflict resolution: incremental, face-saving, and quiet diplomacy. The article argues that while no grand peace accord was signed, the mere act of sustained dialogue without public triumphalism represents a credible effort at regional peacebuilding. It positions the Philippines not just as a bystander but as a capable diplomatic convenor able to create space for rivals to negotiate. The piece contrasts this Asian diplomatic culture with Western coercive diplomacy, suggesting that the Cebu handshake offers a more sustainable path to de-escalation amidst ongoing territorial disputes and nationalist tensions.

1 reports · 1 sources

On May 11, 2026, Philippine Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa evaded National Bureau of Investigation agents attempting to serve an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for crimes against humanity linked to the drug war. Seeking refuge in the Senate plenary hall, he cast a decisive vote installing Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President. Cayetano subsequently ordered a lockdown, placing Dela Rosa under protective custody and refusing arrest without a local court order. This incident highlights intense political friction between the Duterte faction and the Marcos administration, coinciding with Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment.

45 reports · 16 sources · Updated May 25, 09:10 AM UTC

This Op-Ed by Juan Cole analyzes a hypothetical global energy crisis triggered by an illegal war on Iran launched by Israel and the US in February 2026. In response, Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, removing 11-13% of global petroleum supply and causing severe fuel shortages and price spikes worldwide. The crisis disproportionately affects Asia and Europe, with countries like the Philippines declaring national emergencies, South Korea facing economic cataclysm, and Bangladesh suffering refinery closures and power outages. Even the US and Europe face significant disruptions, with airlines cutting flights and consumers paying record prices. The author argues this event marks a watershed moment, akin to the 'twilight of petroleum,' forcing a rapid but painful shift away from fossil fuels. The article draws parallels to the 1970s oil crises but emphasizes the unique severity and potential long-term structural changes in the global economy, including stagflation. It highlights the geopolitical repercussions, such as diplomatic tensions between South Korea and Israel, and underscores the vulnerability of nations heavily reliant on Hormuz transit routes.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed up to $1.75 billion in additional financing to assist the Philippines in mitigating the economic impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict. ADB President Masato Kanda presented this offer during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on May 15, 2026. The funding aims to cushion the country against rising oil prices, global commodity disruptions, and fiscal pressures resulting from the crisis. This commitment is supplementary to the $2 billion in policy-based loans already being prepared for the Philippines this year. The support includes policy-based lending, countercyclical financing, and trade finance options. President Marcos had previously declared a national energy emergency and launched the Uplift program, which provides fuel subsidies and cash assistance to vulnerable sectors. The ADB is also coordinating with Philippine government agencies on long-term resilience measures, such as fertilizer security, social protection, and clean energy initiatives, to reduce the nation's vulnerability to external shocks and fuel price volatility.

1 reports · 1 sources

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s unexpected return to the Philippine Senate after a six-month absence triggered a severe political crisis and a 72-hour standoff. The turmoil began on May 11, 2026, when National Bureau of Investigation agents attempted to arrest Dela Rosa based on an International Criminal Court warrant for crimes against humanity related to the drug war. His resistance led to a chase within the Senate complex, resulting in a lockdown and his placement under protective custody by newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. Over the following days, tensions escalated as Delarosa appealed to President Marcos Jr. for non-cooperation with the ICC, while opposition senators demanded his voluntary surrender. The situation culminated in chaos on May 13 with reported gunshots inside the Senate. This event highlights deepening political divisions in the Philippines regarding international judicial accountability and domestic sovereignty, marking one of the most volatile episodes in recent Philippine political history involving high-ranking officials and law enforcement confrontations.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Philippines' Ombudsman has ordered a six-month preventive suspension of Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca following a chaotic shootout inside the Senate building on May 13, 2026. The incident occurred during an attempt by National Bureau of Investigation agents to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a key figure in former President Duterte’s war on drugs who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Aplasca admitted to firing a warning shot at law enforcement officers, an act condemned by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla as intolerable. Following the standoff, Dela Rosa fled the premises before dawn, an action officials described as an indication of guilt. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for calm and denied government involvement in the escape. The Ombudsman emphasized that the suspension is necessary to ensure an impartial investigation into the security breach and the subsequent flight of the senator. This event highlights escalating tensions between Philippine legislative protections and international legal obligations regarding human rights abuses.

1 reports · 1 sources

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, escaped from the heavily guarded Senate building in Manila. The escape occurred following a chaotic incident involving gunshots fired by security personnel during a confrontation with government agents, which officials suspect was orchestrated to facilitate his flight. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged public calm while police investigate the circumstances. Senate President Alan Cayetano defended the exit, claiming no valid arrest warrant was presented, though critics demand accountability for the breach. Dela Rosa, former national police chief under Rodrigo Duterte, faces charges for the murder of at least 32 people during Duterte’s anti-drug crackdown. This event intensifies political tensions between the Marcos administration and the Duterte family, coinciding with Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent impeachment by the House of Representatives. The incident underscores deepening divisions within the Philippine government as legal battles over ICC jurisdiction and domestic impeachment proceedings unfold simultaneously.

1 reports · 1 sources

Political tensions in the Philippines have intensified following a violent shootout inside the Senate complex, resulting in the suspension of Senate Sergeant at Arms Mao Aplasca and the escape of Senator Ronald dela Rosa. Dela Rosa, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged human rights violations linked to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. The Ombudsman suspended Aplasca for six months after he admitted to firing warning shots at National Bureau of Investigation agents attempting to execute an arrest warrant. Dela Rosa fled the complex before dawn, with his wife confirming his escape, prompting further legal scrutiny and public debate. Authorities deployed military troops around the Senate to maintain order after Dela Rosa allegedly mobilized supporters against the arrest. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for calm, emphasizing that government personnel were not directly involved in the shooting. The incident highlights deepening institutional fractures and concerns over the rule of law as investigations into the confrontation and the broader ICC case continue.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed up to USD 1.75 billion in additional financing to assist the Philippines in mitigating the economic impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict. ADB President Masato Kanda announced this support during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on May 15, 2026. The funding aims to cushion the country against rising oil prices and global economic shocks, complementing an existing USD 2 billion policy-based loan package currently in preparation. The assistance includes policy-based and countercyclical lending, as well as trade finance, designed to manage fiscal pressures and protect vulnerable communities. This move comes after President Marcos declared a national energy emergency and launched the UPLIFT program, which provides fuel subsidies and cash assistance to affected sectors. The ADB emphasized the Philippines' vulnerability due to its reliance on imported oil and fertilizers. Furthermore, the bank is coordinating with local government departments on long-term resilience strategies, including energy security, clean energy initiatives, and social protection programs, to reduce the nation's exposure to future external shocks and commodity disruptions.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Philippines is actively rebuilding its nuclear energy workforce to support a planned revival of atomic power, aiming to operate its first nuclear plant by 2032. Following the signing of a law in 2025 that established the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, the government, universities, and private companies are collaborating to train the next generation of engineers and regulators. This initiative addresses a critical skills gap, as domestic nuclear expertise largely disappeared after the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was mothballed in the 1980s. With electricity demand rising and the grid heavily reliant on imported coal, nuclear energy is viewed as a solution for reliable, cleaner power. Since local universities do not yet offer full nuclear engineering degrees, students like Ami Nicodemus are studying abroad in countries such as the US, China, and France. Private firms, including Meralco, are sponsoring scholars to gain international expertise. Meanwhile, advocacy groups like Alpas Pinas are working to shift public perception and engage young people, emphasizing career opportunities in the emerging nuclear renaissance.

1 reports · 1 sources

This opinion piece analyzes the breakdown of the rule of law in the Philippines following the evasion of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant by Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa. In May 2026, Dela Rosa hid within the Senate building, leading to a chaotic standoff where the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms fired live rounds near journalists and civilians. The senator subsequently escaped, highlighting institutional failures across all three branches of government. The author criticizes the Senate for shielding a fugitive, the Executive branch under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for lacking the decisiveness shown in previous arrests, and the Supreme Court for issuing ambiguous temporary restraining orders. From an economic perspective, the article argues that such instability undermines investor confidence and long-term prosperity, as the rule of law is a critical predictor of economic success. The incident raises serious concerns about accountability and the equal application of laws to powerful political figures.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tensions escalated into violence at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday night following the sudden appearance of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). After hiding for six months, Dela Rosa claimed sanctuary within the legislative building, even singing the Philippine Military Academy alma mater to reporters. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly when National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents attempted to arrest him, triggering a chaotic shootout inside the chamber. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as dozens of gunshots rang out. The newly installed Senate President declared the institution under attack and called for government intervention amidst this intensifying political drama involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. In the confusion preceding dawn, Dela Rosa managed to escape the complex and remains at large. This incident highlights the severe political instability and dynastic struggles currently gripping the Philippines, marking a dangerous escalation in the confrontation between law enforcement and high-ranking lawmakers seeking immunity from international arrest warrants.

1 reports · 1 sources

A violent standoff occurred on May 13, 2026, between National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents and the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) at the GSIS complex in Pasay City. The incident involved gunfire and has sparked conflicting narratives from both sides. The NBI, supported by the Marcos administration, claims their agents were responding to a security request regarding unauthorized access and were forced to fire warning shots after OSAA personnel initiated aggression. They allege the situation was manipulated to facilitate the escape of Senator Bato Dela Rosa. Conversely, the Senate, led by President Alan Peter Cayetano, frames the NBI's actions as an armed breach of legislative premises. They assert that NBI agents drilled through doors and raised weapons first, prompting OSAA to fire in self-defense. Key points of contention include the timing of the NBI's arrival, the nature of the door drilling, and who escalated the verbal confrontation into physical violence. While both sides agree on the location and presence of media, they disagree fundamentally on the intent and sequence of events, leaving the public with divergent accounts of whether this was a legitimate law enforcement operation or an attack on parliamentary sovereignty.

1 reports · 1 sources

A violent standoff involving gunfire erupted on May 13, 2026, between National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents and the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) in Pasay City. The incident has triggered a battle of narratives between the NBI, supported by the Marcos administration, and the Senate, led by President Alan Peter Cayetano. The NBI claims its agents were deployed to assist the GSIS with security concerns regarding unauthorized access, asserting that OSAA personnel initiated hostility by firing warning shots. Conversely, the Senate frames the event as an armed breach attempt, alleging that NBI agents drilled through doors and raised weapons first, forcing OSAA to respond defensively. Key points of contention include the timing of the NBI's arrival, the nature of their entry methods, and who escalated the verbal confrontation into physical violence. While both sides agree on the location and presence of armed individuals, they offer contradictory accounts of the pre-gunfire behavior and the justification for the use of force. The incident highlights deepening political tensions between the executive branch and the legislative body, with implications for institutional sovereignty and rule of law.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article highlights an upcoming interview on Rappler Talk featuring Mel Senen Sarmiento, the newly appointed Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) of the Philippines. The discussion, conducted by Rappler reporter Iya Gozum, focuses on the current status of the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Sarmiento’s appointment occurs just months before the region’s first parliamentary election, marking a critical phase in implementing the peace deal. The adviser faces the significant challenge of ensuring the agreement delivers tangible benefits to local communities. A key objective outlined is securing an exit agreement by 2028, aligning with the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term. The interview aims to provide insights into the progress made so far and the obstacles that remain in achieving lasting peace and unity in the region. Scheduled for broadcast on May 15, 2026, the conversation underscores the administration's commitment to resolving long-standing conflicts in Mindanao through diplomatic and political means within a specific timeframe.

1 reports · 1 sources

Gunshots erupted in the Philippine Senate on Wednesday as Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa attempted to evade arrest by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The NBI sought to detain Dela Rosa to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his tenure as police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa, a key enforcer of Duterte's controversial drug war which resulted in thousands of deaths, fled into the Senate chamber where NBI agents lack jurisdiction. He subsequently barricaded himself in his office, calling on allies and the public for protection. The incident highlights escalating political tensions in the Philippines, particularly involving the Duterte family. Former President Duterte was previously arrested by the ICC in March 2025 and remains detained in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment proceedings amid accusations of misuse of funds and threats against current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Dela Rosa's sudden reappearance and subsequent standoff underscore the volatile intersection of international justice efforts and domestic political power struggles in the region.

1 reports · 1 sources

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has confirmed that Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa has left the Senate building, following intense speculation regarding his potential arrest. Dela Rosa is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity linked to the previous administration's war on drugs. Despite the high-profile nature of the situation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. clarified that the executive branch did not order a swarm of forces at the Senate nor issued any standing orders for Dela Rosa's immediate arrest. This development highlights ongoing political tensions between the legislative and executive branches concerning international legal obligations and domestic sovereignty. In other news, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines placed Luzon and Visayas power grids under red and yellow alerts due to insufficient supply. Additionally, global attention is focused on Beijing, where US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have begun talks aimed at establishing a trade truce and addressing conflicts involving Iran. Domestically, the Commission on Higher Education postponed pilot testing for its reframed general education curriculum after facing significant public criticism.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has not departed the Philippines, refuting rumors of his exit following chaotic events at the Senate. Immigration spokesperson Dana Krizia M. Sandoval stated there are no records of the senator traveling internationally, though domestic travel status remains unverified. This clarification comes amidst heightened political tension regarding potential enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against dela Rosa for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the drug war. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied ordering the senator's arrest, while the Duterte-aligned PDP-Laban party strongly condemned any attempts to apprehend dela Rosa as illegal. The party demanded preventive suspension for officials involved in what they termed a gross insult to the Senate. Dela Rosa, a former police chief, faces ICC accusations for overseeing operations resulting in numerous deaths between 2016 and 2018. The situation highlights ongoing friction between the Marcos administration and Duterte allies concerning international legal pressures and domestic political sovereignty.

1 reports · 1 sources

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, has fled the Senate building in Manila. The escape occurred on May 13, 2026, following a chaotic incident involving gunshots fired by security personnel during an altercation with government agents attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Senate President Alan Cayetano stated that no ICC warrant was visible and denied obstruction of justice, though critics demand accountability for the breach. The incident intensifies political tensions between the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family. Vice President Sara Duterte, recently impeached by the House of Representatives, accused Marcos of orchestrating her father’s earlier arrest. Dela Rosa faces charges for the murder of at least 32 individuals between 2016 and 2018. His flight from protective custody highlights deepening divisions within the Philippine government as the Senate prepares for Vice President Duterte’s impeachment trial, reflecting the volatile political landscape surrounding the legacy of the deadly anti-drug crackdowns.

1 reports · 1 sources

Malacañang has launched an investigation into the reported escape of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa from the Senate compound. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that sources indicated the Senator was no longer on the premises as of 11:09 a.m., though official verification is pending. This development follows the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) issuance of an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa on May 11, 2026, after a six-month disappearance. The warrant stems from his alleged role as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity, specifically murder, during former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, under an International Criminal Court (ICC) mandate. Prior to his reported disappearance, Dela Rosa had been under protective custody within the Senate while exhausting legal remedies to prevent his arrest. Tensions escalated recently with reports of an arms race incident at the Senate during discussions on the NBI investigation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Supreme Court are involved in the legal proceedings, with respondents ordered to submit comments on Dela Rosa's motions regarding his detention and the ICC warrant within 72 hours.

1 reports · 1 sources

Jed Patrick Mabilog has officially assumed the role of Undersecretary for Public Safety at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the Philippines. Following his oath-taking ceremony in Manila on May 14, 2026, Mabilog publicly expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the appointment, describing it as a significant honor and a testament to the President's trust. In his statement, he also thanked DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto for administering his oath and providing support, as well as Iloilo City Representative Julienne Baronda for her unwavering faith in his journey. Mabilog pledged to strengthen public safety systems, promote integrity and accountability within government service, and support responsive governance aligned with the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda. He emphasized his commitment to working diligently and fairly for the welfare of the Filipino people, viewing public service as both a privilege and a responsibility. His new responsibilities include overseeing national public safety concerns and supporting programs aimed at improving peace and order across the country.

1 reports · 1 sources

Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a Filipino senator and former police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged human rights violations, escaped from the Philippine Senate building following a night of chaos. Dela Rosa, who had been hiding since November, sought refuge in the Senate after being granted parliamentary protection by newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. On Wednesday evening, gunshots erupted within the legislative complex, causing panic among journalists and staff, though no injuries were reported. While authorities denied using force, speculation arose that the shooting was a diversion to facilitate Dela Rosa’s escape. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) suggested the incident may have been staged. Dela Rosa is a central figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths. This event occurs amidst significant political turmoil, including the custody of Duterte in The Hague and ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The escape highlights deepening political fractures and concerns regarding impunity for alleged state-sponsored crimes in the Philippines.

1 reports · 1 sources

Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity, has successfully fled from the Philippine Senate. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the senator escaped from the heavily guarded legislative building where he had sought refuge to avoid arrest. The escape occurred following a chaotic incident on Wednesday night, during which security personnel fired volleys of gunshots amid an argument with a government agent. This disturbance reportedly provided the cover necessary for dela Rosa to slip away unnoticed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation in a late-night television statement, urging the public to remain calm while authorities investigate the breach. Police are currently examining suspicions that the shooting incident was deliberately instigated to facilitate the senator's escape. Senate President Alan Cayetano confirmed that dela Rosa’s wife had messaged him to verify her husband's successful flight. Cayetano stated that there was no obstruction of justice regarding the escape from protective custody, acknowledging that the sergeant at arms confirmed the senator was no longer within the building premises.

1 reports · 1 sources