National

Senate Proposes July 30 Start for VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2025

Photo by Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Senate has proposed to start the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 30, following a structured pre-trial process to ensure a fair and orderly proceeding, Senate President Francis Escudero announced on Thursday.

Escudero confirmed that preparations would begin on June 2, when the Senate resumes session. Prosecutors will present the Articles of Impeachment, and senators will approve revised trial rules.

On June 3, the Impeachment Court will convene, and senator judges will take their oaths. By June 4, the Senate is expected to issue a summons to Duterte.

From June 14 to 24, the prosecution and defense will exchange legal pleadings. Pre-trial proceedings will take place from June 24 to July 25, establishing the trial framework and organizing the presentation of evidence.

With the 20th Congress set to open on July 28, after the May 12 midterm elections, newly elected senators will take their oaths on July 29, officially seating them as Impeachment Court judges. The trial will begin on July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Escudero said the Senate is implementing security measures, logistical arrangements, and legal preparations to prevent delays.

“We are ensuring that all necessary resources – from security protocols to legal support – are in place before proceedings begin,” he said.

The Senate has procured robes for senator judges, improved court documentation procedures, and engaged external legal consultants to assist in the case.

The House of Representatives transmitted the verified impeachment complaint against Duterte to the Senate on Feb. 5, triggering its constitutional role as an Impeachment Court.

Escudero assured the public that the Senate will uphold due process and impartiality throughout the proceedings.

“The integrity of this impeachment trial is paramount. We are duty-bound to conduct the process with professionalism and transparency,” he said. (PIA)

National

Why We Should Vote for Rodante Marcoleta

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2025

News Team

Rodante Marcoleta Campaign Photo

In a time when strong, principled leadership is more important than ever, Atty. Rodante Marcoleta emerges as a compelling choice for the Senate.

A seasoned lawmaker with a PhD in Public Administration, Marcoleta hails from Tarlac, Luzon and proudly represents the Kapampangan community. His background in law and governance has made him one of the most articulate and fearless voices in Congress.

He is best known as the principal author of the “Magna Carta of the Poor” (RA 11291)—a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring the rights and dignity of the underprivileged. Unfortunately, the current administration has failed to implement this vital law, but Marcoleta remains committed to championing the welfare of the marginalized.

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Marcoleta gained a reputation for standing his ground on critical national issues. His firm stance led to the removal of five of his committee positions in the 19th Congress, but he did not waver. One of the key issues he raised was the excessive cost of electricity in the country—a concern that continues to burden millions of Filipino households. Despite being repeatedly ignored in the House, he never stopped fighting for what he believed was right.

Marcoleta’s unwavering commitment to public service draw comparisons to the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, known for her fearless interrogation and mastery of debate. Electing Marcoleta to the Senate means reviving that same level of scrutiny, reason, and passion in the legislative process.

At a time when Filipinos are demanding real solutions and real action, Rodante Marcoleta is the kind of leader we need—principled, experienced, and unafraid to speak truth to power.

Let us give our support to someone who will fight for the people.

Let us bring Rodante Marcoleta to the Senate.

National

President Bongbong Marcos Turns Over 91 Ambulances to Northern Mindanao and BARMM

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 91 modern ambulances to the Northern Mindanao Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) yesterday, held at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Of the total units, 85 were distributed to various municipalities and cities across Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. The remaining six units were allocated to the BARMM.

The turnover is part of a PHP 2.2 billion government initiative to acquire 1,000 ambulances for nationwide distribution, aimed at enhancing the emergency and disaster response capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs).

These state-of-the-art Patient Transport Vehicles were provided through the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients during emergencies.

National

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Jolts Parts of Mindanao

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

News Team

Several areas in Mindanao were rocked by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday night, causing panic among residents and prompting precautionary safety checks across affected communities.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck at around 10:00 p.m., with the epicenter located near the province of Davao del Sur. The tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 15 kilometers.

Strong shaking was felt in various parts of Mindanao, including Davao City, General Santos, Cotabato, and nearby provinces. In some areas, the quake lasted several seconds and caused items to fall from shelves and power outages to occur briefly.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but local disaster response units were quickly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected.

Phivolcs reminded residents in quake-prone areas to review emergency preparedness plans and stay updated through official channels for any developments.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur each year.

Source: PHIVOLCS