Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “National”

Latest new from all over the Philippines.

Alex Eala Shuts Out Garland to Secure Historic Asian Games Medal

September 30, 2026
Alex Eala Shuts Out Garland to Secure Historic Asian Games Medal

Alex Eala kept her golden campaign alive while securing at least a bronze medal, beating Chinese Taipei’s Joanna Garland 7-5, 6-0 in the women’s singles quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday.

The first set was a grind. Garland, the eighth seed and world No. 143, put Eala under pressure early, trading breaks with the Filipino as neither player established sustained control. The set stretched past an hour before Eala broke Garland and then held serve to close it out.

The second set was a different story. Eala raced to a 2-0 lead, broke again, then broke to love for 3-0. Garland never won a game. Eala answered every threat with service winners and an ace, and closed on her second match point after Garland sent a shot wide.

The world No. 18 and top seed had opened her campaign with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej. She also withdrew from the China Open in Beijing, a mandatory WTA 1000 event, to play in Nagoya, a decision she said she did not take lightly. Wednesday’s result suggests it was worth it.

Eala now moves into the semifinals with a bronze medal already in hand and will face Wang Xiyu from China in SemiFinals.

Philippine Coast Guard Intercepts Chinese Militia Mothership and 24 Small Craft Off Kota Island for Illegal Fishing

September 29, 2026
Philippine Coast Guard Intercepts Chinese Militia Mothership and 24 Small Craft Off Kota Island for Illegal Fishing

On September 28, 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully turned back Chinese Maritime Militia Vessel (CMMV) 9622 and 24 small boats (“sampans”) operating illegally within the territorial sea of Kota Island in the Kalayaan Island Group.

At approximately 10:00 AM, PCG personnel spotted CMMV 9622 positioned 1.2 nautical miles northwest of Kota Island as it deployed 24 two-man sampans. The smaller craft spread out to conduct fishing activities within 300 yards of the shore. A five-man PCG team launched a rubber boat at 11:00 AM to confront the intrusion. Although CMMV 9622 ignored radio calls, the Chinese crews acknowledged instructions via hand signals and immediately withdrew upon the PCG team’s approach. The Philippine personnel returned safely without further incident.

The launch of multiple small boats from a single mothership serves as a civilian-clad force multiplier to project Chinese presence without overt military coercion. Because Kota Island is part of Palawan’s Kalayaan municipality, unauthorized foreign fishing violates Philippine sovereignty, national fisheries laws, and UNCLOS. In alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to firmly resist coercive actions, the PCG reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining patrols, challenging illegal foreign operations, and informing the public.

Source: @jaytaryela

ABS-CBN Announces Retrenchment of 200 Workers Amid Industry Challenges

September 15, 2026
ABS-CBN Announces Retrenchment of 200 Workers Amid Industry Challenges

ABS-CBN Corporation announced a retrenchment program affecting approximately 200 employees, representing roughly 7% of its workforce.

In an official statement issued by ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, the media group attributed the difficult decision to ongoing economic pressures impacting the broader content industry. Key headwinds including inflation, sluggish economic growth, and global conflicts have weakened advertising revenue and reduced overall consumer spending. While recent strategic investments have provided a vote of confidence in the network’s long-term trajectory toward becoming a global storytelling platform, management emphasized that structural adjustments were required to maintain financial stability.

The company acknowledged the personal toll the job cuts will take on the affected workers and their families, committing to execute the transition with compassion and respect. ABS-CBN expressed deep gratitude to its employees for their dedication, service, and contributions to Filipino audiences worldwide as it continues navigating its recovery journey.

At Seoul Defense Dialogue, Philippines Delivers Rare Public Rebuke to Chinese Delegate

September 9, 2026
At Seoul Defense Dialogue, Philippines Delivers Rare Public Rebuke to Chinese Delegate

During a high-level session at the Seoul Defense Dialogue on September 8, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. turned a standard diplomatic encounter into a masterclass in public pushback.

After receiving a note from a Chinese delegate reiterating Beijing’s rejection of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling—which invalidated China’s expansive territorial claims in favor of Philippine sovereign rights—Teodoro dismantled the argument line by line. Addressing the room, he delivered a sharp, unscripted quip: “Of course, because you lost.”

He went on to accuse Beijing of systemic coercion and bullying before the international forum hosted by South Korea. In an emotional shift, Teodoro switched to Filipino to urge a standard of basic decency, noting that he planned to keep the physical note as a permanent memento of China’s desperation. The room erupted into strong applause from the international audience.

Defense analysts and diplomatic observers view the exchange as an extraordinarily candid stand against Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Rather than letting standard diplomatic talking points slide, Teodoro’s swift rebuttal reinforced Manila’s commitment to international law and demonstrated a growing willingness to challenge Beijing openly on the global stage.

Salmon and NBA Team Up for Multi-Year Partnership in the Philippines

September 1, 2026
Salmon and NBA Team Up for Multi-Year Partnership in the Philippines

Philippine-based FinTech startup, Salmon announced that they are teaming up with NBA in a multi-year marketing partnership with the NBA. The announcement was made at SPACE in One Ayala, Makati City. The launch brought together key leadership from both organizations, including Sheila Rasu (NBA Head of Southeast Asia and Asia Marketing) and Ed Winkle (NBA Associate Vice President), alongside Salmon co-founders George Chesakov, Pavel Fedorov, and Raffy Montemayor.

As part of the deal, Salmon kicked off its involvement as a Supporting Partner for NBA House 2026, offering immersive fan experiences, interactive booths, and merchandise activations.

Yugatech reports, “The partnership will bring NBA-themed promotions, fan events and branded merchandise to Filipino basketball fans. Salmon will also support NBA House Philippines 2026 in Makati and become the Presenting Partner of the NBA 3X Philippines Open starting with the 2026-27 season. The NBA 3X Philippines Open will feature men’s and women’s 3-on-3 teams alongside NBA entertainment.”

Citron and Iriafen Named to USA Basketball Roster Ahead of Berlin 2026

September 1, 2026
Citron and Iriafen Named to USA Basketball Roster Ahead of Berlin 2026

USA Basketball has officially finalized its 12-player national team roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, locking in dynamic Washington Mystics teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen as late additions.

The sophomore WNBA duo enters the fold following the withdrawal of veterans A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to health and workload management. While filling the shoes of established Olympic champions is no small task, head coach Kara Lawson’s squad receives a major injection of youth, perimeter versatility, and frontcourt depth as Team USA pursues a historic fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal.

For Sonia Citron, the call-up marks her official debut with the senior 5×5 national team after previously representing the United States across under-16 and under-19 international stages. Citron brings elite 3-and-D capabilities, transition scoring, and perimeter secondary playmaking. Her floor-spacing ability and defensive length provide immediate tactical flex behind primary ball-handlers like Chelsea Gray and Caitlin Clark.

Kiki Iriafen steps into the senior national team spotlight following a standout stint during the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico earlier this year. Known for her high motor, interior footwork, and aggressive glass-cleaning, Iriafen adds essential frontcourt depth alongside veterans Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Her presence in the paint will be vital against heavy physical competition across group play.

2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team Roster

Player Position WNBA Team
Paige Bueckers Guard Dallas Wings
Sonia Citron Guard Washington Mystics
Caitlin Clark Guard Indiana Fever
Chelsea Gray Guard Las Vegas Aces
Rhyne Howard Guard Atlanta Dream
Jackie Young Guard Las Vegas Aces
Aliyah Boston Forward / Center Indiana Fever
Napheesa Collier Forward Minnesota Lynx
Kahleah Copper Forward Phoenix Mercury
Kiki Iriafen Forward Washington Mystics
Angel Reese Forward Atlanta Dream
Breanna Stewart Forward New York Liberty

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team open group play against China on Sept. 4, followed by Italy on Sept. 6 and Czechia on Sept. 7.

Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, Welcoming John Ternus to the Top Spot

September 1, 2026
Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, Welcoming John Ternus to the Top Spot

In a monumental shift for the tech industry, Tim Cook has officially stepped down as Apple’s Chief Executive Officer. Taking the helm as the new CEO is John Ternus, Apple’s longtime Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, marking the beginning of a fresh era for the Cupertino giant.

This historic leadership handoff follows Apple’s official announcement on April 20, 2026, which outlined a structured succession strategy unanimously approved by the Board of Directors. After leading Apple through fifteen transformative years—growing its valuation past $4 trillion—Cook transitions into his new role as Executive Chairman.

Reflecting on his historic journey and expressing immense faith in his successor, Cook shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):

Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran, assumes control as the company navigates next-generation hardware launches and evolving AI integrations, carrying forward Apple’s legacy of innovation.

DICT Launches Philippine Startup Challenge 2026 to Spark Youth Innovation

August 30, 2026
DICT Launches Philippine Startup Challenge 2026 to Spark Youth Innovation

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has officially announced the launch of the Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) 2026. As a flagship initiative under the Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program (DSDAP), this nationwide competition aims to inspire young Filipino innovators to transform tech-driven concepts into viable, social-impact business ventures.

Open to Senior High School, College, and Tech-Voc students, PSC 2026 encourages participants to tackle real-world challenges through Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Competing teams will present solutions spanning artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, digital health, and sustainable development.

The competition progresses through multi-stage regional pitching rounds, with top teams advancing to the national finals. Beyond titles, finalists gain direct access to industry mentorship, networking with tech leaders, and potential funding avenues to scale their prototypes.

By empowering youth to pursue entrepreneurship alongside traditional career paths, DICT reinforces the country’s growing startup ecosystem under the Innovative Startup Act. Students across the country are invited to form teams, submit their proposals, and help shape the future of Philippine digital innovation.

Interested applicants can find your region below to access the corresponding application form;

For more information on Philippine Startup Challenge 2026, please visit the Philippine Startup Challenge 2026 official website at https://iidb2026.my.canva.site/psc-xi-website

CNN: Student and teen gunman dead in rare Philippines school shooting, officials say  

August 18, 2026

Story by Reuters;

Two students were killed in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, one of them the gunman, and the situation was now under control, officials said, in the second such incident in the country in less than two months.

The shooting took place at a school attached to the privately-run Ateneo de Zamboanga University in the city of Zamboanga, where the gunman brought a pistol and a rifle onto the school campus and fired at students inside the classroom, according to a preliminary police report.

This is really really horrible!

Sources: Josh Kushner, Bob Iger to buy Lakers for $12.5B  

August 13, 2026

Ramona Shelburne, reporting for ESPN;

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price, multiple sources told ESPN.

The businessmen were involved in the expansion process in Las Vegas, but in a stunning turn, they pivoted to make an aggressive offer to buy the Lakers from Mark Walter, who purchased a controlling interest in the team from the Buss family last year for a then-record franchise valuation of approximately $10 billion.

Getting a $2.5 billion or a 25% net profit for just a year is not a bad business move. Then again, this is the Lakers franchise, who knows how much it will it worth a from now.

Josh Kushner is a founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm Thrive Capital, while Bob Iger is the former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Walt Disney Company.

Indiana Fever Overpower Seattle Storm in 105-95 Thriller

July 29, 2026
Indiana Fever Overpower Seattle Storm in 105-95 Thriller

The Indiana Fever secured their fourth consecutive victory on Tuesday night, defeating the Seattle Storm 105-95 to complete a regular-season sweep. In a spectacular showcase of offensive firepower, the Fever crossed the century mark for a league-record 12th time this season.

Indiana seized early control with a 37-20 first-quarter lead and weathered the push even after star center Aliyah Boston exited in the second quarter with a lower-leg injury.

Caitlin Clark was the undeniable driving force for Indiana. She masterfully orchestrated the offense, posting a team-high 32 points and seven assists. Clark was ruthlessly efficient, draining four three-pointers and shooting a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. Backcourt mate Kelsey Mitchell also shined with 28 points, marking her franchise-record 12th straight game scoring 20-plus points.

Despite the team suffering their seventh consecutive loss, Natisha Hiedeman was a spectacular bright spot for Seattle. Hiedeman put on a sensational shooting clinic to keep the Storm competitive, draining six three-pointers on her way to a career-high 33 points.

Ultimately, Hiedeman’s heroic individual effort wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s flawless execution at the charity stripe—where the Fever shot a remarkable 26-for-26—cementing another dominant road win.

Full Game Highlights

Next
Indiana stays on the West Coast to finish out their road trip against the expansion Portland Fire on Friday, July 31. While Seattle hits the road immediately to launch an East Coast swing, opening with a matchup against the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 31.

1,400 employees affected: Canon shuts its last factory in the Philippines after Batangas closure  

July 20, 2026

BILYONARYO.COM;

Canon Inc. has closed its laser printer manufacturing plant in the Philippines, marking the Japanese electronics company’s exit from manufacturing operations in the country as global printing demand shrinks.

Canon Business Machines Philippines (CBMP) ceased operations at its Batangas facility on June 19, 2026.

As the title suggests, 1,400 employees will be losing their job, even though Canon Ph said “affected workers would receive severance packages and job-placement assistance.” it will still be different from what these 1,400 employees have been receiving from Canon.

Department of National Defense Response on the China Daily Video

July 16, 2026

via @dndphl, the official twitter/X account of Department of National Defense;

July 16, 2026
The post of China Daily depicting the Filipinos as monkeys, is a revealing insight into what the Chinese communist apparatus thinks of the Filipino people.

This mockery of the lawful 2016 Arbitral Award and the video’s glorification of violence against the Filipino people and soldiers expose the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of China’s propaganda machine.

Such contemptible propaganda is a disgrace to any State that claims to exercise responsible regional leadership. It reveals the weakness of a government that resorts to racism, threats, and manufactured hatred because it has utterly failed to defend its ridiculous claims through reason, evidence, or law.

We are justified in our policy of no Ministerial or AFP defense engagements or contacts with the CCP or any of its agencies.

The recent spate of schizophrenic behavior of the Chinese Communist Party is too clear to disregard or to ignore. This latest act of dehumanization further reveals them as neither a secure and confident actor nor a trustworthy neighbor.

Pilipinas huwag magpalinlang! Ang nalilinlang ay nasisiil.

Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.
Department of National Defense

Chinese State Media Portrays Filipinos as Monkeys on South China Sea Ruling Anniversary

July 16, 2026

A 58-second video by China Daily depicting a monkey singing “wrong lyrics” about the 2016 South China Sea ruling has drawn fierce criticism. In the clip, a whale brands the monkey “ocean garbage.” Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela sharply rejected the caricature, stating, “We are not monkeys,” and pointing out China’s history of complaining about similar depictions.

The video was released on the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s landmark ruling, which rejected Beijing’s “nine-dash line” claims. That same week, the Philippines and 13 other nations reaffirmed the binding nature of the 2016 decision, calling for peaceful resolutions to ongoing tensions like vessel blockades.

DOLE Announces Historic ₱85 Minimum Wage Increase for NCR

June 30, 2026

A “historic” ₱85 daily wage adjustment—announced by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on June 30, 2026—stands as the highest recorded single wage increase approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

In DOLE’s announcement, “Upon Wage Order No. NCR-27, minimum wage earners in NCR shall receive a daily wage of PHP 780 for non-agriculture sectors, while PHP 743 for agriculture (plantation and non-plantation); service/retail establishments employing 15 workers or less; and manufacturing establishments regularly employing fewer than 10 workers. The increase will be delivered in two tranches: P60 upon the Wage Order’s effectivity on July 19, 2026, and an additional P25 on January 20, 2027.”

Roughly 1.1 million minimum wage earners in Metro Manila will see an immediate bump in their take-home pay. Additionally, an estimated 1.9 million full-time workers earning just above the baseline are expected to benefit from “wage distortion” adjustments—the corrections companies make to maintain a fair pay gap between job levels.

While DOLE and certain business groups accepted the compromise, labor groups note that even ₱780 falls significantly short of the living wage required to support a family in Metro Manila. Consequently, some lawmakers continue to push for a legislated nationwide wage hike of ₱100 to ₱200 to address inflation outside the capital region.

Big rollback for petroleum products announced by Department of Energy

June 22, 2026

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced price adjustments for petroleum products effective June 23–29, 2026. These changes reflect international oil market movements amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to impact global supply and pricing. Meanwhile, the DOE remains committed to strengthening the domestic oil supply and protecting public welfare.

Below is the announced rollbacks by DOE;

  • Gasoline (91, 95, 97) – ₱3.90 to ₱5.90/liter
  • Diesel and Diesel Plus- ₱9.01 – ₱11.04/liter
  • Kerosene – ₱9.82 – ₱11.82/liter

Source: @DOEgovph

GCash Parent Mynt Authorizes Filing for Potential Initial Public Offering on Philippine Stock Exchange  

June 17, 2026

via Mynt.com.ph;

Mynt, Inc. (“Mynt” or the “Company”), the fintech pioneer behind the Philippines’ number one finance superapp GCash, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) and shareholders have authorized the Company’s filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a listing application with the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) in connection with a potential initial public offering (IPO), with the following terms:‍

  1. The offer will be equivalent to 12.0% of Mynt’s total outstanding capital stock post-IPO (“Firm Shares”), with each common share having a par value of P0.03 per common share.
  2. Firm Shares will consist of both primary and secondary offers.

    3. ‍

This same information has been disclosed by Globe Telecom, Inc. in accordance with corporate governance standards and pertinent disclosure rules and regulations.

DOST-PHILVOLCS Cancels Tsunami Warning for Offshore Sarangani

June 8, 2026

via PHIVOLCS Tsunami Information:

A major earthquake occurred in offshore Sarangani on 08 June 2026 at 07:37 AM Philippine Standard Time (PST), located at 05.57°N, 124.98°E with depth of 33 km and a magnitude of 7.8. DOST-PHIVOLCS issued a TSUNAMI WARNING for all coastal communities in the provinces of Sarangani, Basilan, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Immediate evacuation in these areas was recommended. Between 07:45 A.M to 9:30 A.M., the following PHIVOLCS Sea Level Monitoring Stations for tsunami confirmed the occurrence of tsunami with preliminary wave heights:

Location Tsunami Height (meters)
Kiamba, Sarangani 1.48
Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat 0.84
Maasim, Sarangani 0.48
City of Zamboanga 0.25
City of Mati, Davao Oriental 0.21
City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur 0.09

After the extended two-hour observation period, minor sea level disturbances continued to be recorded; however, these observed wave heights are too small to cause damage. In view of these observations, DOST-PHIVOLCS has now cancelled the Tsunami Warning issued for this earthquake event. In the event of strongly felt aftershocks, coastal communities should recognize the natural signs of an impending local tsunami. These include “shake,” a strong earthquake, “drop”, the sudden rise or fall of seawater, and “roar,” the sound of incoming waves. If ANY of these signs are observed, immediately evacuate to higher ground for safety. This will be the final tsunami information issued for this event.

The cancellation of the tsunami warning was issued two hours after the Province of Sarangani was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that damaged a lot of property and left 19 dead with 12 people still missing.

General Santos hit by 7.8 Earthquake triggering Tsunami warning to 9 Coastal Areas

June 8, 2026

via Rappler;

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province at 7:37 am on Monday, June 8, rocking many parts of Mindanao and triggering a tsunami warning.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially put the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.0.

Damage and aftershocks are expected.

Immediately after the earthquake Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued tsunami warning for the following coastal areas:

  • Sarangani
  • Davao Occidental
  • Tawi-tawi
  • Sulu
  • Basilan
  • Zamboanga Del Sur
  • Zamboanga Sibugay
  • Sultan Kudarat
  • South Cotabato

Here are some videos and photos that I saw on my social media accounts.

Earthquake aftershocks and tsunami waves are expected to for hours.

Knicks Erase 22-Point Deficit to Stun Cavs in Game 1 OT Thriller (115 – 104)

May 20, 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers held a commanding 22-point lead over the New York Knicks with just 7:52 remaining in regulation. What followed was pure madness. The Knicks unleashed a furious 30-8 run to close out the fourth quarter and force overtime.

Momentum completely shifted in the extra period. The Cavs ran out of gas, scoring just 3 points, while the Knicks poured in 14 to cap off the largest playoff comeback in franchise history with a 115-104 victory.

Jalen Brunson led the charge for New York, dropping 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, while making his presence felt on the defensive end with 3 steals. He got plenty of help, as every Knicks starter scored in double digits. Mikal Bridges netted 18 points, while OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart all contributed 13 points apiece.

For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell did everything he could, leading the team with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and a monstrous 6 steals. James Harden and Evan Mobley added 15 points each, but the offense stalled late; Max Strus was the only Cavalier to find the bottom of the net in overtime.

Watch the Knicks end Game 1 with their historic 22 – 11 run.

Cleveland will have just a day to review film and figure out what went wrong before the series resumes for Game 2 on Thursday evening at Madison Square Garden.

Nicholas Kaufman withdraws as Duterte’s ICC lawyer  

May 9, 2026

Jairo Bolledo, reporting for Rappler;

Nicholas Kaufman has requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to remove him as former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyer in the latter’s crimes against humanity case.

This is big, specially that the next court session will be this 27th of May.

Also, it appears that the request to replace Kaufman was from the Former-President himself.

GMA News: ICC confirms charges against Rodrigo Duterte, commits ex-President to trial  

April 23, 2026

Joahna Lei Casilao, reporting for GMA News;

In a 50-page document, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I committed Duterte to face trial on the charges as confirmed, and ordered the court registrar to transmit the decision confirmation of charges and the record of these proceedings.

The confirmed charges are the following:
Count 1: Murder as a crime against humanity in Davao City during the mayoral period of at least the 19 victims, between 2013 and around June 2016, through indirect co-perpetration, ordering and/or inducing, and/or aiding and abetting;

Count 2: Murder as a crime against humanity of ‘high-value targets’ in locations across the Philippines during the presidential period of at least the 14 victims between around July 2016 and July 2017, through indirect co-perpetration, and/or ordering and/or inducing and/or 25(3)(c) (aiding and abetting); and

Count 3: Murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity in barangay clearance operations in locations across the Philippines during the presidential period of at least the 45 victims (43 murders and two attempted murders) between around July 2016 and September 2018, through indirect co-perpetration, ordering and/or inducing, and/or aiding and abetting.

From ICC;

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE CHARGES ARE CONFIRMED?
If the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber finds that there is sufficient evidence to support the charges against Mr Duterte, it will commit the case against Mr Duterte to trial. The Presidency of the Court will constitute a Trial Chamber responsible for conducting the subsequent phase of the proceedings and composed of three judges other than those who sat on the Pre-Trial bench.

Promptly after it is constituted, the Trial Chamber will hold status conferences, confer with the parties and participants, in order to set the date of the trial and adopt the procedures necessary to facilitate the fair and expeditious conduct of the proceedings. The Chamber will rule on several preliminary issues, including the language(s) to be used at trial, and the timing and the manner of disclosure of evidence.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing took place from 23 to 27 February 2026. Duterte’s confirmation of charges comes out days after International Criminal Court (ICC) upheld its jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte and while VP Sara Duterte impeachment is on going.

ABS-CBN: ICC upholds jurisdiction over Duterte case  

April 22, 2026

Katrina Domingo, reporting for ABS-CBN News;

The International Criminal Court (ICC) upheld its jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte after the tribunal’s Appeals Chamber on Wednesday junked petitions to halt proceedings against the Philippines’ 16th president.

In its April 22 decision, the Appeals Chamber ruled that while the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in March 2019, preliminary examinations on the situation in the Philippines started in February 2018, a year before the Duterte administration sent a formal notice to pull back from the treaty governing the ICC.

A majority of the Appeals Chamber rejected all four grounds raised by the defense where it argued that the Pre-Trial Chamber had committed errors in law in ruling that the ICC has jurisdiction over the Duterte case.

Having rejected the appeal, it said the related request for Duterte’s immediate release is moot.

This is big… as in big that the Duterte camp needs to shift their strategy, since the court (ICC) has effectively removed the final major legal obstacle preventing the case from moving toward a full trial and the case has a high probability of going to a full trial.

Video: Earthset by Reid Wiseman

April 20, 2026

The video was taken by Astronaut Reid Wiseman aboard the Artemis II.

Earlier this month, NASA published an called Earthset, written by Monika Luabeya.

Update: Price Rollback from the Different Petrol Companies in the Philippines

April 13, 2026

These update are from ABS-CBN’s Alvin Elchico (@alvinelchico;

These rollback is bigger than the announcement made by DOE.

Shell

Flying V

Seaoil

Jetti Petroleum

PetroGazz

Petron

UNIOIL

Department of Energy Announces Price Rollback for Petroleum Products

April 12, 2026

This is great news to all car (with ICE) owner, PUV operator and driver.

@@DOEgovph;

𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧‼️
₱𝟮𝟬.𝟴𝟵 bawas sa 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭, ₱𝟰.𝟰𝟯 sa 𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢, ₱𝟴.𝟱𝟬 sa 𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘦. ⛽️
Hindi tayo titigil. Tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho ng pamahalaan para may tunay na ginhawa sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.

The announcement was made on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) official FB page; the rollback will take effect this Tuesday, April 14, 2026.