Day: March 15, 2025

Manila: Former president Rodrigo R. Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) via a video link on Friday (Manila time), with the next hearing for confirmation of his charges set for Sept. 23. ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, speaking French, allowed Duterte to attend and follow the hearing virtually considering the ‘long journey involving a considerable time difference’ that he made from the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte, wearing a blue blazer and tie, listened through headphones to hear the interpreter, and spoke in English to confirm his full name,

Manila: Winning senators and party-list groups in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) are expected to be determined a week after the elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated in a press briefing that the process involves transferring results from the Municipal and Provincial Boards of Canvassers to the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC). The canvassing at the national level is estimated to take between five to seven days. The Commission en banc will convene as the NBOC to oversee this process. Garcia highlighted that this

Tacloban: The administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is optimistic about gaining the support of Leyte voters in the forthcoming elections, with the province recognized as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s stronghold in the Visayas. In a grand rally at Plaza Libertad, located across from the old provincial capitol building, thousands of supporters assembled Friday night as candidates presented their platforms aligned with the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ agenda, emphasizing economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare initiatives. According to Philippines News Agency, the President spearheaded the rally alongside nine of the 12 senatorial candidates endorsed by his administration. President Marcos addressed the

Tacloban City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has stressed the importance of bridging political differences and establishing a common goal with former rebels to maintain peace and order in the country. According to Philippines News Agency, during the oath-taking of members of Local Amnesty Boards of Eastern Visayas in Tacloban City, Leyte, Marcos acknowledged that granting amnesty to rebels who want to reintegrate into mainstream society is key to fostering peace and national unity. He emphasized the significance of mechanisms that bring former opponents back into the fold of society and the law, despite past engagements in armed struggle. Marcos