Day: May 12, 2025

Manila: Senators on Monday underscored the high stakes of the 2025 midterm elections, warning that the incoming Senate would be immediately thrust into a politically charged impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte. ‘We are facing an impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte. That’s why I urge the voters to vote wisely,’ Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, a former impeachment judge, said in a radio interview. According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada stated that while being a lawyer is an advantage in impeachment trials, it is not required so long as senators are willing to learn and consult legal experts.

Bacolod: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported an increase in Kanlaon Volcano’s seismic activity on Monday. Seventy-two volcanic earthquakes were recorded from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. Their magnitudes ranged from 0.3 to 3.1, and were 0 to 8 kilometers deep beneath the northern and northwestern flanks of the volcanic edifice. According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs said 135 volcanic earthquakes were recorded since 12 a.m. of May 11, and these included relatively strong volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes. VTs are generated by rock fracturing processes and the increase in VT activity strongly indicates progressive rock fracturing beneath the

Manila: The long voting queues that formed early in the morning on May 12 are being viewed as a “positive” sign that Filipinos were eager to participate in this year’s national and local elections, as stated by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). According to Philippines News Agency, PPCRV spokesperson Ana Singson highlighted in an interview on Monday afternoon that the group observed voters queuing up until 8 a.m., which marked a shift from previous election patterns. Singson noted that in past years, it was uncommon to see long lines in the morning, with queues typically forming between

Manila: The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) announced on Monday that the 2025 midterm elections were perceived as ‘a little more peaceful’ compared to previous elections, despite incidents of violence and fatalities reported in Mindanao. According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing at the PPCRV Command Center, spokesperson Ana Singson remarked that while certain incidents remain concerning, initial observations indicate fewer violent disruptions than those recorded in the 2022 and 2019 elections. “If we compare it to 2022 and 2019-just qualitative, until we get the final reports-it seems that the conduct of the election was a

Manila: As early as 5 a.m., senior citizens, expectant mothers, and persons with disabilities flocked to schools in this capital city to cast their votes at polling places specifically for them. According to Philippines News Agency, Fredo Nicolas, 78, arrived at Emilio Jacinto Elementary School in Tondo at around 5:20 a.m. but had to wait until after 7 a.m. to cast his vote as the line was long. Nicolas emphasized the importance of voting for competent and honest leaders, expressing hope for a peaceful Manila and a “cleaner” government. Ofelia Mabanta, 98, shared her unwavering commitment to voting, stating that