General

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday defended the handling of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, insisting that any move to convene as an impeachment court must strictly follow constitutional and procedural rules, not political pressure. Escudero addressed growing calls from civil society, law schools, and fellow lawmakers urging the Senate to act on the articles of impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives in February. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero reiterated that while he plans to convene the Senate as an impeachment court on June 11, all actions must proceed through motions and plenary votes

Manila: Trkiye has expressed its willingness to assist the Philippine Navy (PN) in future training programs for submarine and surface ship operations. Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines, Niyazi Evren Akyol, conveyed this commitment to PN chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta during his official visit to the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. According to Philippines News Agency, Ambassador Akyol pledged Trkiye’s readiness to support future training and education programs in partnership with the PN. The Turkish diplomat also extended his congratulations to Vice Admiral Ezpeleta on his recent appointment as PN chief and discussed the upcoming 17th

Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is assessing the capabilities of potential contractors in Eastern Visayas to undertake the strengthening of the San Juanico Bridge within this year. According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon emphasized that the retrofitting works contract is time-sensitive and requires contractors with strong technical and financial capabilities. “We are evaluating the track records of our active contractors in the region. We are also in coordination with our local government units if they can recommend qualified contractors to strengthen the bridge,” Tabacon stated during a press briefing on Monday. Tabacon

Makati City: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. announced plans to allocate over PHP2.6 billion for artificial intelligence (AI) projects. Speaking at the Philippine Launch of the Global Human Development Report 2025, Solidum outlined the department’s AI roadmap, which focuses on facilities, services, human resources, research and development technologies, and science and technology policies. According to Philippines News Agency, Solidum highlighted that the DOST aims to invest in AI initiatives across several sectors, including industries, healthcare, education, mobility, environment, disaster risk reduction, and emerging technology platforms. The department plans to enhance human resources by focusing

Manila: A Senate resolution filed on Monday condemned the inhumane treatment, deliberate starvation, and mass killings of Palestinian civilians in occupied territories. The resolution called for accountability under international humanitarian law and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution, filed as Senate Resolution No. 1366 and authored by Robinhood Padilla, expresses the Senate’s strong condemnation of human rights violations and international norms amid worsening conditions in Gaza caused by sustained Israeli military operations and blockades. Padilla emphasized the importance of the Philippines making a strong statement against the systematic killing of innocent lives, destruction