Ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is named the "legal head" of a raided Pampanga POGO hub. Roque denies ties, saying he only helped reapply for its license, unaware of illegal activities. Senate to investigate further. #POGO#Philippines#SenateInquiry
The Senate panel cited suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and 7 others in contempt for not attending a POGO inquiry. Sen. Hontiveros issued an arrest warrant for Guo, dismissing her mental health excuse. Sen. Gatchalian sees their absence as a sign of guilt. #Philippines
Mayor Alice Guo's legal team petitions the Supreme Court to annul a Senate subpoena, claiming rights violations and due process issues. They argue the Senate unfairly targeted her private life. #POGO#Philippines
VP Sara Duterte skips Marcos Jr.'s 3rd SONA, declaring herself "designated survivor." She also missed the Palarong Pambansa 2024 opening. Tensions between the Marcos and Duterte families persist over funds, China policy, and personal disputes.
The Supreme Court asks President Marcos Jr. and officials to respond to a petition challenging EO 62, which lowers rice tariffs from 35% to 15%. Farmer groups argue it threatens local farmers. No TRO issued yet, so EO 62 remains in effect. #Philippines#Agriculture
The Philippines denies China's claim that its warship damaged Ayungin Shoal's coral reefs, blaming China's illegal island-building for harming marine life and fisherfolk. Studies show China's actions caused extensive damage. Legal action possible. #WestPhilippineSea
Sen. Escudero backs Sen. Hontiveros' efforts to compel suspended Mayor Alice Guo to attend a Senate hearing on the illegal POGO hub, warning of a potential arrest warrant if she skips. Probe continues July 10. #Philippines#Senate
The Philippines ranks among the top 10 for positive experiences in 2023, scoring 82/100 on Gallup's Global Emotions Report. 75% of Filipinos reported learning something interesting, ranking 3rd globally. However, loneliness is high at 34%. #Philippines#GlobalEmotionsReport
The US-Philippines nuclear cooperation deal, effective July 2, aims to boost clean energy but faces criticism from environmental groups over high costs and risks. Advocates push for wind and solar investments instead. #CleanEnergy#Philippines#US
Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG 5203 intercepted PH Coast Guard ships BRP Cabra & BRP Cape Engano near Ayungin Shoal. 6 Chinese militia ships shadowed them, with 7 more deployed to bolster blockade. Incident occurred during routine patrols. #WestPhilippineSea
A P10M reward is offered for info leading to the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, with P1M each for his subordinates. They're wanted for child abuse and human trafficking. #Justice#Philippines#Quiboloy#Rewards
The PNP may charge ex-President Duterte with obstruction for withholding the location of wanted sex trafficker Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy faces charges in the Philippines and the U.S. for child abuse and trafficking. Rewards announced for info leading to arrests. #Philippines
The Philippines and Japan signed a historic defence pact allowing troop deployments on each other's soil, enhancing military cooperation amid rising regional tensions with China. #Philippines#Japan#Defence#RAA#SouthChinaSea
Beijing protests the defence pact between the Philippines and Japan, calling it a move that provokes a new Cold War. The agreement allows troop deployments on each other's soil, boosting U.S. ally ties amid China's assertiveness. #Philippines#Japan#China
PAOCC says suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo can only be a state witness if she names higher-ups in illegal POGOs. Her identity is in question, and the OSG seeks to cancel her birth certificate. Guo was suspended on May 31 for alleged POGO ties.
President Marcos Jr. praised the AFP for reducing Abu Sayyaf's threat in Mindanao but urged vigilance. He noted ASG's decline and the shift to external defence, boosting the Coast Guard amid West Philippine Sea tensions with China.
Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV filed plunder charges against ex-President Duterte & Sen. Bong Go over P6.6B Davao infrastructure contracts awarded to firms owned by Go’s family. Go denies the claims, calling them recycled accusations. #Philippines
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra announced a petition to cancel suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo's birth certificate, questioning her identity and citizenship. This could lead to her removal from office. Human trafficking charges are also under investigation.
A US mid-range missile system, deployed in the Philippines for joint exercises, will be removed by September, says a Philippine Army spokesman. China's Defense Minister criticized the deployment, warning it damages regional stability. #Philippines#China#US
The Philippines' military chief hopes to sign a key defense pact with Japan next week, allowing troop deployments. This move aims to bolster ties amid maritime disputes with China. #Philippines#Japan#Defense#China