Author: Nouman Ali

After weeks of silence, Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday denied that there were billions of pesos’ worth of transactions in her bank accounts and blasted not just former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV for these allegations, but also the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for now being part of a ‘machinery.’

In a lengthy statement issued hours after she responded to the ‘last-minute’ travel authority for her, Duterte said Trillanes, one of her fiercest critics, has been ‘peddling the same incredible story about alleged billions in bank accounts.’

‘From 2016 to 2026, nothing in his narrative has changed,’ Duterte said. ‘What has changed, however, is the machinery now backing him.’

The embattled vice president alleged that Trillanes is now being backed by the ‘machinery,’ which she said included her former political ally and now nemesis, President Marcos, whom she said ‘must be compelled to submit to a simple drug test,’ referring to the repeated calls for a hair-follicle test.

She also claimed that the House lawmakers have also been a part of the so-called ‘machinery’ backing Trillanes, accusing them of receiving ‘maletas and having repeatedly disregarded constitutional limits on her impeachment.

This time, however, Duterte included the COA, supposedly ‘backing’ Trillanes, questioning the timing of the state audit agency’s issuance of its findings on the use of her confidential funds ‘in a manner that conveniently aligns with political attacks.’

Lastly, she also criticized the newly-installed AMLC officials ‘who remain silent and refuse to clarify that there have been no findings of violations of anti-money laundering laws, and the billions of peso in bank accounts are untrue.’

Amid all the accusations against her, Duterte said she has one ‘simple’ response to the ‘attacks’ against her: her service record is ‘clean.’

‘[H]indi ako kailanman nagkaroon ng kaso sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Lahat ng aking ari-arian at pera ay idineklara ko sa aking SALN (Not once have I been charged for using public funds. All of my properties and money are declared on my statement of assets, liabilities and net worth),’ she said.

Customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) can expect a bigger rebate as regulators ordered the swift implementation of P14.17-billion remaining refunds beginning May, as Filipinos reel from rising prices due to the Middle East war.

Based on a document posted on its website, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led firm to hasten the rollout of the remaining refunds out of the original amount of P19.96 billion.

This is part of an earlier order that declared July 2022 to December 2024 as a lapsed period.

The true-up calculation shows the gap between Meralco’s actual weighted average tariff and the regulator-approved rate for the period under review.

The refund program started a year ago, initially covering P5.8 billion at a rate of P0.1189 per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Now, the ERC has mandated a higher average refund rate of P0.2511 per kWh.

Residential customers, in particular, will see a reduction of P0.4278 per kWh.

Immediate relief

‘By expediting the refund, we are providing more immediate relief to Meralco consumers, particularly in the face of rising electricity costs driven by global and domestic factors,’ ERC chair and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘The true-up mechanism is a safeguard embedded in our regulatory framework, ensuring that tariffs remain cost-reflective and reasonable at all times,’ he added.

The ERC said the remaining amount would be refunded over a shorter period of 12 months instead of the original 36 months.

According to the ERC, the refund will be under a separate line item in their power bills, allowing consumers to check the amount being returned to them.

In February, Meralco sought regulatory approval for a capital spending of P272 billion for a five-year period, or until 2030.

Rate reset

Under a rate reset process, a regulated entity such as Meralco must submit to the ERC its spending and proposed projects over a certain period, usually five years, unless extended by the regulator. This will then be the basis of the rate that will be passed on to consumers.

Meralco is the country’s biggest power distributor, delivering electricity to over 8.2 million consumers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including the municipalities of Sto. Tomas, Batangas City and San Pascual.

Travelers flying within and out of the Philippines are facing significantly higher airfares for the rest of April after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a Level 19 fuel surcharge, pushing additional charges to as much as P15,397 per ticket.

This new rate brings jet fuel surcharges close to the maximum Level 20 and marks a sharp increase from Level 8 imposed from April 1 to April 15.

Before the Middle East conflict broke out, Level 4 surcharge had applied.

Under Level 19, fuel surcharges for domestic flights now range from P627 to P1,834, up from P253 to P787 earlier in April-equivalent to increases of 147.83 percent and 133.04 percent, respectively.

For international flights, the surcharge rises to at least P2,070.77 and as much as P15,397.15, from P835.05 to P6,208.98 previously, representing a 147.98-percent increase.

CAB issued the advisory on Wednesday, although the new rates had taken effect for tickets issued starting April 16.

‘This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,’ it said.

These new rates will be applied at a conversion rate of P59.95 per US dollar.

Up 436% from prewar levels

This adjustment comes as global jet fuel prices remain high, reaching $184.63 per barrel as of April 17, from $99.40 per barrel prior to the Iran conflict, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.

Compared with prewar levels, Philippine jet fuel surcharges have now increased by 436 percent.

In March, carriers were unable to immediately reflect the price surge, as surcharges had already been set at Level 4 before hostilities escalated. At that level, domestic charges ranged from P117 to P342, while international surcharges were between P385.70 and P2,867.82.

Level 20 remains the highest allowable tier under CAB rules, with domestic surcharges ranging from P661 to P1,993 and international charges from P2,183.11 to P16,232.44.

On top of base airfare

Under CAB Resolution No. 25, Series of 2022, fuel surcharges are optional and charged on top of the base airfare. These may be removed if the one-month average price of jet fuel falls below P21 per liter.

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said the increase reflects mounting cost pressures on carriers amid the ongoing conflict.

‘With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, our operational cost base has significantly exceeded initial forecasts-global jet fuel prices have surged to more than double 2025 levels,’ the airline said.

A new generation of showbiz royalty will continue their family legacy as a new crop of stars, the children of beloved actors, actresses and screen veterans, after they were launched by Viva Artists Agency.

After Ashley Diaz, Gabbi Ejercito, Icee Ejercito, Jac Abellana, Jaime Yllana, Rob Walcher, Ryan Walcher and Vito Quizon were introduced as Viva’s ‘Next Gen’ stars, they vowed that they’re more than just rising stars who carry the last names of their famous lineal kin.

‘Okay lang po na natatawag kaming nepo baby, since totoo naman siya. Pero pwede ko namang ipakita na [I’m more than just a] nepo baby since nanggaling ako sa pamilya ng Quizon and kilala po sila,’ Vito, grandson of Comedy King Dolphy and son of Vandolph, said.

‘Medyo mas madali makapasok sa buhay ng paga-artista, and ang pinakagagawin ko is to improve and ipakita anong kaya kong gawin. Nandito po ako ngayon and ipapakita ko na kaya ko,’ he continued.

(It’s okay that we get called nepo babies because it’s true. But I can show that I’m more than just a nepo baby who comes from the Quizon clan. Since they’re known, it may be easier for me to get into show biz. What I can do is to improve and show what I can do. I’m here now, and I’m here to prove that I can make it.)

Gabbi, daughter of Gary Estrada and Bernadette Allyson, said she carries the advice that her parents gave her in her budding showbiz career. Also signing with the agency is her sister, Icee.

‘My parents always tell me to take every opportunity given. Going into Viva alone, of course, I was reluctant, but with their support and advice, I took the chance, and I’m very grateful that I did,’ she said.

Ryan shared that his beauty queen mother, Patricia Javier, and father, Dr. Robert Walcher, taught him how to make the most out of his entertainment career.

‘The best lesson that my parents taught me is to always make the best of things. No matter how [tough] things may seem, it just makes things a lot easier,’ he said, while his brother and fellow Viva artist Rob nodded in agreement.

Ashley, who stars as Rosetta Rodriguez in ‘Project Loki,’ is the daughter of Joko Diaz, an actor known for his antagonist roles onscreen. She is also the granddaughter of Paquito Diaz.

Also part of the newest crop of stars are Jac Abellana and Jaime Yllana, the son of Jojo Abellana and son of Anjo Yllana, respectively.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is proposing to significantly ease listing rules for preferred shares offerings, aiming to draw more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the capital market.

In a consultation paper, the PSE said it plans to slash the minimum public offering size for preferred shares offerings to P100 million from P1 billion, a tenfold reduction meant to ‘democratize access’ to the market.

The exchange said the move would align the requirement with small-cap initial public offering (IPO) thresholds and provide an alternative to crowdfunding, which SMEs often tap for funding.

Alongside this, the PSE is proposing to lower the minimum number of stockholders upon listing to 100 from 1,000, reflecting the smaller offer size.

The exchange also plans to revise public float rules, shifting from a fixed 20 percent minimum to a range of 15 percent to 20 percent, in line with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 11-2026.

In some cases, the PSE may allow a lower public float, but not below 12 percent, based on a company’s market capitalization at listing.

Easier disclosure requirements

To further encourage listings, the PSE is seeking to streamline disclosure requirements for ‘preferred shares-only’ issuers, focusing on information that affects dividend payments.

This will reduce the number of reportable events requiring prompt disclosure to 29 from 42, removing items not tied to an issuer’s ability to pay dividends.

Certain disclosures-such as reports on top shareholders and some corporate changes-will no longer be required, while sector-specific certifications will be added for mining and energy firms.

The PSE is also proposing a modified penalty framework, retaining fines for structured disclosures but simplifying penalties for unstructured violations to a single level.

Higher penalties will apply to violations affecting preferred shareholders’ rights, including dividend declarations, redemption terms and changes in shareholdings of key officers.

The exchange is inviting comments from market participants until May 5, 2026, after which the final rules may be refined from the draft.

Proponents

Investment banker Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital and Investment Corp., earlier urged the PSE to lower the minimum offering size to P500 million, saying listing-even via preferred shares-could help smaller firms build credibility and attract investors.

‘If they are not yet listed, preferred [shares offering] is a safer way to introduce them,’ Francisco said.

He added that once listed, companies would also have an easier path to conduct follow-on offerings, whether of common or preferred shares.

‘At least, they have a seal of good housekeeping,’ he said.

The Bangsamoro government extended its gratitude to former presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. for his dedicated public service.

‘The Bangsamoro Government extends its sincere gratitude to Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. for his dedicated service and commitment as Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity,’ Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abuldraof Macacua said in a statement.

Galvez bowed out of public service on Tuesday, ending a 46-year career in government, starting as a soldier. He said he would focus on his family.

Galvez was replaced by former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Macacua also welcomed the appointment of Sarmiento, who took his oath of office before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday.

Macacua said he is looking forward to working closely together with Sarmiento.

‘I hope to build a strong partnership based on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to sustaining the gains of the peace process, especially in the Bangsamoro region,’ Macacua said.

‘I am hopeful that, under the new leadership, we can sustain the momentum and complete the remaining priorities of the transition, so that the benefits of peace can be felt by all Bangsamoro people,’ he added.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said that she will ask for a new travel request as her plans have changed due to uncertainty whether she would be allowed to travel abroad.

‘Thank you for the last-minute issuance of the travel authority,’ Duterte said in a statement addressed to the Office of the President (OP).

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday said that the OP granted the travel authority, allowing Duterte to travel to the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom from April 23 to May 15.

Screenshot of the letter of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Screenshot of the letter of Vice President Sara Duterte to the Office of the President.

‘I regret to inform you that the plans have changed due to uncertainty as to whether I will be permitted to depart,’ Duterte said.

With this, she said that the OP will receive a new request ‘soon.’

She then asked the OP to ensure prompt processing and issuance of necessary documents ‘allowing sufficient time for travel preparations rather than only a few hours before the intended departure.’

‘Additionally, ensuring the confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive documents would greatly contribute to maintaining effective security arrangements,’ Duterte added.

For decades, the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas have anchored national production, supported by its deep industrial ecosystems, infrastructure networks, and sustained investor participation – but as foreign investment continues to concentrate in these corridors, land constraints are tightening and manufacturers are increasingly requiring larger, more flexible sites.

TARI Estate Central Luzon

TARI Estate, a 384-hectare industrial estate in Tarlac, is part of Central Luzon’s expanding manufacturing corridor, reinforcing Aboitiz Economic Estates’ role in building the Philippines’ industrial landscape through integrated platforms that support long-term production capacity

In response, industrial activity is extending into Central Luzon – strengthening national capacity while expanding the geographic base of production. This shift introduces greater redundancy and optionality for supply chain operations.

Within this shift, the region is becoming more integrated into a Luzon-wide industrial network supported by improving infrastructure connectivity and a deepening economic base. This is enabling manufacturers to distribute production, logistics, and support functions across multiple nodes within a single connected corridor, improving resilience and long-term operational flexibility.

For foreign manufacturers, this evolution supports supply chain diversification across both domestic and regional networks, reducing overconcentration in traditional industrial corridors and strengthening resilience against disruption. It opens up a broader set of scalable, multi-phase locations across the Philippines, allowing firms to distribute risk while maintaining operational efficiency.

Aboitiz Economic Estates, through developments such as TARI Estate, is positioned at the center of this transition by delivering integrated industrial platforms that align land, infrastructure, and long-term operational needs-supporting a more distributed and risk-balanced industrial footprint within an expanding regional value chain.

From Industrial Clusters to a Connected System

Industrial expansion is increasingly shaped by the need for scale, redundancy, and logistics flexibility. This is accelerating the development of a more distributed but connected Luzon industrial corridor, where production capacity is spread across multiple nodes while remaining operationally linked.

Central Luzon is part of this system, supported by NLEX, SCTEX, and TPLEX, which strengthen integration with Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, and key export gateways. Travel times between Tarlac and Metro Manila now allow for efficient coordination across supply chains, reinforcing the region’s role within a wider production network.

The region’s economic base continues to expand, supported by steady industrial growth, sustained investment inflows, and the parallel development of commercial and institutional ecosystems. This deepening structure supports both manufacturing activity and long-term workforce stability.

Within this context, Aboitiz Economic Estates develops integrated platforms where land, utilities, and estate operations function as a single system, reducing friction for locators while enabling scalable industrial growth.

TARI Estate at the Forefront of an Emerging Industrial Corridor

TARI Estate, a 384-hectare masterplanned industrial estate in Tarlac, is located within Central Luzon’s expanding manufacturing corridor and offers direct access to NLEX, SCTEX, and TPLEX, with connectivity to major ports of entry such as Subic Port, Port of Manila, and Clark International Airport.

The estate is designed for scalable industrial use, supporting light to medium manufacturers requiring large contiguous land and phased expansion capacity. Integrated utilities across power, water, and construction systems are delivered within the Aboitiz ecosystem to ensure operational continuity from setup through full-scale operations.

Within the broader Luzon industrial system, TARI Estate adds immense capacity to an evolving corridor, supporting the gradual extension of manufacturing activity beyond traditional southern hubs while maintaining established standards of infrastructure reliability.

‘What we are seeing is not a shift away from established industrial centers, but the natural expansion of a system that has reached scale,’ said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land. ‘As constraints emerge in mature corridors, growth is extending into new areas that can support the next phase of industrial development. Central Luzon is becoming a key part of that evolution.’

TARI Estate is advancing toward locator-ready operations, with its first phase fully sold and developed. Anchor locators Ajinomoto and Coca-Cola are moving forward with development activity, reflecting strengthening industrial uptake and consumption-led domestic demand. As the estate builds toward full operational readiness, early entry by major investors and their supply chains sustain momentum into Phase 2.

Built on Proven Industrial Execution

TARI Estate builds on more than three decades of industrial estate development under Aboitiz Economic Estates. Across its portfolio, the platform hosts over 260 locator companies, has enabled more than $2.8 billion in investments, and supports over 100,000 jobs. It operates within the Aboitiz integrated infrastructure ecosystem spanning power, water, construction, and estate management systems, with utilities and services aligned to phased industrial demand to support scalable operations over time.

This track record reflects a consistent operating model anchored on integrated infrastructure delivery, disciplined estate governance, and long-term alignment with locator expansion. As this model extends into Central Luzon, it enables a more integrated development approach where workforce readiness, infrastructure build-out, and operational scaling advance in parallel with the estate’s growth.

Aboitiz Economic Estates integrates human capital development across the estate lifecycle, aligning skills formation and local employment pathways with each stage of industrial development. As construction progresses and locator participation increases, local communities gain access to employment in construction and support services, while a steadily deepening talent base develops alongside future manufacturing and logistics needs.

For locators, this supports smoother onboarding and more predictable scaling, with workforce availability developing alongside infrastructure and demand. For the broader local economy in Tarlac, it enables participation across multiple stages of development while creating sustained pathways into manufacturing, logistics, and services as industrial activity expands.

Early Access Advantage in an Emerging Industrial Landscape

Central Luzon’s industrial base is growing, with clusters emerging across food processing, beverages, electronics, and light manufacturing. The structure of the corridor continues to evolve, influenced by early locational decisions that will shape its long-term industrial geography.

This is already reflected in the entry of manufacturers such as Ajinomoto and Coca-Cola within TARI Estate, economic and investment signals of shifting site selection priorities toward scale, connectivity, and expansion flexibility.

In this environment, early investments play a defining role in shaping the ecosystem as it develops.

Shaping the Next Phase of Philippine Manufacturing

Philippine manufacturing continues to attract sustained foreign direct investment across semiconductors, electronics, food and beverage, chemicals, automotive, and garments, reinforcing the country’s role in regional supply chains.

In response, industrial geography is expanding. Growth is extending into emerging areas capable of supporting scale, workforce demand, and increasing logistics complexity-reflecting a broader diversification of national production capacity.

Within this landscape, TARI Estate is leading this shift, adding structured capacity in Central Luzon while maintaining the operational standards established in mature industrial hubs.

Aboitiz Economic Estates continues to support this transition by linking proven ecosystems with new growth areas, ensuring continuity as the country’s industrial footprint evolves. What is taking shape is a more integrated national system, where Central Luzon is emerging as a second engine of growth alongside the south, helping shape and build the Philippines’ industrial future.

As we filled our tanks early this week to take advantage of the second consecutive fuel price rollback, a sense of optimism emerged-perhaps things are finally returning to normal.

By ‘normal,’ we imagined oil prices at the pump reverting to pre-Iran war levels-before Feb. 28, 2026-when diesel, for example, hovered around P48 to P65 per liter and Brent crude traded at $60 to $70 per barrel.

This week, while the most common price remains below P100 per liter, it soared above P153 (from April 7 to 13), with the average that week ranging from P120 to P160. Notably, prices reached a record high of P170 to P172 in remote rural areas and at premium stations in Metro Manila.

The double-digit rollback this week was not a voluntary act by oil companies-nor did it result from a sudden resurgence of conscience among their owners, assuming they possess any at all.

The price reductions, though significant, remain far from adequate and were mandated by the government. Aware that major oil companies are unmoved by appeals or pleas, the Marcos administration has finally threatened legal action if they fail to comply more than seven weeks into the Middle East crisis that saw these companies greedily raising prices on oil stocks purchased long before the conflict in Iran.

Clear message. On Saturday, President Marcos himself announced fuel price rollbacks of P24.94 per liter for diesel, P3.41 per liter for gasoline, and P2 per liter for kerosene. He asked oil companies to fully implement these rollbacks (see ‘Marcos: ‘Big’ price rollback for diesel at P24.94 per liter,’ 4/19/26).

‘This is bigger than the rollback a week ago, and this sends a clear message for everyone: there is relief coming,’ Mr. Marcos said in Filipino. Directly addressing oil companies, the President said: ‘My request is clear: Fully implement the rollback, do it right, and with no delays. Give the Filipinos what they deserve.’

Since oil prices spiked after Feb. 28, Mr. Marcos has prioritized diesel subsidies for the transport and food delivery sectors, alongside cash aid for tricycle and jeepney drivers, delivery riders, ride-hailing service operators, and motorcycle taxi drivers.

But even if oil companies were to sell oil at prewar prices today, consumers understand that any rollback would barely compensate for the billions in profits amassed since the war in Iran began. With the Philippines maintaining a 50- to 60-day buffer stock, the older, cheaper oil supplies are only now running out. Unless companies offer their new stock at discounted rates-a highly unlikely scenario-the public will continue to be shortchanged.

Ibon Foundation estimated that oil firms raked in a staggering P46.5 billion in windfall profits in March alone-equivalent to P1.5 billion per day. Oil companies defend their price hikes on old stock by citing ‘replacement cost pricing,’ a practice in which pump prices are set based on oil futures that determine the cost of the next batch of oil.

Price caps. So when Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warned oil firms on Monday of hefty fines should they fail to implement the substantial price rollback, it seemed the Department of Energy (DOE) had finally found its voice, mustering the courage to stand up to big oil firms and local traders.

Citing the national energy emergency declared by Mr. Marcos under Executive Order No. 110, Garin stated that the government can now limit fuel price increases or mandate minimum rollbacks at the pump. In short, the DOE is now required to prescribe fuel prices-not just monitor them-to provide relief to the public and help stabilize the economy amid volatile global oil supplies.

This announcement from the DOE is welcome news, as it promises to end the oil firms’ and traders’ unchecked control over pump prices since the passage of the oil deregulation law.

However, Garin should have moved to control or limit price adjustments at the outset of this crisis, rather than waiting seven weeks to act.

There’s more than meets the eye in the energy secretary’s latest statement that could potentially curb oil firms’ windfall profits. Previously, she cited replacement-cost pricing and other landed costs to justify the surge in oil prices, and at the April 8 House committee on ways and means hearing, she denied that pump prices were overpriced.

Now, however, she strikes a different tone: ‘So that’s our new rule now. That’s because of the issuance of the executive order, which triggered the additional powers of government to prescribe the price during these times of emergency,’ Garin said at Monday’s press conference.

Yet EO 110 was issued nearly a month ago (March 24). She had also claimed the government could not impose limits due to the oil deregulation law (see ‘DOE: Hefty fine awaits oil firms defying price orders,’ 4/21/26).

The question on everyone’s mind remains: Why only now, and what really changed?

‘Ibigay ang hilig ng walang ligalig.’ (Give the desire without trouble.)

This was the response of Palace Press Officer Claire Castro to questions on why the Office of the President (OP) approved Vice President Sara Duterte’s request for a 22-day overseas travel.

At a briefing on Thursday, Castro also refuted claims that the OP intentionally granted Duterte’s request a day before her departure, which Duterte said was a last-minute decision.

The request was made on April 14, and according to Castro, it usually takes five business days to process. This is the same process followed for other officials who request travel authority.

Duterte on Thursday said she will soon file a new travel request and asked for its prompt issuance to allow sufficient time for travel preparations.

‘The vice president, based on records, receives her travel authority documents a day before her intended trip. So, she was not denied. There is also no record showing that when she requested a vacation or a personal trip for an extended period, she was ever refused. Therefore, to say that this was a last-minute resolution or decision is not accurate. This is because this is what usually happens-the travel authority is normally given to her a day before,’ Castro explained in Filipino.

‘Why did the vice president change her mind? What made her change her mind is the 6.7 billion question,’ she added.

Castro was referring to the alleged amount of suspicious transactions that flowed through the bank accounts of Duterte and her husband, Mans Carpio, from 2006 to 2025, as flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

During the briefing, Castro also dismissed Duterte’s request for confidentiality regarding her approved travel authority, citing security concerns.

‘She is a public servant; she is not a private individual. She cannot hide things she wants to conceal. There are matters that the public needs to know because she is a public servant,’ Castro said in Filipino.

‘For example, amid the crisis in the Middle East and the billions-worth of issues currently involving the vice president and her husband, if you were asked, if you were the vice president, would it be appropriate to go on vacation? If what she wants is to take a vacation and go on a world tour to pursue her personal interests, considering that she does not have an ILBO (Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order) and there is also no precautionary hold departure order in place,’ she added.

When asked for a message to Duterte regarding her continued absence from congressional hearings on the impeachment complaints against her, Castro said there was no need for one.

‘She is already an adult. Second, she is the vice president and a public servant. She says she promotes accountability and transparency, so she should know what she needs to do and how to explain it to the public. Therefore, she does not need any message from the Palace,’ she said in Filipino.

Impeachment proceedings against Duterte continued on Wednesday. The House justice committee reviewed financial documents, including her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth, tax filings, and business records, to examine allegations that she amassed wealth beyond her declared income.

She is also accused of misusing hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when she was its secretary.