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Dy to Filipinos: ‘Never lose sight’ of core values

Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III on Monday opened the 20th Congress’ second regular session with a call for renewal and clarity as lawmakers press ahead with their work.

He urged Filipinos to ‘never lose sight’ of the core values of compassion, respect, faith, and bayanihan, saying that true national progress depends not only on sound policies but also on moral renewal.

‘For our country to really move forward, we must never lose sight of what has always been our greatest strength – our Filipino core values. This is our strength, the true wealth that we must care for and be proud of,’ Dy said in a mix of English and Filipino.

‘Despite the many problems and challenges, we have remained steadfast as a nation because we know how to support one another and practice bayanihan,’ he added.

The nation is grappling with soaring prices of basic goods and a political feud between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte that has deepened divisions among their supporters.

WATCH: Speaker Dy convenes House for Second Regular Session

‘At this point, let us never lose sight of the true traits of being Filipino,’ Dy said in Filipino. ‘It isn’t too late; let’s begin with ourselves.’

‘The biggest danger is when we lose our valuing and caring for each other – when we stop caring for our fellow Filipinos,’ he added.

Echoing the sentiments President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he said: ‘Let’s not get tired of being understanding. Let’s not get tired of helping others. And as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his Independence Day speech, let’s not get tired of loving and fighting for our motherland.’

Dy stressed that the country’s resilience has always been rooted in solidarity and compassion.

‘In spite of our problems and challenges, we have become stronger as a nation because we now how to sympathize and cooperate. This is who we are. This is the trait that describes us as Filipinos,’ he said.

He called on every Filipino to help restore the country’s moral foundations through everyday acts of integrity, responsibility, and love of country.

‘We are all accountable. To ourselves, and to each other. This is a good example of change that starts with each one of us,’ he said.

Corruption, food prices top Sona issues in polls

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, amid mounting calls to follow through on his promise to purge government corruption and tackle the country’s other pressing issues – rising prices, jobs, poverty – as raised in a survey ahead of his penultimate address.

Today’s Sona will set the Marcos administration’s roadmap for the last two years of his term, with lawmakers urging him to go beyond promises and rhetoric and deliver concrete institutional reforms.

The latest survey by Pulse Asia released over the weekend echoed these sentiments. While bringing down the cost of food remains a foremost concern, public attention has also increasingly shifted toward strengthening the fight against corruption as well as creating more jobs.

Conducted from June 28 to July 3 and released on Saturday, the Stratbase Group-commissioned survey found that three in 10 Filipinos (30 percent) identified making food more affordable – particularly staples such as rice, meat and fish – as the government’s top priority.

The proportion of respondents who said the government should lessen or eliminate corruption to provide better services increased to 28 percent from 26 percent in March, while those who prioritized creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities rose to 28 percent from 24 percent.

The findings mirror the results of a separate Pulse Asia survey released on Friday, which found that Filipinos want the President to focus on combating corruption in his Sona (29.8 percent) by holding accountable those involved in the flood control projects controversy. This was followed closely by ensuring affordable basic goods (18.7 percent).

Stratbase Group president Victor Andres ‘Dindo’ Manhit said the two Pulse Asia surveys reflected an evolving set of public expectations as the administration entered its final two years in office.

‘The message from Filipinos is remarkably consistent. They want the government to sustain efforts to keep food affordable, but they are also demanding stronger action against corruption and more opportunities for decent jobs,’ Manhit said. ‘These are no longer separate concerns but interconnected expectations of effective governance.’

Manhit said the survey results show that the next political test for the remaining two years of the Marcos administration will be to keep inflation under control, and at the same time ‘convincing Filipinos that it can translate economic stability into better jobs, cleaner governance, and more responsive public services.’

‘Filipinos want an economy that creates opportunities and a government that is transparent, accountable, and capable of delivering results. Meeting these expectations will be critical in sustaining public trust,’ he added.

Anticorruption reforms

At the House of Representatives, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno said Marcos should ‘go beyond promises and empty rhetoric’ and present tangible solutions.

‘We also want to hear him present concrete, actionable solutions to the skyrocketing cost of living, persistent inflation, rising fuel and electricity prices, and the continuing lack of quality employment opportunities, while providing meaningful and lasting relief to the Filipino people,’ Diokno said in a statement on Sunday.

The president, who in last year’s address exposed a multibillion graft scandal tied to flood control projects, should also ensure those responsible for misusing public funds are held accountable and ‘put behind bars,’ he added.

‘If the president is indeed serious about eradicating corruption and strengthening accountability, he must ensure that all those responsible for the abuse of public funds are held accountable and put behind bars, whether they are allies or not,’ he said.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he was looking forward to hearing Marcos’ announcement of reforms that would prevent a repeat of the flood control controversy.

‘Many have been detained, many have been charged, but it is important that this flood control mess does not happen again. We want to hear the reforms that were made to prevent this from happening again,’ Gatchalian told reporters on Friday.

Sen. JV Ejercito said the government must address corruption as the flood control scandal has eroded public trust in government infrastructure spending.

‘The people were already having trust issues with the infrastructure that should be driving our economic growth … What should be done is to hold accountable and put behind bars all those who squandered and pocketed the funds allocated for flood control,’ Ejercito said.

Behind bars

In an interview on dzMM on Sunday, Palace press officer Claire Castro said some big personalities tied to the flood control mess were already behind bars, while others are awaiting their warrants of arrest.

She added that the court has also ordered the freezing of bank accounts and assets linked to flood control anomalies.

On Friday, a panel of investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman filed a supplemental complaint for preliminary investigation against former Speaker Martin Romualdez, President Marcos’ cousin; former Rep. Zaldy Co; and others for plunder, direct and indirect bribery, graft, and money laundering.

However, Co, who remains in hiding in Europe, had his separate graft case in the Sandiganbayan archived after law enforcement failed to arrest him within six months.

Among the high-profile personalities detained for these investigations are Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former Sen. Bong Revilla, contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Explain China ‘reset’

The Ombudsman has dropped charges against former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who was accepted last month as a state witness.

‘What proof do they need that the government is working on these cases? Imagine, in less than a year, the government has made these developments,’ Castro said.

Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, meanwhile, said Marcos should also clarify what he meant by calling for a reset in the country’s strained ties with China.

She added that the president must seek ‘restitution’ from Beijing for alleged ecosystem damage in contested waters and account for its ‘aggressive’ acts against Philippine Navy (PN) servicemen.

‘Before we talk about any reset, there must first be respect,’ Ismula said in a separate statement in Filipino. ‘Before any reset, there must first be restitution.’

Last week, tensions flared anew in the West Philippine Sea after two PN personnel sustained injuries during a violent confrontation with the China Coast Guard near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

Many expect the president to provide details on his intent to ‘reset’ ties between Manila and Beijing, after he summoned Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan to Malacañang last week.

‘The President continues to maintain that the Philippines will not give up any of its rights in the West Philippine Sea. The country will stand firm only on what rightfully belongs to it, and it will do so through diplomatic means,’ Castro said.

Inflation, wages

The President also condemns the acts of harassment taking place in the West Philippine Sea that are being experienced by our fellow Filipinos,’ she added.

In his address, the president is expected to tout the country’s new status as an upper-middle-income economy under the World Bank’s classification.

Several groups, however, said this has yet to translate into better lives for Filipinos.

The country is reeling from increasing costs of basic goods and services due to inflation driven by the volatile situation in the Middle East.

In response, the government announced a P12.375-billion cash aid to be provided to 7.5 million poor and near-poor households affected by rising oil prices.

Workers are also looking forward to any announcement of a wage increase. The first tranche of the P85 wage hike for workers in Metro Manila was implemented on Saturday, despite calls from employers’ groups to suspend it.

The President earlier said some regions may have to wait until the fourth quarter this year before their respective wage boards decide on proposed wage increases.

No red carpet

Malacañang said Marcos wanted a more austere Sona to cut government expenses since it requires additional funding for its Middle East crisis response.

There will be no red carpet, which has traditionally been a highlight for guests.

Vice President Sara Duterte will not attend as she is abroad and will not return until July 31. The last time Duterte attended Marcos’ Sona was in 2023, a year before she resigned as education secretary.

The president’s popularity has tumbled, with his trust rating dropping to 34 percent in a Social Weather Stations survey released last week, the lowest since July 2024.

Marcos, swept to power in 2022 through ties with Duterte, now faces a deepening rift with her.

Duterte’s trust rating held at 57 percent despite an impeachment trial over allegations of corruption and online death threats against the president, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Romualdez.

PBA: Alapag and his Road Warriors pass true acid test with flying colors

Jimmy Alapag continued his unbeaten run as NLEx’s rookie coach on Sunday by handing well-experienced San Miguel Beer a convincing rout.

And their 110-96 win in the PBA Governors’ Cup could go a long way for this Road Warriors squad that is trying to establish themselves as legitimate title contenders and dismiss the old notion of being a squad that is just used to starting out strong.

‘I think anytime you play a team like San Miguel, with all their championship experience, it’s always a great test for a young team,’ Alapag said after guiding the Road Warriors to a fourth straight win and the solo lead in Group A.

NLEx jumped on San Miguel in the opening quarter with its fast-paced tempo, with import DaQuan Jones and Schonny Winston, who had 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, among the catalysts.

Road Warriors mainstays Robert Bolick, Tony Semerad and even Enoch Valdez joined the fray to build a commanding 25-point lead before holding off a pair of tries by the Beermen to pull off a comeback.

‘Very resilient’

‘I thought we were very resilient, especially in the second half,’ said Alapag after NLEx weathered off the San Miguel resistance aided by the shooting of Don Trollano.

‘Trollano is one of the best shooters in the league and he got going, but I thought our poise in the second half was great for the young team that we have,’ continued Alapag. ‘We were able to get stops and score when we needed to, to get the win.’

Only unbeaten squad

NLEx is the lone unbeaten team from any of the two groups, and is keen on keeping it going amid more challenges looming.

Up next for the Road Warriors are the Converge FiberXers on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena before taking on the TNT Tropang 5G on Aug. 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Alapag’s first meeting against his former club, the one he starred for and helped win championships in a legendary career during the 2000s and early-2010s.

Jones topscored for NLEx with 27 points on top of 10 rebounds and two blocks, Semerad pumped in 15 points from five triples despite his knee banging with Mo Tautuaa in the first half, while Bolick came close to a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists.

San Miguel dropped to 3-1 with import George King being the only consistent man on offense with 31 points, with Trollano and June Mar Fajardo adding 16 and 15 points, respectively.

The Beermen lost in front of coach Leo Austria, who finally showed up this conference after missing the first three games due to an illness.

Palace orders maximum security for Marcos after Sona day explosion

Security for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should always remain at the highest level following an explosion that coincided with the president’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), according to Malacañang.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the president’s protection should not depend on whether a security incident had occurred.

‘Whether there is an explosion or not, the president’s protection should always be at the maximum level,’ Castro told reporters in Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City where Marcos will deliver his Sona before lawmakers.

Asked if security would be tightened after the explosion, Castro said she could not speak on behalf of the Philippine National Police (PNP), but stressed that heightened security was necessary.

‘As of now, I have not discussed it with the president. But definitely, our police should exercise even greater vigilance and strengthen security measures,’ she added.

An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near the entrance of the Department of Justice in Manila early on Monday, hours before a suspected unexploded device was found near the Senate in Pasay City.

The explosion just after midnight, which resulted in no casualties, and the discovery of the second suspected bomb came hours before Marcos delivered his annual Sona in the late afternoon.

There was ‘big possibility or probability that the two incidents are related,’ Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters during an inspection of the police force’s deployment along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

APC must strengthen grassroots, close ranks ahead 2027 elections – Akinfolarin

A former member of the House of Representatives and senatorial aspirant, Rt Honourable Mayowa Akinfolarin, at the weekend, mobilised his political structures across Ondo South Senatorial District with the directive to ensure overwhelming victory for President Bola Tinubu as well as every candidate within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akinfolarin, who had served as both state and federal lawmaker, emphasised that the interest of the APC and the success of Tinubu’s emergence at the polls in 2027 outweigh every personal ambition.

The APC chieftain, who contested the ticket of the party for the senatorial district during the recent primaries of the party, stressed this while meeting with party leaders, women, youths, and grassroots coordinators across the six local councils of the senatorial district.

According to Akinfolarin, the gathering was aimed at strengthening the APC’s electoral machinery ahead of 2027 and ensuring that the party presents a united front.

While directing all members of his political family to close ranks and work for the victory of every APC candidate in the state, maintained that the APC has always remained a party built on discipline, sacrifice, and respect for constituted authority.

Akinfolarin added that every loyal party member must stand by the decisions of the leadership of the party in order to preserve the unity and strength of the progressive family.

The former lawmaker, who commended the minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his support before, during, and after the party primaries, described him as ‘a political lion’ whose courage, influence, and capacity to defend and protect his followers have continued to inspire confidence across the political landscape of the state.

On his part, the Director-General of Akinfolarin’s political structure, Nimbe Tawose, hailed party leaders, stakeholders, and loyal supporters for their support and prayers for Akinfolarin during the struggle for the party’s ticket.

Reps move to domesticate AfCFTA, advance 13 commerce bills

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday, expressed his commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

He emphasized the importance of removing regulatory bottlenecks, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

The Speaker made these remarks during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Commerce in Abuja. He noted that the proposed bills are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s commercial and trade framework.

This includes the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Domestication Bill, which aims to position Nigeria to maximise opportunities within Africa’s single market.

Speaker Abbas highlighted that these proposed legislations are part of the 10th House’s economic reform agenda.

The Speaker, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Chief Whip, Rep Isiaka Ibrahim, described commerce as ‘one of the strongest pillars of our economy,’ stressing that the bills must undergo rigorous public scrutiny to ensure they respond to emerging realities and global best practices.

According to him, ‘the purpose of today’s hearing is to subject these Bills to rigorous public scrutiny, receive constructive input from stakeholders, identify areas that require refinement, and ensure that the legislation we eventually enact promotes enterprise, protects legitimate business interests, encourages fair competition and advances sustainable economic growth.’

The Speaker noted that the exercise aligns with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, which prioritises economic growth, institutional reforms, good governance and private sector development.

According to him, ‘since our inauguration, we have remained committed to enacting laws that improve the ease of doing business, support entrepreneurship, remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, attract investment and create opportunities for our people.’

He further said that the legislative initiative also supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing the legal framework required to drive economic reforms.

‘As the People’s House, we shall continue to provide the legislative framework and oversight necessary to translate that vision into measurable progress for businesses, investors and ordinary Nigerians,’ he said.

Speaking on the AfCFTA Domestication Bill, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, urged lawmakers to expedite its passage, describing it as crucial to Nigeria’s competitiveness in continental trade.

According to her, the African Continental Free Trade Area, which covers over 1.4 billion people with a combined Gross Domestic Product exceeding $3 trillion, offers enormous opportunities for Nigerian businesses to expand into new markets, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen regional value chains.

She said Nigeria has already made substantial progress since ratifying the agreement in 2020 by establishing implementation structures, submitting tariff concessions, launching digital trade initiatives and supporting local enterprises.

Oduwole disclosed that Nigeria became the first State Party to ratify the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and has launched air cargo corridors linking Nigerian businesses to East and Southern African markets.

She also noted that Nigeria recently hosted the AfCFTA Week, the 18th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for Trade, and the Digital Trade Forum, where the country assumed the Chairmanship of the Bureau of the Council of Ministers.

The Minister, however, stressed that effective implementation of the agreement requires a robust domestic legal framework.

According to her, ‘the Bill is not merely about implementing an international treaty. It is about positioning Nigeria to fully harness the opportunities of continental trade while safeguarding our national interests.’

She added that the legislation would provide legal certainty for businesses and investors while strengthening coordination among government institutions.

‘Its timely passage will consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in continental trade, provide certainty for our businesses and investors, and position our economy to fully harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area,’ Oduwole said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ahmed Munir, disclosed that the committee was considering 13 strategic bills designed to modernise Nigeria’s commercial laws, strengthen professional standards and reposition the economy for global competitiveness.

According to him, the bills are grouped into three broad areas: expanding global trade and protecting local assets; modernising commerce and the digital economy; and strengthening professional regulation and institutional capacity.

He explained that key proposals include the AfCFTA Implementation Bill, amendments to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act on Geographical Indications and NIMASA updates, amendments to the Sale of Goods Act and the Price Control Act, as well as bills establishing and strengthening several professional institutes.

He said the committee expects stakeholders to provide practical, data-driven recommendations to ensure the proposed laws effectively support economic growth.

According to him, ‘Our goal in the 10th House of Representatives is to ensure our laws actively foster economic expansion rather than obstruct it. The success of this legislative exercise depends heavily on your candid, expert feedback,’.

He urged participants from government, industry and civil society to make constructive contributions that would help the National Assembly produce legislation capable of driving investment, innovation, job creation and Nigeria’s competitiveness in both regional and global markets.

The proposed ban on preaching and hawking in buses

A bill aimed at putting an end to religious preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles scaled all legislative hurdles and was passed quietly by the Senate a few days ago. The bill, tagged Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen road safety enforcement and curb practices considered capable of distracting drivers. It is now awaiting presidential assent. When it becomes law, its built-in sanction regime will impose specific punishments for violators. These include preachers and traders in commercial vehicles, as well as motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the FRSC during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion. The amendment, said to be part of a broader review of the FRSC Act, will use stiffer penalties for traffic offences to bolster compliance with traffic regulations, reduce road carnage, and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.

The objective of the proposed law can hardly be faulted. Legislating against potentially dangerous and unacceptable activities that could negatively impact the concentration of commercial drivers, thereby endangering the lives of passengers, would seem to be the right thing to do. However, many find it offensive that the proposed law places preaching in the same category as commercial hawking. While one involves the exchange of goods for money, the other involves words, ideas, and faith. This distinction is crucial, given the sensitivity of the faithful, but the proposed law does not make it so. In any case, the pertinent question is whether these practices, objectionable as they may seem, have actually been proven to contribute to road accidents. If there is empirical evidence to support the assumptions upon which the proposed law is predicated, then by all means it should become law. However, it is unclear whether data was made available on the nexus between these activities and road crashes when the bill was undergoing legislative scrutiny.

There are other issues that require further clarification. One is the thin line between preaching and praying in buses. While the holiness and moral conduct of followers of different faiths in the country could be a subject of interrogation, it is undeniable that Nigerians are highly religious and believe that the Supreme Being plays a significant role in human affairs. That is why, in many instances, people pray inside commercial vehicles at the commencement of journeys and/or when they sense that danger is imminent. Will the proposed law not infringe on the constitutional rights of citizens to practise their religion without let or hindrance if it effectively bans praying in buses? Will it not, in specific terms, constitute a clear violation of Sections 38(1), 39(1), and 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? There is also the issue of the economic realities facing many Nigerians and businesses, especially nano and small-scale enterprises. Many have had to improvise by using agents in commercial vehicles to reach potential customers because of the cost implications of opening multiple outlets to sell their products. Would banning trading or hawking in commercial vehicles not compound the economic challenges of these people and businesses? While the objective of the proposed law can hardly be contested, is there no other way to reorient motorists to remain focused while driving, instead of imposing a blanket ban on preaching and trading in buses?

Another issue is the doubtful efficacy of the proposed law in reining in these practices, especially in the likely absence of evidence to prosecute offenders. For instance, while the objective may be to avoid distractions on the road, it may be hard to find a Nigerian who will report another Nigerian to the authorities for preaching or hawking on a public bus, given the country’s religious character and economic realities. How do you establish guilt, and where and how do you impose punishment? How do you gather evidence when most public buses have no video recording facilities?

Again, the proposed law expects FRSC officials to subject drivers to roadside breath tests to identify motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol. This is the way to go, given the effect of alcohol on cognitive function and the resultant poor judgment. We support any measure that will prevent or punish drivers for drinking while driving. However, asking the FRSC to enforce this aspect is fraught with danger because this is traditionally a police function. The corps cannot reasonably be expected to compel drivers to take a breathalyser test, especially inebriated ones, because its officials do not bear arms. Or is the government considering the long-standing request by the FRSC to carry firearms? The FRSC has for some time seemed to focus on revenue generation: booking traffic offenders and directing them to make payments to its accounts at designated points. And often, it does not matter whether the infractions for which fines were paid have been rectified by the offending motorists.

If there is any discernible good that the proposed law may do, it is to jolt the corps out of its protracted lethargy and distraction, and compel it to face its core mandate of accident prevention. Truth be told, the alleged objectionable practices, especially hawking and preaching in commercial buses, which the proposed law seeks to ban, detract from international best practices. But every jurisdiction has its peculiarities, and laws are made to regulate the conduct of citizens with a view to promoting safety, security, wellbeing, comfort, and happiness for all, or at least the vast majority – not to annul their rights or compound their existing problems. Thus, while we do not object to sanity in public buses, we urge that the Nigerian public be sufficiently consulted, and that the effect of the bill on society, especially its unintended consequences, be thoroughly considered before it becomes law. All grey areas should be addressed before the President assents to the bill.

US crackdown on ICC condemns the world to mediocrity

One of the modern time’s greatest mystery is that the defender of human rights and leader of the ‘Free World’ does not recognise the International Criminal Court (ICC) and now wants to destroy it altogether! When US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured) pledged to ‘dismantle’ the ICC, he did more than just declare war on an international institution.

He signalled a retreat from the very ideals of accountability that the United States has often championed when they serve its interests. If successful, this campaign would condemn the international community to a mediocre world where justice depends on brute force rather than principle.

The ICC was established in 2002 as a court of last resort to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression when national courts are unwilling or unable to act. On paper, the court offered the best route to justice in a world where unchecked power usually ended up in chaos.

The tribunal has never claimed perfection and it has faced legitimate criticism over its pace, selectivity and limited enforcement powers. Yet its existence represents humanity’s determination that no individual should stand above the law. That principle has produced meaningful results.

In 2012, the ICC convicted Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga Dyilo for recruiting child soldiers, delivering justice for victims whose voices had long been ignored. It later convicted Bosco Ntaganda for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, ICC investigations significantly weakened the Lord’s Resistance Army by increasing pressure on its commanders. The court has also pursued sitting heads of state in Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta at different occasions. These cases demonstrated that even the most powerful individuals could face justice that could not be served in their respective countries.

The United States itself has not always viewed the ICC as an enemy. When the Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023 over the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children, American leaders welcomed the move. President Joe Biden described the warrant as ‘justified’ while senior US officials argued it strengthened international efforts to hold Russia accountable. Washington openly celebrated the Court’s audacity to pursue one of the world’s most powerful leaders.

The enthusiasm disappeared when the same Court sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict. Suddenly, the ICC was portrayed as illegitimate, biased and dangerous. The institution had not changed. Only the identity of those under investigation had.

Justice cannot remain credible if its legitimacy depends on the nationality or political alliances of the accused. Either international law applies equally, or it becomes another instrument of geopolitical convenience. The Trump administration seemingly prefers the latter.

Ironically, the United States has long maintained legal mechanisms reflecting its own distrust of international accountability. The American Service-Members’ Protection Act of 2002, often nicknamed the ‘Hague Invasion Act’ authorizes the US President to use ‘all means necessary and appropriate’ to secure the release of American or allied personnel detained on behalf of the ICC. Although widely understood as symbolic, the law has become a powerful metaphor for American exceptionalism: a willingness to support international justice for others while reserving immunity for itself.

Rubio’s latest threats extend this exceptionalism even further. In his recent commentary in the Wall Street Journal, the Secretary of State urges countries to withdraw from the Rome Statute, cut financial support to the ICC, suggesting they could face possible diplomatic consequences if they refuse. This transforms disagreement with the Court into pressure against the broader international legal order.

The consequences stretch far beyond Washington. Weakening the ICC emboldens dictators, military leaders and armed groups who calculate that accountability can be negotiated away through political alliances. Victims of atrocities, from Sudan to Myanmar, Ukraine to Gaza, lose one of the few institutions capable of pursuing justice when domestic courts fail.

The post-World War II international order was built on a simple but revolutionary idea: lasting peace requires accountability. Institutions like the ICC emerged because humanity learned that impunity breeds future atrocities. Undermining these institutions does not strengthen sovereignty; it weakens the collective commitment to universal human rights.

The ICC deserves reform where reform is warranted. Greater efficiency, broader geographical balance and stronger due process would enhance its legitimacy. But dismantling it because it investigates powerful states is not reform; it is surrender.

History rarely remembers those who defended impunity. It remembers those who insisted that law must prevail over power. Rubio’s campaign risks replacing that aspiration with an international order where justice becomes selective, accountability becomes optional and global leadership settles for mediocrity where the rule of the jungle reigns!

Lawyers drag Tinubu, AGF, others to Court over alleged threat to Peter Obi’s life

Lawyers operating under the aegis of the Obident Lawyers Forum have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order President Bola Tinubu to compel the police, Department of State Service (DSS), and others to give special protection to the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 election.

The legal practitioners informed the court that their appeal has become imperative so as not to make Peter Obi a victim of political assassination before and during the 2027 general electioneering process.

The request was contained in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1648/2016, instituted against Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General (DSS), and the Governor of Edo State.

Plaintiffs in the suits filed on Monday predicated their request on a statement credited to Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to the effect that Obi’s life and security would not be guaranteed in Edo State if he enters the state without getting approval from the governor.

The Obident lawyers represented by Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi and Joseph Enemona Ameh instituted the fundamental rights suit on behalf of Peter Obi, in which they prayed the court to issue an order that Peter Obi has the fundamental right to freedom of movement without any hindrance.

Among other reliefs, they asked the court to declare Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental right to life and the right to live without any fear, discrimination, threat of assassination, intimidation or any form of harassment whatsoever, as guaranteed in section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

In addition, they urged the court to declare that Peter Obi must not be subjected to politically motivated coercion, threat to life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever by any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any authority, person, individual, or group agent/agency of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional state on the grounds of his political ideology, ethnicity, and religion; or for any reason whatsoever.

Others are ‘A declaration that Mr. Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental rights of free ingress and egress into any of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT, and can freely move around, enter, visit, stay, reside, inhabit and organize, attend and host his political campaign rallies, consultations, seminars, groups meetings and carryout his lawful activities in any part of Nigeria, without fear of assassination, threat to his life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever, by any Arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or government of any sub-regional State, as guaranteed in sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘A declaration that the threats by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr. Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile politicking, and power-drunkenness.

‘A declaration that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the constitutional mandate/responsibility to provide adequate security of life and property to the citizens, which is the fundamental reason/purpose/objective of every government; and the President has the constitutional responsibility as Commander in Chief to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Obi and all other presidential candidates’.

Plaintiffs further urged a declaration that the laws setting up the security agencies mandate and empower the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents to provide adequate security to the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against all criminal activities aimed at depriving citizens of their properties or lives.

They asked the court to make an order ‘compelling, directing, and mandating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all other Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and all other 2027 presidential candidates.

‘An order compelling, directing and mandating the 3th, 4th and 5 Respondents to immediately provide maximum security personnel to Physically Protect and Provide Security Intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the NDC 2027 Presidential candidates’.

In an affidavit deposed in support of the suit, the plaintiffs stated that the application was brought on behalf of Mr Peter Obi, pursuant to Paragraph 3 (e) of the Preamble to the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.

‘That the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, said in a recent live podcast that ‘he may not be alive to contest next ‘year’s presidential election.’

While claiming that Obi has been subjected to serious psychological torture and trauma by the numerous threats to his life and this is detrimental to his constitutional rights, the deponent argued that no person or authority or any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional State, has the powers to restrict or refuse any citizen from entering and exiting any part of Nigeria to carry out his lawful activities as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘That the 6th Respondent, the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, Senator Monday Okpebholo, threatened Mr Peter Gregory Obi not to enter Edo State without his permission and that Mr Peter Gregory Obi’s life and security is not guaranteed in Edo State. A computer-generated printout of the news report is herein pleaded and exhibited as Exhibit 3.

‘That the threats by the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty, not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile-politicking and power-drunkenness.

‘That the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, sued as 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents, have constitutional and statutory responsibilities to provide adequate security of life and properties of the citizens.

‘That the constitutional rights guaranteed in Chapter Four of the 1999 constitution are inalienable and cannot be taken away under any guise.’

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Why I stopped going to church after my divorce – AY Comedian

Stand-up comedian, actor and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY Comedian, has explained why he stopped attending church, saying the decision was influenced by the public scrutiny that followed his divorce.

Speaking in a video shared on his social media page on Sunday, AY said he did not stop going to church because he had lost his faith in God. Instead, he chose to stay away to avoid becoming the subject of discussions among church members.

He added that although he no longer attends physical services regularly, he still worships online from time to time.

‘For some time now, I stopped attending church not because I stopped believing in God or lost my faith. I was actually navigating a very personal season; the negative narrative put out on the blogs against me.

‘So, I chose to step back quietly. Part of that decision was because I didn’t want to become the subject of whispered conversations,’ AY explained.

The comedian also recalled attending another church after leaving his previous place of worship.

However, he said he became discouraged after he was removed from a church programme he had been scheduled to participate in because the church said it was ‘worried about public perception.’

According to AY, the experience made him reflect on the role of the church and whether it remains a place where people can seek support during difficult times.

‘Shouldn’t the church be the safest place to find truth, grace, and restoration? If people cannot run to God’s house when life becomes heavy on them, where are they meant to run to? The clueless people who just post negative comments on social media or go ahead and judge you without even knowing the root of whatever happened? Or the few friends who would skilfully avoid you because of public perception?’ he asked.