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Impeach court accepts as fact the regularity of House panel hearings

The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday accepted as fact the occurrence and regularity of the hearings of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and the Committee on Justice on Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds.

This means that the House prosecution panel will no longer need to prove that the hearings were ‘indeed conducted,’ and the official records produced during the proceedings will be presumed as properly and lawfully conducted, unless proven otherwise.

However, presiding officer Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero reminded that this ruling does not mean the court takes as fact the statements made in the hearing.

‘The court states with precision what the prosecution need not prove only with respect to those two things,’ Escudero began.

‘Nothing else is judicially admitted or established. The prosecution, therefore, expressly… reminded that judicial notice shall not be used as a vehicle to place into the record the substantive contents of the transcripts, recordings or committee report,’ he noted.

He continued: ‘It is not a substitute for the presentation and formal offer of competent evidence nor does it dispense with the applicable rules on authentication, hearsay, relevance and the right of respondent to object and confront the evidence presented against her.’

Escudero made the ruling following the judicial notice requested by the House prosecution panel on August 3

Aeta aid group named AWKP beneficiary amid Pax Silica fears

A volunteer group working with Aeta communities in Capas, Tarlac, where Indigenous peoples fear displacement because of the planned construction of a data center, has become a beneficiary of the video podcast by award-winning directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac.

The two film directors announced in the latest episode of Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast (AWKP) that Liwanag at Dunong was selected as one of the video podcast’s beneficiaries for August.

Liwanag at Dunong, a nongovernmental organization, describes its mission as empowering communities ‘through solidarity, not charity.’ It works with Indigenous communities, including the Aetas of Sitio Kalangitan in Capas, helping strengthen their capacities while advocating for the protection of their rights, culture and identity.

Jadaone said the selection came at a significant time as discussions continued over the proposed Pax Silica technology hub in Tarlac.

‘Napapanahon ito ngayong planong itayo sa Tarlac ang Pax Silica hub dahil walang totoong progress kung hindi kasama at [hindi] pinakikinggan ang mga katutubo,’ she said.

(This is especially relevant as plans move forward for the Pax Silica hub in Tarlac because there can be no genuine progress if Indigenous peoples are excluded and their voices are not heard.)

Scouts Against Sexual Harassment and Abuse (Sasha) was also named an AWKP beneficiary for August.

Liwanag at Dunong is the latest addition to a growing roster of nongovernmental organizations supported by AWKP through proceeds from subscriptions and views.

Last month, the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights was the video podcast’s beneficiary, while Pride PH received support in June in celebration of Pride Month.

Beyond funding advocacy groups, AWKP and its subscribers have financed the renovation of a classroom at Batong Lusong Elementary School in Nueva Ecija and continue to provide scholarships to selected students.

The spotlight on Liwanag at Dunong comes as debate continues over Pax Silica, a proposed 1,619-hectare semiconductor and artificial intelligence hub in New Clark City backed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and prospective investors from the United States, Japan and South Korea.

The BCDA has maintained that no Aeta ancestral domain covered by certificates of ancestral domain title will be used for the project.

Still, concerns persist over the hub’s potential environmental impact and the possible displacement of Indigenous peoples and farming communities.

Liwanag at Dunong emphasized what is at stake for Indigenous communities.

‘For Indigenous Peoples, the land is not just where they live, it is life itself,’ it said. ‘It is where generations of Indigenous communities have cultivated food, built their homes, practiced their culture, and nurtured a way of life rooted in living with, not against, nature.’

The organization warned that the lands sustaining these communities continue to face threats from what it described as development projects and technological expansion.

‘Behind every displaced community lies not just the loss of a home, but the destruction of life, culture, and the future that Indigenous children deserve to inherit,’ Liwanag at Dunong said.

‘That’s why now, more than ever, we need to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples as they continue to defend their ancestral lands and their right to self-determination,’ it added.

VIDEO: How I left Nigeria after losing two children to medical negligence – UK-based Nigerian woman

A UK-based Nigerian woman has shared the reason behind her decision never to return to Nigeria permanently, saying she lost two children to alleged medical negligence before relocating abroad.

The woman made the revelation during a street interview that has since gone viral on social media after she was asked whether she would accept a large cash reward to move back to Nigeria for good.

When the interviewer offered her £200,000 and later increased the amount to £15 million she repeatedly declined, insisting that no amount of money could convince her to return.

‘You can’t even pay me enough to go back,’ she said.

Explaining her stance, the woman said her relocation was not motivated by financial reasons but by a painful personal experience.

‘Unfortunately, I didn’t migrate from Nigeria because of money. I lost two children to medical negligence.’

She disclosed that the two deaths occurred in Nigeria within two years.

When asked to provide more details, the woman became emotional and said she was not ready to revisit the experience.

‘I really don’t want to say much about it because I’m just going to break down. Both of them died due to medical negligence.’

According to her, doctors in the United Kingdom have often expressed disbelief whenever she recounts what happened.

She added, ‘Every time I tell them here, to the doctors here, that my children died because of this, they all ask me, ‘Am I joking?’ That like… I really wish I can, you know… But two of them died to medical negligence, so there’s nothing you can say to me that can make me go back.

She added that while medical errors can occur anywhere, she believes the risk is significantly lower in the UK.

The woman also credited the UK’s healthcare system with saving the life of her son, saying he received timely medical attention after birth.

‘When I had my son, if he had been born in Nigeria, he would have died too. But because I had him here, he got the medical attention he needed, and today he’s fine,’ she said, pointing to her child during the interview.

Quintanilla trails match play qualifying leaders by one

Grace Quintanilla opened up with a level-par 72 on Tuesday as the reigning ladies’ Singapore Amateur Open champion trailed joint leaders Mona Sarines and Ally Gaccion by a shot after the first of two rounds to determine the participants of the NGAP’s National Match Play Championship.

This is the first tournament that Quintanilla is playing in more than two weeks after reigning supreme at the Bukit course in Singapore, where she beat Xizihan Wang of Hong Kong-China in five holes of sudden death, even as Rolando Bregente took a one-shot lead over double-seeking Jet Hernandez in men’s play after firing a 67.

Sarines and Gaccion are setting the pace as only eight players will advance to the first round of the KO stage, with 16 marching on in the men’s, making the second round to be played at the tree-lined layout inside a vast sugar plantation very interesting with only five shots separating those occupying sixth to 24th spots.

Hernandez, the 21-year-old University of Denver standout, has made it no secret that he will try to chase down this title. He won the Strokeplay Championship last week, sharing the stage with ladies champ Lisa Sarines, by a whopping 22 strokes over Bregente and Chris Remata.

He admits being really excited coming to Luisita, a traditional layout where he has a lot of fond memories.

‘This is where you can call my breakthrough happened,’ Hernandez told the Inquirer. ‘I qualified for my first national team [inclusion] here and got to play in my first SEA (Southeast Asian) Games in 2022. Definitely good memories here.’

Shinichi Suzuki, who has also returned to local play after campaigning in the United States Am, is in third with Emilio Hernandez after both shot 71s, with Patrick Tambalque accounting for a 72 to be in fifth.

A four-man group led by Jed Y fired 73s, with Zach Villaroman and Mark Fernando III, sons of former champions of the PH Am, on the bubble after shooting a 75 and 77, respectively.

The KO matches will be held starting on Thursday, with the men survivors playing all the way until Saturday where final matches in both divisions will be over 36 holes.

Winners of the men’s round-of-16 matches on Thursday in the morning will play their quarterfinal matches in the afternoon. Semifinals of both divisions will be played on Friday morning.

Why Osun government account was frozen before election – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it froze the Osun State Government’s bank account just days before the state’s governorship election.

In a statement shared on its official social media page, the anti-graft agency said the action was taken to stop the alleged diversion of public funds.

The EFCC said it has been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the suspected misuse of about N11 billion.

According to the commission, the money under investigation includes Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The agency maintained that freezing the account was part of its ongoing investigation and was aimed at preventing the funds from being moved while the probe continues.

The commission said the decision to freeze the account was based on its legal powers and was necessary to protect public funds while investigations continue.

It stressed that the action was not politically motivated or linked to the upcoming governorship election in Osun State.

EFCC also assured Nigerians that its investigation would be carried out professionally and in line with the law.

The agency urged members of the public to allow the investigation to run its course and avoid spreading misleading information about the case.

Typhoon Dolphin, another LPA being monitored

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring Typhoon Dolphin outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) as the southwest monsoon, enhanced by a low-pressure area (LPA), continues to bring heavy rains across the country.

Based on the latest weather satellite image as of 4 p.m. yesterday, Dolphin was last located 2,095 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 190 kph.

There is no certainty that it will enter the PAR, given its current movement.

Tropical Depression Luis, meanwhile, dissipated yesterday after being downgraded.

At around 5:30 p.m. Monday, Luis made its first landfall over Maconacon, Isabela before weakening into an LPA at around 8 p.m. It had an unlikely chance of reforming into a tropical cyclone before it was reported to have dissipated at around 4 p.m. yesterday.

As Luis weakened, another LPA formed near it. Based on the latest weather satellite image, it was last located 180 kilometers west of Bacnotan, La Union.

The LPA, according to PAGASA, has a ‘high’ chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

Should either Typhoon Dolphin enter the PAR or the LPA develop into a tropical depression inside the PAR, it will be given the local name Maymay.

Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro will experience occasional rains due to the southwest monsoon.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley and the rest of Central Luzon will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the LPA.

The rest of CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, Antique, Iloilo and Guimaras will also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon, while the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms.

Road restrictions

The persistent rains from the different weather systems have affected major transportation routes in Northern Luzon.

In Baguio City and Benguet, torrential rains spawned by the enhanced southwest monsoon triggered landslides and rockfalls that disrupted travel across the Cordillera yesterday.

The most serious disruption was reported along Marcos Highway in Sitio Caucalan, Barangay Taloy Sur in Tuba, Benguet, where a landslide buried part of the highway, forcing authorities to reduce traffic to one lane.

As of yesterday, only the northbound lane toward Baguio City remains open, while the southbound lane heading to La Union has been temporarily closed to allow debris clearing and ensure motorists’ safety.

Intermittent rockfalls, soil erosion and overflowing drainage were also reported amid persistent rains along Kennon Road and Naguilian Road.

Motorists traveling along Halsema Highway were likewise advised yesterday to remain alert as saturated slopes increased the risk of landslides.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, police and local disaster officials urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, slow down when passing landslide-prone areas and strictly follow traffic advisories.

The rains also slightly raised the water level of Angat Dam, although it remained below its critical elevation.

Records from the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed that the water elevation of Angat Dam as of 2 p.m. yesterday reached 156.71 meters from 155.75 meters the previous day, an increase of 0.96 meter.

However, the level remained 3.29 meters below its critical elevation of 160 meters, 23.29 meters below its normal operating level of 180 meters and 55.29 meters below its rainy season normal high water level of 212 meters.

Flight disruptions

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, meanwhile, reported flight disruptions due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Cebu Pacific canceled Flight 5J 506 (Manila-Tuguegarao) and Flight 5J 507 (Tuguegarao-Manila).

Three other flights were diverted to Clark International Airport: Cebu Pacific Flight CEB860 (Zamboanga-Manila), which landed at 1:19 p.m.; GAP2814 (Davao-Manila), which landed at 1:23 p.m. and Cebu Pacific Flight CEB280 (Denpasar, Bali-Manila), which landed at 1:30 p.m. –

Ferry trips in Leyte, Palawan suspended as TS Maymay stirs rough seas

Several ferry trips in Leyte and Palawan were suspended on Wednesday, due to rough sea conditions caused by Tropical Storm (TS) Maymay, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said.

In its 8 a.m. advisory, the PPA announced the cancellation of the following trips:

Western Leyte-Biliran port

TMO-Maasin: MV Oceanjet 88 of Ocean Fast Ferries Inc. (Cebu – Maasin – Surigao)

Palawan port

TMO Culion: Escapade Tours and all trips of vessels with 35GT (Gross Tonage) and below

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard – Palawan District also temporarily suspended all vessels 35 GT and below within the coastal waters of the following areas in North Eastern Palawan:

Brgy. Bulalacao

Brgy. Delian

Brgy. Decabaitot

Depalian Island

The west coast of Linapacan, Culion and Busuanga, Palawan

Meanwhile, small vessels 15 GT and below are also prohibited from voyaging in the following areas in Northern Palawan:

Taytay

El Nido

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in an advisory that a gale warning is in effect over the western seaboard of Northern Luzon, due to rough to very rough sea conditions of up to 4.5 meters of wave brought by TS Maymay.

7 listed Philippines companies join Forbes’ Best Under $1 billion list

Seven publicly listed Philippine firms entered Forbes’ list of best Asian companies with sales of under $1 billion, showcasing their capability to sustain growth in a pressured environment.

In this year’s edition of Forbes Asia’s Best Under a Billion, seven listed Philippine companies joined a group of 200 small and mid-sized businesses that delivered notable financial performances in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges.

Forbes recognized Asia United Bank Corp. (AUB) and Pryce Corp. for putting up sales of $505 million and $370 million, respectively, the highest on the list from the Philippines.

They are joined by Apex Mining Co. Inc. with $357 million, A. Soriano Corp. with $256 million and Vivant Corp. with $177 million. Completing the list for the Philippines are two educational institutions, namely, Far Eastern University (FEU) with $100 million and STI Education Systems Holdings Inc. with $97 million.

Both Pryce and STI made it to the Best Under A Billion list for the first time. The rest landed at least once in the past, such as A. Soriano and Apex in 2025; FEU in 2024; and AUB and Vivant in 2020.

Forbes said it has selected the Best Under A Billion firms from more than 19,000 entities across 17 economies in Asia-Pacific.

The list, although unranked, features the strongest expanders financially, with Forbes measuring their growth by debt, sales and earnings-per-share profiles.

Further, the metrics were evaluated based on both financial reports over the past three years and the strongest one- and five-year average returns.

Regionally, Forbes observed a shift toward businesses that supply to the global boom on artificial intelligence (AI). One in four companies on the list are involved in the manufacture of electronic and semiconductor components and software development, which are crucial to AI growth.

By country, China accounted for the largest number of entrants on the list with 28, followed by India’s 27 and Malaysia’s 19. Forbes also said 60 companies this year are returning from 2025.

To qualify for the Best Under A Billion list, a company must be a listed firm with sales of above $10 million but less than $1 billion.

The Best Under A Billion has seen some of its companies graduate to become global giants since its creation in 2002, such as the Philippines’ Jollibee Foods Corp. and Malaysia’s AirAsia Group.

2027: Sultan reacts to claim of asking Nigerians to vote for Tinubu

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has denied claim that he has asked Nigerians to vote for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

The Sultan said this while dismissing viral claims on some social media platforms that he had asked Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of his media team on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Sultan, as the father of all, cannot make such a statement either publicly or in any other forum.

The media team therefore urged Nigerians to disregard and condemn the claim which it described as ‘a malicious and unpatriotic attempt to drag the revered personality of the Sultan into partisan politics for selfish interests.’

The media team asserted that the Sultan’s position as a traditional and religious leader requires him to remain impartial and accessible to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.

‘Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure. As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings.

‘The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination.’

The media team added that attempts to portray the Sultan as supporting the political ambition or campaign of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections should be rejected.

It added that the Sultan remains committed to promoting peace, unity, stability and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.

The media team also urged journalists and social media users to verify information before sharing reports capable of misleading the public or drawing traditional and religious institutions into partisan political disputes.

FG establishes AI, cyber diplomacy unit to deepen global engagement

The Federal Government has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s engagement in global digital governance and reposition the country’s foreign policy for the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this in Abuja while declaring open the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy (ACDD 2.0), saying the initiative would ensure Nigeria remains competitive in an international system increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies.

The two-day seminar, themed ‘From Awareness to Activation: Operationalising AI, Cyber and Digital Statecraft for Nigeria’s Foreign Policy,’ brought together diplomats, policymakers, security agencies, technology experts, development partners, academia and members of the diplomatic corps to examine how emerging technologies can be integrated into Nigeria’s foreign policy framework.

Enikanolaiye said the newly created AI and Cyber Diplomacy Unit, domiciled in the Ministry’s International Organisations Department, was one of the key outcomes of the maiden edition of the seminar held in 2025.

According to him, the unit will coordinate Nigeria’s engagement on emerging technological issues, strengthen the country’s participation in global digital governance processes and ensure that diplomatic engagements adequately reflect the strategic implications of technological advancement.

‘This seminal event builds on the success of its maiden edition in 2025, which initiated an important conversation on the interface of diplomacy, emerging technologies and global governance. A significant outcome of the inaugural seminar was the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry. When fully operationalised, the Unit will serve as a focal point for coordinating Nigeria’s engagement on emerging technological issues and strengthening our participation in global digital governance processes,’ he said.

The minister observed that advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technology are fundamentally changing international relations, making it imperative for Nigeria to modernise its diplomatic institutions.

‘The contemporary international system is undergoing a profound transformation, such that the boundaries between diplomacy, economics, security, science and technology are becoming fluid. Advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technology are reshaping the manner in which states engage, communicate, negotiate and pursue their national interests,’ Enikanolaiye said.

He stressed that anticipatory diplomacy requires governments to move beyond reacting to global developments and instead prepare proactively for emerging technological realities.

‘Anticipatory diplomacy requires a shift from reactive approaches to proactive engagement. It calls for stronger institutional readiness, enhanced digital capabilities within our diplomatic service and deeper cooperation among government institutions, academia, technology experts and international partners,’ he said.

Enikanolaiye urged participants to focus on practical recommendations that would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions and position the country as a leader in digital diplomacy on the continent.

Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said digital capability has become as important as military strength and economic power in determining a nation’s global influence.

‘The foundations of national power are changing. A nation’s ability to build digital infrastructure, develop digitally secure spaces, harness artificial intelligence and shape global technology standards is increasingly determining its competitiveness, resilience and influence. Digital capability is becoming as important to national influence as diplomacy, economic strength and defence,’ Tijani said.

He noted that Nigeria has emerged as a strategic digital hub in West Africa, being the only country in the sub-region with communication satellites and the highest number of subsea internet cables.

Tijani disclosed that the Federal Government is investing in about 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure to improve broadband connectivity across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, adding that the National Digital Cloud Policy would soon be unveiled to attract global investment into the country’s digital infrastructure.

The minister further announced the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Council on Cybersecurity to improve intelligence sharing between government and the private sector and strengthen the protection of critical national infrastructure.

He also revealed that Nigeria had developed the first government-backed large language model capable of understanding Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Ibibio and accented English, while the Federal Executive Council had approved the creation of a National AI Trust to oversee responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence.

Tijani added that nearly 300,000 young Nigerians had already been trained under the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme to prepare the country’s workforce for the digital economy.

Earlier, Chairman of the African Union Cybersecurity Experts Group and lead facilitator of the seminar, Abdul Hakeem Ajijola, said the programme was designed to move Nigeria from awareness to implementation of anticipatory cyber and digital diplomacy.

‘AI is no longer coming; AI is here. The question for Nigeria is how we anticipate these developments, prepare for them, take advantage of the opportunities they present and, more importantly, mitigate the risks they may create,’ Ajijola said.

He explained that cyber diplomacy had become increasingly important because cyber conflicts often precede conventional wars, while digital diplomacy provides nations with platforms to project their interests globally.

In a goodwill message, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the increasing exploitation of digital platforms by criminal networks makes stronger cyber capabilities and digital diplomacy essential to national security.

‘The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital ecosystem through capacity building, intelligence-led operations and public awareness.’

‘We must proactively identify threats, build resilient systems and strengthen partnerships across government, the private sector and international allies,’ the police chief said.