Category: Business Mirror

MORE than 12 million beneficiaries all over the country have already benefited from the P20-per-kilo rice that President Marcos promised during the campaign in 2022.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government’s flagship ‘Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!’ continues to expand, making P20-per-kilo rice now available in around 800 participating outlets nationwide.

The Department of Agriculture targets to have 1,500 outlets by the end of the year to bring affordable, quality rice closer to Filipino families in more communities while strengthening support for local farmers and fishermen, Tiu Laurel said.

‘Ang target natin ay iyong mga lower income lalo na ang mga PWD [persons with disability], 4P beneficiaries, single parents at seniors. Target natin is 15 million households,’ the agriculture chief said.

The program currently distributes around 15,000 to 20,000 metric tons of P20 rice every month, with the DA aiming to double this to 40,000 metric tons monthly by December to ensure that more Filipino families can access affordable staple food amid global and local challenges.

Despite the effects of El Niño, the DA assured the public that the country’s food supply remains stable, emphasizing that there is no reason for concern as the government continues to implement measures to secure the nation’s food needs.

‘Marami naman tayong supply, ample, walang cause for any alarm, we are food secure,’ Tiu Laurel said.

Beyond making rice more affordable, the initiative also creates a reliable market for locally produced palay, allowing farmers to earn better while ensuring consumers benefit from lower food costs. ‘Masayang-masaya ang farmers….Nakakatulong talaga sa kanilang kabuhayan,’ he noted.

To further strengthen the agriculture sector, the DA continues to invest in long-term interventions such as solar-powered irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, agricultural credit through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), climate resilience programs for farmers and fisherfolk, and measures to prevent fish kills during extreme weather conditions.

The department is likewise accelerating infrastructure investments through public-private partnerships, with a target of constructing 10,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads within two years, while also pursuing the country’s first three mega hatcheries to boost aquaculture production and improve the livelihood of fishing communities.

The DA is also pushing reforms that encourage greater investments in rice milling, drying, and storage facilities to strengthen the local rice industry, reduce dependence on imports, and create more opportunities for Filipino farmers over the long term.

For Tiu Laurel, the department’s mission extends beyond increasing production-it is about helping Filipino farmers and fisherfolk build sustainable livelihoods. ‘Tanging hangad ko ay kumita ang ating mga farmers and fisherfolks. While in office, one of my main missions is to create the atmosphere and give them the infrastructure for them to be able to make money.’

The agriculture chief likewise encouraged stakeholders to continue working with the government in improving the country’s food systems. ‘Kung meron kayong gustong paratingin at mga ideas, it is very welcome and we have an open structure. Ang utos po ng Pangulo ay tutukan nang maayos ang agrikultura, hopefully ma-aayos namin lahat ng mga problema ninyo,’ he said.

PRESIDENT Marcos led the distribution of over P3.4 billion worth of assistance to beneficiaries to in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as part of the national and regional governments’ efforts to ensure nationwide inclusive development.

The Chief Eexecutive said the rollout of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program and the Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program aims ‘to foster mutual trust and shared responsibility between the national and BARMM government.’

At least a thousand people benefitted from the programs.

‘The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the National Government of the Republic of the Philippines are advancing a shared vision of a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Philippines, guided by the belief that the strength of our nation rests on the well-being and the dignity of every Filipino,’ Marcos said in his speech at the event held at Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Siongco, the headquarters of the Army’s Sixth Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division, in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Wednesday.

Among those who attended the event, were BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Speaker Mohammad Yacob, and BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government Minister Jordan Bayam.

Under the Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program, the Bangsamoro government released P2.9 billion, to make essential services within its jurisdiction more accessible.

Of the said amount from the Bangsamoro Government, P100 million came from its MILG for the disaster relief and recovery initiatives of the local governments (LGU) of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi.

Other BARMM ministries that participated in the distribution event are those of Labor and Employment, that released P150 million for the Bangsamoro Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (BTupad) assistance and P15.7 million Reintegration Program for Balik Bangsamoro Hanap Trabaho program; of Trade, Investments and Tourism, that distributed P64 million for the tourism parks; and of Human Settlements and Development that gave P38.8 million for 50 resettlement housing units.

The BARMM-Unified Program Management Office came out with P1 billion worth of livelihood and socioeconomic assistance for former combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (Biaf) and Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (Biwab), as well as widows of war, and orphans of war.

BARMM’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications released P18.7 million for its Pantawid Pasada Fuel Subsidy cash cards; the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education released P883 million worth of learners’ kits, teachers’ kits, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training scholarship training allowances;

The Ministry of Science and Technology distributed P14.9 million worth of Science and Technology (SandT) educational grants and cash assistance to Mujahideen Assistance for Science Education (Mase) and Professional Assistance for Science Education (Pase) grantees; and the Ministry of Social Services and Development provided P687 million worth of financial subsidies and emergency assistance to indigent Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), individuals in crisis situations, and orphan children.

The Ministry of Health turned over P5 million worth of Operation Centers (Opcens) were turned over to the MOH-Special Geographics Area, and P16.4 million worth of Transitional Development Impact Fund 2026 Tulong Medical Assistance was released to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) and Iranon District Hospital (IDH); the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs distributed PP175,000 in financial assistance to tribesmen affected by disasters; the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (Mafar) released PP2 million worth of portable solar water pumps, boat engines, Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (Cloas), Emancipation Patents (EPs), and rice and corn combined harvesters; and Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources also awarded land titles valued at P150,000 to qualified Bangsamoro beneficiaries.

The BARMM government also released P3 million worth of food packages, medical services, and livelihood assistance from its Project Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (Tabang) was provided to vulnerable Bangsamoro individuals, families, patients, and emergency-affected communities.

For its part, the national government, disbursed P433 million from Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) of the Office of the President to support the priority projects of the LGUs of Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur; Tawi-Tawi; Maguindanao del Sur; Maguindanao del Norte; and Basilan under the BBM program.

Barangay beneficiaries of the BBM program each get P200,000 with P100,000 of that amount to be used to for educational assistance, and the other half for key priority initiatives of the barangay.

Marcos said from April 8 to July 17, the government distributed almost P7 billion to 34,800 barangays nationwide.

‘Moving forward, this Administration remains steadfast in pursuing reforms that enhance the quality of life of every Filipino, strengthen the foundations of our economy, and to ensure that no community is left behind,’ he said.

The defense panel on Wednesday questioned why the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) created a special task force to investigate alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. but did not do the same for alleged threats against Vice President Sara Duterte.

During the ninth day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, defense counsel Mark Vinluan cited Administrative Order No. 11, which established a special NBI task force in April 2026 to investigate alleged threats to the President.

Reading from the order, Vinluan noted that the task force was created because such threats were considered grave offenses with implications for national security and the stability of government.

He then asked NBI Director Melvin Matibag whether alleged threats against the Vice President should likewise be considered grave offenses with far-reaching implications for public safety and government stability.

The prosecution objected, arguing that the question called for speculation, but Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero overruled the objection.

Matibag replied that threats against the President and other high-ranking government officials affect national security and public safety.

Vinluan then asked whether the NBI had formed a similar special task force to investigate alleged threats against Duterte.

‘There was none, as far as I can recall,’ Matibag replied.

The defense also cited Question and Answer No. 13 of Annex G-9 in the NBI records, which referred to an alleged threat against the Vice President.

‘Nakalagay doon may threat daw po. Tama po,’ Matibag confirmed.

Vinluan also asked whether Matibag, after assuming office on Feb. 20, 2026, initiated a motu proprio investigation into the alleged threats against Duterte.

Matibag said no subpoena had been issued to the Vice President because investigating officers had informed him of her previous non-attendance in NBI and House proceedings.

Asked whether the NBI also intended to subpoena former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Matibag said the bureau planned to do so but was still evaluating the testimonies of 18 alleged former Marines who claimed they served as bagmen in the alleged ?805-billion flood control kickback scheme, in which Romualdez and other politicians were implicated.

Vinluan also questioned whether Matibag had personally issued subpoenas to individuals who attended Duterte’s Nov. 22, 2024 press conference. Matibag said subpoenas had been issued, but Vinluan argued those were issued by Matibag’s predecessor.

The defense then contrasted the bureau’s handling of the two cases.

‘Insofar as the alleged threat against the President, there is an ongoing investigation. But in terms of the alleged threat against the Vice President, there is no ongoing investigation?’ Vinluan asked.

‘There is a big difference, Your Honor,’ Matibag replied, without elaborating.

On Tuesday, Matibag testified that the NBI continues to investigate Duterte over her Nov. 23, 2024 video statement in which she said that if she were killed, she had instructed someone to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Romualdez.

He also testified, however, that the NBI had not monitored any credible or actual threat to Duterte’s life, although it treated her public statements seriously because of their potential implications for national security.

Three dams that provide water for irrigation and power generation have fallen below minimum operating levels, based on a July 21 report released by the state weather bureau. Data available on the website of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) showed the alarming water levels of Angat, San Roque, and Pantabangan dams. The latest update indicated that water in Pantabangan and Angat continued to decline in the past 24 hours.

Based on the report from Pagasa, the water level of Angat Dam-which also supplies the drinking water needs of Metro Manila-reached 152.20 meters, lower than its minimum operating level of 180 meters. The water level of Pantabangan Dam nosedived to 176.82 meters, also well below its minimum operating level of 207 meters. Only San Roque Dam maintained its water level in the past 24 hours, but it has yet to return to its minimum operating level of 237 meters as of 8 a.m. of July 21.

Pagasa declared the onset of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas on June 4, yet the rainfall received by Luzon in recent weeks has not been enough to fill its dams. This is a cause for concern as Luzon is home to some of the major rice-producing areas in the country including Nueva Ecija-the Philippines’s rice granary and Cagayan Valley, which considers rice as its second most important crop. Water scarcity in Luzon-the most populous island in the country-poses a threat to the production of the country’s staple, which the Philippines has been importing in large quantities in recent years.

This problem is not new as the Philippines had to make do with scarce water supply especially during the hot dry season months. Dams are usually replenished when certain areas experience rainfall even before the habagat or monsoon season begins. This year, however, the Philippines received reduced rainfall and the super El Niño could even worsen the water situation in the country particularly in the latter part of the year. (See, ‘PHL braces for super El Niño as 47 provinces seen facing dry conditions by November 2026,’ in the BusinessMirror, June 3, 2026).

The water situation of Luzon and possibly the whole country by the fourth quarter due to El Niño and the uncertainty caused by the Middle East war are recipes for disaster, particularly if the government is not prepared to cushion their impact. Some government officials have asked for prayers to shield the Philippines from a super El Niño, but beyond prayers, the public is counting on the state to take proactive measures that will minimize the impact of the weather phenomenon on the local farm sector. It would do well for policymakers to remember that the Philippines has remained a net food importer and it cannot rely on other countries for its food requirements for the next two years, particularly if they are also hit by El Niño.

REPRESENTATIVE Wallace Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, on behalf of the Government of Taiwan, turned over a $200,000 donation to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

The financial support was aimed at augmenting the Philippine government’s relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.

MECO board member Cherbett Karen Maralit formally received the donation in accordance with established protocols. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of Civil Defense also attended the ceremony as witnesses, which reaffirmed the close cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR).

In his remarks, Chow relayed the deepest sympathies of the government and people of Taiwan to all those affected by the devastating earthquake. He also commended the resilience and unity demonstrated by the Filipino people as they continue their recovery efforts.

The representative noted that ‘Taiwan and the Philippines are close neighbors that share similar vulnerabilities to earthquakes and other natural disasters.’ He recalled that after Supertyphoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) struck his hometown of Hualien in September last year, which caused severe mudflows and flooding, hundreds of Filipino nationals living in Taiwan-many of whom are overseas workers-volunteered alongside Taiwanese communities to help clear mud and debris from the affected areas.

Their participation embodied the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, which Chow described as ‘Taiwanihan,’ and reflected the enduring friendship and mutual support between the two people.

Chow expressed his hope that the $200,000 donation would not only provide humanitarian assistance as part of the collective recovery effort but also serve as symbols of compassion, friendship, and partnership between the ‘neighbors.’ He further reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the Philippines and deepening cooperation in HA/DR.

During the ceremony, Subic Bay Taiwan Chamber of Commerce president Best Chang also presented a cash donation of P360,000 on behalf of the chamber, which TECO said further demonstrated the solidarity and goodwill of the Taiwanese community in support of Filipinos.

On behalf of MECO, Maralit expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan for their consistent and timely support whenever the Philippines faces adversity. She conveyed the Filipino people’s appreciation and emphasized that all assistance would be directed to those who need them most.

MECO board member Norman Villanueva and secretary Lucy Yap, as well as DSWD and OCD representatives also attended the ceremony.

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PHILIPPINE Embassy officials in Hanoi participated in the ‘Friendship Meeting Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Viet Nam and the Philippines.’

The event was held on July 10 at the VUFO Central Office in the Vietnamese capital upon the initiative of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Viet Nam-Philippines Friendship Association.

President Phan Anh Son of VUFO welcomed the event’s participants and noted that the relations between Vietnam and the Philippines preceded the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III of the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi shared his optimism on the further strengthening of the bilateral relationship, as he cited the recent state visit to Manila by the Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, and the recent upgrading of the ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership as indicators of the progress in the relationship.

Heads of Asean diplomatic missions in Hanoi, former ambassadors of Vietnam to the Philippines, Filipino community representatives in Hanoi, Vietnamese graduates of Philippine higher education institutions, students from the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, as well as friends of the Philippines and Vietnam graced the occasion.

THE Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) is pushing for a unified national framework for the blue economy as the government moves to coordinate policies governing the sustainable use of the country’s marine resources.

To advance the initiative, the agency convened a two-day Blue Economy Inter-Agency Roundtable Dialogue on July 20 and 21, bringing together more than 100 representatives from government, academia, civil society and development partners to discuss the proposed Philippine Blue Economy Framework.

DepDev Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Glenda Rumohr said the initiative aims to improve coordination among agencies with overlapping mandates in the management and development of marine resources.

‘The harder part is that we’ve each been stewarding pieces of it-a mandate here, covering a jurisdiction there-without necessarily agreeing on how those pieces are supposed to fit together,’ Rumohr said during the dialogue.

‘We think it’s time to stop working around that, and start working through it, together, in the same room,’ she added.

The proposed framework is expected to serve as a guide for government policies on sustainable ocean-based development by establishing common governance mechanisms, strategic priorities, and institutional responsibilities.

DepDev said discussions during the roundtable focused on governance, resource stewardship, and institutional coordination. Participants also identified gaps in existing policies and explored ways to improve coordination across agencies.

The initiative also supports the proposed Blue Economy Act, one of the priority measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s common legislative agenda.

According to the agency, the framework is anchored on existing laws and policies, including the Archipelagic Doctrine, the National Marine Policy, the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, the Fisheries Code and the Clean Water Act.

It is likewise aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which identifies sustainable ocean-based development as part of the country’s long-term growth strategy.

The department said recommendations from the dialogue will be used in refining the Philippine Blue Economy Framework, which is intended to guide future policies on the sustainable use of the country’s marine and coastal resources.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed an agreement with GE Aerospace for the GEnx-1B engines that will power its 15 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, including purchase rights for five additional aircraft, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to fleet modernization, operational excellence, and sustainable long-haul growth.

The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony during the Farnborough International Airshow, led by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, and senior executives from GE Aerospace. The GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engine delivers a blend of efficiency, reliability, durability, and lower emissions through advanced materials and innovative design, supporting quieter and more sustainable long-haul air travel.

‘As we continue to invest in our fleet and expand our international network, GE Aerospace remains an important partner of Philippine Airlines,’ said Lucio C. Tan III. ‘We are confident that the GEnx engines will provide the reliability, efficiency, and performance needed to support our operations and deliver an even better travel experience for our customers.’

‘Philippine Airlines’ selection of the GEnx engine for its new Boeing 787-10 fleet builds on our long-standing relationship and reflects the strength of our technology, services and support,’ said Mohamed Ali, President and CEO, GE Aerospace Commercial Engines and Services. ‘We are proud to support PAL as it grows its widebody fleet with an engine that delivers proven reliability, fuel efficiency and strong operating performance.’

PAL expects the delivery of its Boeing 787-10 orders between 2031 and 2034.

The House prosecution panel on Wednesday said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has completed its presentation of the ‘chain of evidence’ supporting the impeachment article against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte over alleged threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Atty. Benjamin ‘Jay’ Tolosa Jr., legal spokesperson and counsel for the House prosecutors, said the testimony of NBI Director Melvin Matibag provided the institutional context behind the bureau’s assessment that Duterte’s statements had become a national security concern.

Tolosa said the NBI’s conclusion was not based solely on the viral video of Duterte’s November 23, 2024, online press conference but on the totality of circumstances gathered during its investigation.

‘They were not relying on just one viral video or just one statement. They used a totality-of-the-circumstances approach in reaching the conclusion that these remarks had transcended into the level of a national security concern since they affect no less than the Head of State, our Commander-in-Chief,’ Tolosa said during a press briefing.

He said Matibag’s testimony completed the prosecution’s institutional presentation of the NBI’s findings, following earlier testimonies from NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated the video recording, and NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc, who testified on the bureau’s recommendation to file complaints for grave threats and inciting to sedition.

For his part, House prosecutor 1-RIDER Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez said Matibag’s testimony connected the previous evidence and showed how the NBI assessed the alleged threat.

‘With the testimony of Director Matibag, we now have the institutional picture of how the NBI treated the statement. So I think now we have put in open court the legal implications, or how the NBI assessed the same,’ Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez added that the prosecution believes it has already established the necessary elements to support the impeachment charge.

Also, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union described Matibag’s testimony as the final piece that completed the prosecution’s narrative.

‘Director Matibag’s testimony was a big piece of the puzzle because he was able to complete the narrative,’ Ortega said.

‘He painted the bigger picture by showing that the evidence was indeed comprehensive and affirmed the prosecution’s position that the threat actually took place and remains an active threat,’ he added.

He said Matibag provided the broader picture showing that the alleged threat was not only documented but remained an active security concern.

Also, Tolosa highlighted Matibag’s testimony that investigators were certain Duterte had communicated with someone regarding the alleged plan and were continuing efforts to identify that person.

‘His answer was that he was 100 percent sure that there was one. So again, they are pursuing leads. This is now for the purpose of identifying that person. But there is no longer any question as to whether there was indeed such a person who was contacted,’ Tolosa said.

However, Tolosa stressed that only the Senate impeachment court has the authority to determine whether Duterte should remain in office, saying the prosecution believes the evidence addresses the constitutional issues of betrayal of public trust and serious violations of the Constitution.

All doubts erased

The House prosecution panel said the testimonies and evidence presented before the Senate impeachment court have removed doubts over the seriousness of Duterte’s alleged threats against Marcos.

Tolosa said the prosecution has a high level of confidence in the strength of its evidence for the impeachment article involving grave threats and inciting to sedition.

He said the authenticity of the video and Duterte’s statements are no longer in question after the prosecution presented evidence from the NBI.

‘The reason why the NBI took this seriously has also become very clear. This was not an isolated event; it was not just a single sentence or a viral video. A pattern of violence was observed, both in actions and in words,’ Tolosa said.

According to Tolosa, Duterte’s statements showed consistency, citing previous remarks, the Nov. 23, 2024 video, and her subsequent refusal to retract the statements.

He said the evidence presented before the court now allows senator-judges to determine whether such actions are consistent with the responsibilities of the country’s second-highest elected official.

Ortega said the defense failed to weaken the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence.

‘The picture became even clearer. It further affirmed that there is an existing threat. It was as if it had been cemented and further strengthened,’ Ortega said.

Legal action

Duterte may face a separate legal case after the impeachment trial if the NBI’s continuing investigation produces evidence linking her to an alleged assassination plot against President Marcos.

House impeachment adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers said authorities would evaluate possible legal actions depending on the developments of the NBI investigation.

‘But what I can say is that we will consider all possible legal actions that may happen after the impeachment trial,’ Barbers said.

Barbers said the impeachment proceedings are separate from any criminal investigation being conducted by law enforcement agencies.

The NBI has formed a special task force to identify the person Duterte allegedly contacted and determine whether the alleged arrangement could result in criminal liability.

He added that any additional information uncovered by the NBI could remain valuable even after the impeachment proceedings conclude.

Own admissions

Matibag said Duterte’s own public statements already constituted betrayal of public trust, regardless of whether investigators eventually identify the person she allegedly contacted.

During cross-examination before the Senate impeachment court, Matibag said the alleged betrayal was already completed when Duterte publicly admitted that she had communicated with someone regarding a plan against President Marcos.

‘The betrayal of public trust is the issue in the impeachment court; we don’t need to investigate even if we pinpointed the person contracted,’ Matibag said.

He added that such conduct would contradict the constitutional oath of a public official.

The defense moved to strike the statement from the record, arguing that Matibag gave legal conclusions.

However, Senate President and impeachment court presiding officer Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero denied the motion and allowed the testimony to remain.

Escudero noted that Matibag was recognized not only as NBI director but also as a lawyer with extensive legal experience.

‘Words become bullets’

The House prosecution panel defended the NBI’s continuing investigation despite the bureau’s failure so far to identify the person allegedly contacted by Duterte.

House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur said the government could not ignore statements that investigators considered a possible security threat.

‘We cannot let the government sit down and wait until words become bullets,’ Adiong said.

Also, Tolosa said the prosecution does not need to prove that an assassin exists to establish grave threats, saying Duterte’s alleged statements themselves constitute the basis of the accusation.

‘You do not need to show that there is actually an assassin,’ Tolosa said.

He added that the prosecution relied on the alleged threats, the circumstances surrounding the statements, and the response of government agencies that assessed them.

Matibag earlier testified that the NBI created a special task force and was investigating persons of interest using intelligence and surveillance operations.

The NBI chief, however, did not disclose names and said the investigation remains ongoing.