Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

In the absence of new answers from Vice President Sara Duterte to dispute the Articles of Impeachment against her, Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno believes the next course of action would be to start the trial process for everyone to see the evidence.

In a press briefing on Monday before the House of Representatives prosecution team submitted its manifestation to the Senate Impeachment Court, Diokno said that the reason they did not file a formal answer was because there is nothing new in Duterte’s answer to the articles.

Since there is nothing new that will be worth responding to, Diokno believes that the trial proper should start, adding that the prosecution team is ‘very ready’ to present the evidence.

‘The reason why we did not file a reply is because there are no new factual allegations that we have to answer. What we need now is to try this case immediately and we, on the part of the prosecution team, are very ready to present our evidence,’ Diokno, member of the 11-person prosecution team, said.

Diokno said that it seems that Duterte wanted the case to be dismissed even before a trial, which cannot be the case.

‘What we were expecting as an answer to the Articles of Impeachment, are counter arguments to the allegation of facts stated. But if you look at the vice president’s answer, it seems that she wants the case to be dismissed immediately,’ he said.

‘But that can’t be the case because we need to have a trial of the case first before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court makes its judgement,’ he added.

Duterte’s camp filed her reply to the Articles of Impeachment last Monday, June 1, after being given 10 calendar days by the Senate Impeachment Court.

The House prosecution panel was given five days to answer. However, lead public prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro revealed last Thursday that they would not be filing a reply, and will just submit a manifestation since the issues raised by Duterte were similar to her consolidated answer ad cautelam submitted to the House committee on justice during the hearing proper.

Luistro, who was also present during the briefing, also said that the team is ready to go into the next step, which is the pre-trial brief – where evidence, witnesses, and other documents will be marked and examined.

The lawmaker said the prosecution is prepared, even with the leadership dispute in the Senate.

‘I wish to share with the Filipino people that the 11 prosecutors are resolved, we will continue to proceed with the impeachment trial, the 11 prosecutors are ready. As a matter of fact, even our pre-trial brief is ready,’ Luistro said. ‘Despite the commotion, irregularities that happened in the Senate, the 11 prosecutors are not shaken, and are ready to face the looming impeachment trial.’

‘We are considering the same timeline released by the former leadership. So we anticipate that by June 18, the 11 prosecutors will appear before the impeachment court for the first day of pre-trial conference. And on July 6 for the first scheduled trial of the impeachment court.’

The Senate has been engulfed in drama for the past few weeks.

Last May 11, Duterte was impeached for a second time by the House after 257 lawmakers voted in favor of adopting House Resolution No. 989, which contains the articles of impeachment. However, news of Duterte’s impeachment was engulfed by storylines from the Senate, as more eyes were focused on Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s sudden return, after six months of absence.

Dela Rosa was seen running along the Senate’s staircase to dela Rosa evading arrest from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel out to serve an arrest order from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The senator’s attendance proved to be significant as it allowed Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano to muster 13 votes – the minimum number of votes to have him installed as Senate President, replacing Sen. Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III.

Then on March 13, violence erupted in the Senate after gunshots were heard inside the facility. This was the same day that the Articles of Impeachment was transmitted by the House to the Senate.

On May 26, the minority bloc walked out of the session after the majority – led by Cayetano and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta pushed for the discussion of a proposed amendment on the Senate rules.

The amendment, made by Marcoleta through a motion, sought to allow online voting during plenary deliberations, for senators who are not physically present. The minority, before walking out, questioned the rush to amend the rules, and as to why the amendment was contained in a motion instead of a formal resolution.

While the proposed rule change was for plenary matters, several lawmakers feared that this might set a precedent towards allowing online participation for the impeachment trial.

As retaliation, the majority bloc did not attend session last Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, lawmakers said that the Senate was on the verge of violating the 1987 Constitution, as there is a provision stating that the Senate cannot adjourn its session for more than three days without informing the House.

In a public advisory on Monday, the company said it had not received any reports of injuries in its stores located in affected areas as of posting time.

‘All Jollibee team members in our General Santos stores have been accounted for and are safe,’ Jollibee said. ‘At this time, we have received no reports of injuries in our stores located in the affected areas. We continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with the proper authorities to verify all information.’

Jollibee said the safety of its customers and employees remains its top priority as it continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with authorities to verify information.

The company also expressed solidarity with communities affected by the earthquake, saying it stands with Filipinos impacted by the disaster.

Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno on Monday said that holding public watch parties to monitor Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial would help citizens better understand the issues surrounding what could be one of the country’s most high-profile proceedings.

In a media briefing, he suggested that schools could hold public viewing of Duterte’s trial to help Filipinos and civil society monitor the proceedings and deepen their understanding of the case.

‘I am also calling on and suggesting, especially to law schools and other institutions, that it would be good if we could hold watch parties so we can be enlightened and better understand the process,’ Diokno, a prosecutor for the trial, said in Filipino.

The impeachment trial is expected to draw wide public attention as Duterte remains one of the country’s most influential political figures and is leading contender for the presidency in the 2028 election.

‘In the process of expanding political participation we are also encouraging everyone to have their own livestreams,’ prosecution panel spokeswoman and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co said in the same briefing. ‘I’m sure these will be happening in our homes and classrooms.’

On May 11, the House overwhelmingly voted to elevate the charges of corruption and constitutional violations against Duterte to the Senate, with 257 lawmakers finding probable cause to indict Duterte under four impeachment articles:

Culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust through the systematic misuse, misappropriation, and irregular use of confidential funds amounting to P500 million under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and P112.5 million under the Department of Education (DepEd);

Culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust when Duterte amassed unexplained wealth manifestly disproportionate to her lawful income and earnings during her incumbency as a public official, failing to disclose all assets in her statements of net worth for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024;

Bribery, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust when she gave monetary gifts or payments to Department of Education officials to induce the violation and circumvention of procurement and other related laws;

Culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes, and betrayal of public trust for allegedly contracting the assassination of the president, the first lady, and the former House speaker, making grave threats, and actively inciting sedition against the Republic.

Mayor Rolando Uy suspended classes from kindergarten to elementary levels and ordered immediate structural inspections of public buildings after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, initially recorded as magnitude 7.0, struck parts of Mindanao early Monday morning.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the 7:37 a.m. tectonic tremor had its epicenter 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, General Santos City, at a depth of 33 kilometers.

Although offshore, the quake was felt at Intensity III in Cagayan de Oro City.

In a video statement released through the City Information Office, Uy directed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) to prioritize safety inspections of schools and high-rise structures.

‘We need to ensure the structural integrity of these buildings, especially since today marks the opening of the school year,’ Uy said.

The suspension affected the first day of classes for elementary pupils across the city.

Local authorities are continuing on-the-ground assessments, with no major damage or casualties reported as of posting.

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate has called on the Marcos administration to expedite relief operations and structural inspections following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Mindanao.

Zarate, who was in the region when the tremor occurred, described the quake as one of the strongest in recent memory, leaving reports of damage and panic among residents in General Santos City, Davao City, and nearby areas.

‘The priority must be the rapid delivery of aid to affected residents. We cannot afford the usual slow bureaucracy while people are still in shock and living in fear of aftershocks or a possible tsunami threat,’ Zarate said in an emailed statement on Monday.

Expressing concern over reports of collapsed structures, cracked roads, and damaged facades, the former lawmaker urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units, and building officials to conduct thorough inspections of public and private infrastructure.

He stressed the urgency of assessing schools, hospitals, high-rise buildings, and bridges to determine which facilities remain safe for occupancy and which should be evacuated to prevent further casualties during possible aftershocks.

‘We have already seen reports of buildings collapsing or sustaining major damage. We must determine which are still safe and which need to be evacuated or demolished,’ Zarate said, noting that many residents remained hesitant to return to their homes hours after the main tremor.

Zarate also called on the national government to immediately release calamity funds and suspend fees related to damage assessments and repairs, including building permit reissuances and inspection charges.

‘The Marcos administration must show urgency. Every day of delay in aid and inspections puts more lives and livelihoods at risk,’ he said, adding that residents in General Santos, Davao City, and nearby provinces need immediate action.

Defending champion Vietnam and Kazakhstan kept themselves unbeaten in three games in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup on Monday at Candon City Arena here.

Vietnam survived the gritty Indonesia, 18-25, 25-22, 25-18, 19-25, 15-13, thanks to Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Vi Thi Nhu Quynh’s 22 points each.

Vietnam, seeking a fourth consecutive crown, was two points away from winning the fifth set, 13-11, but Indonesia never gave up, with Chelsa Nurtomo nailing an ace for the equalizer.

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Le Nhu Anh scored her 15th point to reach match point, 14-13, before Tran nailed the game-winning hit.

Ersandrina Devega’s 26-point effort went for naught, as Indonesia slid to a 1-2 record.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan shook off another sluggish start and stayed on course for a semifinal berth with a 13-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-19 victory over Iran.

It was the second consecutive match where the Kazakhs dropped the opening set before turning the tide – they won in four over Hong Kong after a straight-sets victory over Indonesia.

Kristina Belova had 23 points on 21 attacks and two blocks, while Tatyana Yatskiv had 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks. Yuliya Fomenko had four of Kazakhstan’s 11 blocks to finish with 10 points.

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Vietnam and Kazakhstan boost their semis chances, as the top two from each pool move on to the semifinals.

Hong Kong broke through with its first win, defeating Lebanon, 25-20, 25-8, 25-13.

Sum Yuen Tang had 14 points on 12 attacks and two aces, while Lam Shum had 13 points, all on attacks, for Hong Kong, now with a 1-2 record.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bohol has approved financial assistance and the deployment of search and rescue teams to areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

A special meeting was held on Monday, June 8, led by Acting Governor Nick Besas, following reports of the powerful quake.

During the meeting, the council approved a resolution authorizing the provincial government to extend financial assistance to several affected local government units. These include P2 million for General Santos City, P1.5 million for Sarangani, and P1.5 million for South Cotabato.

The PDRRMC also approved the deployment of two six-member search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) teams to assist ongoing emergency operations in Sarangani and General Santos City. The teams are set to depart on Tuesday, June 9.

The provincial government will also launch a donation drive to encourage Bol-anons to extend support to communities severely affected by the earthquake.

Present during the meeting were heads of provincial offices, board members, and representatives of various departments, as well as member agencies of the PDRRMC, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, and the Philippine Red Cross.

Officials underscored the importance of unity and cooperation during times of disaster.

‘In times of calamity, our unity is our greatest strength. Bohol is ready to help, ready to support, and ready to respond to the needs of our fellow citizens,’ Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said.

Landing and takeoff operations at General Santos Airport are now limited after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani province on Monday morning, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said.

According to Caap, landing and takeoff operations at the airport are currently limited to government, military, and humanitarian flights.

‘A Notice to Airmen (Notam) is in effect from June 8 at 3 p.m. until June 11 at 6 p.m.,’ the agency said in a statement on Monday.

The aviation authority advised passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines regarding the status of their flights.

Several flights have also been canceled due to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani, at 7:37 a.m.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered Caap to allow military, government, and humanitarian flights at General Santos Airport ‘to ensure unimpeded relief transport and rapid humanitarian response operations.’

‘The president’s directive is that we must respond quickly and continuously to the needs of our fellow citizens affected by the earthquake. We must be prompt in responding to immediately help our fellow citizens,’ he said in Filipino.

‘Apart from ensuring that the airport did not sustain severe damage, our primary concern is also the safety of passengers and personnel. We must also ensure that our colleagues and their families are safe because many are affected,’ he added.

He also instructed the transportation sector to prepare for the possible deployment of government assets for free rides to assist commuters stranded in earthquake-affected areas.

He directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s Davao and General Santos City offices to issue special permits to buses transporting stranded passengers to and from the Davao and GenSan airports.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) maritime sector heightened its safety and response measures following the issuance of the tsunami warning on Monday morning.

The DOTr chief likewise instructed the Philippine Coast Guard to immediately mobilize its assets and personnel to assist residents affected by the tsunami warning and support the evacuation of those in vulnerable coastal áreas.

Seventeen flights to and from General Santos International Airport were cancelled on Monday after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Maasim, Sarangani, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).

Of the affected flights, eight were inbound to General Santos, while nine were departing for destinations including Manila, Cebu and Iloilo. The disrupted services were operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and PAL Express.

Caap issued a Notice to Airmen (Notam), a safety advisory informing pilots and flight operators of temporary hazards or operational restrictions. The advisory was in effect from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In a separate advisory, PAL warned that customer support services may experience delays after one of its Mindanao facilities temporarily ceased operations following the earthquake.

‘If you are not traveling within the next 48 hours and your request is not urgent, we kindly ask that you contact us at a later time so we can prioritize customers with immediate travel needs,’ the flag carrier said.

The affected flights were:

Cebu Pacific (11 flights)

5J4843 – Iloilo to General Santos

5J4844 – General Santos to Iloilo

5J998 – General Santos to Manila

5J993 – Manila to General Santos

5J994 – General Santos to Manila

5J995 – Manila to General Santos

5J996 – General Santos to Manila

5J249 – Cebu to General Santos

5J250 – General Santos to Cebu

5J991 – Manila to General Santos

5J992 – General Santos to Manila

PAL Express (4 flights)

2P2357 – CEB-GES

2P2358 – GES-CEB

2P2455 – MNL-GES

2P2456 – GES-MNL

Philippine Airlines (2 flights)

PR453 – MNL-GES

PR454 – GES-MNL

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the tectonic earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. on June 8. Its epicenter was located 32 kilometers south 4 degrees west of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.

The strong tremor, which lasted about 30 seconds in Koronadal City, disrupted internet, electricity, and water services in parts of the city and nearby areas.

Local fuel products are set for another price increase this week, reaching as high as P8.10 per liter.

In an advisory on Monday, Seaoil said the diesel products would be costlier by P5.77 per liter starting June 9.

Gasoline will have a slight upward price adjustment of 30 centavos, while kerosene will go up by P8.10 per liter.

Other oil companies have yet to announce their official price movements.