Dev Flores

The House prosecution panel stated that it is the right of VP Sara to have her lawyers represent her instead of physically attending the Senate impeachment court. They also believed that this was the legal strategy employed by her defense team. That was their response when questioned regarding the absence of VP Sara on the first day of trial.

“Diskarte nila ‘yan eh, so it’s up to them,” according to Rep. Joel Chua

“That's an application of accountability. It's not the house prosecution anymore that's asking her to attend. It's the impeachment court,” Rep. Terry Ridon said

“That is her prerogative. Kapag hindi siya umattend, kapag walang counsel, kapag walang answer, the trial will simply proceed,” said Rep. Jinky Luistro

“Well, hse actually has the discretion not to bear pero it doesn't sit well. It doesn't look well. Right?” according to Rep. Leila De Lima

According to Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, her absence reflects the level of her respect for the court. 

“Iba na ho iyon. So, if she doesn't appear then, it speaks of the level of respect that she would want to convey to the Senate impeachment court,” he said

Nevertheless, the prosecution remains prepared to present its witnesses and evidence, whether VP Sara will attend the trial or not, says Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr., a legal spokesperson for House prosecutors.

“So far as we are concerned? Our singular focus here will not change regardless of her appearance. We will make sure that we will be able to establish solid evidence to back serious allegations against her regardless of she will be there or not,” he said

The prosecution panel also responded to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian’s call to reduce the number of trial dates and witnesses to shorten the proceedings.

“We heard the statement of the Senate President about this yesterday. And of course, we will try to conclude the presentation of evidence in an expeditious manner without, of course sacrificing our ability to do it in a proper and effective way as well. Pag papayagan tayo magpresenta ng mahigit sa isang testigo kada araw susubukan nating gawin yan if the time permits,”

The House prosecution panel is set to present its witnesses and evidence regarding the articles of impeachment on grave threats and inciting to sedition. However, this is expected to take place on the second and third days of the trial.

With reports from Rosalie Coz

Watch the livestream of the impaechment trial (Day 2):

Amid the approaching super typhoon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), Vice President Sara Duterte is focused on preparation efforts, according to Defense Team Spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa.

He stated that the Vice President had skipped the first day of the impeachment trial because she was in a planning session for Super Typhoon Bavi.

“Actually, ang mandato po niya bilang bise presidente magtrabaho para sa bayan at yun nga po ‘yung ginagawa niya. In fact, I just spoke to her a few minutes ago. She's actually in a planning session with members of the OVP to prepare for Super Typhoon Bavi. So yun ang ginagawa niya,” he said

According to the defense team, the lawyers will represent the Vice President in accordance with the guidelines of the Senate impeachment court.

They also denied that her absence was an attempt to evade her duties and responsibilities to the nation.

“Parati kong sinasabi, ‘yung pagharap niya sa kaso ay ginagawa na sa kasalukuyan. Kaya nga matagal na siyang nag-form ng isang defense team dahil alam niyang hahantong tayo sa ganito at kaya naman kaming mga abogado niya ay nandito para talagang i-litigate itong kaso at sagutin at patunayan na wala pong basehan yung mga paratang laban sa kanya,” he said

Atty. Poa didn’t disclose any details about the Vice President's possible physical appearance. 

He also stated that certain matters cannot be made public, noting the scope of Attorney-Client privilege; however, it doesn’t mean that she will never show up on other trial days. 

The defense team cannot disclose when she’s going to show up, as this is a part of their legal strategy. 

“No, we're not saying anything right now. As I've always mentioned, ang kanyang physical presence, we will assess kung kinakailangan. Bakit hindi? But that will depend on how the proceedings go, and we will advise her accordingly,” he said

The defense team also trusts and respect the leadership in the Senate impeachment court, as it has sufficient experience in handling the case.

They also denied that they are going to use delaying tactics in the impeachment proceedings and emphasized that they are currently focused on the direction of the impeachment trial. 

With reports from Evan Alvarez

Watch the full livestream of the impeachment trial (Day 1):

Bagong Silangan High School debunked the circulating fake news regarding rumors of a shooting or stabbing incident on campus.

According to the official statement of the school, there is no such incident happened in the establishment.

“Bagong Silangan High School firmly clarifies that no stabbing or shooting incident occurred inside the school campus,” based on an online issued statement

The fake news reportedly spead via Messenger and is currently under investigation. The school is actively coordinating with concerned authorities to trace the souce of the disinformation and hold the responsible accountable.

“We continue to work closely with law enforcement authorities to identify the source of this malicious disinformation and to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken against those responsible,” they said

The educational institution urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information and rely only in legitimate platforms of the school or the government for verified updates.

“We strongly urge everyone to exercise responsibility in sharing information. Please refrain from forwarding unverified messages and rely only on official announcements issued by Bagong Silangan High School, the Schools Division Office, and other authorized government agencies,” based on the official statement

South Korea has extended its visa fee waiver for group tourists until December 31, 2026.

Six countries are included in the visa fee waiver program: the Philippines, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

According to the Justice Ministry, the program aims to boost the tourism industry and may also help to recover the local economy.

In 2025, at least 790,00 foreigners visited South Korea using group visas, which is 39% higher than the record last year.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued an order that prohibits all learners and school personnel from using portable electronic devices during instructional hours.

On the other hand, the department will grant exemptions for two important purposes — academic and emergency.

The use of gadgets will allow for academic purposes, such as accessing educational platforms, digital resources, or other online activities; the emergency purpose covers communication during disasters, medical crises, or immediate safety concerns. 

The order is in accordance with DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026 or the Guidelines on Ensuring Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).

Earlier, Mayor Gungun Gica ordered the implementation of a cellphone ban in public and private schools in Dumanjug, Cebu.

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