Jasha Gamao

QUEZON CITY—The House of Representatives officially mobilized its legal offensive today, electing 11 lawmakers to serve as the prosecution team for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. 

Leading the charge is a strategic mix of seasoned litigators and veteran human rights advocates, including high-profile figures such as Chel Diokno, Leila de Lima, and Terry Ridon. 

This powerhouse panel is tasked with presenting the evidence against the Vice President before the Senate, signaling a swift and decisive move by the lower chamber to bring the articles of impeachment to the floor.

The complete "Magic 11" roster features Representatives Gerville Luistro, Rodge Gutierrez, Bel Zamora, Lorenz Defensor, Kaka Bag-ao, Keith Flores, Lordan Suan, and Joel Chua. 

By assembling this diverse group of legal experts, the House leadership aims to ensure a watertight case centered on the various allegations leveled against the country’s second-highest official. 

With the prosecutors now finalized, the political spotlight shifts entirely to the Senate, which will soon transform into an impeachment court to decide the Vice President's fate.

PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate erupted in protest on May 12, after National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents attempted to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during a chaotic confrontation that left a Senate security officer injured. 

New Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano slammed the move as a breach of constitutional process, noting that any law enforcement action within the chamber must be backed by a local court warrant and respect the institution's dignity. 

“Today proves na hindi tayo magulo. Kapag hindi tayo ginugulo, hindi tayo magulo,” SP Cayetano said.

In response to the disruption, the Senate has launched a formal internal investigation to be led by the Senate Legal Counsel. 

Lawmakers expressed outrage over the "violent treatment" of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms staff, with Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri calling for "proper restraint" from law enforcement. 

Zubiri urged his colleagues to stand by their personnel, who he noted were injured while simply trying to maintain order and protect the sanctity of the upper chamber.

“There should be proper restraint on the part of the law enforcement agency, and I commiserate with our staff who are now suffering from low morale,” Senator Zubiri said.

While the NBI conducts its own separate inquiry into the May 11 incident, the Senate has put further actions on hold pending the results of their internal review. 

Legal teams from all senatorial offices have been invited to evaluate the breach of protocol to ensure such "external interference" never happens again. 

For now, the leadership insists that all legal remedies under the Constitution must be exhausted before any member or staff is subjected to such aggressive tactics.

PASAY CITY—Former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III took the floor on May 12, to forcefully deny claims that he authorized the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to arrest Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa within the Senate. 

Sotto addressed the plenary to clear his name after rumors swirled that he had greenlit the operation. 

“Let the records speak for itself.” The former Senate President said in the plenary.

He maintained that he never coordinated with the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to allow agents to "wrestle" or harass a fellow lawmaker on the premises.

The denial follows a chaotic standoff during yesterday’s session where Dela Rosa, appearing for the first time in six months, was reportedly intercepted by NBI agents. 

While Sotto admitted he was aware of an existing warrant against Dela Rosa, he clarified that he did not approve a "hot pursuit" inside the building. 

“Kaya ganoon lang kadali ang sinabi ko, coordinate with the OSAA.” Senator Sotto stated.

Sotto stressed that he was completely unaware Dela Rosa would show up to vote, flatly rejecting any accusations of obstruction of justice or "betrayal" of his colleague.

“I didn’t realize that he was coming. I didn’t know that he was going to be there that afternoon. I just thought it was simple information given to the Senate President that the member of the Senate was being issued a warrant of arrest.”, Senator Sotto argued.

The Senate remains in a state of high tension following a successful "coup" that installed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate President.

MANILA—The DENR Lawin Patrollers officially entered the win column of the UNTV Cup Season 12 after dismantling the NHA Home Masters, 91–82, in a high-stakes showdown at the Paco Arena on May 10. 

The Lawin Patrollers showcased a relentless offensive rhythm and a locked-in defense to stave off the Home Masters' comeback attempts. 

The victory marks a crucial turning point for DENR, proving they can maintain composure under pressure to secure a decisive result in the league's competitive landscape.

Leading the charge was Alfie Grijaldo, whose powerhouse double-double performance earned him Best Player of the Game honors. 

Grijaldo dominated the floor with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, providing the veteran leadership needed to seal the win. 

"Kailangan namin mag-adjust specially sa mga player na nawala… kung sino yung mga nandiyan na kasama namin at alam namin magagamit namin sila nag usap-usap kami para pagtrabahuin lahat ng kailangan naming gawin para manalo sa game na’to," Grijaldo said in a post-game interview.

His clinical execution on both ends of the court ensured the Lawin Patrollers stayed grounded and focused until the final buzzer.

MANILA—The PNP Responders delivered a commanding performance to dismantle the DOJ Radiance during the UNTV Cup Season 12 double-header on May 10 at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

Executing a disciplined offensive strategy and a suffocating defense, the Responders controlled the tempo of the game, preventing the Radiance from finding any rhythm. 

The victory bolsters PNP’s 2-0 standing in the eliminations, proving once again why they remain a powerhouse in the league of public servants.

Mateo Christian earned Best Player of the Game honors, serving as the engine for the Responders' attack with his efficient scoring and leadership on the floor. 

Attributing his performance to the team’s cohesive system, Christian emphasized the importance of trust and discipline in their victory. 

“Sa mga coach ko na nag-encourage sa akin na ipakita ko lang kung anong kaya kong gawin para sa team, know your role tapos sumunod lang sa game plan,” Christian said in a post-game interview, highlighting the "team-first" mentality that propelled PNP to the winner's circle.