Jasha Gamao

QUEZON CITY—The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has officially issued a Subpoena to Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, ordering his appearance at Camp Crame this coming Thursday, May 14, 2026. 

Signed by CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Morico II, the directive compels the senator to face the Major Crimes Investigation Unit to provide a sworn statement and surrender relevant documents. 

This legal move marks a significant escalation in the government's renewed scrutiny of high-profile personalities linked to the controversial war on drugs.

The investigation focuses on the alleged Extra-Judicial Killings (EJKs) in the Davao Region, drawing from explosive revelations made during the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearings and public testimonies from retired SPO3 Arturo Lascañas. 

Authorities are specifically looking into Dela Rosa's tenure as Davao City Director and Regional Director, seeking to clarify his role in the reported deaths. 

The subpoena warns that failure to comply without a valid justification will lead to charges for Indirect Contempt of Court, signaling the PNP's firm stance on the proceedings.

This development follows a direct order from DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued on May 10, mandating the PNP to reopen and investigate approximately 100 cases of EJKs. 

By leveraging Republic Act No. 10973, which grants the PNP leadership the power to issue subpoenas, the CIDG is centralizing its efforts to address long-standing allegations from the Duterte administration. 

As the deadline for his appearance nears, all eyes are on the former police chief turned senator to see how he will respond to the formal demand for transparency.

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Atty. Elaine Atienza, spokesperson for former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, hit back at the Philippine Global News Network (PGMN) following the arrest of its founder, Franco Mabanta. 

Atienza clarified that the case is not an attack on press freedom or government criticism, but a direct response to an alleged extortion attempt. 

She revealed that Romualdez reported the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after money was purportedly demanded in exchange for keeping a "scandalous" video private. 

"Rep. Romualdez simply did what any person would do—he reported the crime to the proper authorities," Atty. Atienza stated, emphasizing that the NBI acted strictly within its legal mandate.

The Romualdez camp further argued that PGMN’s claims of having "exposés" are irrelevant to the criminal investigation. 

“Whatever materials or exposés they claim to possess are irrelevant to the criminal allegations of extortion now under investigation.” Atty. Atienza added.

Atienza challenged the media platform to release any evidence of government wrongdoing to the public or the courts instead of using it as financial leverage. 

“If anyone believes he has evidence of wrongdoing by public officials, the proper course is simple: release it, submit it to the authorities, and let the proper institutions act on it — not use it as leverage in exchange for money.” The attorney argued.

By allegedly holding a video for weeks instead of publishing it, the camp asserts that PGMN crossed the line from news reporting to criminal activity. 

“That is what PGMN did: they purportedly produced a video that was allegedly ready to run several weeks ago and yet chose not to release it. That is NOT journalism, that is extortion.” Atty. Atienza added.

Atienza concluded that while democracy encourages criticism, the law strictly punishes extortion, noting that such conduct only serves to damage the public’s trust in legitimate media institutions.

“Such conduct undermines legitimate journalism and damages public trust in genuine media institutions. Simple lang po ito: Sa demokrasya, malayang pumuna. Pero malinaw po sa ating batas: Isang krimen ang pangingikil. “ Atty. Atienza concluded.

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QUEZON CITY—The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 81 has dismissed a petition filed by Atty. Manases "Mans" Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, which sought to block the House of Representatives from accessing their income tax returns. 

In a five-page order dated May 6, 2026, Presiding Judge Madonna C. Echiverri denied the request for a preliminary injunction and junked the case for lack of jurisdiction. 

In her decision, Judge Echiverri clarified that the Regional Trial Court does not have the authority to restrain a co-equal branch of government like the House of Representatives. 

The court emphasized that the House Committee on Justice was acting within its constitutional mandate to investigate impeachment complaints, and any judicial review regarding "grave abuse of discretion" by such a body must be filed directly with the Supreme Court. 

“In the case at bench, the respondents are acting in the official capacity as part of the HCOJ, a co-equal branch of the government hence, the case at bench should have been filed with the Supreme Court.”

The dismissal comes at a critical time, just days before the House is scheduled to hold a plenary vote on the consolidated Articles of Impeachment on May 11. 

While the House panel previously voted to keep the tax records in a sealed box for the time being, lawmakers noted that this court victory reinforces their authority to handle such documents as public records in constitutional proceedings. 

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Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste dismissed the complaint filed by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin against him and Solar Para sa Bayan, labeling the legal move as “super duper hina” or incredibly weak.

Leviste maintained that the allegations regarding violations of the Public Service Act lack merit based on reports circulating in the media. 

The lawmaker further warned that the case sets a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door for future administrations to file nuisance complaints against directors of major public utilities and media conglomerates.

“I would also like to point out: This sets a precedent for future administrations to file nuisance complaints against officers and directors of public utilities in the Philippines—including ABS-CBN, GMA, TV5 and Philippine Star.” Representative Leviste said in his statement.

Leviste linked the timing of the complaint to his recent call for a legislative inquiry into the alleged connections between high-ranking officials and local contractors. 

“Sabay pa ito sa resolution ni Recto at sa panawagan kong imbestigahan ang koneksiyon ni Recto kay Gardiola, pati ang kanilang mga koneksiyon sa Batangas DPWH contractors at STL operator Refresh Gaming Corporation.” The young lawmaker stressed out.

Despite claims that the legal action was orchestrated by political rivals, the freshman representative vowed to push forward with his investigation.

“Itinutuloy ko ito kahit may nagsabi sa akin na si Recto umano ang nag-uutos kay Garin. Malapit nang matapos ang panahon ni Recto, pero hindi dapat matapos ang pagsusuri ng koneksiyon niya kay Gardiola.” Representative Leviste said.

Leviste’s legal counsel, Atty. Ruy Rondain, is expected to handle the specifics of the case as the lawmaker prepares to release a more detailed formal statement on the matter.

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PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate transformed into a "Bloom" sanctuary on May 6, as lawmakers formally adopted a resolution honoring BINI for their historic performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. 

In a rare departure from tradition, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III suspended the chamber’s long-standing "no clapping" rule, allowing an enthusiastic burst of applause to echo through the plenary hall. 

“It is prohibited to clap in the Senate during sessions, but it’s alright. You are exempted,” The Senate President said in enthusiasm.

The "Nation’s Girl Group" received Resolution No. 46, marking them as the first Filipino act to ever grace the prestigious California stage.

Leading the tributes, Senator Bam Aquino hailed the group’s success as a collective win for every Filipino, while Senator Loren Legarda praised the eight-member ensemble for weaving cultural elements into their global choreography. 

“Ang tagumpay ng BINI ay isang panalong dapat ipagdiwang sa gitna ng mga hamon at krisis na kinakaharap ng ating bansa…Ito po ay isang panalo para sa bawat Pilipino,” Senator Aquino said. 

The chamber was united in its admiration, with Senator Risa Hontiveros highlighting the pride of hearing the Filipino language sung passionately before millions of worldwide viewers. 

“It was such a Pinoy proud moment, not only to see Filipinas sharing the global stage with other world-class artists, but also to hear our beautiful language sung so passionately and so joyfully to millions of viewers around the world,” Senator Hontiveros said in her co-sponsorship of Resolution No 45. 

Even seasoned lawmakers like Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan acknowledged the grueling "long hours and sacrifice" required to achieve such international stature.

“I know how difficult performing is, I know how challenging, and the sacrifice and the long hours, but it pays off in the end, because you have been recognized for your talents and your skills,” Senator Pangilinan said.

The session turned personal as Senator Raffy Tulfo officially outed himself as a "Bloom," vowing continued support for the group’s journey. 

“I hope, as BINI continues in their journey, they continue to bring the Filipino people with them…Sigurado ako na malayong-malayo pa ang mararating ninyo at kaming mga ‘Blooms’ ay patuloy na susuporta sa inyo,” Senator Tulfo said.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri offered a grounded perspective, calling for prayers for the young idols as they navigate the immense pressures of global stardom. 

“I think everyone should pray for them — let’s pray for them — and help them cope with all the struggles that they are going through,” said Senator Zubiri. 

Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva both emphasized that this milestone was not just a concert appearance, but a definitive victory for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) on the world stage.

“It is a long time coming for Pinoy pop to make it to the global stage and make Filipino music reverberate around the world — and BINI made all of it possible,” Senator Estrada said in co-sponsoring Resolution No. 45.

Additionally, Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva in his co-sponsorship speech praised the P-pop group’s historical performance.

“Hindi lang po ito simpleng performance sa international stage. Isa po itong makasaysayang tagumpay para sa OPM (Original Pilipino Music),” Villanueva said.

Closing the commendations, Senator Erwin Tulfo described the achievement as the "Cherry on Top" of the group’s years of perseverance and dedication. 

“Cherry on Top,’ ika nga, ang tagumpay na ito. Bunga ng sipag, tiyaga, at dedikasyon, patunay na ang talento ng Pilipino ay may puwang sa pandaigdigang entablado…Mabuhay ang BINI, mabuhay ang galing ng Pilipino,” Senator Tulfo delivered in his co-sponsorship of Resolution No. 46

The resolution serves as a formal state recognition of BINI's role as cultural ambassadors, proving that Filipino talent can thrive and bloom brightly in any corner of the globe. 

As the session concluded, the message from the Senate was clear: BINI has not only made history but has also set a new gold standard for the future of Pinoy Pop.