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Naipadala na ng Senate impeachment court ang mga subpoena sa iba't ibang bangko at mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan para sa financial records ni Vice President Sara Duterte.

Amid the ongoing impeachment trial, questions have surfaced regarding whether a government official who has been impeached and convicted by the Senate sitting as an impeachment court can still run for public office.

In line with this, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declined to comment on the matter. According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, their hands are tied to issue any comments regarding the issue.

He also explained that if a case arises in the future, it’s the duty of the Comelec to issue a decision regarding this matter.

“Kung dumako tayo doon, kung kung dadako man, ay magiging issue sa Comelec at syempre dedesisyunan po namin yung bagay na yan as to whether yan ay kalakip, kaakibat, kakabit,” he said

In line with this, Chairman Garcia stressed that the commission does not want to jump to conclusions, noting that it is too early to discuss such scenarios.

“Again, at this point, masyado pong presumptuous at hindi tamang pag-usapan muna kung yung issue ng diskwalipikasyon ng isang kandidato,” he said

Comelec also refrained from naming any specific individuals in relation to the matter. The Chairman also noted that what remains clear under the law is that as long as the individual’s conviction is not yet final, they retain the right to seek public office.

“Hangga't walang conviction na guilty ang isang tao at ito'y naging final executory at hindi na pwedeng ipa-apela sa kahit na kanino, yan po ang taong yan ay pwedeng makatakbo,” he said

Meanwhile, the commission is open to the proposal of the Ombudsman to tighten the requirements for the Certificate of Candidacy (COC).

“Para po mas mapaayos natin ang eleksyon na darating, lalo na yung malaking national local election on 2028. So again, open po kami at initially wala po kaming nakikitang mali o ilegalidad doon sa naturang panukala,” Garcia said

Under the Ombudsman’s proposal, the aspiring candidates should swear under oath that they have no conflict of interest in his/her candidacy. The Comelec welcomed the idea, stating that they are willing to make a study the proposal as it may help to execute a more organized election across the country.

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The Senate Impeachment Court admonished National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during the eighth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. The warning came in response to Matibag’s recent statements targeting some Senator-judges, particularly his remark regarding the investigation on alleged anomalies in the 2019 SEA Games.

Impeachment Court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol explained that this admonition will remain in effect until the trial concludes, though he clarified that it does not hinder the NBI from doing its legal mandate. He also added that Matibag may face possible consequences if he continuously issues statements or comments against the Senator-judges.

“One of the powers po ng court kapag may admonishment na po at hindi ka po sumunod doon is the power to hold a person in contempt for violating the lawful order of the court,” he said

[One of the powers of the court when there is already an admonishment and you fail to comply is the power to hold a person in contempt for violating the lawful order of the court.”]

However, Tongol clarified that the directive is not a gag order. Matibag is not also fully prohibited from speaking up, but it serves as a firm reminder to refrain from making remarks that undermine the credibility and integrity of the court and the Senator-judges. Meaning,  Matibag must avoid direct accusations that could cast doubt on the court’s impartiality.

Both sides are expected to comply with the guidelines set by the impeachment court to maintain order as the trial is still continuous.

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The P85 NCR wage hike went through a formal vote and legal process, according to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino.

The statement was made amid the call from several groups to suspend the wage hike.

Following the issuance of the wage order, concerns have been raised regarding the potential heavy effect to the economy and businesses once the wage hike for minimum wage earners takes effect.

However, Secretary Tolentino stated that the wage increase underwent research, legal processes, and extensive consultations among key stakeholders before the approval. He noted that discussions were conducted between the government, employers, and employee sectors represented by key institutions or groups.

“The government was represented by NEDA, DepDev and the DTI. Ang employers ay yung mga malalaking grupo, yung mga ECOP, PCCI. Ganon din yung employees ay yung malalaking grupo din,” he said

The Secretary emphasized that while the expenses for some businesses will rise, especially the medium-sized enterprises, it was shown to their research that the economic impact will remain minimal. The DOLE also stressed that the wage board carefully evaluated the economic indicators, including inflation, to ensure that employers can afford the hike while maintaining economic stability before the approval.

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Approximately 64% of Filipinos say they have no trust in China. This is 9% higher compared to the 55% recorded in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research.

Only 14% of the Filipinos expressed their trust in China, while 21% remain undecided.

The survey was conducted from June 4 to 11, 2026, amid the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the decision in the International Arbitral Tribunal on the West Philippine Sea.

According to OCTA Research, the survey does not prove that the happenings in the West Philippine Sea are the direct cause of an increased rate of distrust.

However, it’s possible that the continuous reports on issues, including the government actions and calls from various groups, affect the opinion.

The survey also shows that distrust in China is widespread across the country and across all socioeconomic classes.

The poll was conducted among 1,200 Filipinos aged 18 and older through face-to-face interviews.

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