AGP Executive Report

Impeachment Watch: In Day 25 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors pressed on her SALNs, including claims she declared no cash on hand/in bank from 2019-2025, while the court allowed older SALNs as a baseline for changes in wealth. SALN Crossfire: The trial also zeroed in on whether foreign-currency funds should be reflected in SALNs, with the Ombudsman witness saying the form has no space for acquisition costs of business interests. Wealth Scrutiny: Prosecutors said Duterte’s P33.35M wealth jump (2021-2025) will be checked against tax, SEC, BIR, AMLC, and PNP Firearms records. Flood Control Accountability: Public Works Sec. Vince Dizon said the detention of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez shows Marcos is keeping his promise to hold even relatives accountable in the flood control kickback case. Power Bills Relief: Speaker Faustino Dy credited a BIR circular removing VAT on allowable system-loss charges within ERC caps, aimed at lowering electricity costs. Education Funding: DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara urged lawmakers to restore funding for the ARAL learning recovery program after zero allocation in the 2027 budget, citing strong PISA gains. Local Governance & Services: Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri flagged Tesda training centers in Bukidnon allegedly turned into storage or “white elephants,” calling for a master plan to keep them useful. Security Update: In Agusan del Sur, the CPP-NCMR acknowledged the death of an NPA leader in a firefight with government troops. Health Access: Caraga announced a first Cancer Access Site at DOPMH, targeting earlier screening and treatment starting Nov. 2026.

Impeachment Watch: Day 25 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is set for Tuesday as Ombudsman and SEC officials testify on SALN discrepancies, unexplained wealth, and prohibited business interests, with prosecutors framing repeated omissions as attempted concealment. Power Costs: The BIR removed 12% VAT on electricity “system loss charges,” with consumers expected to see the change as a separate line item by mid-November. Courtroom & Politics: Defense counsel Michael Poa said showing President Marcos’ SALN in the trial was only to test divestment arguments, while Duterte’s camp hit back calling Marcos “out of touch” and unfit. Detention Update: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla visited Payatas jail ahead of the transfer of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, ordered by the Sandiganbayan. BARMM Elections: Comelec proclaimed winners for five of nine Lanao del Sur parliamentary seats, while senators urged Comelec to probe violence and fraud in the historic BARMM polls. BRICS Diplomacy: Marcos marked his 69th birthday with a Malacañang “Salo-salo,” then continued outreach in New Delhi, including remarks on long-running cases like Imelda Marcos’ graft acquittal. Public Service Caravan: DepEd led health drives at school campuses under “Handog ng Pangulo,” expanding primary care access for tens of thousands.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court opened Day 24 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial for Article II, with retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang testifying on how repeated SALN omissions and “unexplained wealth” can amount to dishonesty and grounds for removal. Budget Oversight: Lawmakers are set to publicly deliberate amendments to the proposed ₱7.2T 2027 national budget as the House takes up the spending bill for plenary discussions. Local Governance Law: The Senate approved a measure setting barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan terms at five years, pushing the next barangay/SK polls to November 2028. Public Safety & Justice: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla said former House Speaker Martin Romualdez will be transferred to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas after a Sandiganbayan order. Disaster Response: Palawan Gov. Amy Roa Alvarez personally delivered aid to survivors and families after the M/V June Aster fire in Coron. Health & Nutrition: The Senate approved on third reading a bill expanding the national nutrition program to universal feeding for kindergarten to Grade 3 students. Energy & Industry: Manila Water said it is relocating affected water and sewer lines to support the Metro Manila Subway project. Sports & National Pride: Gilas Pilipinas’ Asian Games title defense ended after a 105-61 loss to China, sealing the Philippines’ worst-ever finish.

Bangsamoro Polls: Voters in the Muslim-majority BARMM began casting ballots for the region’s first elected parliament, with 80 seats up for grabs and nearly 2.4 million registered voters; polls opened Monday and were preceded by early violence in Cotabato City where three were killed and 15 wounded outside a school-turned-polling site, while security forces and international observers moved to keep the vote orderly. Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court started presenting evidence for VP Sara Duterte’s Article II on alleged unexplained wealth, with prosecutors set to introduce 14 witnesses and over 1,800 bank, tax and financial records, focusing first on SALNs and company links. Marcos vs. Critics: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the arrest of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as not “political drama,” while also saying public spending will be accelerated to address inflation pressures tied to the Middle East conflict. Maritime Tragedy: Identification efforts after the MV June Aster fire remain slow, with only five of 76 confirmed fatalities identified so far as forensics extract DNA from charred remains. Security & Public Order: The PNP prepared for a transport strike amid looming fuel-price hikes, and also intensified action against scammers impersonating government aid distributors targeting seniors. Foreign Policy & Business: Marcos marked his 69th birthday at BRICS in New Delhi, pushing Asean priorities and courting investment, including a reported $75M iSON Group plan for agro-solar, healthcare and BPO jobs.

BARMM Parliamentary Polls: The Bangsamoro autonomous region holds its first parliamentary elections Monday, with nearly 2.4M voters choosing 80 seats using automated counting—an early test for the region’s transition after decades of conflict, as observers urge “secure the ballot, don’t intimidate the voter.” Impeachment Court Math: In Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the Senate court clarified that 11 votes are needed to overturn a prior 16-vote conviction threshold, depending on how many senator-judges can vote. Unexplained Wealth Case: Prosecutors move toward presenting AMLC-linked scrutiny of about P6.7B in Duterte-Carpio transactions, with bank and tax records set to be used in the next phase. France Return Bid: Ombudsman Remulla said his France trip will only “lay groundwork” for information-sharing to help bring Zaldy Co and Loren Legarda back under EU rules. Oil Price Protests: PNP is on alert for Manibela’s Sept. 14-15 transport strike over expected fuel hikes. BRICS Diplomacy: PM Modi met Marcos on BRICS sidelines, agreeing to deepen ties under a Strategic Partnership and welcoming Manila’s CDRI membership. Marcos-India Tech Push: Marcos also sought India’s help on rail and space projects via RITES and ISRO talks. Romualdez Medical Transfer: PGH says it will conduct an “objective” exam of detained ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez to guide whether he stays in hospital or is moved to jail. MV June Aster Aftermath: Authorities in Coron report only 5 of 76 ferry-fire deaths identified so far, with forensics extracting molar teeth for DNA. Drug Ops: PDEA and PNP destroyed 10,960 marijuana plants worth about P2.19M in an Ilocos Sur–Benguet border operation.

Impeachment Math: Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol clarified that 11 votes are needed to overturn the 16-vote threshold to convict VP Sara Duterte if 20 senator-judges can vote, with the court set to revisit the rule on Sept. 16. Unexplained Wealth: House impeachment prosecutor Terry Ridon said lawyer Manases Carpio is “highly relevant” to VP Sara’s unexplained wealth case and prosecutors may call him as a hostile witness. Confidential Funds Claim: The House prosecution alleged VP Sara was the alleged mastermind behind the “confi scam” involving ₱612.5 million in OVP and DepEd confidential funds. Infrastructure Resilience: President Marcos ordered stricter enforcement of construction and building standards, including a proposed Building Resilience Seal, after PSAC recommendations. Education Disruptions: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian pushed for more localized learning interventions as class suspensions continue. Fuel Pressure: Transport group Manibela announced a nationwide strike on Sept. 14-15 over expected fuel price hikes. Health & Courts: PGH said it formed a team to independently check detained former Speaker Martin Romualdez after Sandiganbayan ordered his transfer for medical assessment. South China Sea: A study report said China’s coast guard questioned nearly 200 commercial ships in the Philippine Sea, raising concerns over coercion and lasting presence. BRICS/PH Ties: Marcos met Indian rail and space officials in New Delhi to explore railway projects and ISRO cooperation.

BRICS Diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in New Delhi to push ASEAN priorities at the 18th BRICS Summit, with peace, inclusive growth, and regional resilience on the agenda. Education & Families: DepEd urged parents to talk more with children about school after PISA 2025 showed fewer learners discuss activities and problems at home. Learning Recovery: Sen. Loren Legarda marked International Literacy Day by stressing reading with understanding, noting big gains but that half of learners still lag grade-level reading. School Safety: San Juan City approved funds for walk-through and handheld metal detectors for public schools. Impeachment Math: The Senate impeachment court will revisit the “2/3” conviction threshold; spokesperson Reginald Tongol said 11 votes may be needed to overturn the 16-vote rule if 20 senator-judges attend. VP Sara Case: Arraignment in the grave threats case was deferred, while House prosecutors press ahead on the unexplained wealth track. Economy & Governance: Balisacan said growth hinges on how leaders are selected and on professionalizing the bureaucracy. Tax Corruption Probe: A Senate hearing heard claims BIR examiners still extort MSMEs despite prior orders to suspend field audits. Disbarment Move: The NBI filed a disbarment case over a “honey trap” plot involving Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Infrastructure Resilience: Marcos announced the Philippines joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, seeking disaster-proof roads, bridges, and public buildings. Sports: Gilas rebounded in the Asian Games, routing Kazakhstan 109-78 after an opening loss to Bahrain.

VP Sara Duterte vs Marcos: Her grave threats arraignment was deferred, but she still used the moment to attack President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while Palace spokesperson Claire Castro told her to face cases and answer the public. Impeachment—confidential funds: House prosecutors pressed Article I, calling the alleged ₱612.5M “confi scam” a pattern of confidential fund misuse and saying Duterte had “direct and overall supervision,” with evidence tied to her OVP and DepEd years. Impeachment—unexplained wealth: On Monday, Terry Ridon and Chel Diokno will present evidence for Article II and seek subpoenas for key witnesses. Legal pressure on lawyers: The NBI filed a consolidated disbarment case over the “honey trap” plot involving Exec Sec Ralph Recto, naming Jacinto “Jing” Paras and four lawyers. Education push: DepEd urged parents to talk more with children after PISA 2025 showed fewer students discuss school activities and problems weekly; lawmakers and officials also touted Pisa gains as proof reforms are working. Civil service reforms: Sen. Loren Legarda backed skills training and merit-based performance for 2.25M government workers. BIR corruption probe: A Senate hearing heard claims of ongoing BIR examiner kickbacks despite audit suspensions. Energy and economy: Asia stocks slid as oil prices jumped, raising inflation fears; meanwhile, a Manila transport strike is set for Sept. 14 amid expected fuel hikes. Water deal in Mindanao: SMC agreed to let Dinagat Islands tap the Sabang Dam reservoir to ease water shortages. Disaster update: Search continues after the MV June Aster ferry fire off Palawan, with fatalities expected to rise as charred remains were found.

BRICS Diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. heads to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept. 12-13), vowing to carry Asean’s priorities on peace, prosperity, resilience, and a rules-based order. Impeachment Showdown: Vice President Sara Duterte’s grave threats arraignment was deferred after her camp moved to challenge the court’s jurisdiction; she also renewed calls for Marcos to resign. House vs Duterte: The House prosecution pressed its case in the impeachment trial, calling the alleged ₱612.5M confidential funds misuse a “confi scam” and pointing to Duterte’s “direct and overall supervision” via signatures and approvals. Legal Crossfire: DOJ said it’s still doing preliminary investigation on an obstruction of justice complaint vs Sen. Robin Padilla tied to Bato dela Rosa’s Senate escape. Public Order: Police said Bayan Muna chair Teddy Casiño and others could face charges after a Taguig protest over Pax Silica turned tense. Education & Safety: DepEd moves to crack down on online harassment and cyberbullying under consolidated guidelines, alongside PISA 2025 results showing gains but persistent safety needs. Disaster & Food Security: PCIC released ₱187M in insurance payouts for typhoon and monsoon-related crop losses, while search continues for dozens missing after a ferry fire off Palawan. Energy & Cost of Living: Manibela announced a nationwide transport strike Sept. 14 ahead of expected oil price hikes, as Middle East tensions keep fuel prices volatile.

VP Sara Duterte’s Grave Threats Case: The Quezon City RTC deferred her arraignment on three counts of grave threats, after she arrived for the Friday hearing; heaped on top of the legal fight, Taguig prosecutors also junked her perjury complaint vs alleged former aide Ramil Madriaga for “insufficiency of evidence,” while he impeachment court weighs whether conviction still needs 16 votes if some senator-judges can’t fully participate. Defense & Diplomacy: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippines must expand defense partnerships as China pressures territories, as a Senate panel approved the Philippines-France Visiting Forces Agreement. Luzon Economic Corridor & Pax Silica: Human rights groups condemned police dispersal of a protest at the Luzon Economic Corridor Investors Forum, where five paralegals were arrested and 27 hurt, while SBMA pushed Subic port expansion plans tied to the corridor. Maritime Disaster: Coast Guard search resumed for ferry-fire survivors off Palawan; at least 5 died, with 84 missing after manifest checks, as investigators look into the cause. Public Safety & Governance: DILG said about 2 million loose firearms circulate nationwide; Remulla also warned many dismissed cops end up in organized crime. Infrastructure & Local Politics: DOTr signed a right-of-way deal for the LRT-1 Las Piñas station; NLEX repairs continue amid rain damage. Mental Health Push: Sen. Mark Villar urged faster action on suicide prevention amid rising self-harm deaths and a shortage of mental health professionals. National Culture: Marcos declared Sept. 12 a national day of mourning for National Artist Resil Mojares, and named a new batch of national artists.

Impeachment & Courts: The Senate impeachment court is set to get independent constitutional guidance on the voting threshold for convicting VP Sara Duterte, with retired Supreme Court justices named as amici curiae for Sept. 16. VP Duterte’s Cases: Taguig prosecutors junked Duterte’s perjury complaint vs alleged former aide Ramil Madriaga for lack of evidence, while Duterte also asked the Supreme Court to act fast on her grave threats petition as her arraignment nears. Justice System Under Scrutiny: The Supreme Court appealed to the Senate for more funding to finally build the long-delayed Manila Hall of Justice, and the Sandiganbayan said some flood control cases could move within a year under speedy trial rules. Anti-Corruption & Detention: BJMP is coordinating with the PNP to take custody of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from hospital confinement after a Sandiganbayan order tied to a plunder case. Local Governance & Public Safety: NLEX is doing interim repairs on rain-damaged sections with permanent fixes once weather clears, while Calapan launches the first 911 hotline in Mimaropa to speed emergency response. Energy & Regulation: ERC and Meralco vow to speed up rooftop solar net-metering approvals after complaints of delays. Mental Health Push: Sen. Mark Villar calls for urgent action to expand mental health services amid rising suicide figures and a shortage of professionals. Protest & Security: Police reported arrests and injuries during tensions outside an LEC forum in BGC, as groups oppose Pax Silica and question the corridor’s impacts. Sports: Team Philippines targets at least eight gold medals at the Asian Games, with combat sports and gymnastics among key hopes.

Impeachment & Courts: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the Sara Duterte impeachment trial could wrap up by December after prosecutors dropped 15 remaining witnesses, while House prosecutors also plan to present Duterte as a hostile witness. Anti-Graft Updates: The Ombudsman will oppose former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s bid for extended hospital confinement, and the PNP said his latest medical certification says he’s not fit to travel to Sandiganbayan hearings. Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court acquitted Imelda Marcos in seven graft counts, citing inadmissible testimony and weak proof. Politics & Accountability: Quezon City prosecutors dismissed Manases Carpio’s complaint over lawmakers’ disclosure of Duterte bank records, saying it lacked jurisdiction. Geopolitics: Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro and China traded barbs after a “note” incident at a Seoul forum, with Beijing urging Manila to stop “provocations.” Weather & Disaster Response: Malacañang ordered alternative work and learning arrangements for Sept. 10 in Metro Manila and 13 provinces due to habagat rains; NDRRMC reported P12.4B in agri and infra damage. Public Safety: Five died and 42 were rescued after a ferry fire off Coron, Palawan. Local Governance & Economy: Cebu won the bid to host MICECON 2027 after 13 years; Valencia City finalized a P2.74B LandBank loan for major projects. Environment: DENR said it seized 339 illegally traded animals and exotic species from January to August.

Impeachment Showdown: The Senate impeachment court is again weighing the “2/3” conviction rule for VP Sara Duterte as the prosecution drops 15 witnesses and pushes to call Duterte to testify, while senator-judges debate whether the Supreme Court should settle the voting threshold. Duterte Legal Battles: The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office recommended dismissal of lawyer Manases Carpio’s complaint over alleged disclosure of his and Duterte’s financial records “without prejudice,” as Duterte’s camp continues to contest the grave threats case and arraignment logistics. Plunder Case Watch: Palace says it’s “hands-off” on Martin Romualdez’s hospital confinement, with PNP preparing custody arrangements at PNPGH if the Sandiganbayan orders transfer, while prosecutors and the Ombudsman oppose extended hospital stay. Education & Jobs: Despite improved PISA 2025 scores, Senate and House leaders urge deeper education reforms; Malacañang links rising unemployment to the need for faster ease of doing business and workforce planning. Governance Scorecard: The Philippines placed 59th in the 2026 Chandler Good Government Index, strongest in financial stewardship but trailing peers in other pillars. Climate & Disaster Response: Malacañang steps up El Niño preparations as UN warns of very strong intensity into 2027, while Manila Water supports flood-affected families with emergency WASH aid. Arts & Culture: Marcos names 10 National Artists for 2025, including a first woman in visual arts, as local governments also fund heritage projects like Antique’s heroes hall.

Impeachment Court: The Senate impeachment court will revisit the voting threshold for conviction in VP Sara Duterte’s case, with amici curiae set for Sept. 16 and oral arguments on Sept. 23, as the prosecution also pivoted to calling Duterte herself after dropping 15 remaining witnesses for Article I. Anti-Corruption / Detention: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Sandiganbayan will be asked to transfer former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from a private hospital to the PNP General Hospital at Camp Crame, after his arrest for plunder and amid custody and medical-confinement disputes. Local Governance / Flooding: Metro Manila saw gutter-deep flooding as habagat rains hit, while NLEx Corp reported dredging and pumping measures to stop pooling on the expressway shoulder. Defense / South China Sea: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. condemned China’s Seoul Defense Dialogue letter as “coercion, bullying and aggression,” reiterating the Philippines’ stance on the UNCLOS arbitration. Education: Marcos vowed to sustain education reforms after PISA 2025 gains, with mean scores rising in science, math, and reading. Labor / Wages: A House hearing saw a clash over the Metro Manila minimum wage increase, with Kamanggagawa Rep. Elijah San Fernando pushing for enforcement amid injunction-bond arguments. Diplomacy: Marcos welcomed new ambassadors from Norway and South Korea, signaling expanded cooperation. Security / Elections: BARMM election security will remain with Philippine authorities, after a false claim circulated about Turkish police deployment.

Impeachment Trial Watch: The Senate impeachment court set Sept. 16 for amici curiae input and Sept. 23 for a vote on whether to keep the 24-member voting base in Vice President Sara Duterte’s case, while the prosecution signaled it may call Duterte herself after skipping remaining Article I witnesses and shifting focus to Article II’s unexplained wealth. Confidential Funds Fallout: Prosecutors said they’ll present reserved witness Police Maj. Jovelyn Magay on OVP-DepEd confidential fund liquidation receipts, after earlier testimony flagged payees with no civil registry records and defense acknowledged the names may be aliases. Romualdez Plunder Case: Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was arrested in hospital for plunder and ordered to appear before the Sandiganbayan on Sept. 10 for his hospital-confinement motion; DILG said there were “zero” instructions from Marcos on his treatment and sought a transfer to a PNP hospital. Education & Governance: President Marcos hailed PISA 2025 gains as education reforms “bearing fruit,” while Sen. Loren Legarda pushed for better skills investment and performance-based accountability for civil servants. Labor & Wages: A House hearing saw a clash over Metro Manila’s minimum wage hike, with DOLE saying Wage Order 28 is awaiting NWPC action. Local Safety: LGUs in Bicol plan more school security gear like CCTV and metal detectors, plus emergency communication systems and student self-defense training. Sports & Public Service: Manny Pacquiao took on the NAPC anti-poverty role as lead convenor, and boxing selection for the Asian Games highlighted medal hopefuls.

Impeachment & Courts: The Senate approved a detailed Sept–Oct 2026 impeachment schedule, with multiple days set for Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial and budget hearings running in the afternoons. Confidential Funds Trial: Day 22 of Duterte’s impeachment zeroed in on OVP and DepEd confidential fund payees, with PSA records showing many names tied to no birth, marriage, or death entries; defense also acknowledged the receipts’ names may be aliases, while senators questioned handwriting and signatures. Plunder Case Escalates: Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was arrested for plunder tied to alleged P7.44B flood-control kickbacks; the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants for Romualdez, Zaldy Co, and two others, with plunder treated as non-bailable. Security & Politics: NBI chief Melvin Matibag said there’s no monitored threat to Duterte’s life, while Duterte and allies traded claims over “harassment,” court control, and immunity from suit. Education & Budget: DepEd warned it can’t hire 14,000+ teachers in 2027 without restored funding, as lawmakers scrutinize budget cuts linked to the flood-control scandal; meanwhile, the Senate passed a Presidential Merit Scholarship Program. Local Governance: Quezon City approved an ordinance institutionalizing participatory budgeting, letting residents and accredited CSOs shape spending priorities.