AGP Executive Report

Impeachment & Senate Rules: A Supreme Court petition asks the High Court to uphold the legality of the Senate’s June 3 quorum of 12 senators and actions taken during the session, citing the Avelino v. Cuenco doctrine, as the leadership fight continues. Impeachment Defense: Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp released a roughly 50-page answer saying the impeachment articles are constitutionally infirm and procedurally defective, while the House prosecution said it won’t file a reply. Flood Control Fallout: Senators Erwin Tulfo and Vicente Sotto vowed legal action after “ex-Marines” repeated “maleta” cash claims linked to flood control kickbacks, while Malacañang dismissed the allegations as false and baseless. Public Works Court Update: Sandiganbayan rescheduled the arraignment of Jinggoy Estrada and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan to June 30, and ordered Bonoan’s hospital arrest due to medical condition. UN Diplomacy: Malacañang blamed Senate political noise for the Philippines’ failed bid for a UN Security Council seat, after the country lost to Kyrgyzstan. Energy & Economy: House Speaker Bojie Dy urged early El Niño preparations amid an 80% chance by August; Meralco must “clearly and intelligibly” explain electricity charges, lawmakers said. Local Governance: DHSUD-7 denied Cebu housing permit delays, saying only two LS applications are pending. Transport: MRT-3 will offer limited free rides on Independence Day.

Senate Impeachment Fallout: Former Senate president Franklin Drilon said the Senate leadership fight is tied to Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment and the 2028 polls, as the House prosecution team prepares its next move and prosecutors say they’ll follow the institution’s new Senate leadership. Rule-of-Law Clash: The Integrated Bar of the Philippines backed the June 3 Senate quorum and leadership reshuffle as “lawful and valid” under the Avelino v. Cuenco doctrine, while the Palace rejected claims of an illegitimate Senate. Blue Ribbon Firestorm: The “18 ex-Marines” repeated kickback allegations before the Blue Ribbon committee, with House members pointing to inconsistencies in testimony, as the Ombudsman said its representative was blocked at a security checkpoint. Manila Governance: Mayor Isko Moreno relaunched the Luneta Urban Garden to boost food security via urban farming tech. Public Services: DepEd rolled out “Project Handa” to use school-level data for a smoother June 8 opening of classes. Environment: DENR partnered with The Ocean Cleanup to intercept floating plastic waste in the Pasig River. Crime & Enforcement: NBI raided an alleged 20-year illegal online collection agency in Quezon City, arresting 26.

Senate Turmoil: Malacañang told senators to “get your act together” as leadership chaos continues, saying Marcos will act on a special session request only if it has valid grounds and noting acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian is recognized for now. Blue Ribbon Clash: The Cayetano bloc pushed ahead with a flood control hearing despite the impasse; Gatchalian said no resource persons would be allowed in the session hall, while senators traded accusations of “bogus” proceedings and “grab for power.” Ex-Marines Cash Claims: During the hearing, alleged former Marines repeated suitcases-of-money allegations tied to Zaldy Co, prompting Palace and media groups to demand proof; NBI chief Melvin Matibag also said Defensor allegedly bribed each “ex-Marine” P5M, and Cayetano challenged him to appear under oath. Legal Pressure: Detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada rejected the quorum count used in the Senate, while his arraignment was moved to June 30; PNP said he can’t be detained at Camp Crame facilities. Energy Accountability: DOE filed a civil case to collect P1.18B performance bond over a stalled 120-MW solar project linked to Rep. Leandro Leviste’s Solar Philippines. UN Seat Update: The Philippines formally accepted its loss in the UN Security Council election, congratulating Kyrgyzstan after multiple voting rounds.

Senate Power Struggle: Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano insists he’s still the “legitimate, legal, moral” Senate president after a leadership shake-up that left him sidelined, while Palace says the new majority’s moves were done “in accordance with law” and backs Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate president. Flood Control Clash: The Senate blue ribbon committee suspended its June 4 flood control hearing after Gatchalian ordered no official business and allowed Senate staff to work from home. House Passes Anti-Dynasty: The House gave final approval to the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill on third reading, banning relatives from simultaneously seeking or holding elective posts in the same jurisdiction. KALINGA Emergency Framework: Lawmakers approved the KALINGA Act to create a permanent national emergency response for fuel-driven inflation and energy shocks, with the President able to trigger measures when thresholds are hit. BIR VAT Rule: The BIR barred foreign digital service providers from using international tax treaties to dodge VAT, clarifying treaties cover income tax only. UN Security Council Bid: The Philippines lost its UN Security Council seat bid to Kyrgyzstan. Local Governance & Climate: Data says deforestation is worst where governance is weak, with losses concentrated in a handful of provinces. Sports (Manila): Barangay Ginebra took Game 1 of the PBA Finals vs TNT, 102-100, with Justin Brownlee’s late winner.

Senate Gridlock: President Marcos urged senators to “get back to work” after two days of stalled sessions, warning the deadlock is disrupting essential legislative functions. Senate Leadership Fight: Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore as the chamber finally convened, while Sen. Francis Escudero showed up amid an alleged Cayetano-led boycott. Legal Pressure on Senate: A civil society group filed an Ombudsman complaint over alleged help in Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s escape, naming Cayetano, Sen. Robin Padilla, and suspended SAA Ma O. Aplasca. Flood Control Fallout: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s camp faced backlash from a political prisoners group over requests for special jail treatment during his graft and plunder case. House Ethics: Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga was expelled from the House over disruptive conduct, with VP Sara Duterte publicly backing him. Appointments & Media: Marcos appointed former Taguig mayor Lino Cayetano as new PTV-4 general manager. Security & Conflict: EastMinCom said Caraga is set to be declared insurgency-free. Local Governance: Cebu’s housing market faces OFW pain as delays in licenses to sell squeeze available projects. Environment & Governance: An analysis linked deforestation hotspots to weak enforcement, with Palawan and Agusan del Sur among the worst-hit.

Senate Gridlock: The Senate again failed to hold a plenary session for a second straight day, leaving naturalization bids for basketball player Bennie Francois Boatwright III and wrestler Matthew James Ramos in limbo. Flood Control & Due Process: San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora urged the public to respect due process as Sen. Jinggoy Estrada faces plunder and graft charges tied to flood control projects. Impeachment Fight: Constitutional law expert Paolo Tamase warned the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial should stay focused on truth-telling, not early procedural dismissals. Senate Leadership Clash: Minority senators renewed calls for Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano to resign amid the no-show standoff, while Cayetano and Sen. Raffy Tulfo traded fresh barbs online. Right to Information: The House approved on final reading a “right to information” bill, moving it to bicam talks to strengthen transparency after major graft allegations. Health Policy: The FDA said Takeda’s Qdenga anti-dengue vaccine remains under review, as rainy-season dengue risks rise. Public Safety & Crime: PNP said it has a dedicated team to arrest ICC-wanted Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and also reminded police to obey traffic rules after LTO summoned helmet-less officers. Local Governance: Metro Manila agencies coordinated a cleanup and declogging drive for the rainy season, with displaced workers tapped under Tupad. Public Health Advocacy: Calls intensified for a smoke-free, vape-free environment bill as youth vaping concerns grow. Security in the Field: In Negros Occidental, 150 evacuated families returned after an NPA encounter that left one soldier dead, while the Army continued pursuit operations.

Senate Gridlock: Majority senators again skipped the plenary, with the minority calling it a boycott after the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, while constitutional experts warn the Senate may limp on with a “lame duck” leader and key confirmations stalled. AFP Promotions Blocked: The Armed Forces said five generals’ Commission on Appointments confirmations are being held up due to the Senate deadlock. Estrada Legal Fallout: Comelec chair George Garcia said Jinggoy Estrada remains eligible to run in 2028, as disqualification hinges on final convictions, not lower-court rulings. Palace on Economy: Malacañang warned the Senate turmoil is already affecting investor confidence and could disrupt priority legislation. BARMM Polls Ready: Comelec said it is fully prepared for the Sept. 14 BARMM parliamentary elections, including hardware tests and stricter gun-ban enforcement. PH-Vietnam Upgrade: Marcos and Vietnam’s To Lam elevated ties to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” expanding defense, economics, and people-to-people links. South China Sea Tension: Satellite imagery reportedly shows a possible new structure at Scarborough Shoal, raising fresh concerns about changes to the status quo. Cebu LGBTQ+ Care Rights: Cebu issued an executive order allowing LGBTQ+ partners to act as health care proxies during emergencies, including representation in hospitals. Immigration Fee Clarified: Palace said a proposed P240 immigration fee for BI modernization is still just a proposal and may not push through.

Plunder Case Fallout: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada surrendered to the PNP-CIDG after the Sandiganbayan issued a non-bailable arrest warrant over alleged flood-control kickbacks; he and co-accused were admitted to the Quezon City jail in Payatas, as Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla vowed “no special treatment” and said the warrant was acted on quickly. Senate Power Struggle: The arrest sparked a fresh clash between Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Remulla, while the Senate minority bloc called the majority’s no-show a boycott tied to Estrada’s arrest—not “independence.” Impeachment Pulse: House prosecutor Gerville Luistro welcomed an OCTA survey showing 74% of adults back proceeding with VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, and a civil-society coalition launched Bantay Senado to monitor transparency and fairness. Election Readiness (BARMM): Comelec said it is fully prepared for the Sept. 14 BARMM parliamentary elections, including stricter gun-ban enforcement and ongoing hardware testing for automated counting machines. Public Service & Governance: Legarda-led reforms expand the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act’s automatic subsidy prioritization for 4Ps senior high graduates, while Cebu approved a 2026 FOI ordinance to speed up access to public records. Security & Diplomacy: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippines is verifying reports of a structure at Scarborough Shoal, while Manila and Hanoi pushed deeper defense ties amid South China Sea tensions. Disaster & Safety: PNP put units on heightened readiness for the rainy season and activated response teams amid Mayon unrest.

Impeachment Clock: Vice President Sara Duterte must file her impeachment response by 7 p.m. Monday as the Senate tightens security around the chamber; House prosecution allies say she should give a “substantive answer,” not procedural defenses, while the House prosecution panel vows to oppose any push to dismiss the case. Anti-Graft Crackdown: Sandiganbayan issued a non-bailable plunder arrest warrant vs Sen. Jinggoy Estrada; Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla says Estrada will surrender at Camp Crame, as authorities also insist arrest warrants will be served despite immunity claims. Court Moves: The Sandiganbayan also ordered arrest in the flood control scandal case, and Estrada’s camp seeks to block the warrant and push for dismissal or suspension. Public Safety & Order: PNP reported a 25.77% drop in May crime, while it plans heavy deployment for school opening security and boosts patrols in shopping areas; separate advisories warn of dangerous heat indices and continued rains from Typhoon Domeng’s habagat effects. South China Sea Diplomacy: China Coast Guard patrols east of Taiwan amid Japan-Philippines maritime talks, while Manila and Vietnam deepen ties with a state visit and new defense and digital cooperation pacts. Local Governance: DepEd kicked off Brigada Eskwela 2026 with a cash-for-work program for school prep ahead of classes on June 8.

Impeachment Clock: The House prosecution says VP Sara Duterte’s “birthday gift” is due process as the Senate sets her deadline to file her response in the impeachment case. South China Sea: Manila and Tokyo move ahead with talks on maritime delimitation and intel-sharing, drawing fresh Chinese protests and patrol claims near Scarborough Shoal after US-Philippines drills. Defense Posture: At Shangri-La, US Defense chief Pete Hegseth urges Asian allies to boost spending and links security support to “carrying their own weight,” while AFP and US complete maritime exercises near Bajo de Masinloc. State Visits: Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm arrives in Manila for a two-day visit aimed at deepening political, economic, and defense cooperation ahead of the 50th anniversary of ties. Weather & Safety: Typhoon Domeng slightly intensifies but is less likely to make landfall; PAGASA warns of heavy rain and strong winds outside the forecast cone. Economy & Prices: BSP estimates May inflation could hit 7.9%, driven by food costs and a weaker peso. Public Works: DBM adds EVs and cloud services to government procurement, while DOTr seeks more funding for active transport like bike lanes. Justice & Courts: CA affirms an asset preservation order over P15.5M in bank accounts allegedly used as “pass-through” for illegal drugs. Disaster Response: Military MEDEVAC airlifts a Palarong Pambansa athlete to Davao after an emergency.

Manila Senate Politics: Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano pushed back on claims the Senate rules amendment on remote participation was meant to help Vice President Sara Duterte or senators facing arrest, saying impeachment rules are already set and the proposal is about Senate rules; he also accused the minority of fueling “coup” speculation to sow distrust. Impeachment Watch: Cayetano said he believes President Marcos was given “wrong information” on the May 13 Senate shooting and backed an independent probe via the Senate Committee on Public Order with summons for NBI, DOJ, PNP and DILG officials. UN Foreign Policy: The Philippines entered the final stretch of its bid for a non-permanent UNSC seat, with elections on June 3, pitching its “experience and practical approach” to peace and security. Defense & Security: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to ramp up defense spending to counter China’s military buildup, while Japan and the US agreed to deepen security cooperation and advance missile co-development; Manila also continued talks on military information-sharing with Japan amid China concerns. Local Governance: Manila Mayor Isko Moreno plans to modernize and revive 44 health centers to decongest hospitals and restore community services. Disaster & Safety: PAGASA reported Severe Tropical Storm Domeng intensified into a typhoon while monitoring inside the PAR, with possible flash floods or landslides in affected areas. Public Safety: DOTr said it will intensify road safety enforcement after rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. Sports: Barangay Ginebra closed in on a Finals return after a 111-104 Game 5 win over Rain or Shine; in athletics, Jeralyn Rodriguez and Bianca Espenilla booked World U20 berths after standout performances.

2028 Race Watch: A Pulse Asia survey for Stratbase Group shows VP Sara Duterte leading Leni Robredo by 10 points in a Duterte-vs-Robredo matchup, while Sen. Erwin Tulfo tops VP preferences. House Impeachment Prep: The House divided prosecutors for VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment, with different teams assigned to Articles I to III. Senate Rules Clash: Sen. Panfilo Lacson said debating Senate rule amendments is fine, but bypassing due process to “railroad” adoption is wrong, amid renewed scrutiny of online voting proposals. PNVF Suspension: The FIVB suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation over governance concerns, creating an ad hoc committee to run operations. Drug War Accountability: The PNP backed a civilian-led EJK Truth Commission aimed at documenting alleged killings and abuses from the drug war. National ID Reminders: PSA warned establishments cannot refuse valid National IDs (digital, paper, or physical) and urged cardholders to report refusals. Defense Diplomacy: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to raise defense spending, warning of China’s military buildup at Shangri-La Dialogue. PH-Japan Wrap-Up: Marcos said his Japan state visit delivered major economic and strategic gains, including upgrading ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Weather Alert: Pagasa warned of dangerous heat index levels in parts of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon despite rains.

Anti-graft & courts: The Sandiganbayan issued an arrest and hold-departure order against Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada over alleged flood-control kickbacks; he posted ₱90,000 bail for the bailable graft charge while a plunder case remains non-bailable. Senate drama & impeachment: Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano claimed flood-control cases are being used to intimidate Majority senators ahead of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment, while lawmakers continue arguing over whether senators can vote or join sessions remotely; UP law professor Michael Tiu Jr. called the “force majeure” remote-voting push a legal stretch. ICC fugitive manhunt: DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla urged “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender and said a reward is being considered as the search continues; the NBI also plans to subpoena his wife over her text message about his Senate exit. Local governance accountability: The Ombudsman suspended Catanduanes Vice Gov. Robert Fernandez and 11 SP members for alleged delays in releasing ₱30.5M typhoon aid. Sports governance: The FIVB suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation over serious governance concerns. Maritime row: China condemned Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation talks as “illegal, null and void,” escalating tensions around the region. Public safety & misinformation: The BFP warned of AI-generated fake rescue photos circulating during disasters.

Arrest Moves in Flood Graft Case: The Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant and hold-departure order against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan over alleged flood control anomalies, with bail set at ₱90,000 for the graft case. Senate Turmoil Fallout: President Marcos said he watched the Senate “with horror” as it “descended” into personal shakedowns after the May 13 shooting and Bato dela Rosa’s escape. ICC Manhunt Intensifies: DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla urged Bato dela Rosa to surrender as police continue searching nationwide, while the government is also considering a reward for his arrest. DOJ Reviews Padilla Complaint: The DOJ will evaluate a CIDG complaint against Sen. Robin Padilla and others tied to the alleged “escape,” with a preliminary investigation possible. Remote Voting Dispute: Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V pushed back on Sagip Rep. Paolo Marcoleta’s remote voting claims, citing House rules that allow electronic sessions only in emergencies. Human Rights Push: The PNP said it will cooperate with a Church-backed “EJK Truth Commission” within legal protocols, as lawyers for drug war victims press for broader ICC trial participation. Heat Index Alert: PAGASA warned of danger-level heat indices in parts of CALABARZON, including Cavite City and Metro Manila. Philippines-Japan Energy & Security: Marcos met Japan’s Fumio Kishida on energy resilience and said PH-Japan ties are deepening via new defense and economic agreements, including a double taxation pact.

Japan-Philippines Upgrade: President Marcos and PM Sanae Takaichi announced a move to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” with talks to start on GSOMIA and deeper defense, maritime, and economic cooperation amid rising China tensions. Senate Turmoil & Impeachment Process: Senators spar over “forthwith” impeachment timing and remote participation rules, while Sen. Kiko Pangilinan says “force majeure” doesn’t cover man-made Senate shooting and Bato dela Rosa’s escape. Flood Control Corruption: The Ombudsman filed plunder, graft, and bribery cases over alleged flood-control kickbacks, with arrests “imminent,” as Sen. Jinggoy Estrada vows to fight and claims irregularities. Bato’s Legal Pressure: PNP says the revocation of Bato dela Rosa’s gun licenses is immediately executory, and CIDG filed an obstruction complaint against Sen. Robin Padilla and others tied to the dela Rosa escape. Education & Literacy: Lawmakers pushed for solutions to weak reading comprehension, citing Edcom 2 data that 87% of Grade 11 students can’t read independently, with calls for e-libraries and “back to basics” priorities. Public Safety & Enforcement: BOC seized counterfeit goods worth ₱841M in Valenzuela; PNP probes possible sabotage after a Batangas power line trip. Local Governance & Social Support: PPP guidance for LGUs is set to be issued, while Manila’s Project BINHI and PCSO donations expand cash-for-work and medical aid.

ICC & Senate Crisis: CIDG says Sen. Robin Padilla’s “coordinated, preplanned logistical maneuver” helped Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape the Senate on May 14, with CIDG adding other vehicles (including a pickup) may have been involved—while the DOJ/ICC track continues as dela Rosa faces ICC action and related obstruction cases. Anti-Corruption: The Ombudsman filed plunder and graft cases against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former DPWH official Manuel Bonoan over alleged flood control anomalies, with a non-bailable plunder charge raising the stakes for any arrest warrant. Drug-War Accountability: Church- and civil society-backed groups launched an independent EJK truth commission to document Duterte-era killings, aiming for a credible public record and possible prosecutions. Legislation & Governance: House lawmakers pushed ahead with a Right to Information bill and a Digital Media Anti-False Information Act, even as critics warn anti-fake-news rules could be used to silence dissent. Public Safety: Pagasa warns danger-level heat indices persist in 53 areas, with Metro Manila at 42°C in Quezon City and up to 44°C in Pasay—while the rainy season transition brings more frequent thunderstorms. Human Rights & Crime: NBI arrested two minors in Quezon City for allegedly trafficking 11 minors and a 19-year-old student for sexual services. Local Politics: Mayor Leni Robredo says Marcos signed Naga’s proclamation as a highly urbanized city, a move that could reshape national project access and representation.